I suppose I should answer the "
What feet do you use?" question!
My husband gave me my first and only "Brand New, Latest and Greatest" sewing machine 10-12 years ago. It's a Bernina Activa PE (Patchwork Edition) 230. I love it. It was a slightly computerized version of the older 130 model. I did not know about "Vintage" machines at the time or I would have probably gone a different route. Still I LOVE and USE this machine to the max. She's my little jewel.
I do know the older 100 and 400 series, and the ones you mentioned, are more sturdy and very popular. It's like with the Singers; find a solid, Swiss built, mechanical work horse like yours and you won't be able to wear it out.
My 230 PE came with a free-standing accessory box that snaps on to the back of the machine for travel or storage. Some Bernina owners, like me,
love, it. Many do not. (I am willing to adopt one that need a loving home! LOL)
My 230 PE came with these feet...
1- Reverse pattern foot (the all-purpose, standard foot)
3A - Buttonhole foot with slide
4 - Zipper foot
5 - Blind Stitch foot with guide
9 - Darning foot
20 - Open embroidery foot
57 - Patchwork foot
I've used, and love, them all.
A few months after getting the 230PE I stumbled upon the Sale-of-All-Sales! I visited a quilt shop that was no longer stocking Berninas. They had a large table of feet and accessories marked down 90%. Yes! Ninety percent. Of course all the machines were gone, but I still hit the mother lode.
I knew just enough about the accessories at the time to know that I wanted every single item that would fit my machine. I walked away with not only about 15 new feet, but I also got a straight-stitch throat plate, several bobbins, a circular embroidery attachment, the large, 18x24, acrylic/Plexiglas (?) extension table, and a floor table that flips up to cover the free arm -all at the 90% discount. I wish every machine owner could stumble upon such a deal.
Now, I'm almost embarrassed to admit that I have 29 presser feet - stack them all up and they are nearly as large as the little Activa! LOL Well, I'm not
really embarrassed, 7 of them came with the machine and at least 15 were bought at 90% off.
I also have the three-lens magnifier set, two extra thread caps, and the Feetures 1 and 2 books that have helped me learn to use these feet.
Here is the folding table in both the up and down positions. I live in a small house; I have to be able to "put my toys away" at certain times.