New sewing machine, opinions wanted

I'm looking for a new sewing machine. (my 15 yo Designer 1 is beginning to wear out, and the sewing machine guy says that the drivehead will eventually need to be replaced, although it will work for at least another six months and probably longer than that.) I sew quite a bit (not as much as Kate, but then, few of us do). I do not want an embroidery machine, have no interest in a quilting machine. My budget is liberal. I have, iirc, shops selling all major brands withing reasonable driving distance (within 60 miles).

I want a machine that will sew straight seams on fabrics ranging from chiffon to gauze to satin to knits to home dec weight. I want a one-step buttonhole, and blind hem for woven and knit. I don't want a cheap machine.

As I'm comfortable with Vikings, I've been looking at the Sapphire series. What's the opinion on them? Are there other machines I should be looking at?

thanks for any help!

jenn

-- Jenn Ridley : snipped-for-privacy@newsguy.com

Reply to
Jenn Ridley
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The Saphire is fine, but also take a look at the Bernina and Pfaff machines of the same price bracket.

Reply to
Kate XXXXXX

I would suggest also looking at the new MC7700 QCP from Janome.

gwh

Reply to
Wayne Hines

A quilter/friend leaves her Viking Sapphire 830 here in my sewing room for our frequent quilting marathons. FWIW, she much prefers her Designer 1. I sort of suspect that she can stitch on the Designer without having to think. They are just enough different that swapping back and forth, for her, is not easy. Would changing to a new set-up be big fun for you or a headache? Just one more thing for you to consider. Polly

Reply to
Polly Esther

If you can stand the thought of two machines, take a look at one of the Juki TL98qsomethings. Straight stitch only machine, takes standard industrial feet and binders, good speed control, knee lift, thread trimmer, excellent presser foot pressure. Street price seems to be about $700-800. And then whatever you want for blindhem and zz and buttonholes.

Industrial feet, btw, are dirt cheap compared to most home machine feet.

The compensating feet for industrials can be a big help. So is the half- foot.

Kay

Reply to
Kay Lancaster

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Jenn, I am NEW on here and am not sure I'm doing this correctly but I'll give it a try. I may send you an e-mail also to make sure. I have a Husqvarna Designer 1, embroidery machine since 02 and am in need of a "dongle" for my computer which is necessary to obtain files for the Designer 1. My dongle is in bad shape so am searching for another one. My program is VIP Customizing Plus Emb. system. If you got a new machine, which you were looking for, would you consider selling your dongle, if it's the correct one for mine? I am just a home emb. doing small things for my 3 grand-daughters. Please, respond. Thanks Dorothy

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schlichter

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schlichter

You do know you are posting to an almost 4 month old thread, don't you??

Reply to
itsjoannotjoann

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