I am so sorry you had problems with your Brother machine. I have used Brother for over 20 years, from bottom of the line to to top of the line with very new problems. Brother has a very good warranty on their machines, so I am surprised that it was not repaired. I have never had to to purchase a maintenance agreement from Brother, and I also never bought one from Janome either when I bought their machines. The Brothers that I own have 20 year warranties and my Janome had a 15 year, that is why I am wondering why you have to purchase maintance agreements. I hope you enjoy your new machine and have great success.

If you just recently got the Topaz 20 were you able to also get the Free 5D software. If you didn't and it has been a short time you can email Viking and tell them how upset you are that you didn't get it and I've known them to go ahead and give it. I did that when I bought the 5D Pro and a few months they upgraded the one part and said if you registered after a certain date you got the upgrade for free. I missed it by only a month or two and the person selling it already knew of the upgrade or I would have waited to register it. They were great; they apoligized and sent me the link for the free upgrade. I was shocked. I'm excited to see what 6D has in it; it comes out in Sept and anyone who buys 5D prior to the release will get a free upgrade to 6. Pretty good. Love my software.

when I got my Topaz I got the 5d organizer not the 5d embroidery software

All of Vikings come withe organizier. This is the 5D Emb; not the extra. It gives a little more and if you just got the 30 then you get the Extra. Here is the link for the special. I would only try to get the free if I had bought it in the past couple of months or so.

http://new.husqvarnaviking.com/Promos

After downloading and converting the free monthly Floriani designs
I stitched one of the designs out.

Of course I am making a small wall hanging for my daughter and since
pink is her "signature" (favorite) color I chose to do the designs in pink.

Yes I know pink is not a traditional Christmas color but I got to make it
special for my daughter.

Thinking of making something like this for the other two girls if I can find
the right fabrics to do it in.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]429752[/ATTACH]

Normally I wouldn't do something like this on fabric in the same color
group, but I wanted to "test" out the tonal effect of it.

In spite of the fact that a good friend had mentioned this thread (a very long time ago), I had apparently forgotten, even though I frequent other areas of the QB, until I saw it mentioned in another thread. I purchased a used Pfaff 2170 about 2-3 years ago and since the local dealer won't give lessons (I did offer to pay) I remain absolutely terrified of the embroidery part of the machine. I have never been afraid of anything like this before. I thought that learning about computers was terrifying but it was nothing compared to the Pfaff and I am quite adept with computers now. I thought the book that came with my Pfaff would help me learn but it might as well be written in Greek. I usually am able to follow written instructions but these baffle me as there is no logic to the various aspects of the machine to me even at the machine with book in hand. I am sure some of you must have this machine. I have only the 3D (not the suite...just the basic) and will never spend the outrageous amount of money that it costs to "upgrade" to 4,5,or 6D. I joined the Yahoo group for the machine but since I have only 3D, it is nearly a waste of time since most have 4 or 5D and hardly anything relates to 3D. I like the machine for sewing well enough (but I still like my Bernina 1130 better). I have used the (built in) lettering (which stinks for making quilt labels) once for a quilt label and twice for larger lettering on Christmas stockings. I can't afford something to resize or convert lettering (into satin stitches) to the size needed for quilt labels, my primary reason for buying the machine. Sorting through some program letter by letter doesn't interest me. I should be able to type in what I want on my computer and transfer it to the machine. Unfortunately, the person who sold the machine to me told me I had everything I needed...NOT. What do you folks who have this machine do/use? Embird is not in my budget. I appreciate advice from all but especially those who own this machine. Thanks!

