Hi everyone, As I may have mentioned before, I received money for Christmas to buy an embroidery machine. I am so excited I can hardly wait. I have narrowed it down to the Designer SE (latest model) or the Janome MC11000. The Janome is a little bit cheaper but the digitizing software would bring it up to the same price. They are giving away a coverstitch machine with the purchase of the embroidery machine. The Husqvarna seems to be a better machine but I am torn. If I don't buy any extra softeware, the husqvarna is $1000 more. Any experts out there? (I posted the same question on the embroidery group but nobody is answering me).
Kirsten, congratulations on being in such a wonderful delima...sounds like you have done your homework.
Now, maybe this was only a 'before Christmas' deal, but last I knew from the local Viking dealer, and this was before Christmas.... the customizing software was being included in the SE purchase. That may have only been a short-time special..but worth asking about.
Which machine has a local dealer? This is important when you need support, classes, etc. If that's not an issue, then it may just boil down to which one is the right 'fit' for you. Have you tried out either machine? I'd suggest that if you haven't yet...
=46or me, it would be the Designer SE -- I hope to get one *next* Christmas. :) I have a Viking 1+ (the 1+ is the predicessor to the Designer series) and it is a real workhorse. I absolutely *love* that machine and because of its quality and the fabulous local dealer, I decided to get a Huskylock 936 when I was looking for a new serger (I did try out some others)....that was my Christmas present *this* year.
Irene=20
-------------- You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.=20
Kirsten, congratulations on being in such a wonderful delima...sounds like you have done your homework.
Now, maybe this was only a 'before Christmas' deal, but last I knew from the local Viking dealer, and this was before Christmas.... the customizing software was being included in the SE purchase. That may have only been a short-time special..but worth asking about.
Which machine has a local dealer? This is important when you need support, classes, etc. If that's not an issue, then it may just boil down to which one is the right 'fit' for you. Have you tried out either machine? I'd suggest that if you haven't yet...
For me, it would be the Designer SE -- I hope to get one *next* Christmas. :) I have a Viking 1+ (the 1+ is the predicessor to the Designer series) and it is a real workhorse. I absolutely *love* that machine and because of its quality and the fabulous local dealer, I decided to get a Huskylock 936 when I was looking for a new serger (I did try out some others)....that was my Christmas present *this* year.
Irene
Thanks Irene, What city are you in? Both dealers here are local but since I am moving back to Norway in a year or so, I will be needing a dealer there. I did like the Husqvarna better because it seemed easier to change the designs on the screen. The Janome is limited to reducing or enlarging 20%. Any more than that and you need to customize. But I am not sure how often one needs to change the size of the designs. However, the allure of getting 2 machines for the same price is hard to shake. I don't know about the software deal but they offered it to me for $999 and said the list price is $2140. They are offering the machine for $6199 instead of $7400 but I don't know how real those numbers are.
Kirsten
-------------- You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.
You may be better to wait until you get back to Norway if you intend to keep the machine. US and European machines are rated for different electrical supplies: USA is 110 v and Europe is 220-240v. Running a machine long term on a transformer isn't a good idea as, while it changes the voltage, it doesn't change the frequency (50 Hertz in the UK/Europe and 60 Hertz in the USA).
While this is true about the electrical supplies, the newer embroidery machines read the current, just like computer equipment and switch to 220V-
50 Hertz when you plug them in there. The reason I can't buy one in Norway is that it is one of the most expensive countries in the world and I just couldn't afford it. I am concerned, however, that my local Husqvarna dealership won't be able to service the machine (I have written about them before!). I am so excited, I can hardly wait!
Kirsten, IMOHO, I think you should take some scraps and spend an hour or so at each dealer, trying out embroidering a couple designs on each machine and at the Janome, also try the Cover Pro. I thought it was a very good machine the one time I tried it, but didn't buy because I already have a Pfaff 4870 that does a beautiful coverstitch, now that I have finally learned to use it. Also, you might consider if private lessons are available after the purchase. I know some dealers only give group lessons at designated times regardless whether the person can attend or not. Emily
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