Husqvarna Viking Designer SE

[Diane L.]

This wonderful embroidery machine was a no brainer for me since it's sold locally in my wonderful quilt shop...can I mention it's name? I've been away from sewing for years, but when I discovered that my little town (that has no other decent shopping) has this wonderful quilt shop tucked away in a strip mall, I was hooked! I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw an embroidery design being created by machine! I didn't research any further since I liked the idea of buying locally where my machine can be serviced on a regular basis. Great classes at my shop, too, have given me the confidence I need to persue this fantastic world of quilting!

[Diane L.]

Gosh, no other Viking owners out there?

[Diane L.]

I have a Viking Platinum 995E, has anyone out there tried using the optional walking foot? I wanted to get some advice before I went out and bought one.

[Diane L.]

drewfield, the walking foot is essential, IMHO! I use the walking foot often, not only for quilts, but quilted garments as well...anytime I make a "sandwich". I wish the walking foot wasn't as costly as it is, especially considering the price of the machines!
It would be nice if sewing machine manufacturers would include a walking foot as a standard feature. My hubby was very pleased with a little Janome he bought me a few years ago for Christmas, and I was amazed that it came standard with a walking foot! Of course, at that time, I didn't even know what a walking foot was, just that it was a funny looking contraption!

[Diane L.]

I have the same situation - the local quilt shops by me carry Viking. A few years a go I upgraded from my little Singer that I had since I was a teenager to the Viking Freesia 415. It was at the time the lowest priced computerized machine but was still a budget-buster for me. I am so glad I got it. I love it and use it for piecing and machine quilting. My next machine will be in the Viking Designer series since I am fascinated by the embroidery functions. Luckily, my hubby is a believer in buying the best tool for the job so I'll be able to justify the cost :-) .

Carla in Michigan

[Diane L.]

Bernina seems to be the machine of choice in our area, and I really feel like an outsider most of the time since I have a Viking Designer II. I love my machine - and wish Bernina owners wouldn't be so snobbish about their brand name.

[Diane L.]

I don't think Bernina owners are snobbish, they just love their machines the way you love your vikings.
As long as everyone has a machine that works for them, that is all that matters.

[Diane L.]

Lystger, I have noticed that snobbiness a bit, too. When a few of us are asked what machines we have, we'd say, I have a Pfaff, or I have a Viking, whatever, but invariably there would be a couple of "Well I have a Bernina", with this kind of upraised nose look. The rest of us just roll our eyes.

[Diane L.]

Does anyone have a Designer I Husqvarna Viking? If so, do you have the Embroidery attachment and/or the Free Motion Quilting attachment? I've been using mine, as time permits, for about5 months now and am having difficulty justifying the cost - don't really want to say how much - but trust me it was a pretty (MANY) pennies!

How do you like it? How long did it take you to get the hang of it? My sewing experience to date prior to this purchase was with a Necchi and a Kenmore - neither of which have any bells and whistles at all like this Designer I does.

Any helpful hints/tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! (Can you tell I am frustrated with the machine? :? )

[Diane L.]

KKreations, I have the Designer SE with embroidery unit and in January I purchased (OUCH!) the Fabric Mover. I'm just now beginning to get the hang of it, but in all honesty, it's been in the box for a long while until recently (hubby doesn't know I bought it!) I really can't say I can justify the expense, yet, but I did get brave enough to use the Fabric Mover on a lap size quilt last week. It came out okay for a first effort...it's definitely "free motion"! ops: It's fun to use on small projects...wall hanging, purses, etc. but I don't know about a full size quilt. It's a bit difficult to maneuver...there's a learning curve...practice, practice, practice. Of course, now I understand that Viking is coming out with what they call a Fab-u-motion that will probably make my brand new Fabric Mover obsolete! :roll:

ETA...hang in there with your Viking, as far as the sewing machine goes. Have you taken classes to learn the basics about your Designer? I learn something new every time I attend a class at my LQS, and I've had my SE since last July!

[Diane L.]

Any helpful hints/tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! (Can you tell I am frustrated with the machine? :? )

Having worked for a Viking dealer for several years, I have had many customers experience a certain frustration level. I am hoping your dealer offers machine classes - TAKE THEM!! Your Viking is a phenomenal machine, but, it is very different from what you are used to and there is an education element to being able to get accustomed to it. I have known too many people who have invested in a machine like this and have been too frightened of it to go past a straight stitch! If you don't have classes, join one of the myriad Yahoo groups specifically for owners of that machine - you can get a lot of good info. Also, if you can find a dealer that does offer the classes, even if you have to travel and pay for the class, it is worth it if the dealer is any good at all. Even just being in a room with other owners with questions can help. I also used to have a monthly Embroidery Club, with a show and tell and demos of new tools and whatnot - a nice social event and quite educational. Each dealer handles things a different way.

Have fun!

Tama

[Diane L.]

Of course, now I understand that Viking is coming out with what they call a Fab-u-motion that will probably make my brand new Fabric Mover obsolete! :roll:

Sewso -

The Fab-u-motion is for the new large-bed Sapphire machines. You're safe (for now!!)

Tama

[Carla G.]

Does anyone have a Designer I Husqvarna Viking? If so, do you have the Embroidery attachment and/or the Free Motion Quilting attachment? I've been using mine, as time permits, for about5 months now and am having difficulty justifying the cost - don't really want to say how much - but trust me it was a pretty (MANY) pennies!

How do you like it? How long did it take you to get the hang of it? My sewing experience to date prior to this purchase was with a Necchi and a Kenmore - neither of which have any bells and whistles at all like this Designer I does.

Any helpful hints/tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! (Can you tell I am frustrated with the machine? :? )

I have a Designer 1.... have had it for 3 years now and made many, many quitls with it. I don't have the additional embroidery piece but I have just recently purchased the "fabric mover" for it and look forwrd to it become my new best buddy!

[Carla G.]

This wonderful embroidery machine was a no brainer for me since it's sold locally in my wonderful quilt shop...can I mention it's name? I've been away from sewing for years, but when I discovered that my little town (that has no other decent shopping) has this wonderful quilt shop tucked away in a strip mall, I was hooked! I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw an embroidery design being created by machine! I didn't research any further since I liked the idea of buying locally where my machine can be serviced on a regular basis. Great classes at my shop, too, have given me the confidence I need to persue this fantastic world of quilting!

Aren't today's machines simply amazing? The more embroidery you do, the more addicting it gets. I've been playing around with lace via my embroidery module, and I have to say I'm simply amazed... I had no idea our machines could do this type of thing. Congratulations on your machine, I hope you have many years of fun with it.

[Carla G.]

cj, I just have to say how much I enjoy your website! I just read a few pages (I love Moda's jelly rolls and charm packs, too) and I feel I know you! Living in an RV sounds great to me, and I admire you for learning to ride...I ride on the back of our bike, but if I was your age, I would have my own, too.

I have yet to discover the joys of embroidering lace with my SE. My LQS just recently got in some new software for lacy tops, and I'm anxious to give it a try. That, and some heirloom stitching. My latest project is an embroidered butterfly quilt, using both Viking and Cactus Punch designs...a total of 19 butterflies.
Thanks for your enthusiastic post!