sewingpup

I agree with that there were some quirks in some of the new machines. For me it was that 570 when it first came out. The Red Machine (215) which I bought a few years ago, was simple to use right out of the box with very little reading of the manual and it has never had a problem. The 590 I got to replace the 570 has actually also been problem free and I have done some piecing, free motion, BSR, ruler work, and embroidery on it. And I have felt the stitching is beautiful. Now, I did have to refer to the manual regarding some of the set up to do those things. And there was a bit of a learning curve as the machine really does tell you if you have not done some of the steps and that new larger bobbin does have a bit of a learning curve to place it properly back into the machine. However, I absolutely love the stitch quality and also how long that bobbin lasts. The 590 is not for someone who just wants to piece or just sews occasionally. The 475 is in the middle of these two. It was fairly easy to learn to use, I love the 5.5 mm feed dogs for piecing, and it is now in my sewing cabinet as I really do more piecing and quilting than anything else. All in all, I really am satisfied with these three Bernina machines, and I can honestly say, I am liking them better than my new Viking Topaz 40 which I am giving to my SIL as I really don't need 4 machines. I have stitch a bit on Janome's and to be honest, they have a different feel to them and I don't particularly care for them, but that is me.