Ping Laurie G in Vallejo

I'm not Laurie but I just read your mentioning that Viking is made by Jannome. . . and laughed. That explains it. The Viking Sapphire that my neighbor keeps here in my sewing room is L O U D. You'd think when it cranks up that she had a chainsaw going. It's a grand SM aside from that. Polly (who loves the gentle purr of Bernina)

"Pauline" Hi Laurie,

Polly, my Janome 6500 purrs. It is even quite quiet with the walking foot on! No chain saws here >g< . In message , Polly Esther writes

Pauline - I have lived in Vallejo for 25 years and have been in that shop one time. It was when my old Kenmore machine died and I was looking for a replacement. I walked out and went straight to the Sewing Machine Shop in WC. Haven't been back since. Not really sure why but didn't like his store atmosphere.

I know people who let him do the re-timing on their long arm machines. So, he must know what he is doing. I don't know what kinds of machines he even carries. It may be worth looking into.

Since you are looking this direction, I can vouch for the ABS store in Vacaville (in the Quilted Heart). They are very good. I know they carry Pfaff's and Janome's. They also have the HQ machines. Also, the sewing machine shop (don't recall the name) in Santa Rosa is also very good. Not sure what big machines they carry other than Pfaff.

I wish I could be of more help.

Howdy!

"that explains it"? ...er... explains what? My Janomes have been quiet machines, still are. So am I when using them, having no need to cuss. I reckon everyone likes what they like; one of the ladies in our quilt group is always cussing her Bernie, they just aren't a match. R/Sandy- w/ the feeling my Janome is looking over my shoulder...

You kind of know my opinion of these machines. I have to say whether you like it or not there is no machine that purrs the way a just serviced Bernina does. Walk through a class and just listen to the machines. I guess you could say a Janome is like a honda and a Bernina like a mercedes. Both good machines that can serve well but certainly in a different class. I think tin can is a reference I remember used for cars. It works for Janomes too in my limited experience. LOL. (if I don't laugh I will cry over the dissappointment this Janome here and their service has been) Play value is pretty poor. I am headed down to get the Janome serviced. Will report back on how she does.

Polly, only the MegaQuilter from Viking is not made by Husqvarna/ Viking. And the machines that are labeled "Husky____" . Otherwise the Viking/Husqvarna machines are made by Husqvarna. My Viking machines are not loud, at least not when they are in good shape, clean and serviced somewhat regularly. Sounds like there is something not quite right with the Sapphire if it sounds like a chainsaw. (Check that the shuttle assembly cover is screwed on correctly. Mine wasn't at one point and it made a terrible racket. I took the machine in for servicing quickly.)

On the other hand, as long as I "know" what a particular machine sounds like when it is running well and is clean, lubed and such I have not generally been bothered by the "noise". I am usually too busy with whatever I am doing. However I also "keep and ear out" for untoward noises that may signal a problem. When I was teaching jr. high Home Ec I could tell from across the room when someone had a problem, and could often tell whether it was the pressure foot not down, thread not in the tension correctly or bobbin case incorrectly inserted, just by the sound it made. Surprised my students on occasion.

Pati, > I'm not Laurie but I just read your mentioning that Viking is made by

Thanks Laurie. I got the impression that his "store" isn't much to write home about. When I asked him if he had the Viking Mega Quilter on the floor, he said it's not on the floor & I would understand when I got there. He said he just has to take it out of the box for me. He offered to bring it to my house for me to test it out. I passed on that, because I could imagine how awkward that would be if I didn't like it or if I didn't feel comfortable with him in my house. But, that being said, I got a kick out of talking with him. He said he is a master mechanic & has been in the business since 1972 - I don't know if he has had the store in Vallejo that long. He also makes "house calls" & if he can't fix the machine on the spot, he'll give you a loaner! And he lives in Dublin, so I guess that makes it easy for him to offer that service. He carries Janome, Baby Lock & Viking - I'm not sure about Juki, but he said he does more repairs on Juki than any other mid-arm. John - he loves Janome:) Doesn't care for the Baby Lock.

I'll let you know if I feel the need to take a shower after meeting with him:) I did go to ABS on Sunday. They are very nice. They had a BL trade-in & a Pfaff mid-arm, but with all the bells & whistles, that I don't need. They were very nice though & I would definitely feel comfortable doing business with them. They have a class coming up in October for a Xmas quilt that I fell in love with. If I can't get the pattern, I may have to sign up for the class!

I forgot about Santa Rosa, but that's probably further than I want to go at this point.

Thanks for your suggestions!

Pauline Northern California

Wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Viking is NOT made by Janome. Viking Pfaff and Singer are all under one corp. now. Janome and Elna are now one and the same. Don't know where you got the information about Viking, but it's incorrect. Gen

Oops - sorry if I mislead you. Pati is right - only the mid-arm is made by Janome. I had always known that Janome was one of the biggest sewing machine manufacturers, but the dealer I purchased from (who represents 9 sewing machine lines), told me that Janome is the biggest & for the machine type I wanted, he said Janome is the best - so, I bought the Viking Mega Quilter, which is made by Janome. She & I are getting acquainted today, so I can bring her to a machine quilting class tomorrow!

Pauline Northern California

On the other hand, as long as I "know" what a particular machine sounds like when it is running well and is clean, lubed and such I have not generally been bothered by the "noise". I am usually too busy with whatever I am doing. However I also "keep and ear out" for untoward noises that may signal a problem. When I was teaching jr. high Home Ec I could tell from across the room when someone had a problem, and could often tell whether it was the pressure foot not down, thread not in the tension correctly or bobbin case incorrectly inserted, just by the sound it made. Surprised my students on occasion.

Pati, > I'm not Laurie but I just read your mentioning that Viking is made by

Pauline - Congrats on your new machine! Excellent!!!

Who is teaching your mq'ing class? Is it Jill Schumacher?

Laurie

Yes, it is Jill. I took a class from her a couple of months ago & this is the next "level", I guess. I'm ashamed to say that I did not practice between the class & now. I did get a little practice in today, so I hope I'm not too rusty! A lot of people I know have taken classes from Jill & have really enjoyed her. I hesitated to sign up for her classes, because I thought a beginner class would spend a lot of time going over batting, thread, etc., but she pretty much jumps right in. She is so organized & has handouts for everyone. It's a pleasure to take a class from her - & yes, I even learned a few things:) The class is at Thimblecreek tomorrow. I'm signed up for another one July 31 & Aug 1st. Now, if I can just discipline myself to practice!

Pauline Northern California

I've taken her classes..... she is excellent!! Will you tell her Laurie Grant says hi? She will think it's cool that you and I "know" each other only through the internet!