If you go www.patternreview.com there are reviews for different machines. Click on the tab for "Sewing Machines" then click on "Sewing Machine Search Wizard" there you can click on different options you are looking for in a machine and it will bring up review from other users. I found it really helpful. I wanted a 440QE but the budget wouldn't allow it. However DH did get me the 230PE and I love it. Before I got my Bernina I did look at the Pfaff Quilting Expression now that was a nice machine. Built in walking foot, lots of stitches and huge throat area for all those large quilts.

Hi....I just bought the Bernina 440 QE..with all the attachments embroidery is what sold me..I also bought the large plexi table attachment, the whole thing cost me , $ 3,700, they had $ 100. off for the month of Oct.. It also came with the software , so I can plug it into my computer, Its my first one that does all I want and more. This will be my first quilt , I always done quilting by hand. My grandmother showed me how to quilt , mostly on feather quilts , she was from Germany and thats what her mother showed her. I love to quilt and still will do some by hand..but this will make it easy on some . the store has free lessons for one year, also they gave me 10% off anything I buy from now on.I just Love it.. later I will get a long arm..
If you do get one , Good Luck and Happy Quilting

KandiKane ( Elaine )

I have the 430. It's quite a bit less than the 440 QE. Doesn't come with the stitch regulator, but you can add that later, as well as the embroidering stuff. It's a good machine, but I wonder if I would have been better off with a Viking- the throat is bigger in the Vikings. I spent $1800 on mine with the extension table and walking foot.

l have the Bernina aurora 440 quilters edition l also have
the embroidery attachment with it and l wouldn't do without it its a fantastic machine l also have a Bernina virtuosa 153 which l have had for a number of years nothing seems to ever go wrong with them l bought a Janome 9700 which is a sewing and embroidery machine but the Berninas are the best
Elsie Blight

I have a Bernina 440 QE and I LOVE it. I like the freedom to embroider, I can do cut work with it, I love the BSR for free motion quilting. It is an all around great machine. Well worth every $$ it cost.

I have the 440 and love it. That's what I use to do all my quilting - the BSR is great.

I had to save for quit a while before I could buy my 440QE- no regrets at all!

I have several friends that have that machine and love it. I do own one Bernina and 2 Janomes. I love my Janomes. Have you checked them out?

Just had to add my comments! I bought my first Bernina in 1960 (one week after I got married), have had two others in the meantime, and last year finally bought the 440QE and I couldn't be any happier with it! Being a sewing and quilting teacher, over the years I have seen many brands and models used by students and I would NEVER have anything but a Bernina. The BSR didn't immediately turn me into an expert free motion quilter but I am working on it! The store where I bought it gives annual service free for five years and it just had it's first check-up - the technician commented that although it was in perfect shape, he could tell I sew a lot! I was able to sell my 1030 model to a friend but kept the 830 (known as Bernina's workhorse) as a backup in the closet - haven't even had it out for over a year but I won't part with that one!

I was a quilt shop manager and sold Bernina sewing machines and when the 440QE came out with the stitch regulator every quilter wanted one. We never had a( 440) unhappy customer.I don't think you will be sorry.You get what you pay for.Ask when they plan a promotion for the 440. I gave one to my grandaughter I was so impressed with her ability to use the stitch regulator.
Good Luck
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