Go with Babylock...I know two people with Emeralds and they are wishing they had purchased up, after only 6 months. Just my .02. Michelle

Less than 2 years of sewing...

If I could do it all over again, I would have bought a reliable brand used machine cheap, or a cheap new Brother, Kenmore, or something. Better yet, before you even buy one, take a beginning sewing class where they let you use their machines, just to make sure this is your thing! That will save you some bucks and you will walk out with something you made! I learned all of the basics on sewing.about.com, way before a class at my dealer came available. I highly suggest checking that site out, as well as the millions of youtube.com videos if you buy a machine.

I HIGHLY recommend that you start out with a lower level machine...i.e. a Brother for less than $200 from WalMart!! They last for a few years, and you can get one with extra functions that you probably won't even use at first.

I absolutely would wait to buy a high $$ machine until you have some experience (at least 2 years!) so you know what you REALLY want in a machine. Don't be hasty...you could end up with a machine that you don't really want.

I've had good luck with used machines from other local dealers - just no where near such good deals on trade-ins. In fact, most of the other dealers seem to strongly discourage them. Our local Jo-Anns just remodeled, for the worse, and we still have our Viking Gallery. Of course, we don't have any other Viking dealers, which probably helps.

Well sounds like you want to take a beginning quilt class......which if I were teaching I would discuss fabric, grain lines, one way prints, rotory cutting, and than continue with the project. You didn't say how many weeks it met.........keep in mind that it isn't a machine class. Therefore, I would consider purchasing the machine who offers machine class..................perhaps more than one as I am not familiar with either machine. Just my suggestion.........calla

I agree with calla - you need to now about your machine before beginning the quilting 101 class. My personal preference would be the Babylock - but an even better deal is to purchase a refurbished or used machine from a dealer at least until you are sure you want to continue with sewing.

We are not trying to discourage you, just want to make sure you don't jump into too much too fast.

Another thought - maybe you could find a local guild and get with some of the members who could teach you about machines.

I was just looking at the Melody online. You will for sure love the knee lift and needle-down options. If you can afford it, go for the Melody! I am a Bernina person, myself, after many years on a crappy Singer (that had to go to the shop every time I made a recieving blanket) and then a really nice Pfaff that I wore out. But the Pfaff didn't have the knee lift and to get the needle down I had to push a button. Not very convenient in the middle of freemotion quilting!

Thank you all for your advice! I actually wound up buying the Viking Sapphire 835 because I felt like it was better quality and it came with a better warranty! I still don't know how to use it but Im excited to learn!

Oh no! I didn't know that some of them were closing! One of the reasons I made the decistion to buy the Viking was the security of knowing the store would be there and wouldn't close down! :( Im hoping maybe I just live in a big enough area that won't happen.

I would have to agree with most of the responses. There are so many remanufactured and good quality used machines to be had for very little, some people on the chat line have founbd excellent qulaity machines at Thrift stores for very little, and there are sites you can go on that lists used machines from reputable dealers. I certainly wouldn't want to jump ointo the pool only to find the water wasn't deep enough. You can also check the Consumer Digest to see what they feel is the best for the monies you want to spend. Why invest in somnehting very expensive only to find out that what you thought you would enjoy is not for you, now you are left with choices, either give it to someone you know who loves sewing, or tryto sell it and take a big loss. Another alternative would be to go to a local dealer (if you live in an area where there is one) check out the various machines, ask a lot of questions, and try several out with te salespersons help. GOOD LUCK