pumpkinpatchquilter

I have come here several times sharing that I've been looking to either upgrade my APQS Ultimate 1 and asked your advice with wonderful response - thank you! I toyed with the idea of switching over to a Handi Quilter Fusion as I think they are great machines with lots of extras to buy (a bonus to me) and great education available...as well as service. Ultimately I was sold by the APQS service and powerful motor and I resigned to upgrade my older machine to a Lucey.

But then - I recently heard about the new Bernina Q 24 long arm that is coming out any time now and debuted in Houston...and now I'm in love!!! Has anyone seen or tried this machine? More importantly - any idea what the price point will be?

I am really really in love from what I've seen. Things I like are:

- Needle plate pops off like regular Bernina machines for easy cleaning/repair access
- You can use your standard domestic sewing machine needles
- Adjustable handles (something I adore about my APQS that I haven't found another brand to rival - until the Bernina popped up!)
- Interchangeable feet (APQS now has these as well now so this is where price point will definitely factor in for me)
- Programmable handles (that's amazing!)
- Bobbin winder on the machine (it seems a lot of long arms are moving away from this - I'm glad Bernina has included it! I still wind all my own bobbins!)

I think the biggest factor for me at this point is - How Much is this going to cost?? Bernina's are quality machines so I'm expecting a hefty price tag.

Just curious if anyone else has heard about these, tried them - thoughts?