Husqvarna Viking Eden Rose 250C Limited Edition

[Gauwyn of Bracknell]

Sorry if machines are discussed somewhere in this thread (no pun intended) - anyone know anything about the above machine?  We are starting to look at a machine that can do some garb sewing along with the normal stuff.

[gem]

I haven't heard of it--is it a new machine or a vintage one? A (very) quick look at Pattern Review didn't bring up any reviews, but you might hunt a little harder than I did: http://sewing.patternreview.com/SewingMachine/Viking

That said, I *adore* the Viking Emerald 183 I bought in 2008 (but Lady Rebecca has the same machine she bought a few years later and has had some issues with it). I know Viking went through a couple of years with some quality control problems, and I don't know much about the newer crop. You might have the best luck looking at the newer reviews on PR, even for different models, just to see how the overall quality is looking.

There are many, many things I like about my particular machine, and about my experience with Viking in general. The feet &c can be expensive, but most machines seem to come with most of what you'd need anyway, and extras make nice birthday and Christmas gifts. One of the selling points for me was the ability for the machine to do functional eyelets--and I *have* used mine to do that, and it's great... but it's not always practical (hard to put eyelets in by machine on a fully-boned kirtle, for instance)... so in retrospect it wouldn't be a "make it or break it" feature for me.

I've also used my deco stitches for some garb--little touches on collars & cuffs, etc. They're not always as adjustable (size-wize) as I'd like, but they weren't why I bought the machine, so I consider them a bonus.

Good luck on your hunt! My Viking sm is seriously one of my most-satisfied purchases ever. Love it!

[Gauwyn of Bracknell]

I have read a few reviews and they were positive.  This machine I believe replaced the viking 855.  I was just hoping someone had some personal experience.  Thanks for your input.

Look forward to seeing you this fall for rendezvous (hopefully warmer than last year ).

[Kate XXXXXX]

I bought my Lily in 1999 and she's still going!  I love it to bits: so much that she's off the bench awaiting new feed dogs because the teeth have worn flat!

That said, they are no longer making them in Sweden, and if I was to replace her now, I'd be taking a long and careful look at the Juki machines.

[genyferbelle]

I have an inside scoop on Viking.

Viking is no longer owned by Husqvarna. And Viking now owns Singer.

Parts are back ordered for most models.Made over seas.

Neither brands of the machine use all metal parts any more.

If you will be sewing commercially, this is not the machine to use. They WILL void your warranty if they check the computer on board, and it tells them how many hours it has been run.

The original Rose was a good machine. Many of their machines still are, just not as hefty as they once were.Viking in general no longer lives up to the name of quality that they used to have.

Just a few thoughts. Long story short, I wouldn't completely disregard their machines.But if you do make a purchase, you should have all the info, and be prepared.