Date: 7/3/09 2:09 PM

Hi,
My Viking 6030 died and I feel like I lost a friend! The repair quote has made me decide not to fix it. I have chosen to replace it with a computerized machine and want to quilt, free motion quilt and learn to stipple. I tried the Pfaff Expression 2.0 (loved it), have read about Bernina ($), have looked at Janome on-line (?) They are all quite expensive and want to make the right decision...any/all opinions would be so appreciated! Thank you! Deb74

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Reply to Deb74
Date: 7/3/09 3:12 PM

You could save yourself a lot of money and have a machine that will outlast you by buying a vintage Singer with a vertical bobbin. Model 301 or any of the class 15 machines are great for this venture.

-- Edited on 7/3/09 3:12 PM --

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The single most important discovery made by a group of women? The Empty Tomb!

http://www.donnahodgson.blogspot.com/

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Reply to Deb74
Date: 7/3/09 4:32 PM

The best way to choose a sewing machine is to visit as many sewing machine dealers as you can and try out their machines.

Then, buy the one you like best from the dealer you like best.

You can do as I say or do as I do -

I go with the brand my favorite dealer is selling. First one was Bernina and thought I would never use any other brand, next came Elna Quilter's Dream and then Babylock Elegante (for embroidery, but it sews great with barely a whisper). The Elna is a little noisier, and also does a great job.

Both the Elna and BL came with a walking foot and 1/4" foot.

Best wishes in your search.


-- Edited on 7/3/09 4:34 PM --

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"Trying to save the world before bedtime"---PowerPuff Girls

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Reply to PattiAnnSG
Date: 7/3/09 7:26 PM

Thank you! I appreciate the help...I am off to try out the Janome 6260 if I can find a dealer nearby.

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Reply to Deb74
Date: 7/3/09 7:51 PM

Oh my goSH!!! I'm so sorry to here about your machine. I was in your shoes about a year and a half ago. But I decided to repair my 6030, yes it was pricey more than the machine was worth, but it WAS worth it to me. My mom bought it for me in 1973 and it has seen me through every project since then. Prom dresses, halloween costumes, skads of home dec, baby clothes, campfire girls leather collars, cub scout patches, you name it I've sewn it. So... I really know how you feel. I had total sticker shock when I went shopping for a new machine to sew on while "baby" (6030) was being repaired. I ended up with the emerald 183, that I liked, but quickly out grew. Then I deciced it would be fun to embroider, and ended up with a Designer SE upgraded to LE. WOW I just love it, and boy has it spoiled me with the auto thread cutter and great lighting. But when I need to sew something heavy duty I still turn to my 6030, they just don't make 'em like that anymore. I've even been eyeing 6030's on ebay to use for parts to keep her running. Anyway, make sure you test drive protential machines to make sure it will be right for you. Machines are a personal choice, I found several machines that I thought were "the one" like the phaff expressions 4.0, viking sapphire, and bernina 640e which are all good machines, but in the end they weren't for me. I guess other than my singer FW, I'm just a Viking girl. Free motion is a skill that takes practice over time. I still haven't mastered it, but I'm a lot better than I was. FYI the Bernina BSR is LIKE BUTTER, but you pay for it. Also don't discount an older machine like kenmore or singer as Donna mentioned they are reliable workhorses. I wish you the best in your search for a new machine, good luck and let us know what you settle on.

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Date: 7/3/09 8:05 PM

Take a look at the Juki TL98Q. It is a straight stitch only machine. If you are just wanting something for free-motion quilting, you can't beat it. It has a larger harp than most sewing machines. I posted a review for it a little while back.

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SandyinMO

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Date: 7/3/09 8:06 PM

WOW I can't believe it ..someone is considering buying something other than that new Juki.. LOL

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Reply to Tishie
Date: 7/4/09 9:42 AM

My first inclination was to fix the 6030, but Viking no longer makes parts and a very small plastic part was $50 off-market...and then the repair person warned me that the cam stack could be next to go and that would be very expensive, so I really had to make a decision whether I wanted to invest $100 repair for a machine I bought for $200 about 15 years ago.

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Date: 7/4/09 4:55 PM

I would recommend the Juki TL98Q too if you wanted straight stitch only but you wrote you wanted computerized so...

A price range would help and maybe you want to see if this thread could be moved to the quilting category, you would have a target audience there.

Dawn

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Date: 7/4/09 9:06 PM

Deb74
Follow PattiAnn's advise!!! Look at many dealers and try them. Also in these trying economic times set a budget. Only you know what you can afford. Bernina has a great stitch regulator for free motion stitching but most of their machines can be pricey. Also make sure your dealer has a really good repair person because even the best need to be maintained. Take your time and really think it over it will be your buddy for years. Also try to get the dealer to lower the price. We all know they do have a lot of room to play.
Good Luck and let us know what you get.

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sixcatsterry

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