Blueheavenfla; I'm so sorry you are having all of these problems. I have Viking which uses the same software and if you only bought your machine from a dealer a few yrs ago it should of came with 4D at least. Its been over 2yrs since I bought the Ruby and it had just switched to 5D, I'd assume that Pfaff uses the same guide lines since its the same com. Here is what Viking post on thier site about 3D and 4D:
4D Software Updates
If you purchased your Husqvarna Viking 3D Professional Embroidery System after April 1, 2006, you will be entitled to a free upgrade to the Husqvarna Viking 4D Professional Embroidery System; check your details in the VSM Software Product Registration Database. Please ensure your authorized dealer details are also correct, as in most cases your
This should also include the organizier which Viking like Pfaff includes with all of their machines. When I got my Ruby it said it came with 5D but the CD was for 4D, I contacted them and they said it was the same but had no problem sending me the 5D cd. Also if you go to http://new.husqvarnaviking.com/en-US and go under find a store you can find all of the Viking stores in your area; most of them now offer classes on Pfaff and do offer classes on the software. Its worth a shot. Our dealer does both now. mrpatience.com has tutorials on the 4D organizier so maybe you can find some info there that would also help you with 3D; I'm not sure. Just throwing suggestions out to you. I would never buy anything from your dealer. I tell everyone that having the right dealer is as important as having the right machine. You have the right machine but no support. Viking even tells you that with all of thier machines and software you get classes so at the least I'd report your dealer and find out if you can do anything about it. Good luck and I hope you get to enjoy your machine. I love embroidery and do more of it than quilting lately. I have upgraded to the Diamond Deluxe and can't think of an easier thing to do. I do take classes but lately there are alot that I don't go to because I know the technique being done.

I may not have been clear, my Pfaff was a used machine. The local Viking dealer won't give lessons on Pfaff (new or used as they sell neither) and the Pfaff dealer won't give lessons on my used machine even though I offered to pay for classes. My software is 3D, basic, not the suite. After Christmas, I believe a friend who has both Brother and Bernina Emb. machines will try to figure mine out and help me understand it. I thought the person from whom I purchased the machine would give me a quick lesson but all she did was say how to use the threader. It has been an expensive lesson. I probably should never have purchased a used machine. Live and learn, as they say...LOL. I have lived long enough that I should have learned that lesson many years ago.

Recently I happened upon a video on YouTube for a machine I have had for several years. It had wonderful information on features I had not ever used. Have you done a search there using your machine brand and model? Certainly not as wonderful as a one to one but pretty good.

Check out you tube videos and google the topic you want to try out with the machine. I had thought long and hard about buying a used machine or one from the Internet as I assumed that using an embroidery machine would be complicated. So I bought a brand new Horizon 120000 at a sewing shop 45 min away. Was I ever surprised that after watching free videos and reading books that I was able to do a rather complex design with multiple thread changes. I have yet to take a class. Just not sure what I would get out of them. Maybe if I had the digitizing software I would want a class but for now, I am happy happy happy. If I had to do it again knowing what I know now, I would have purchased a used machine.

I have an 11000SE Janome that I am in love with. I am working on embroidered star blocks for a 50th anniversary surprise quilt. It is so much fun to set it up and sit back and watch it work. Will post some squares later, and the finished product someday.

You could also try other dealers in your area. We have a Bernina dealer in our area that has an embroidery club and they welcome all machines and have been a great learning atmosphere for all of us. The Pfaff, Brother, Baby Lock, Viking dealers here do not want other machines in there clubs.

our viking dealer does not care anyone wants to come is okay

I have a Husqvarna Topaz 30 for 3 years. Although I have done a bit of embroidery, I was using it mostly for quilting.
ive had problems with the scissor mechanism not always retracting. Especially when I'm doing embroidery. This is very frustrating and sometimes can be damaging to the item and almost impossible to .line up again once taken off the machine.
im wondering if anyone else has had same or similar problems with theirs or another Husqvarna machine.
i was thinking of updating to a color screen but I'm having 2nd thoughts about getting another Husqvarna although I do like the Ruby.
feedback please.

I'm Dee in central CA and I have a babylock Sofia (now discontinued) with a 4x4" hoop for embroidery and hubby just got me a new Brother Isodore (Innovis 5000) that has up to a 7x12" hoop. It's probably more machine than I'll ever need but I love it so far. They both take .pes files so I can go back and forth machines with the designs. I've done dish towels, tops for the grandkids and want to do towels for the holidays. I'm making my son a skull design for a shirt of his. I've accumulated my supplies and have my area finally pretty well together. I've told the family my Christmas wish list is gift cards from Hancock's or JoAnn's...LOL

blueheavenfla; It shouldn't matter what machine you have or if its new or used. My Viking dealer will give classes on any machine, brother, bernina, etc. It also doesn't matter rather its new or used, I know because both of mine that I have bought from them are classified as used. One had 7hours of use and the other 1min, but I saved thousands on both. We also have a Sew n Vac company here with many stores and they have classes that are for all machines. I know there are lots of places like Sew n Vac around the country so maybe you can check around. I'm hoping your friend can help. Also if either Floriani or John Deer have events in your area they are worth the small cost. Do a google search. Good luck

Congratulations Dee. Since your son likes skulls, have you tried Urban Threads. They have great designs and normally have different free ones each month. Have fun.

