Bernina 530
 

A few weeks ago, I got a flier about Bernina's Merry Swiss-Mas sale. I LOVE my 13-year old 153QE, and have no interest at all in embroidery, so most of their machines over the last several years have not been enticing at all.

But the 530 that is on sale... Oh, my.

I've avoided the shop - Penn Yan Sewing, the best for sales or service - since the flier came out. Don't want to see it, don't want to see it, CAN'T see it! But yesterday I was running errands in that area (it's under a half hour away, and I needed to go to the bulk food store and quilt shop) that are near it. I also needed a very minor repair - clips on my stitch plate - so decided to stop to have them replaced.

And, and, and... I couldn't resist. I asked or a demo of the 530 and the 580. The difference is the number of stitches that the 580 has, plus it comes standard with the BSR, where that is an add-on for the 530. The BSR is what's getting me. It works so nicely!

The MSRP for the 530 is $3,049. Bernina's sale is for $1,999. PYS price is $1,899. The feet from my 153 fit it. Unfortunately, the Dream World insert I have for the 153 does not, so I would need to order a new one of those. Adding in the BSR, which I definitely would want, is another $600. So $2,059 plus the insert. That's a lot of money...

I love the machine and the BSR, but I love the one I have. Leroy no longer takes used machines for resale, and I would want to keep it as a back up anyhow.

I'm looking at retiring in 5 years or so; while I don't want to spend a lot of money foolishly, I also know that my income will go down and then won't be able to.

What to do, what to do??

My mom was in the same situation as you and she bought her Bernina and was never sorry she did. Just think when you retire you will have much more time for quilting. I would buy it and I would enjoy every minute sewing.

I am not current on the newer machine. Be sure to bargain for extras such as classes and service to see who will give you the better bargain. Just think of them as a car salesman!! Bring a husband if you have one who may be better at bargaining. I still am piecing on my Bernina 1530.

I just purchased the Bernina 710 when my 440 was perfectly fine. I felt very guilty doing that but I LOVE my 710 and do not regret buying it for one moment. Quilting is a passion and such a "giving" hobby...go for it...you're worth it!

I have a Bernina 830 but I do not like the BSR!! I do not think it is worth the money. I have done a lot of FMQing with the 830 and prefer to do it without the BSR. Just imput from a Bernina owner.

joanneg, your comment came at just the right time... I was asked today to consider making a raffle quilt for a student leadership group. I've donated a couple of others for worthy causes, and will have almost a year to get it done.

When the BSR came out, I purchased one for my Artista 200. I love it! My stitches are always perfect in size. I'm still learning FMQ but the BSR makes it easier for me.

BSR is something you either love or don't really like. I think it kind of depends on each individual. I learned to FMQ before the BSR and love to go really fast, the BSR is not as good going fast (my opinion) however my mom who never FMQ'd before absolutely loves it. One thing to keep in mind is you don't have to get the BSR right away. Follow your heart/gut something!!