redbug Posted March 17, 2013 Share Posted March 17, 2013 I have been looking at buying a machine! My mum used to have a Viking I have been looking at Husqvarna Emerald 203 at £499. Does anyone know anything about these. Or should I look at the Janome machines. Any advise appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigmommasally Posted March 18, 2013 Share Posted March 18, 2013 I've got a Husqvarna Redbug and I'm very happy with it. I've got the Sapphire 830. But I went from my mum's tempremental old Singer to my Husqvarna so I think I should be happy! I bought my daughter a Janome for Christmas, a fairly basic one but it sews really lovely and is a great starting machine or to take along to lessons. Have you test driven the Emerald yet? If you haven't it is probaly worth getting along to a shop and trying a few out. If you plan on carting it around to classes think of the weight - mine is such a monster to get to classes I had to invest in a trolley bag! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redbug Posted March 18, 2013 Author Share Posted March 18, 2013 My mums old Viking use to weigh a ton. Did't need any weights lol. Yes I intend to try some out. Like the idea of a bit of weight on a machine - that may be because xxxx number years ago most where heavy. Have been looking at the emerald looks nice And is on offer at the moment from £619 to now £499 - But there are so many more machines to choose from Really I am totally confused. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SylvisMum Posted March 18, 2013 Share Posted March 18, 2013 I have a Husqvarna Platinum that I bought in 2005 or thereabouts and I have always been very pleased with it. It is a bottom of range computerised machine and I think the Sapphires took over from the Platinums. Or maybe the Emeralds did. It sews like a dream. The foot pedal has a soft start, starting very slowly, which I find a bit frustrating sometimes but get used to it. The other thing is the controls you need in a hurry like the reverse and tying off a stitch are on the right side of the machine on that model which I find a bit inconvenient because I am left handed. On the plus side, it always stops with the needle up, and I love the fact you can rewind the bobbin via the needle without having to re-thread. I bought my daughter a Janome MyStyle machine not long after because I wanted my Husqvarna back, and she loves that too. It is a solid machine that they use at sewing classes at our local college. She's made loads of things and not had any trouble. If I bought another machine for myself I would go for another Husq higher up the range (but the amount of sewing I do my present one is more than sufficient for). But people love the Janomes and I think the bits and pieces are cheaper to buy than with the Husqs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
