Thank you, Lars. Your review means a lot for many reasons. While I do not sew as much as I once did for a lot of reasons, I would like to be able to pick up a few more projects than I have been able to do with my aging (and now dead) machine.

My mother had a Viking. I sewed a leather backpack on it from scratch in high school....that's how versatile it was. The modern computerized Vikings are still considered a name brand and high end. I hope your getting one that does embroidery? Which model are you looking at?

My advice: Ask for a demonstration on "How to clean it" from the store selling it. My machines seem to need a LOT of cleaning. If I didn't do it myself I'd spend a fortune taking it in.♥

I have a Baby Lock (not one of the serger models) that I love. Sews like butter even through 1/4" of upholstery fabric with heavy interfacing.

Nicole, good point, and one I didn't think about although I was always brushing various parts of mine. I am looking at the Opal which does have embroidery features, but not fancy monogramming. I’ll probably not ever use all that much detailing.

Raye, Baby Lock was another brand I was seriously considering at the same dealer. Very smooth.

I don't know if the weight of the machine is an issue, but it was for me. I had to give up using my previous machine because it was so heavy. I don't have a dedicated spot for sewing, so I have to move the machine around. For a long time that wasn't a problem. And then it was.

My Brother sewing machine is much lighter and fun to use.

I have sewn since I was 8. Went through many machines.....But when I got marry my husband go sick of me complaining about my machine. He said buy what you want. I bought my Viking in 1984 for $500.00 believe you me, that was a huge purchase back them. I still use it and will never have another as long as I can find someone to fix it. It is a 185 model and still love it today as the first day I got it. I have had it serviced only twice in 37 years. That being said, the new ones are not like the old ones by any means. Mine is all medal gears. New ones are far inferior to the old ones. If possible, get an older one that has been serviced and warranty.

Four Vikings in my sewing room. "Hi, I'm RN and I collect sewing machines". Really like them all, they last forever and have good practical features.

Haha RN 😃

I have nothing to offer in the way of reviews because I've never used a 'modern' sewing machine, but I too collect sewing machines - vintage Singers and I have 4 right now, plus an old Elna overlock machine.

I've got one (about 5 y.o.) and love it; a real workhorse! Every time I sit down to sew I'm grateful that I chose it. (Mine doesn't embroider and I wouldn't have a use for one that does so that is a very personal decision.)

Alisande, weight isn't really an issue. Anything I have seen is quite a bit lighter than the old Singer I was using which weighs a ton. I’ll be buying a new cabinet too so won’t have to be lifting it.

Mom had a Viking...used to sell them. I finally bought myself a new one and love it. It's a really good and reliable machine. You won't be disappointed if you get one.

What kind of sewing will you be doing? My Baby Lock has a lot of specialized/ decorative stitches, but i could easily get by with only straight & zigzag stitches. I’m a quilter, but did fashion sewing decades ago & even back then I doubt the decorative stiches would have had much added use. Most machines these days come with at least a few extra stitches.

Embroidery machines can be costly after purchase because of special threads, needles, stabilzers, extra hoops, etc etc. & cheaper machines won’t hold up well considering the thousnds of stitches they take.

I also have a Singer Featherweight circa 1948, that only sews a straight stitch. I love it & many of my quilting friends have at least one FW. We love the portability, the stitch, the simplicity, and endurance of them. No electronic/computerized sewing machine will hold up like these little gems have.

For me the bottom line for purchasing a new expensive machine is ALL about ”SERVICE”. They will need it, things break, they need maintenace cleaning (recommended annually) & you might need lessons on how to operate it to its fullest potential. You don’t want to have to send it away for service/repair, or wait 3 months to get it fixed, or drive it hours away for service. So check with a friend about their experience with getting their machine serviced, is my recommendation.

Viking, Jenome, Baby Lock, Bernina, Juki, Brother,,,,all make excellent machines, but all need service. Singer used to be the be all/end all in sewing machines….i doubt i would even consider a new one today.

Hope this helps.

@ bee0hio - I do so agree about Singers being stalwarts that need little servicing. I can do virtually all maintenance by myself.

I have one from the 50s/60s that can do zigzag and special stitches using discs. I found it at a local charity shop for less than $20, sans power cord and pedal controller, which I found on ebay for a similar price. It works beautifully - all it needed was a good oiling and cleaning. Insides are all metal too, which is why I think they're so durable.

I have been lusting for a Viking machne for years. I have a 1939 Singer feather weight and a 1984 Singer. I love the feather weight. It just does straight stitch but it is a workhorse. My other Singer is a piece of junk. I only use it for buttonholes and even then it takes a significant amount of time to set the tension and do numerous test stitches for whatever fabric is being used.

My sewing/craft room has been taken over by my DD and grandson when they moved in so I do not have a place to work as I hate packing away a project, sewing machine and supplies at the end of each session. It is so much easier to leave things set up.

I've tried a relatives brand new Brother before and thought it was worse than the new Singers. Flimsy machine, uneven stitches and couldn't handle more than two layers of fabrics.

I also collect sewing machines. In the collection are several featherweights and older and newer Vikings. I would suggest finding a good, reputable dealer and perhaps consider a used machine. Husqvarna Vikings are pretty sturdy machines, and if you're not looking at an embroidery/sewing machine you should be able to find a quality machine at a reasonable price. If you find you'd like more features after a while of use, you could always upgrade to a more fully featured machine. If you've found a good dealer, they might even offer some free user lessons.

I have a Viking Husqvarna 190 and a Bernina 930. The Viking served me well until I was given my Grandmother's Bernina, which I love. I agree with others about a serviced older machine.

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions. I did look for and ask this store anout used machines. As many of you may know, the pandemic wiped out many sewing machines, including the market of good used machines. They didnt have one I was interested in buying. They did have a couple of used sergers. And since my daughter will get this one some day, I dont mind buying new.

This dealer is very reputable, has a repair shop associated, and also sells and services Miele vacuums (and services others from the looks of it). They offer free user lessons after the purchase which I will use.

I have a 'V'iking Lily (not made anymore) and am very happy with it. It's really user friendly and it's easy to change feet, clean out the lint, etc. Many peoplel I know have Janome's and are very happy with them.