I'm so excited, Sept will be a great month. Our Viking quilt store is having its first ever emb retreat for 3 days. We will be making a quilt from Smith Street Designs called A Duck Says Quack. We will be using textured fabric for the animals. I've gotten designs from this co before and they stich out great. Then the following Sat the Floriani Event is here and I'm signed up for that. I went last yr and learned a lot plus got lots of free goodies. Then the local Sew n Vac is having an open house and will go over all of their upcoming classes and lots of specials. They have all types of sewing, including emb. They even have a kids club so I can't wait until my DGS is 9 and can go. This doesn't even include what ever we do for monthly emb club. She hasn't released it yet, she's been busy getting ready for fall classes plus Viking Convention, which when they come back they'll have all the new info on 6D Pro and the latest new stuff for our machines. Sept is going to be a good month.

romanojg that sounds so cool! Enjoy and share pictures with us!

I got quite the chuckle from your post. I was given a Brother 6000D and had never had any interest whatsoever in embroidery. I only did clothing and quilting. Great sewing machine and that's how it was used for months. I started feeling guilty about not utilizing it as intended so ventured into a test design. Now I'm hooked! All I do is embroidery and I tend to use the largest hoop all the time. So many incredible designs and just not enough time and money! I actually started with a class on Craftsy by Eileen Roche. It was definitely worth the cost of the class unless you consider where it has led. One great site for designs that stitch out absolutely perfectly is Molly Mine. I got one of her designs mainly because it was not expensive. Great little gifts. I've also had very good luck with Artistic Threads - some very good videos. I hope you will post more as you work with your machine. I love to hear what others are doing and all the tips and hints. Jane

Marnie,

There could be a couple of different things wrong with our thread cutter. Quite possibly there is a small piece of thread hung up inside the thread cutter and/or the little felt pad inside the cutter is worn or there is 'thread dust' which is a fancy way of saying it's dirty.

I have the Designer I and because I used to work for Viking years ago, I know how to take the grey plastic cover to the left of the bobbin case off which is where the thread cutter hides.

If you have a friendly Viking dealer most likely someone who works for them would know how to do this and would check it out for you free of charge. I know when I managed a store I taught all of our employees how to do this and a couple of other crucial things that can get you back sewing ASAP.

Hope this little tidbit helps!

Peggy

Today is the DAY!!

I am going to my first ever Floriani Event. I am so dang excited that
I couldn't sleep last night. and I still have 2 hours until it starts.

Guess I will put gas in the car and get breakfast.

Have a great day everyone.

you are going to LOVE the software. Take a credit card...you will need it. The software is usually discounted WAY below suggested price. Got mine early this year and do not regret it. And the stabilizer and thread...fabulous. I am now working on a logo for my husbands racing business .

I already had the FESP, just don't know HOW to use it yet.

I am not in the financial position right now to spend that much
money ($699 for the My Decorative Quilter & $600 to upgrade my
FESP to the TCP).

Maybe someday IF I can ever get a full time job than I will do the
purchase & upgrade.

As for the stabilizers I have been using them for about 6+ years
and LOVE them.

I love the floriani stabilizers, and I save the codes on them to redeam once I have so many. I also love their thread. Pretty colors and the stitch out really great.

Marnie, I know that when reading my manual they said be careful cleaning the bobbin area because it would be easy to mess up one of them many thread cutters my machine has. I love the auto thread cutter. I know you said you like the Ruby but have you seen the Ruby Deluxe, it has alot of great features. Viking has their convention in Sept and that's when they have all of the new releases and stores have the opportunity to buy machines that were set up to be used at the convention to teach on. Since they are classified as used, even if it was only a few minutes and by professionals, they have great price reductions but come with any extras offered with new ones and the full warranties. I love my Viking and when my Deluxe is paid off I'm getting a smaller one to take to classes and all. I had a Kenmore/Janome but my old electric Singer is messing up so I let my daughter borrow my Kenmore. She fell in love with it and how easily it sews. There is such a difference in a computerized machines and the older electric. She says she's never giving it back. Last night we were finishing up her boyfriends quilt and wanted to learn how to use the Diamond. I told her I didn't know if that was safe because she wasn't getting that one too. She just laughed and said, that I never let her take it to her house so I was safe. She's right, it doesn't leave home without me.

