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Old 06-25-2024, 05:00 AM
  #9  
peaceandjoy
Super Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: The Finger Lakes of upstate NY
Posts: 3,819
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My first Bernina, which is still my main machine, is a 153QE. As it is heavy, I have gone through a few lighter machines in search of the perfect one for sewing days/classes/retreats.

First, I tried Janome Jems. Gold, then Plantinum. Hated them, it was like sewing with a toy. They are very lightweight, though.

Next, I got a Featherweight. Yes, very light, but we never bonded. It was definitely better than the Janomes, but still not what I was looking for.

Reality is, I'd gotten used to my Bernina, and had several Bernina feet. I started looking at used machines in the 3/4 size. I got a 240 over 10 years ago; I found it in a local sales/buying group. It's been a good, smaller (and thus lighter) machine that still uses all of the feet I've accumulated.

We have a winter home, and last winter, I left my 240 there. Then, I found a 350 (another 3/4 sized machine) in the local FB marketplace. It was a great price an included the wheeled carrying case. I like it better than the 240.

Just a matter of being patient to find a good deal. The 350, with the Bernina wheeled case, was $600 - so a good bargain. I did end up buying the tap foot pedal, as I found I really missed that.

The 3/4 size machines have all of the features I want and need, and use the Bernina feet I have. For general sewing or piecing, the work great for me.
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