I’m new & have a question
 

I have been sewing on a Bernina 931 which I bought new in 1986. I have made clothes all sorts of crafts and now have gotten into quilting. I am looking at a Bernina 770QE and a Janome 6700P. I LOVE my Bernina and will never get rid of it. I have researched everything about the two machines. I have no intention on purchasing a machine that does embroidery as I have no interest in it. I am going to “test drive” the Bernina’s tomorrow and then on Friday will “test drive” the Janome’s. I’m sure I will look at other models by both companies. My question is has anyone been fortunate to be in the same dilemma with regards to which machine to go with? I have searched all the pro’s and con’s and all say “if you can afford to” buy the Bernina! In 1986 I saved and saved to purchase my $1000 sewing machine. Fortunately I am in a financial position to be able to afford the Bernina but that doesn’t mean it’s the machine for me. Your thoughts.........

Welcome from South Louisiana. I don't have either of the machines so have no advice for you. Some of the newer machines have an even feed foot that seems to be very helpful with piecing. I was considering a Pfaff for awhile, just because of that function, but then I realized I did not want to learn a new machine so stuck to the ones I already had.

I almost bought a Janome a few years ago and neither the saleslady or I could figure out how to work the almost automatic threading device. I ended up with a Brother because it would thread the needle itself. As I have gotten older, I have appreciated that function more and more.

The good thing about the Bernina is that the feet and bobbins you already have will probably be interchangeable. I would check that out.

Unfortunately I don’t believe my Bernina feet will fit the new machines. I purchased a walking foot about 4 years ago and it was pricey $200. All the computerized machines make me a bit nervous but since retirement, 2 years ago, I added an addition to my home and it is my sewing room. After 24 years with my machine I’m excited to explore to see what is available. Thank you for your reply from Southeast Florida!

See what you might get "in addition to" what you already have.

And do you think it you might use the "extras"?

In 2000 I took a second job to buy a new machine. I spent $1000 on a Janome. That darn machine was a lemon and was in for repair more than being at my house. On the last repair, I traded it in on a Pfaff. That was the best decision I ever made. What a workhorse and I still do all my quilting on it. I love the heavyweight of the machine, reminds me of my 1973 Singer. It does have the dual feed which I always use except when machine applique. Just my 2 cents worth!

I would try them both out. I'm very pro-Bernina so it wouldn't even be a decision for me. My 25 year old Artista 180 is still my go to machine when I have to do anything tricky.

Go and try them both out and see which one "feels" the best.

Thank you. I have done that and even taken measurements of my machine to see what increase in work space I can get. And you are so correct about the support from the shop. The Janome dealer I know very well. Bernina folks can be a bit, well you know lol, so I’m hoping they aren’t to pushy.

Thank you. I KNOW my Bernina and it has been a work horse. I’m a bit nervous about the Janome although some people love them. The same gentleman that services the Bernina’s services the Janome’s a the other shop. I would LOVE to pick his brain but I don’t believe either shop will give me his contact. I have a feeling he will tell me to go with Bernina because he also worked for them.

I am also a pro-Bernina but am trying to keep an open mind. The “feel” of the machine will definitely be the deciding factor.

Welcome to the board from south Texas.https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/smile.png I've had the same Bernina 830 Record for 40 years. Only had to oil and clean it occasionally. I, too, want something next level, but those big machines are soooo intimidating. Let us know what you discover.

Welcome from Michigan!:)

Thank you
 

As I sit outside the Bernina dealer I am a bit nervous but excited. I love my machine but it’s beginning to feel a bit clunky. I’ve wanted to try new machines for a long time.
I will let you all know how it goes. Thanks to everyone for your helpful tips!

Welcome to the boards! I have a Bernina 770 QE Tula Pink and I love it! The old style feet won't fit the 770QE, but it won't fit a Janome either. The advantage to the 770QE is that you can add the embroidery if you want to. Also, Bernina support is too notch. Good luck with your decision.

a warm welcome from Ky.

The feet from your "old" 931 probably will not fit the new Berninas.

Hello and welcome. I was given a (modern) Bernina 820 after two die hard Bernina fans decided they didn't like the machine. The modern 820/830 were not well received and it was a big confusing mistake to label them with the same model name.

They are both now sewing on 770s and are very happy. All is well in Bernina land. There is a lot to like about a machine like that.

Hello and welcome.

Let us know how your demo goes with the machine. How nice to have a designated sewing room for your hobby.

Wow
 

Wow I have no words! Just spent 2 hours on the Bernina 770QE. What an amazing machine! The quilt shop was also “throwing in” a walking foot, roller bag & lucite side table.
I’m still going to look at the Janome’s on Friday but can’t imagine they can compare. Even the warranty on the Bernina is great and my first service at one year is free ($119)
the machine makes sewing a dream compared to my Bernina 931 but still gives you all the hands on that I’m use to.
Until Friday and my decision...

I am also in sunny Florida lol - the demo with the Bernina left me with “WOW”. I check out the Janome’s on Friday but after seeing what I saw today I don’t know if they will be able to match it.

Why are you looking for a new machine?

I was in a similar situation when I decided to quilt rather than sew and thought I should get a different machine. I realized that I was perfectly happy with my old machine and really didn't need to replace it. Ten years later, I am still using my old machine. Some day, I will need a different machine but until then I have been saving my money.