Bernina 530
A few weeks ago, I got a flier about Bernina's Merry Swiss-Mas sale. I LOVE my 13-year old 153QE, and have no interest at all in embroidery, so most of their machines over the last several years have not been enticing at all.
But the 530 that is on sale... Oh, my.
I've avoided the shop - Penn Yan Sewing, the best for sales or service - since the flier came out. Don't want to see it, don't want to see it, CAN'T see it! But yesterday I was running errands in that area (it's under a half hour away, and I needed to go to the bulk food store and quilt shop) that are near it. I also needed a very minor repair - clips on my stitch plate - so decided to stop to have them replaced.
And, and, and... I couldn't resist. I asked or a demo of the 530 and the 580. The difference is the number of stitches that the 580 has, plus it comes standard with the BSR, where that is an add-on for the 530. The BSR is what's getting me. It works so nicely!
The MSRP for the 530 is $3,049. Bernina's sale is for $1,999. PYS price is $1,899. The feet from my 153 fit it. Unfortunately, the Dream World insert I have for the 153 does not, so I would need to order a new one of those. Adding in the BSR, which I definitely would want, is another $600. So $2,059 plus the insert. That's a lot of money...
I love the machine and the BSR, but I love the one I have. Leroy no longer takes used machines for resale, and I would want to keep it as a back up anyhow.
I'm looking at retiring in 5 years or so; while I don't want to spend a lot of money foolishly, I also know that my income will go down and then won't be able to.
What to do, what to do??