I have a Bernina 1230 and also a 180. I would have to see pictures of your applique to see what the problems you mention may look like. It may not be your machine that is the problem. It could be your foot, your needle, your thread, your tension, a combination of some of those. Before you buy a new machine, try different threads, tensions and needles. Also, do you have a stabilizer behind your background fabric?