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Member since 1/5/11
Posts: 1
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Posted on: 1/7/11 10:23 PM ET
Hi everyone,
I am interested in buying an older viking sewing machine. I had a 190 and loved it. I can't seem to find another one. I was wondering if anyone could recommend another older viking model that is just as good, or similar.
Thanks,
Jane
  
Member since 4/17/09
Posts: 1678
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Posted on: 1/8/11 8:55 AM ET
In reply to Gypsy Jane
Hi! I don't know how older you want to go, but the Lily was a very popular machine. Ebay has them all the time. Also, the platinums seemed to be an all time favorite. Each machine has 3 or 4 versions, depending on how many bells and whisles you want. These two are readily available on ebay. But there are some dealers that still have the Platinums from old stock. HTH

ETA: There are lots of reviews on PR regarding both these sewing machines.
-- Edited on 1/8/11 8:56 AM --
  
Member since 3/23/05
Posts: 322
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Posted on: 1/8/11 9:06 AM ET
In reply to Gypsy Jane
How old are you willing to go? I have a Viking #1 which I bought used in 1994. This was the last TOL before Viking introduced the embroidery function with the #1+. It has been an excellent machine. It's very easy to use, has lots of stitches and beautiful buttonholes. Best of all, it does everything it does flawlessly. I "upgraded" in 2007 to a Designer SE simply because I wanted the embroidery function. The #1 is still perfect.
  
Member since 9/24/05
Posts: 81
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Posted on: 1/8/11 8:30 PM ET
I second the Viking #1. Bought mine in 1993, still using it (a lot!), have not had any problems.
  
Member since 11/7/09
Posts: 635
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Posted on: 1/8/11 9:29 PM ET
In reply to Gypsy Jane
I have a 150e which I bought on Ebay in the last few months, plus a 15-year old #1+ that I love. The 150e is missing a couple of features that the 190 had. There are some excellent reviews on some of the older Vikings here and, if you are patient, I think you could find something you like on Ebay. My 150e was completely serviced/refurbished by a certified Viking repairman.
  
Member since 12/3/09
Posts: 982
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Posted on: 1/8/11 10:27 PM ET
My wife is still using (and loves) her #1+. She has hardly ever used the embroidery function, so if that isn't your thing an 1100 or 1200 would be nearly the same thing. She has always spoken reverently of her machine. Bert
  
Member since 4/8/02
Posts: 3623
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Posted on: 1/8/11 11:19 PM ET
I have the Lily. Its a superb machine. Not once had a blob of thread under it, or had it do anything weird whatever.
Except buttonholes. It will stop before its time, or go wonky.
It just cannot do them.

But aside from that, it is a wonderful machine.
I also have a very old green colored Viking, a mechanical one. I have not tried it yet. In fact, I think I shall sell it before I find out if I like it, since I have too many machines. But I have heard those are also very respectable and trustworthy.

I always wanted a D1. I think their embroidery is superior, its raised, like its hand crafted instead of all flat, like its Walmart mass produced. Alas, cannot afford one.
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"What you WANT is irrelevant, what you've CHOSEN is at hand." --Mr. Spock
  
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