I don't think Bernina owners are snobbish, they just love their machines the way you love your vikings.
As long as everyone has a machine that works for them, that is all that matters.

Bernina seems to be the machine of choice in our area, and I really feel like an outsider most of the time since I have a Viking Designer II. I love my machine - and wish Bernina owners wouldn't be so snobbish about their brand name.

I have the same situation - the local quilt shops by me carry Viking. A few years a go I upgraded from my little Singer that I had since I was a teenager to the Viking Freesia 415. It was at the time the lowest priced computerized machine but was still a budget-buster for me. I am so glad I got it. I love it and use it for piecing and machine quilting. My next machine will be in the Viking Designer series since I am fascinated by the embroidery functions. Luckily, my hubby is a believer in buying the best tool for the job so I'll be able to justify the cost .

Carla in Michigan

drewfield, the walking foot is essential, IMHO! I use the walking foot often, not only for quilts, but quilted garments as well...anytime I make a "sandwich". I wish the walking foot wasn't as costly as it is, especially considering the price of the machines!
It would be nice if sewing machine manufacturers would include a walking foot as a standard feature. My hubby was very pleased with a little Janome he bought me a few years ago for Christmas, and I was amazed that it came standard with a walking foot! Of course, at that time, I didn't even know what a walking foot was, just that it was a funny looking contraption!

I have a Viking Platinum 995E, has anyone out there tried using the optional walking foot? I wanted to get some advice before I went out and bought one.

Gosh, no other Viking owners out there?

This wonderful embroidery machine was a no brainer for me since it's sold locally in my wonderful quilt shop...can I mention it's name? I've been away from sewing for years, but when I discovered that my little town (that has no other decent shopping) has this wonderful quilt shop tucked away in a strip mall, I was hooked! I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw an embroidery design being created by machine! I didn't research any further since I liked the idea of buying locally where my machine can be serviced on a regular basis. Great classes at my shop, too, have given me the confidence I need to persue this fantastic world of quilting!