Quilty Louise hope you enjoyed the seminar. I'll be attending mine in Oct. so let us know how it went!

Thanks to all who offered suggestions.
Donna

Don't worry Donna, I'm sure we can figure it out!

I have this problem every so often. I run it in to my local dealer (60 miles each way) and have his do a cleaning on it. Even though I vacuum the sewing area once a month, a thread or a bit of dust gets caught in the cutting area. After he does a cleaning, while I am in town, I am heading home with a "clean" machine.

Thanks, Dawn. I get so uptight just thinking about trying to use the embroidery feature. Otherwise, it is a wonderful machine. It is a shame too, that the updates are so expensive. Thank goodness that the updates for computers for a whole new operating system aren't so expensive. I am so glad to have a friend to help me get going on embroidery.

Until you get to know your icons, it's all foreign gibbrish! :D

HI...for my 73rd birthday my hubby got me a SINGER Futura Quartet 6700. I've barely began to check it out, but hoping I can learn it and most of all understand how to download designs. I'm having a terrible time figuring that part out. Did make a design on a girl doll (make dolls for very sick kids and give away)

http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...227953-12.html

page 12 shows the latest 2 dolls and if you go to page 1, you will see the machine. Maybe I can get more active at last. Plan to peruse what is on here and try to learn from all of you.

Vickey Stamps (aka) wordpaintervs

Found this on YouTube and thought it might help http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTtWaM_7Q5I

Today was the 6th annual Technology Party, with the unveiling
of the new 2014 Brother, & Pfaff top of the line high end machines.
They are the local dealer where I buy my machines the local dealer
for Brother, Bernina, Pfaff, and Juki machines.

The 3 hours I was there I seen woman making MANY purchases
of these machines, once woman wrote a check and paid in full
OVER $85,000 for various machines all because it struck her
"whim" another lady asked her if she had a sewing club or a lot
of friends who all get together for sewing days she replied no I
just wanted to get them.

All total just from what i was able to view I bet that I seen that
store take in well OVER $600,000 today alone, not counting this
same party this morning, at their other 3 stores.

Yeah you can say I have machine envy really bad now. This was
the first technology party I had ever attended, and it will be my last
until I can plan to buy a new machine myself.

But with that said I guess I need to take my machine in for cleaning
and adjustment AGAIN, as the top thread keeps breaking at random
interval like it did before.
It was just in March when I took it in last time, so glad I got the extended
warranty on this machine at this rate it is going to be serviced 2-3 times a
year and I really DON'T do that much sewing and embroidery on it to cause
these issues.

Hope everyone has a great evening and an even greater weekend coming up.

Hi everyone, I have a Husq. Topaz30, and some Anita Good Design packages for quilting patterns. Can anyone tell me whether you are suppose to hoop the sandwiches squares or not? I tried to find instructions on YouTube and Anita good deism websites. Not finding helpful info, so I can get started. Thanks, :)

Thanks Sophie. I got my machine back today and will tTy it out tomorrow.

I hoop the 3 layers of quilt. There really aren't any instructions on youtube when I looked either it was a learn as you go thing for me. I have quilted 2 quilts with my embroidery machine using a single pass 4 inch design in a charm square block. I have thought about making a video while I do this but I am camera shy lol. There is a tool called PAL that helps you center your design in the block or square but I am too frugal to purchase one lol, so I eye ball the centering and do okay. Good luck and I can't wait to see what you do :-)

Don't be afraid to use your embroidery part of the machine. For me it is the least threatening part of a sewing machine.

Check out youtube for your brand and d/l videos teaching you how to use it. Also do a search on line on basics of embroidery machine and learn from that as well. If you can be so lucky as I was earlier this year having a lady locally give some of us some lessons on our machines (all for $15 a lesson which lasted 2-3 hours each) it is worth it and a lot more. I would have gladly spent up to $40 an hour to learn such things.

I have learned so much on my own by d/l online videos on how to do various type projects with my embroidery machine as well as using my Evolution serger, my embellisher and of course my Quattro 2 embroidery machine.

I d/l so I can have it on my laptop and tablet to view whenever I want to. You can d/l FREE downloaders for such videos from youtube and other places.

The way to feel more at ease with our machines is to do our research on how to use them as well as types of fabrics, stabilizers and such to use for each project we create.