Please LOGIN or Join PatternReview

Go to Page: 1 of 22 of 2

Inherited a Viking Lily 545 but own a basic Bernina (1001) Which machine should I keep?
MamaJayne Intermediate Member since 7/24/12 Posts: 4	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/24/12 7:00 PM I just found this forum and not sure this is the proper place... Just became an empty nester and retired, 2 sons just were married, so I thought I'd try advancing my sewing skills, maybe quilting, maybe applique. My mother-in-law had a stroke and I now have her nice Viking Lily 545 (I think it is considered an embroidery machine). My Bernina dealer says I should keep my basic machine since nothing serious can go wrong with it and it retains its value. I have a new daughter-in-law who is a good seamstress (does costumes, etc., no quilting yet). I wonder which machine to give to her. She owns a basic Singer with no buttonholer that is currently not working since she broke a needle (bobbin jams now). Thanks in advance for any feedback or advice.
Skittl1321 Advanced Beginner IA USA Member since 9/9/07 Posts: 1043	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/24/12 8:24 PM Have you sewn on both? Which do YOU enjoy using more?
kkkkaty   Intermediate UT USA Member since 12/7/05 Posts: 2226	Login to reply to this post In reply to Skittl1321 << Like this post Date: 7/24/12 8:42 PM i've had the lily545 for many years, it's a great machine.... are you in a rush to decide? if not, sew on both for a while and see which you like the best ------ Viking Lily 545 Viking Ruby Bernina Activa 210 Brother 1034d
kkkkaty   Intermediate UT USA Member since 12/7/05 Posts: 2226	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/24/12 8:44 PM ps: the lily has many nice decorative stitches, but it's not an embroidery machine per se ------ Viking Lily 545 Viking Ruby Bernina Activa 210 Brother 1034d
MamaJayne Intermediate Member since 7/24/12 Posts: 4	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/24/12 9:26 PM I only have a few days unless I want to ship it to her later. I just received the Viking and I am teachable, but here are a few of my thoughts: She is not at all afraid of technology and uses and modifies software patterns already in her crafting (mostly with her paper cutting machine).. BUT, she does use lots of heavy fabrics, velvet, etc and lots of frilly stuff, while I am sewing more lightweight cottons, with only an occasional denim mending project or an outdoor pillow cover here and there...I wonder if the Viking will get into trouble with those fabrics - is it more sensitive to lint buildup? She is pretty meticulous, so I think she would keep up the cleaning.
Mufffet   Intermediate VT USA Member since 8/14/05 Posts: 8909	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/24/12 10:42 PM Why not keep them both? You can play around and see how many things you like about the Viking! You have a nice machine there. ------ "Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." --Dalai Lama I have sewing machines
iSewQuiltArt Advanced AUSTRALIA Member since 4/4/08 Posts: 3201	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/25/12 0:10 AM I think this is what I would do if I were you. I'd give her the Husqvarna Viking and keep the machine you already know. When you visit you can play on the HV. She might prefer a modern machine and it would save you from the remorse of parting with your Bernina which you might regret. Your mechanic is right, it will rock on for a long time to come if looked after. Alternatively if you want to keep the HV could you buy her a machine to use instead? Just a thought? ------ Quilting up a storm Bernina Girl
MamaJayne Intermediate Member since 7/24/12 Posts: 4	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/25/12 0:32 AM my son bought her the Singer that's not working. So much to think about but I think I am tending toward giving her the Viking.
Sonoma33   Intermediate CA USA Member since 5/10/09 Posts: 1653	Login to reply to this post In reply to iSewQuiltArt << Like this post Date: 7/25/12 0:49 AM I concur. I think this is exactly what I would do. ------ Berninas 830LE ♥ Artista 630PQE ♥ 930 Record ♥ Juki TL2010Q ♥ Pfaffs Creative Performance ♥ Passport 2.0 ♥ Singers 221 ♥ 301 ♥ 500a ♥ Kenmore 1040 ♥ Elna 'Grasshopper' ♥ Tacsew T500 ♥ Babylock Evolution
diane s Intermediate OR USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 3885	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/25/12 0:50 AM I had a Lily 550 and my friend has the Lily 540 and a basic Bernina. It is not a touchy machine at all. It handles all fabrics well and not problems with lint. I loved it for knits, and it has awesome buttonholes. It was my first electronic machine and I was in heaven. I gave mine to my mom and she hated it. She was too old to change her ways, and especially hated the top loading bobbin. Went back to her old Brother. Whoever gets the machine will enjoy it. The Lily has alot of quilting stitches including a 1/4" stitch. The 550 has a stitch that looks like hand quilting, not sure if the 540/545 does. -- Edited on 7/25/12 0:52 AM -- ------ My grandmother taught me to sew when I was 10, and I've been sewing ever since.

Go to Page: 1 of 22 of 2

Please LOGIN or Join PatternReview

Printable Version

* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.