| Viking:Opal 650 (Sewing Machine) | | Viewed 1749 time(s) | | Review rated Helpful by 4 people Very Helpful by 11 people | | Reviewed by: | Skirler | 
| About Skirler | | MO | | Member since: 6/5/09 | | Reviews written: 9 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | Favored by: 2 people | | sewing machines reviewed: 1 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 2/12/13 11:57 AM | | Approx price paid: | $699 | | Had this machine for: | 1 Week | | Recommended? | Yes | | Online Merchants: | Amazon.com | Features
- Computerized
- Needle Threader
- Needle Up/Down Setting
- Embroidery Stitches
- One step buttonhole
- Drop-In bobbin
- Free Arm
- Adjustable Stitch Length and Width
- Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure
- Adjustable Needle Position
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Discuss Sewing Machines with PR members Sewing Machine Forum | | What Skirler likes about this machine
ZOMG! I went from a mechanical machine that goes forwards and backwards and does a simple zig zag, to this machine - which does more than I probably will ever need it to do. My old machine, I could not adjust stitch width at all, let alone all the decorative stitches and alphabets!
"The Sewing Advisor" feature is really fun - and a huge help to the novice who may not be very comfortable with how to set up a machine to work with a particular fabric. Select what kind of fabric you are using (i.e., medium weight woven, heavy knit, etc) and the machine goes to a default list of suggestions for needle size, stitch width and length, which foot to use, etc. Select that you would like to sew and overcast the seam at the same time, or blind hem, and the suggestions get fine-tuned for that.
The manual is *very* easy to follow and gives clear and concise written directions as well as illustrations. It includes a full, step by step guide for twin needle usage.
It comes with 7 presser feet (2 utility feet for decorative and zig-zag stitching, a manual button hole foot, blind hem foot, zipper foot, edging foot and the Sensor One-Step Buttonhole Foot).
EDIT: I have now done each of the 7 different buttonholes - and oh my! So, so very simple and amazing. The Sensor One-Step does all of the work for you and they come out very clean. I am very impressed. The machine has a measuring gauge/ruler printed on the bottom front to measure your button - plug that measurement into the machine, pick your button hole style (unless you like the one the machine will suggest for you based on your fabric) - and let the machine do the work.
The FIX and STOP features are very nice as well - creating a strong reinforcing stitch at the beginning and end of your stitching.
Thread tension adjusts easily. Although the Fabric Advisor will suggest a thread tension, it can easily be manually chosen if you have a preference - and a tiny adjustment goes a long ways.
I also got the maching fully set up for twin needle usage and it is quite simple and fast to set up. It has a twin needle safety feature that will not allow you to accidentally try and set your stitch width greater than the width of the needle.
The deck is large and is very well lit with 3 LED lights. Great storage. Runs quietly yet flies if you set it to go full speed. Can be operated with foot pedal or with finger/button control and has variable speed settings so even if you press down really hard on the foot pedal, if you have the speed set at a slow setting - it will only go that fast. On my old, mechnical machine, I learned the hard way that mistakes happen FASTER when you press harder on the foot pedal! What Skirler does not like about this machine
Thus far, because I am going from such a basic mechanical machine to this one, I have no dislikes at all. Perhaps if I were more experienced with computerized machines, I might have dislikes, but I feel like my sewing world has exploded open with possibilities with this new machine. | *LOGIN to add a comment to this review
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Have fun!
2/12/13 12:15 PM
The Opal line looks like a good mid entry line! I would have considered this line when I was shopping for my machine last year. I have the Viking Sapphire 835 and I LOVE it!
2/12/13 12:51 PM
Sounds great! Glad you're having so much fun!
2/12/13 3:24 PM
Although I don't see a photo here, the Opals I've seen are very pretty too, and appear well built. Perhaps you can return and report on its buttonholes, free motion, stitch quality, ability to handle bulk, etc. after you've had it awhile.
2/12/13 3:59 PM
Great review, well detailed with all the info about how easy the manual is to read! Just jumped from mechanical to computerized myself and you are so right, WOW! Congratulations and enjoy sewing
2/16/13 12:09 PM
I am considering this machine, do you still love it? I am sewing on a borrowed Singer that constantly gives me tension issues! I spend a lot of time "fiddling" with it!!
5/11/13 5:50 PM