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Consumer Tips and Award Winning Service
Read on for tips about
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We are
proud to service all makes and models of sewing machines and sergers.
Our on-site service technicians boast over
30 years of experience, and have top level certification by
Husqvarna Viking, Bernina, Singer and White, as well as extensive training
in other makes and models.
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We have "On
The Spot" FREE estimates,
with an average 3-4 day turn-around for service and repair.
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Express and
Emergency Service is available for an additional fee.
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Our service is
also GUARANTEED for 90 days.
To maintain the highest level of
performance, your machine will benefit from an annual check-up that
includes the following vital components:
- Cleaning and oiling of internal machine parts
- Fine tuning the mechanical and electronic
components of the machine
- Performing preventative maintenance
- Performing factory updates and safety checks
- Using only factory authorized parts and
materials when needed
- Free Estimates - All Brands
Is there a
difference between the quilting fabric
at a chain store and one at a quilt shop? |
You bet! Not all fabric is created
equal. Fabric is made from various qualities of greigh (gray) goods,
which refers to fabric in the unfinished, raw state. Construction,
thread count, design, color, and finish all impact the quality of
the fabrics. When you see the same print in a chain store for a
lower price than in a quilt shop, even though it looks the same,
beware- the quality of greigh goods may be different. Lower quality
fabric with lower thread count, no matter what it looks like
initially, will not hold up or last as long as fabric of higher
quality. Lower quality fabric may not be soft, even after multiple
washings. Colors may run or fabric may shrink excessively or
unevenly, pill up and fade. If you want your projects to last, use
high quality, 100% cotton quilting fabrics that have a consistent
and balanced weave.
Your time and talent is worth it! |
Fabric Room |
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Buying Tips -- What Machine
Should You Choose?
Need to buy a sewing machine?
Here is a guide to help you make the right decision.
The most important decision any sewer makes
is which machine to buy.
Below are some tips to help you choose the right sewing
machine for your needs.
What kind of sewing do you do?
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Utilitarian- Your
needs are strictly basic sewing and mending.
A
basic, no frills model might be your best option.
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Moderate- You like
to create home furnishings, sew fashions, basic
quilting, and crafting. A mid-line model should be your
answer.
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Creative- You love
to experiment with the latest capabilities, from
computerized embroidery to exact buttonholes. A mid to
top of the line sewing machine will maximize your
potential.
Identify
And Differentiate Machine Types:
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Mechanical: This
machine type functions via cam and lever initiated
movements, driven by a single motor. Stitch tension,
width and length adjustments are made manually.
Electronic: Still using one motor, some the the machines
mechanical features are replaced with electronics to
improve precision and control.
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Computerized:
Electronic motors, synchronized by a computer, allow
sequencing of steps, wider stitch and multicolor
options, a variety of buttonholes, large scale
decorative stitches and embroidery options.
Come in for a test drive.
Always test sew a prospective sewing machine model. Sit down
and try before you buy to assure the machine you buy will
meet your needs.
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Fabrics: Test sew on a
variety of fabrics-woven (sheer to heavyweights); knits
(stretchy to stable); leather and vinyls; and silks.
Another practical test is darning and hemming jeans.
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Feet and attachments:
Experiment with different styles of feet and
attachments;
gauge their practicality and usefulness
to your sewing profile.
Stitches: Try different
stitches, varying length and width. Test the effect of
speed on stitches.
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Threads: Use decorative
as well as utilitarian threads. Slippery rayons and
metallic threads will test any machine.
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Maintenance: Some
machines need oiling and others are virtually
maintenance free.
Learn the differences before you
buy.
What do I do if I need help
with learning to use my machine or I’m having sewing machine
problems?
A good dealer will offer
these services and more.
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Our on-site full time
service technicians can give on the spot advice; trouble
shooting and parts; needles, feet and notions, classes,
clubs and reference materials; upgrade options, and
trade-ins.
We at Viking Sewing Center have that
reputation and are committed to being your dealer. Our techs
have the highest recognition and certification for sewing
machine repairs.
Our sales and service staff attend yearly conferences
and seminars.
We are committed to providing
our customers with the quality products, education, and
service they deserve.
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Ask the Tech
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How often should I change my needle?
A needle should be changed every 4-6 hours of sewing.
The needle is the most inexpensive part in your sewing machine but
is one of the most crucial for getting good results and keeping your
machine running well. Don't scrimp on needles - this will keep you
from doing what is best for your sewing projects and your machine.
Remember to always use the correct needle for your project. The type
of fabrics and thread will determine the the appropriate size and
type of needle you may need. If you need help, please ask one of our
qualified sales staff. If you have a question for our tech, please
email us at vikingsewing@vikingsewing.com
Please put "ask the tech" in the subject line. We will either post
the answer on our website: www.vikingsewing.com or reply in our
newsletter. |
Sewing
Machine Needles
Along with thread, needles are very important to stitch formation.
