Viking Lily 540

It’s time to give the Viking Lily a moment in the sun. She still seems like a new machine to me. Modern in the sense that she has electronics. But still over 25 years old at this point. I bought her used, but she was still fairly new. It was the most I had ever spent on a sewing machine.

She did not disappoint.

One of the main reasons for the purchase was my more serious foray into quilting. The Viking Lily has the all-important 1/4 seam setting that seemed like a must-have at the time. I have used a few of the other stitches, but I am no machine embroiderer. (Yet?) She has finished many quilts and other projects.

I recently had a problem with the even-feed foot slipping off when I tried to quilt with it. I was convinced I’d worn out the foot. (Hey, it happens!) But I tried the foot on the Kenmore 6, and it worked perfectly. (They are both low shank machines.) It turns out that I wore out the needle clamp screw that the even feed foot rides on. I replaced it, and all is well.

If you look at these machines used, be aware that the electronics are the weak point. Do you still have electronics from 25 years ago? I have a Viking Rose with a bad board. Sadly, I currently lack the skills to fix it. Someday, I hope.