I just picked up this oldie but goodie from my boss at my P/T job, where I sell Viking sewing machines. After about 3 months of watching the new machines embroider, plus learning the digitizing software, which makes video editing software and DVD authoring look like child's play, I finally broke down and bought one of these things. This model, the Orchidea/#1+ (no I'm not swearing here) was the first machine Viking home embroidery machines. Much like old washers, this thing is built like a tank. With more push buttons, bells, whistles and junk, I'm still trying to figure it out.
Keeping the World Sewing
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scott55405
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Very cool! I've alwas been amazed by this type of machine, and I know this is a one of, if not the most respectable brand of sewing machine.
Have they started using the "Viking" name again? It seems to me they had taken to calling them "Husqvarna", although that always did appear on the machine along with Viking.
Have they started using the "Viking" name again? It seems to me they had taken to calling them "Husqvarna", although that always did appear on the machine along with Viking.
Viking, Phaff and Bernina are sort of the top three machines. Then throw in Janome, Babylock and Brothers. I had my first Viking machine in 1980 and used it to do auto upholstery. Then figured if I could make a Packard seat, why couldn't I make a shirt, so I took a couple of sewing classes. When we talk to customers we use both names.
That's a beautiful machine, Mike! I saw a quilter's version of this at an estate sale not long ago.
The sewing machine industry has undergone some of the same changes and consolidations as the major appliance industry. Viking, White, Pfaff and others are all owned by Husqvarna now - a division of Electrolux A.B. of Sweden. A quick and quiet consolidation of brands happened a few years back when Electrolux aquired a couple more, effectively lock-stitching up the market. I think Janome is Japanese-owned company, I remember some connection to Husqvarna recently but I can't remember now what it was. They all make a very fine machine - Janome makes Sears Kenmore. Bernina is still independent but much of their machine is made in Asia now and many Bernina faithful pay big bucks for the Swiss-made machines that are getting rarer every year. I have a Bernina electronic from '92 (Swiss-made) that I bought at a sale last year and love it. My main machine has always been a Bernina but I've had several different models over the years.
Congrats on your purchase, you'll have to keep me posted on what you think of the Viking, maybe I'll have to give one a try!
The sewing machine industry has undergone some of the same changes and consolidations as the major appliance industry. Viking, White, Pfaff and others are all owned by Husqvarna now - a division of Electrolux A.B. of Sweden. A quick and quiet consolidation of brands happened a few years back when Electrolux aquired a couple more, effectively lock-stitching up the market. I think Janome is Japanese-owned company, I remember some connection to Husqvarna recently but I can't remember now what it was. They all make a very fine machine - Janome makes Sears Kenmore. Bernina is still independent but much of their machine is made in Asia now and many Bernina faithful pay big bucks for the Swiss-made machines that are getting rarer every year. I have a Bernina electronic from '92 (Swiss-made) that I bought at a sale last year and love it. My main machine has always been a Bernina but I've had several different models over the years.
Congrats on your purchase, you'll have to keep me posted on what you think of the Viking, maybe I'll have to give one a try!
veg-o-matic
Well-known member
Those embroidery machines are fascinating to watch. The first time I saw one in action, I was transfixed.
I don't own any o' them fancy European models. I'll stick with my Singers--Genie, Fashion Mate, and Futura II. They're all good enough for the kind of stuff I do.
veg
I don't own any o' them fancy European models. I'll stick with my Singers--Genie, Fashion Mate, and Futura II. They're all good enough for the kind of stuff I do.
veg
Embroidery machines are fun! Is that the same "Viking" that builds those huge pro-grade stainless steel gas ranges?
I'm sort of into vintage sewing machines...only have one though...the old Singer my mom got as a high school present, but I'm always out looking for more whenever I hit yard sales and stuff. I need to get a machine powerful enough to do auto upholstery work myself.
I've seen many people make good money with an embroidery machine by stitching up hats and T-shirts with company logos, and other stuff!
I'm sort of into vintage sewing machines...only have one though...the old Singer my mom got as a high school present, but I'm always out looking for more whenever I hit yard sales and stuff. I need to get a machine powerful enough to do auto upholstery work myself.
I've seen many people make good money with an embroidery machine by stitching up hats and T-shirts with company logos, and other stuff!
I have a Singer "Golden Touch 'n Sew" that is a standard sewing machine, but it has a bunch of specialty stitches. You change them by switching out a bunch of little plastic discs.
I'm not good at sewing, but I can do rod pocket drapes and the like.
I'm not good at sewing, but I can do rod pocket drapes and the like.
Janome used to be New Home and yes is Japanese made. We carry the Husky Star line that is made for Viking to its specs, but it's not Swedish made. They're a good entry level machine. I also have a 224 that is an electronic/mechanical hybrid.
For Steven, if you can find a "Madison," this is Viking's project machine. Just a rebadged Scandinavia 100, but the exact same machine. You should be able to get a new one for around $299.00. It will almost sew car fenders together!
I've had a couple of old Singers and they are great. However, like a lot of products, the name is there, but the quality now is a bit iffy.
For Steven, if you can find a "Madison," this is Viking's project machine. Just a rebadged Scandinavia 100, but the exact same machine. You should be able to get a new one for around $299.00. It will almost sew car fenders together!
I've had a couple of old Singers and they are great. However, like a lot of products, the name is there, but the quality now is a bit iffy.
Have two vintage sewing machines: one Pfaff 1222 (ok 1209, but almost the same), and a Elna Supermatic Plana.
Both are built like tanks and will last the duration. Use the Pfaff mainly for sewing and the Elna for embroidery, as it has lots of lovely stitches. For monograms, will do those "free hand", but have looked at the Viking and other sewing/embroidery machines, but really do not want another sewing machine even if it does emobroidery. May go with a Janome 350E or similar embroidery machine only.
Just picked up a MIB Elna "Amazing Trace", which allows one to do embroidery by free hand. Don't have time now to play, but maybe later.
L.
Both are built like tanks and will last the duration. Use the Pfaff mainly for sewing and the Elna for embroidery, as it has lots of lovely stitches. For monograms, will do those "free hand", but have looked at the Viking and other sewing/embroidery machines, but really do not want another sewing machine even if it does emobroidery. May go with a Janome 350E or similar embroidery machine only.
Just picked up a MIB Elna "Amazing Trace", which allows one to do embroidery by free hand. Don't have time now to play, but maybe later.
L.
A bit of "disambiguation" as they say on Wiki
Viking sewing machines-- Husqvarna, and have always been Husqvarna.
Viking commercial/commercial look appliances... Viking Stove Works, in Tennessee.
Canadian Viking---a brand like Kenmore, for the former Canadian department store chain Eatons.
(Because of this, Viking commercial look appliances are/have been sold as Ultraline in Canada.)
Hope this helps.
Lawrence/Maytagbear
Viking sewing machines-- Husqvarna, and have always been Husqvarna.
Viking commercial/commercial look appliances... Viking Stove Works, in Tennessee.
Canadian Viking---a brand like Kenmore, for the former Canadian department store chain Eatons.
(Because of this, Viking commercial look appliances are/have been sold as Ultraline in Canada.)
Hope this helps.
Lawrence/Maytagbear
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