| Viking:Madison (Sewing Machine) | | Viewed 622 time(s) |
4 more reviews for this machine | Review rated Very Helpful by 8 people | | Reviewed by: | singer4me | 
 | | About singer4me | | IN USA | | Member since: 3/7/08 | | Reviews written: 2 | | Sewing skills:Advanced Beginner | | sewing machines reviewed: 2 | | Bio: Sewing machine enthusiast who sews mostly so I can use one of my *many* machines. I do enjoy piecin...full profile |
| | Posted on: | 3/24/08 10:51 PM | | Approx price paid: | $348 | | Had this machine for: | 2 years | | Recommended? | Yes | Features
- Needle Up/Down Setting
- Drop-In bobbin
- Free Arm
- Adjustable Stitch Length and Width
- Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure
- Adjustable Needle Position
| | What singer4me likes about this machine
My favorite thing is that the needle sits way up toward the front of the machine, which improves visibility (or maybe I just *think* it does, who knows). I hate it when you feel like you have to peek under the arm of a machine to see what you're working on. Putting the needle up front also gives you a decent sized accessory box in the back to hold your feet, lint brush, etc.
The big plus when I bought this machine was the price. I really wanted a Viking, and this model allowed me to get one for a reasonable price. Since it was a limited edition machine that has been discontinued, you won't be able to get a new Madison any longer, but used models will be around for a while. I expect the other entry-level mechanical Vikings are probably very similar to the Madison.
I really like how simple this machine is to use. It doesn't have a ton of stitches, but I only use a few utility stitches, so anything else would be gilding the lily. On the Madison, you just turn the dial to the stitch you want. It suggests the stitch length, but you do have to manually set the length and width. That doesn't bother me, because I'm used to vintage machines that are all manual.
I tend to like pretty light pressure on the presser foot, so I like that I can change the pressure easily. I've noticed an awful lot of machines don't have that feature, so evidently people don't find it essential, but I think it's handy.
I use this machine mostly for mending, very basic home dec, Halloween costumes, quilting, and the rare garment that I sew. It has handled everything I've ever tried without causing me any significant problems, and none that I couldn't handle on my own.
What singer4me does not like about this machine
It bugged me that the needle plate only had metric markings. After a while, I bought a needle plate with US measurements, but it seemed odd that a machine that was apparently made for the US market (it has the US flag on the front) didn't come with a needle plate in inches.
The needle on my machine isn't quite centered when you select straight stitch. It's easy enough to change the position to get it there, though. I didn't actually notice it until I bought a 1/4" foot for quilting and the needle brushes the hole in the foot if you don't move it over just a smidge. If I ever need to take it in for servicing, I'll have them fix it.
It's a solid, basic machine so this isn't meant to be a criticism, but I do find that some of the features from more expensive machines are pretty cool, such as one-step buttonholer, needle up/down, and a needle threader. But even without those features, I still find that I really like this machine a lot. | *LOGIN to add a comment to this review
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| Reader Comments | | mufffet | 3/25/08 | I find that the Madison's features that are like the other Vikings are what made it pretty unique among today's few good mechanicals! The needle up with the foot control, the three thread cutters, the thread-the-bobbin-thru-the-needle and the easy threading - all great features!
I bought mine new only last October. My dealer had this one and still has a few new in box Platinum 770s and one 770 as a demo. She has a few Scandinavia 100s left which are basically the Madison in Scandinavia colors. | | * * * | | Betakin | 3/25/08 | Quite some time ago, I wanted the Madison for a DGD but my dealer never got the machine in nor could he get one for me. I did see the machine offered on line but I purchased another model Viking locally. Maybe some day I will have the chance to purchase one but most likely it will be a used model. | | * * * |
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