GIRLFRIDAY
I have removed your comments as you have posted your email address on a open forum. Another Cutie very kindly suggested that you amended your post but I see you have not. Please contact Maleah with a PM. If you are not sure how to do this you will find the information under the Q&A tab. This section also has a huge amount of info as to how the site functions.
Before you do anything you should check the warranty on your machine. Some parts are covered longer than you might realize and they may replace your mother board for nothing. They did for me!
I am a HV girl all the way. Sorry to hear you are having trouble with their service. I think you need to go and test drive different brands (more than one) before buying. In my opinion, HV machines are the most user friendly. But again YOU need to try others and then decide. Hugs. Nan W
I agree with someone way down. The Brother VE2200 is a good machine. Any Brother embroidery machine is good and so easy to learn to use. And no software needed to use it. You can download FREE software (kids can do a search for one for you) to convert any current designs to PES to use in a Brother machine if you go that way. As you are already an experienced embroiderer you will use the colours that you love and have already when stitching out designs.
The only downside that I know to Brother machines is the limited palate of 61 colours in their threads. One big plus is they are cheaper than some of the other brands.
I have a Husqvarna Viking #1+ that I purchased Top of the LIne in late 90's. Still works great but only 4 x 4 hoop. I purchased a multi step hoop and small spring hoop from a gal upgrading to the next step up Top of the LIne. That is ancient new. I love my Baby Lock Ellisimo Gold which I was the first person to receive one out the factory Warehouse in Missouri--USA. I've had that since 2011 and hardly scratched the surface of what it can do. It was very expensive and should have gone to Brother since they have the same machines [twins] but cheaper price. My decision really to go with Baby Lock was because the dealer was closer and the other dealer and employees seemed to treat you in a lesser manner because you have 'OLD' machine and software. I don't really like the knobs on Bernina and the Pfaff seems to operate their buttons in 'CODE'. Too much memory work there for me. So, Baby Lock or Brother for me. Really easy to understand. AND, please, go with something that operates the transference of designs by USB Memory Stick. Flash cards are old.
Good suggestions and I'm with everyone else, no machine is better than one that has a really good mechanic to keep it in tip top shape! Now go give that sweet hubby and kiss.
Jerrilyn
Babylock gets my vote too. IT is user friendly Go to a dealer and try out different machines and you can decide that is good for you! Be sure which ever machine you get there is an authorized service tech to work on your machine nearby. That is important t be Authorized in that particular machine. Good luck Hope you find the machine of your dreams
You've had some sound advice from your Cutie friends already here and I can only re-emphasise what others have said, that most people are likely to support the machine/manufacturer that they have most often relied upon. Inevitably there will be those who will hail Husqvarna whilst others will go for another manufacturer. I certainly would advise making yourself a short-list or wish-list of the things that you want from the machine (and those you don't want) and then present this to your nearest dealer who ideally represents as many of the manufacturers as possible. Trial those machines for the one that best hits the spot of your wish-list. Finally, and it has to be said, a big thank you to that supportive husband of yours for offering to buy you the new machine.
Dennis, I'm sure all of our male counterparts are ever so grateful to you for always generously recognizing their helpfulness. It's good to have your viewpoint. I'm glad you are here.
What I love about Dennis's comments is that they are all truly heartfelt and he knows exactly what to say. I love your honest heart Dennis, love Chris
We are all going to recommend the brand of machine we have (Babylock for me) but what is important for you and everyone else is having a local dealer who has good tech service. I have 3 ideas for you. One is to check out machines at your local dealers to see what fits you with the bells and whistles you need. While at each dealer meet the tech there who will be working on the machine. And last of all, If your machines are no longer under warranty, I have found that any good tech can and will work on any brand of machine. I hope you find the machine of your dreams soon and a great tech too.
Do you have a local dealer? Support is important when choosing a machine. I know you are not new to this, but having to drive miles and miles when it needs service would be frustrating.
do some homework in your own area. Go and try some, and get as much knowledge before you decide. Mine are Pfaff, but quite old now, but I think they do a good job.
I could not get by without my 3 Bernina's , love the quantity of the straight stitch , Blanket stitch is perfect I do lots of Applique and the "fancy" stitches are amazing .You couldn't be more computer challenged than me .....I wont even get one of those mobile phones because they are to hard to learn how to use . Cathy
Well Cori, I've had Husqvarnas for years and am very fortunate in having in Maarten at Thorpe's here in Newcastle a brilliant technician. I'm sorry that you have had so much trouble with yours.
I see you say that you are computer challenged. I was wondering if there are machines out there that don't use a 'dongle' to operate your programme.
Can't wait to see the responses on this one. Love Chris
Baby Lock gets my vote...I have the Ellisimo Gold and I love it...Baby Locks are very easy to use...
have a few husqvarna machines also but love them****what fried the Mother board or how did it happen??So i know what to look for??hugs
Not a new machine, been out about 2 years - love the Brother Innovis VE2200. Receives huge hoops, up to 8 x 12 with the upgrade kit, automatic cutting (wonderful). Load designs directly from computer into embroidery machine. Easy peasy to learn, I promise. Give it 3 days! Almost like having a 6 needle without the big bite on repair costs. You might be able to find a used one...
I know nothing about Husqvarna. I love my Baby Locks.