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viking vs. janome. vs babylock new machine
dwnhillchk Beginner CA Member since 2/15/09 Posts: 4	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/15/09 2:29 PM I am new to this website and board and I have just started my search for a new machine, I have a hand-me down singer from the seventies and it is starting to die. I have mostly been doing home decor projects but want to start quilting. I consider myself an advanced beginner. I have two great dealers and both offer lessons, and both have let me play with the machines with different fabrics, etc. I am looking for a machine that will let me go beyond just the basics and will last me quite a while without having to upgrade. The four that have been recommended are the: Viking Emerald 118 Viking Emerald 183 Janome HT2008 Babylock Grace Does anyone have any recommendations/preferences/ suggestions? Thanks!
pinemeadows Intermediate TX USA Member since 10/30/03 Posts: 102	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/15/09 2:33 PM I don't know if the Janome has the IDT foot or not, but I would definitely take a look at the Pfaff machines. They are simply wonderful for all kinds of sewing. I have Vikings set up in my sewing room as well, but more often than not, I am drawn to the Pfaff.
psew   Advanced Beginner CA USA Member since 4/19/08 Posts: 290	Login to reply to this post In reply to dwnhillchk Like this post Date: 2/15/09 5:33 PM Hello dwnhillchk I purchased the Babylock Grace six months ago (should probably do a review..) and I love it. Features that I like include: up and down needle position, variable needle positions stitch lengths and widths, start/stop button, automatic reverse/reinforecement stitch, sewing speed controller, needle threader, quick set bobbin, automatic buttonhole (has 5 styles of buttonholes), twin needle sewing, drop feed dogs, you also have the option of sewing with or without the foot controller. In addition to the utility stitches, you can do applique, patchwork and quilt stitching,. It can sew thin, stretch and thick fabrics as well. A week ago, I was testing to see if I could sew thick fabrics layers and found that it easily sewed six layers of denim. Foot "J" has a feature that keeps the pressure foot level so you can sew through thick seams. I have sewn on linen, cotton, denim, stretch, polyester fabrics with no problem. The sw is very user friendly, sews quietly and is a lot fun. Manual is well written and detailed. Hope this info helps. I am basically a garment sewer but would also like to do some applique and quilting.
Doris W. in TN   Intermediate TN USA Member since 2/9/04 Posts: 6741	Login to reply to this post In reply to dwnhillchk Like this post Date: 2/15/09 5:53 PM Buy as much machine as you can afford. After I started quilting, I traded in my temperamental old machine for a newer one. I realized its limitations in less than a year, and traded it (and of course lost money on that) for a computerized machine that I could barely afford. I loved that machine so much that I started doing more types of sewing and the rest is history. Having a really good sewing machine can change your life. Buy the best you can afford, even if you think it is more machine than you need right now. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
newsewman Advanced Beginner BC CANADA Member since 3/4/07 Posts: 510	Login to reply to this post In reply to dwnhillchk Like this post Date: 2/15/09 8:11 PM All good choices ,however(i am not a viking person...) anyway i would look at the mid to upper janomes(didn;t they make machines for viking?). I would look at the 6600 as i prefer a stand alone embroidery machine .......if i had my choice. like what was said before buy what you can afford even if its more machine than you need right now, you will grow into it ... ------ http://cid-ed78d046c542e086.spaces.live.com/
psew   Advanced Beginner CA USA Member since 4/19/08 Posts: 290	Login to reply to this post In reply to dwnhillchk Like this post Date: 2/19/09 10:59 AM The attached video shows some features of Babylock Grace (its is also known as the Creative Pro) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWogulppm10
skae   Advanced MN USA Member since 4/23/07 Posts: 2738	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/19/09 9:40 PM I had a singer and a viking. I now have a pfaff and a janome. I feel the viking and pfaff and janome are very good machines. They both stand up to alot of sewing which i do. babylock is not one of my favorite machines. My mother had one it need to be taken in quite often and timed. My preference would be viking or janome. ------ Galatians 5:22-23 The Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control. There is no law against such things as these
Jeanniek1 Member since 12/14/08 Posts: 3	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/7/11 6:43 PM I know this is two years later, but I just had to respond to this post since people will read this posting when doing searches on a prospective machine. I work for a Babylock dealer and have done so for 3 years. I also own several Babylock machines. I have to tell you what I love best about Babylock is how DEPENDABLE it is. That tension could not be more solid. One never has to adjust it. When a Babylock machine has come into our shop for tension issues , it has always been due to user error. I am sorry your mother always had tension problems with her machine. I have to believe that the merchant preferred charging your mother to "fix" her machine rather than educate her about her machine. Using the right threads, changing out a needle as needed, keeping the machine clean, and ensuring that if the metal needle plate is removed, the bobbin case comes out, and that the needle plate gets replaced FIRST, tightened, and then the bobbin case inserted will ensure that one will not have problems with one's Babylock machine.
Mufffet   Intermediate VT USA Member since 8/14/05 Posts: 8909	Login to reply to this post In reply to Jeanniek1 Like this post Date: 12/7/11 7:53 PM :) AND, I just sold a nice Babylock 1550 Companion - a solid older machine. Nice machine, still in great shape. I have liked what I have seen of Babylock. We have a nice dealer in my area now, and I also love the Janomes. It is really good to have a choice and to be able to shop from place to place and see which machine fits which person.I would always go see for myself before deciding if I possibly could do so. I wonder what the OP actually bought? :) OH - looks like a Kenmore 19606. Good choice! :) -- Edited on 12/7/11 7:54 PM -- ------ "Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." --Dalai Lama I have sewing machines

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