Tttdoc

I have a Bernina 1090 and I love it! Total workhorse and I have never had a single problem in the 18 years I have owned it. The last time I took it in for its "annual exam" the owner of the shop (who sells Beninas) told me to never let anyone talk me into trading it in.

Veronica

I have Bernina 150, I paid $500 from a Guild member.
I love it.

Skyangel

I've had a 440QEE for 6 years and I love it. I am the second owner and it was only a year old at the time. I got a great price and a bunch of extras. It has never given me a moments trouble. Needle stop down and needle threader are two of my favorite features. The BSR works great too. My backup Bernina is a mechanical/electronic 910. A simpler sibling of the magnificent 930, it has no decorative stitches but otherwise the same Bernina performance and quality. Bernina introduced the needle up/down during the early 80s. My 910 does have it, once I got the correct foot control for it.

KarenR

I have a BErnina 630. It sews nice stitches but it is very heavy- and it was a 1964 model.

RedGarnet222

My first bernina machine was the record 830. I used that machine for many years without one problem with it. I did buy every foot available for it and used everyone of them at one time or another. Wonderful machine! I gave it to my sister when she asked for it. I had bought the artista 180 with an upgraded program that made it the 200. Then when my friend passed away, her daughter sold me her new auroa 440QEE with the stitch regulator and lots of extra feet for 2,000 dollars.

All of these machines are wonderful and each has features I like. THe 180 has a touch screen for the computer that is very handy and takes a little embroidery cartrage that fits into the front of the embroidery module. Whereas the aurora is an interaction between the lap top computer and the sewing machine. These are both great, but, I like the cartrages for the ease of use. I am not sure, but, there was some talk about the cartrages being fazed out. So, you would have to buy used or check at ebay for those. I bought all that I wanted and then got a majic box converter to make my own.

It is the programs that are in the machines that make the big difference in the computerized machines. Some are able to do more editing than others. There are upgrades available, but I am not sure if they are still offering them. You would have to check with your dealer (serviceman) to see what is available now. It is a bit limiting to buy the older embroidery bernina's. But, if you can find a source for your design programs, It shouldn't matter as far as the age of the machine.

I still miss my record 830 I had used that machine so many years I could make it do most anything I wanted to do on it. There was many built in embroideries that you could sew in a row which I liked.

Each machine takes different bobbins than the other, so be aware of that. The newer machines I have both can use the same feet.

I would make sure someone took good care of whichever machine you buy. I think that is the most important factor.

If you want any more info on any of the machines I own, just pm me.

Bernina's are great machines and I hope you find one you are able to pick up reasonably.

Patti25314

The Bernina 440 QEE should come with the BSR and the embroidery unit. Grab it. That's a deal!

purplefiend

I've had several older Berninas that are wonderful machines. 730,807 minimatic,930,1031,1130 and a Virtuosa 150. I still own the 930 and 1031, the others have all been sold to thin the herd. Only the 1130 and 150 are computerized, the others are mechanicals.
Sharon W.

1screech

You cannot go wrong with a Berina. I have a 200, a 160, 153, and a 930. I love them all but I think the 930 is my new favorite and it is the oldest.

craftyone27

I have a Virtuosa 155 that I purchased used for $1600 7 years ago. It is a great machine and I have been really pleased with its stitch quality. I hope you find the perfect Bernina to add to your collection.

jennb

I have a 1260 that is from around 1990 that I LOVE. I use it alot to do FMQ.