I'm so sorry to hear about your Bernina motor problem. Did you get a second or third opinion possibly? Often times, a less than honest tech will just tell you something like that in hopes you will buy another machine from them.

You can check in with a wonderful and knowledgeable group of Bernina folks over at the Yahoo Group called BerninaThirtySomethings. I've been a member for years and have heard many a "dead" machine be brought back to life. It's worth a try if you like.

Best of luck,

My DH and a for sure honest tech went over the machine. That motor was really dead. The motor, without any installation was over $500, could only be bought thru a dealer (I tried). My "local" dealer became downright surly. That Bernina was the worst machine I ever bought. It was really good for a little over a year then nothing but trouble for the next 2. Janome is a better bet.

I have both the 37 and the 57. I bought the 37 first and used it for awhile. Then when my local shop had a sale I bought the 57. I love the 57. It has really helped me keep an accurate 1/4 inch seam.

I use my #57 foot and move my needle 1 tick to the right for a "scant" 1/4" seam. Works perfectly for me...

I do have the Bernina 57 foot and know that it is very exact.

does perfect 1/4 inch and all patches go together very well.

the #37 works even for going over seams. I did not like the
extra blade edge for going over seams.

I have both the 37 and the 57. I love the 57 for piecing. My machine came with the 37 and I bought the 57 extra.

Love the foot 57 wouldnt do seams with out it

Love my #37...will try the suggestion on the #20.

As I have a Bernina , I am curious as to which Bernina you had that was a disaster. I have never heard of anyone having that happen before. Did you buy it new? Cannot imagine why that motor went so bad. Sounds like a real lemon.