Need some quick info please

Pfaff has a fine reputation generally; not familiar with the 'Smart'. If you have time, run over to ebay or somewhere on line and see if there's one for sale and its price. Have fun! big fun. Polly

In general, Pfaff is good quality.

They have a new line "smarter by Pfaff" which is pretty high end (for them, home machines). However, I found links online to a slightly older line "smart by pfaff", which they themselves listed as a beginners machine - that seems to fir better with the price.

Go have a look and try. All the usual advice on buying a sewing machine applies :-) But a low end Pfaff at a good price is probably much better then the Walmart machine at the same price, so worth a look!

For Pfaff, I would not be without my IDT (integrated dual feed) and needle-down button. I use those _all_ the time.

Just my 2p.

Hanne in DK

Hanne, thanks for that info. I thought the price was a bit low for what I was finding online. She currently has a Janome - not sure which one, but her DH gave her $$ for a new machine for Christmas and she's looking to upgrade so I don't think this is the upgrade she's looking for. Guess we'll go about our regular plan for today and maybe I'll hop over to this shop tomorrow as that is when their sale ends.

Kim

I love my 2 Pfaffs---one is about 20 yr old and the other is about 10 yr old. They are the high end machine of the Pfaff. Very dependable. Barbara in FL

I'm also a Pfaff'er -- my two are workhorses (2030 and 7570). Generally sound machines and I agree the IDT (built in walking foot) is wonderful for both piecing and quilting. Both mine receive heavy use and I've had basically nary a problem (other than burned out light bulbs!)

Not familiar with "smart" Pfaffs - so no help on that one.

Happy Shopping.

Hi All,

Since Pfaff machines are being discussed, I have a question. I was told yesterday that Pfaff was bought out recently by Singer. Does anyone know anything about this and do you think the reliability of Pfaff machines continue? I am also in the market for a new machine and was considering Pfaff, but I just don't trust Singer.

Anna Belle

A quick (but only quick, mind you) online search seems to indicate that Pfaff was bought out by Viking (which I think was either originally made by or long time bought out by Husquarna, a Swedish company)). Viking in turn was bought by the same umbrella company that has bought Singer.

Looks like Pfaff and Singer were not bought by each other, but rather bought into a consortia of companies, many not related to sewing machines.

I would not let this concern me, if I was otherwise looking at a new Pfaff.

Hanne > Hi All,

We ended up going to our local Viking dealer due to time contraints. Spoke with the salesperson who in turn gave us up to their repair person. He's been their repair person for 30 years and my experience with him has been excellent. Apparently only part of the Viking line has been bought out by the consortium. The mid to upper range machines are still make by Husquvarna (sp) in Sweden. This shop is also a Brother dealer. The repair person's opinion is that between Brother & Viking, for mid range (price as well as features) he'd go with the Viking; for low end he'd go with the Brother; for high end he'd go with either from a quality and durability standpoint. My friend is looking at the Viking Sapphire 835 they had. It's very comparable to the Viking Platinum I have in terms of price and features - even has a few more bells & whistles but that's to be expected several years down the road. Since it's last year's model with just a few less decorative stitches than the current model, the price is a tad better.

I'll probably head to the going out of business sale tomorrow. Just to see what might just have to come home with me!

Thanks for everyone's help and opinions. It's greatly appreciated.

Kim in NJ

There is a problem with the Sapphire. I'm sure. Friend took her Sapphire in for help when it went totally goofy. Brought it home all fixed and fine, she thought. In less than a couple of weeks it was unable to stitch. period. Turns out the Sapphire has a defective thread uptake lever. She had to wait about 8 weeks for the back-ordered part to be replaced. We don't know if the replacement ended the problem and all is well. She's been building a new home and hasn't been stitching with it. Just don't know and I don't know if I got most of this tale accurately except I am very sure it is a Sapphire. It is sitting right here beside me. Probably that common Sapphire problem should not be a deal-breaker, just wanted you to be aware. Polly

"AuntK">

We ended up going to our local Viking dealer due to time contraints. Spoke with the salesperson who in turn gave us up to their repair person. He's been their repair person for 30 years and my experience with him has been excellent. Apparently only part of the Viking line has been bought out by the consortium. The mid to upper range machines are still make by Husquvarna (sp) in Sweden. This shop is also a Brother dealer. The repair person's opinion is that between Brother & Viking, for mid range (price as well as features) he'd go with the Viking; for low end he'd go with the Brother; for high end he'd go with either from a quality and durability standpoint. My friend is looking at the Viking Sapphire 835 they had. It's very comparable to the Viking Platinum I have in terms of price and features - even has a few more bells & whistles but that's to be expected several years down the road. Since it's last year's model with just a few less decorative stitches than the current model, the price is a tad better.

I'll probably head to the going out of business sale tomorrow. Just to see what might just have to come home with me!

Thanks for everyone's help and opinions. It's greatly appreciated.

Kim in NJ

Thanks for that heads up. Can you tell me which Sapphire specifically? She did buy the 835 this afternoon after doing some price research. The shop was willing to split the difference between their original quote and the prices she found online. Even though dealers are not allowed to sell over the internet as they have 'protected' regions. But it did give her some negotiating power and the shop gave her an excellent price on the machine including classes, etc. Hopefully your friend's problem was an unfortunate fluke and it's not model wide.

The Viking I'm babysitting is a Sapphire 830 - bought for its wider arc. Polly

"AuntK"

Polly, thank you. I think that is the model before the one just purchased today if I understood everyone correctly. Hopefully Viking resolved that particular issue between designs. Hope your friend is able to get back to sewing soon.

Kim in NJ

From dealers that I've talked to: Singer, Pfaff and Viking are now one and the same. I asked if Viking and Pfaff would be bringing Singer up, or if Singer would bring them down. The answer from all of them---Singer will bring the quality of the other 2 down. Something to watch out for over the next few years. Gen

Howdy!

As they say: SVP Worldwide SVP Worldwide is the world¹s largest sewing machine company and source of the SINGER®, HUSQVARNA VIKING® and PFAFF® sewing machine collections. As a global leader doing business through its affiliated companies in over 190 countries, SVP Worldwide specializes in the design, manufacture and distribution of high quality consumer and artisan sewing, quilting and embroidery machines, accessories and notions.

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R/Sandy - stick>

I've got a fine Pfaff 7570 that I will never, ever let go. And a Pfaff

2124 that is good for stitching and that my mom used for embroidery work (which I've never done) all the time. It's currently sitting at the local sew 'n' vac on consignment. I really want to sell it. And I have my Janome 6600. I'm happy. If I buy another machine, it will be a straight stitch with a fast motor and a wide harp.

Sunny