Overwelmed...looking at new machines...help from Bernina owners, please!
05-02-2014, 02:02 PM
#33
Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Middle Tennessee
Posts: 4
First let met say....keep your 910. I am a Bernina Girl. I have a 1090, 440QE and an 830. I love them all for different reasons. My 1090 is a work horse. I have embroidery modules for the other 2. I love to embroider on the 440 and LOVE to quilt and piece quilts on my 830. The 830 does have the larger throat for quilting which is great and just sews like a dream. And really is better for embroidery because of all the features, but I just love sewing with it. BUT....with that said, I do have more issues with the 830 than the others. More computer stuff, sensors and seems like every time I take it for service and updates something new goes wrong. I get all my machines cleaned yearly and the other two don't have many issues. My 830 is back at the dealer for the second time this month. New issues from the first time. I just feel the more bells and whistles the more problems. I thinks if you don't think you will used all that an 830 has to offer than the 5 or 6 series or the 440 with embroidery capabilities is better. Just my thoughts......
Originally Posted by roselady
I really never thought this day would come....for my birthday, Oct. 22, my DH suggested that I look for a new machine. I now have a 25 year old Bernina 910, that I love, love, love, but if you have sewn for very long you will know that it does nothing like most of the newer machines do. For a couple of years now I have read all the posts here about all the different machines, I have gone to patternreview.com and I thought I knew what my "dream" machine was, until now, when I really might get one! I went to the Bernina dealer today and I am totally confused. These machines do so much that I am so totally unfamilar with, I don't know if some of the features are something I will want or not, and I don't think I will know until I take the classes(offered after purchase). I don't think I am interested in embroidery, but some advise that I get a machine that it could be added later in case I change my mind. I looked at the 440, 450, 600 series(3 models), 730, and 820 and the new 550 and 580. Some do one thing and not another but the next machine is the opposite, yikes! Since I do love my old Bernina, that is where I started, but I did think(because of the price) that I would look at all the good brands before deciding, but if each brand is this confusing, it will take me a year to decide on a machine!! I guess my first question for any of you that own a Bernina less than the 820-830 is- do you regret not getting a machine with a larger throat space? Since several of the models come with the BSR for machine quilting, I wonder if many people really do much quilting on the machines with the smaller throats. Any advise will be so appreciated!
05-03-2014, 04:32 AM
#35
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Location: NY
Posts: 10,590
As you have no intention of getting rid of your 910 and she is still going strong, maybe instead of another sewing machine that does fancy stitches you may want to consider looking at a longarm setup. The cost is comparable to the high end Berninas. I also have the 150QE and she is over 10 YO now and I dread the day she gives up. But I invested in a LA 3 years ago and love it.
05-03-2014, 04:48 AM
#36
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Vermont, USA
Posts: 1,346
I'm a Janome girl and love my 15 year old Memory Craft 9000. Among the reasons I chose it over others was that it is VERY quiet. I sew in the living room and hubby, who helped me choose and paid for it with money he inherited when his mom died, really preferred it so we can watch TV as I sew. I got the embroidery model and really don't use it all that much. Recently, at a guild workshop, I found myself listening to the various machines people had while we all sewed, and sure enough, the one that had a low, not unpleasant tone was another Janome. Their machines are solid, reliable, quiet, and have that easy to handle drop-in bobbin. Mine has a clear cover so you can see how the bobbin is doing, and it also has a low bobbin sensor. It also was half price because they were discontinuing the model, so we got a really good deal. Do consider whether there is a good dealer who services your brand close enough to get to. Lots to consider.
05-03-2014, 04:57 AM
#37
Power Poster
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Southern California
Posts: 19,131
I LOVE my old Bernina 1530. I would be in your shoes if I ever need to upgrade. My backup is from the same series so they share feet. Yes, I would like that automatic thread cutter but I quilted my avatar quilt on my Bernina and never needed a wider throat. What makes machine quilting easier is support for a quilt. Good Luck. I HOPE that I never have to make this type of decision.
05-03-2014, 09:42 AM
#38
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Clinton, OK
Posts: 1,736
Definitely keep your old machine! My DH gave me the 750QE last year for my birthday. I, too, am not particularly interested in the embroidery add-on... but that could change if my children decide to give me grandchildren!! I love my 750QE... large throat space, the BSR really works, too!!! And the dealer in OKC gives as many mastery classes as you need! very helpful. I kept my old 850 Record (the mechanical 830) and love it, but this new machine is pretty nifty!!!
05-03-2014, 10:05 AM
#39
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Mission Viejo, CA
Posts: 832
I bought my new Bernina 750QE last October, prior to that I owned a Elna SU for 38 years, and a Pfaff serger for 20 years. When my Elna needed an overhaul, I was just thinking about looking into quilting as a new hobby. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new Bernina 750QE the larger throat, BSR, walking foot, and larger bobbin are absolutely wonderful. The seam binding attachment and foot does a great job and is easy to use! I compare having the larger throat to a good location when buying a house, it's a fundamental decision that makes a big difference. I have not regretted my decision to spend extra money to get it.
05-03-2014, 10:05 AM
#40
Super Member
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 7,741
Definitely keep your 930. I still sew with my '70s Bernina 830. I added a Bernina Artista 200E about 4 years ago which I bought used. I spent a lot of $$ taking embroidery classes and 4 years later the features I love the best are a. needle up/down choice b. automatic threader. It FMQs nicely but so does my old 830 model. What a nice birthday present your DH gave you. Do take your time though.
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