I put a deposit down on a new sewing machine today. I was planning on getting the 440 QE but the Artista 630 was a better deal with more features and it included the BSR (stitch regulator). I'm not planning on getting the embroidery stuff as it was an extra $1000 and that's not really what I wanted right now.

Does anyone have this machine? Do you like it? I liked that you could use a USB for adding embroidery designs rather than hooking the computer up to the 440QE. It has a better screen and many more stitches. Did I make a good choice?

I had ordered a book that helps you figure out what sewing machine to purchase and how to test drive a machine. The book never arrived although I did find an article that listed some things to do. But by the time I finally found some time to go over to the store, I had forgotten all of what I was supposed to do!!! So I just had the sales woman do her thing. Both machines are so far more advanced than my little Viking Romeo that I wouldn't really be able to test machines without lots of time spent practicing. I guess I'll just do that at home once I fininsh paying for it and bring it home.

Please tell me I didn't make a rash decision! I'm eager to pick it up and try it out.

~Monica

Congratulations on getting your new machine!!!!!

I don't have the 630 but I do have the 440 with the BSR. The BSR really works great. However I don't have the self confidence yet to do a quilt. Still practicing :roll: :roll:

And I don't think it was a bad rash decision....

I have the Artista 630 and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE "her"! :)

It is an absolutely wonderful machine. The Artista 630 is like my sewing buddy! It does whatever I want, and seems to help me out in the process. I would have a very hard time ever letting it go for even that 830 they have now! I learned to quilt with total ease with the BSR which I enjoy.

I think that you made an excellent choice. I'm excited for you!
When does your new baby come home?

I have the Artista 630e also. I love my machine. However I bought my machine used on e-bay(I've had it 2 years almost and it had almost no time on the sewing and no time at all on the EM unit) so the software I got with it for the embroidery is outdated and I have not learned how to use it yet and cause it's outdated, there are no classes offered at my LQS (which sells Bernina's) in that software. ( It came with the Editor 4 lite) I have done a little embroidery but mostly what's already on the machine and then (slowly) imputing the information for labels directly on the machine. I need to learn how to use the software and be able to manipulate stuff and then I can use my USB stick I bought for my machine.

I love having all the stitches, and the needle down, and I have used the BSR foot a couple times on quilts, plan to use it a lot more. I hope you really enjoy your machine and take the classes on learning the software before it becomes outdated!!!

Congrats! You'll love it! I have the 640 with the emb and love mine. I use mine almost daily and quilt on it all the time.

I wasn't planning on getting the software with it. Are you suggesting that I should go ahead and buy it now?

Monica,

You are not getting the embroidery unit, correct? If not then there is no need for the software.

After I bought my machine, some time back, I wrote a review for another forum, here is part of that review describing what I like about the 630:

My favorite features:

I was looking for infinitely variable Stitch Length and Width. I found that the other Brands I considered each had predetermined width setting increments which I feel are too large. I got exactly what I wanted with the Bernina, total control.

The color touch screen with the stitch animation is a really nice interface. It has been helpful, and enjoyable, to see the stitches on the screen while editing stitch designs.

I am completely impressed with Bernina feet. There is noticeable weight to the feet, the quality can be felt. They are not delicate or fussy, and they do not connect to the sewing machine by way of plastic connections. Bernina connections are metal -- one-piece snap-on. These feet won't need replacing after lots of use. I also got the Foot 57 for piecing and I am thrilled with it, it is the best piecing foot I have ever used.

The accessories box is wonderful. It can stand nicely on its own but it also attaches directly the back of the sewing machine for storage or just snap-and-go for traveling to class. It carries all of the included feet with room for many more. My Bernina walking foot fits perfectly in the small drawer. I got one of the optional magnifying lens sets. My lens slides right under the needle compartments and fits perfectly even though I do leave the plastic sleeve on it. There are also individual bobbin holders and room for other notions and tools. Everything is totally organized; easy to see, easy to use, and easy to take along.

The Artista 630 has a needle threader that actually works and even feels solid. There is a One-Step automatic buttonhole system and it is fun. First, buttons are measured by merely placing right on the touch screen. Adjust the on-screen indicator until it matches the button and that's all that is needed to setup the machine to sew the perfect buttonhole for that button.

It is nice too that is also saves stitches for me. I have several lines of lettering for quilt labels. The 630 saves my custom stitch combinations, even after the machine is turned off. Another feature I like is Pattern End. This stops the machine only after the full completion of a design element or design series rather than just a portion.

There is a Security Program which has already saved me from breaking a needle with the straight stitch plate installed.

I genuinely appreciate that the Bernina's CB hook mechanism comes out completely. This makes a good cleaning easy. Also, there is a maintenance reminder! I have a tendency to get totally involved in my projects, so I believe that the on-screen reminder to Oil the machine will be helpful.

My Favorite Accessories (optional):
The Bernina Stitch Regulator (BSR). On the Artista BSR does zigzag as well as straight stitching. This foot has been a great help in keeping my free motion quilting stitches the same length.

I love the magnifying lens set. The lens attaches onto a small bracket which is already on the machine. The added magnification, along with the bright light in the sewing area have both been helpful for detail work.

I've only covered my favorites aspects of this machine, there are so many other great features: The machine does mirror image of stitch patterns, needle up/down, drops feed dogs, speed control, a wonderful stitch securing function, and adjustable foot presser. There is hands-free system for presser foot lifting. The Artista 630 has a huge selection of stitches and as well as built in alphabets. The machine comes with a sturdy extension table, a soft case, an assortment of 8 feet. There is huge array of optional feet and accessories available as well. Honestly, the Artista 630 leaves very little to be desired. I feel that I made a great choice in this machine.
..............

Hope this helps you remember what a great machine you're getting! :)

Thanks for all the info. I'm looking forward to playing with my new friend!

Does it have the large throat? How much do they cost?

get intouch with them and explain how much you love it, but you would like to be able blah, blah....... tell them how sad that the the software is outdated and what can you do?

mostly they are very helpful. and they want to hear you say "i know you can help me with this" and "i can't wait to tell my friends how helpful you've been"., and "i love this machine so much. i've been telling all my friends and my forum to get this one". you catch more flies with honey than vinegar.