Hi.
I am a Bernina person all of the way. I have two sewing machines a 1260 and a 1530. I also have a Bernina serger and a Deco 650 which is an embroidery machine. Both of my sewing machines are the older models from the 90's. I bought the first one the 1260, when I worked for a dealer and used the machines everyday in the shop. I got a wonderful discount on it but it still cost me $1800. I purchased the 1530 from another dealer it was a trade in. I got it for $450 which was at least 1/4 of it's original price. My Deco 650 was a great deal when they came out with a new model. They even gave me a decent trade in on my previous model a Deco 500. I recently traded in my serger for a newer model when I broke one of the loopers. For a couple of hundred more than the repairs would have cost me I got a better machine that is easier to thread. I use all of my machines on a regular basis. I also own a Singer featherweight that I picked up for a song at a yard sale. I have been sewing, serging, emboridering or quilting at least three days a week for the last 40 years or so. I love my Berninas. I have been lucky enough to be able to afford good machines. I learned to sew on a Singer featherweight that my mother purchased in 1936. My parents gave me a sewing machine as a gift when I graduated from high school. I purchased a little free arm Kenmore when I had my daughter. It served me well for at least 15 years. Over the years I have made everything from seat cushions to prom and bridesmaid dresses. My favorite thing is quilting. I am leaving on a 4 day quilt retreat thursday. I need to get going and get my stuff together. Good luck getting a machine.