Many “mechanical” problems and damage to fabrics can be traced to a
bent, damaged, or incorrect size or type of needle. When selecting
the correct needle for any project, consider the point - to
assure proper stitch formation and avoid fabric
damage; and size - smaller for lightweight fabrics, larger for
heavier fabrics.
Your needle should be changed every 4-6 hours of sewing. The needle
is the most inexpensive part in your sewing
machine but is one of the most crucial for getting good results.
European needles are chrome-plated to glide in and out of fabric
easily. Your thread should fit in the groove on the front of the
needle. It if isn’t protected by the groove, a needles with a
larger groove/eye should be used. Always make sure
your needles are fully inserted as high as possible with the flat
side to the back. |
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We carry fine
European needles: Schmetz, Klasse and Bernina. We also have a great
new needle and thread selection guide, The Needle Genius and for
your convenience, a compact caddy for machine needles called Needle
Pack. |
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What
Kind of Thread Should I Use?
Can I use the thread that is 3 spools for a dollar? Is there a
difference in quality of thread among various brands?
When you are having problems with your sewing machine, a good
technician will first ask you if you've changed your needle
recently. The next question is often, are you using a good quality
thread? Any reputable sewing machine dealer will tell you to use
only high quality thread. Why does it make a difference?
As thread is guided through the sewing machine, it passes through
many eye openings and tension disks. All the places that the thread
travels have a purpose in maintaining the tension and stitch
quality. If you're not purchasing quality thread, you may be
damaging the disks. Eventually you could have problems with the
machine maintaining an even tension as you sew.
 Poor quality thread or the wrong
type of thread can cause poor stitches on any machine. Thread passes
through the eye of the needle approximately 16 times in a "see saw"
action before it forms a single stitch. Poor quality thread can
result in crooked or looped stitches, puckered seams, frayed or
broken thread, and/or needle breakage. Hold up some cotton piecing
thread to the light and examine a few yards of it. If the thread is
very fuzzy or has "slubs" which are clumps of excess lint spun into
the thread, it is not a high quality thread. The amount of fuzz will
affect the quality of your seam.
The quality of thread is determined by the staple length, or the
length of the fibers that are twisted together. Look for long staple
or extra long staple thread. Ply, roll and twist can also affect
your stitch quality. If you run your finger along a strand of
thread, it should be smooth. You will be much happier using the
highest grade cotton. Although it costs more, it is well worth it.
An extra long staple cotton will have very low lint and will be a
much stronger thread. This means a cleaner sewing machine and less
breakage, frustration, and down time.
Be wary of old spools of thread recovered from grandma's sewing box.
The fibers may be so weak and brittle that even if it sews into a
seam, it may not hold together. Keep it as a treasure, not a supply!
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Color Inspiration
A guide for helping you plan your next quilt |
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The type of light
under which color is viewed will make a tremendous difference in how
we perceive a particular hue. Direct sunlight is considered the
ideal light source. Natural sunlight maintains a neutral balance
between the warm and the cool color casts. Indirect sunlight is not
as consistent and will change from sunrise to dusk. Artificial light
can cause colors to appear warmer under incandescent and halogen
lights and cooler under fluorescent lights. When you select fabric
in our fabric room, you can be assured that the lights we have are
the most natural lights available for true color.
When learning about color, it is important to learn the language
of color. Some frequently used terms regarding color include:
Hue - this is another name for color. It refers to the color family
such as red, blue, or yellow. Shade - this refers to a color or hue
that is mixed with black or gray. Tint - this is a color or hue that
is mixed with white. Value - this refers to the relative lightness
or darkness of a color.
Temperature, intensity, and undertones also have an impact on how
we see color. Generally, reds, yellow and oranges are warm
colors; while blues, greens, and violets are cool colors. Intensity
refers to the color's purity or brightness. The purer or less gray a
color, the more intensity it has. Bright yellow and fire engine red
are high intensity colors while lavender and peach are low intensity
colors. Intense colors can add energy to your quilt and low
intensity can give a quilt a calming effect. Undertones are the
underlying color in a hue. With the exception of primary colors, all
other colors are a mix of colors. There are no undertones in a
primary red because it is a pure color, but the color berry is the
color red with blue undertones. Being able to discern undertones
will help in putting colors together when planning a quilt.
Color wheels and color tools are invaluable when planning a
quilt. Although there are many different color wheels available,
we love the "3 in 1 Color Tool" by Joen Wolfrom. It contains a
wonderful color guide, value finder and fabric preview window.
Please let us know if we can help you plan your next quilt. We
have hundreds of years of combined experience behind us and would be
happy to assist you in any way.
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Bernina
At-A-Glance Reference Guide
Click here to download a great reference guide for
Bernina Presser Feet, Attachments and Accessories.
Bernina Ranks Among the Best!
For the first time in 10 years,
Consumer Reports reviewed
sewing machines in its March 2009 issue. Bernina was top in two
categories - the Electronic and
Embroidery/Sewing categories.
If you'd like to see a copy of the article, we have one for your review
or buy a copy of the March 2009 issue of
Consumer Reports
to see the whole story.
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