Find out all you can about both machines. Write a list of the things you cannot do without in a machine and those you do not need. Then compare your lists with what the machine will do. Of course price would be the first consideration, there's no point in doing the exercise above for one that just unaffordable to you. Have fun with your investigating and I trust you will make the right choice for yourself.
I have the Janome 11000 upgraded to V2 so I know which one I would say. But then we should all be able to say our machine is the one to have, shouldn't we?

Kind regards jjjj

maleah, you already own a Viking - why would you change brands?

Maleah, take a look up on the blue bar at the top of the page, "Reviews", there are different machine reviews there. Also, as others have said, what do you really need? Do you need a machine that does straight sewing as well as embroidery? Personally, I have Janomes, but I have an embroidery only and a sewing only machine, so I can work on both at one time if I care to, like piecing a quilt while a FSL is sewing out. Also, why are you thinking of upgrading? Larger sewing field? That might be nice to have, surely, if you only have a 4x4. It would help to know what you are looking to accomplish with an upgrade. Sometimes it's a good idea, but sometimes I think personally it's paying for a lot of bells and whistles that you really don't need, and are not going to help your embroidery out any, just sounds good when the salesperson talks about it. Give us a little more info about what you're looking to do, maybe we can give you better advice. Love to help people shop, hee hee hee! Hugs, Marji

From one Viking owner to another...
Keep your Rose to sew on, and as a back-up embroidery machine and then buy your next one. You wouldn't have to do the Diamond...just maybe step up into a Designer 1...maybe a good used one from your dealer. When you figure out what you would get from your Rose, you will probably find it won't be much...so why not just KEEP it and sew on it! I did this with my last purchase...was going to sell my #1 Plus, then decided not to...was so glad I did. Now, both machines (plus Vikings top Serger) sit, ready to go!!

I have a HV SE / for embroidering. I had bought a Janome 6600 first (for regular sewing) ... really like both of them. Soooooo make sure which ever machine you buy you get GREAT support from the DEALER. That is the best advice I can give. Let us know.

I have a Viking SE and Diamond. Love them both. However, they are going to be phasing out the SE & D1, I have been told. I'd keep my Rose too if I were you. Especially if it's working well. I have both machines set up and while the Diamond is doing the embroidery the SE can not do, I am doing regular sewing on the SE so I can be close by in case the machine yells for me! However, if your Viking dealer doesn't give good support, I'd go with the one that does! Sometimes the support is just as important as the machine!

I would suggest you go see some good demonstrations of each. Everyone has made some good comments here. I also own a Viking SE. If you stay with Viking I would suggest skipping the Designer 1 and go for either the SE or Diamond. They connect directly to your computer and it is so much easier to access designs than dealing with the cards and the other processes of the designer 1. Good luck!
PS- I too would keep the rose. It is a great machine and you won't get much for it in trade.

I own 2 SE, and the dealership is trying to get me to upgrade one of them to the Diamond. Right now, until the 31st the are offering "cash for clunkers", and while it is tempting, I can not make up my mind. If you are familiar with the Viking, that may be your choice, but service is the key to any machine. I owned the Designer 1 prior to the SE. It is all about what you are going to do. But, I know that you would not get much for the Rose, as this is no longer manufactured. My friend went to trade her D1 in and was only offered $800 for it. She kept it, and decided to get one of the newer models. Good luck, and hope you get a fantastic deal.

Good responses already. I have a Viking Diamond and totally love it. It does sooooo much all on its own. Also has really big and little hoops for any project. Also I have a great dealer with great support and classes (many free). I have an OLD Viking model 6030 with cams that I can use for general sewing if I'm embroidering. It still sews beautifully. Only bad thing is I have to oil it periodically. You do not oil the Diamond. Take them in for checkups every year or so - mostly cleaning. I would not have any other brand, but that may not be fair as the only other ones I've had are Singer (58 yeats ago). It worked well, but my Mother had Kenmore and Singer and had problems with both. I gave her a White just for sewing and have since passed it on to my daughter. Still runs like new and it is over 10 years old. Do believe most name brands are good and reliable especially if you have a good dealer.

You've got great answers meleah so let us know what u do. *

Marilyn said it all!!!
"Diamonds are a girl's best friend..."
Hugs n roses, Meganne

Hi Maleah,

I had a Quilt Designer 11 which I gave to my younger daughter when I bought the Designer 1. I also still have my original Husqvarna sewing machine (which is maroon/burgundy in colour). I also got a wonderful Husqvarna overlocker (I think you call them sergers overseas)as I gave my daughter the one I had.

I wouldn't have any other machine - I love them. As other people have asked - what are you mainly wanting to do? Check out all the options available on both machines.

Love and blessings Chris