Quilt4u

I'm looking for a new machine. This time I want the top of the line. I can't make up my mind. A Pfaff Creative Vision That I have seen and tryed and fell in love with; or the Hiuqvarna Viking Designer Diamond whtch I have not seen yet; but I have a Viking 450 and love it. I want a machine that can quilt and embroidery. And I know the Pfaff can ;but the Viking has not arived in the stores yet. Have not seen the Viking?

Roben

All 3 of the Viking dealers in my area have the Diamond in - I'm surprised they aren't in where you're at. The differences between the Pfaff and Viking top of the line machines are getting fewer and fewer, although there are still some (Viking's Sensor System vs Pfaff's IDT comes to mind.) The embroidery fields, hoops, software, etc. are too similar for me to even use them as meaningful measures. They both have the design positioning now, which I thought was a pretty nifty Pfaff feature, and both screens are sharp with good resolution. Both have had update features for a long time; even my older D1 has been updated in the last year.

Most, if not all of the top manufacturers are coming out with new TOL machines this year - I've decided to wait and see what else is on the horizon. Babylock and Janome have both come out with their versions of the integrated dual feed; I'm waiting to see if it is on the Babylock TOL.

My can't live without feature has got to be the sensor system; I am used to the automatic presser foot, the pivot feature and a foot tap to control my needle all leaving my hands free to control my fabric. I haven't seen anything in the new TOL's that have made me want to rush right out and spend that much; if the other brands that come out this year leave me feeling the same way, I'd rather scoop up a couple more Designer 1's.

ScubaK

I don't own either brand but I did get to play with a Diamond a couple of weeks ago...
What a gorgeous machine but spendy!
Good luck on deciding..
K

Rose Marie

I have a Viking without embroidery but with a 10 in throat. Love that feature.

azdesertrat

I have the designer diamond and I do like it just wish I had more time to play with it

cassiemae

Quilt4u:

I have Pfaff and I would go with it I just love my Pfaff

bearpaw

I have a Viking Quilt Designer. I wouldn't trade for anything. I am really happy with it and don't have any complaints.

bebe

My friend and others I know swear that Pfaff is the best!!!!!!! So I am voting for a Pfaff :thumbup:

Good luck at getting a machine :D

JoanneS

My first computer machine was a Viking, which I bought in 1988. I loved it almost to death. When I updated 8 years ago, I bought a Pfaff, because it has a built in dual feed. I updated again this year and bought another Pfaff - this time an embroidery machine - and I also bought 4DExtra so I could design my own embroidery and quilting patterns. 4D Extra is also available for Viking - they are both the same company, though the machines are not the same. If you're into free-motion quilting, tell the dealers. Viking, Pfaff and Bernina all have an add-on with a stitch regulator. If yo've never tried one, you'll be amazed!!! Try all the machines to see what you like best. I agree with everyone - wait till the new ones come out. If you don't need the latest and greatest, you'll get a better price on 'last year's' greatest! That's what I did. You can download updates if you buy a Pfaff, which is a WONDERFUL feature. Finally, while you are checking out machines, check out the dealers, too. This is an important relationship, right up there with your DH and hairdresser! If you have a good dealer, she provides lessons and lots of classes plus help when you get stuck.

Mousie

well i can't provide input about the fancy machines, but i agree about the dealer relationship. it's everything. i'm watching this thread to hear about all the different machines. I was told Bernina was the rolls royce of sewing machines...any bernina owners out there? C