Bernina Question .... is there such a machine?????
 

Hope this gets some attention ... and answers!

I currently have a Bernina 820.

I am interested in getting a smaller machine (aka somewhat more portable)
but with similar features. In particular, my wish list would be ....

* same bobbins
* same feet
* BSR compatible
* knee lift
* probably other things, but these would be my top really wants!

Is there such a beast?
Or should I just give up my dream quest now??

Please??? and Thanks!!! :D

I know the Bernina 500 series uses the big bobbin have a BSR. I don't know if the feet are the same as the 820 and don't know about the knee lift. Best bet is call a Bernina dealer.

I also have the 820. So far as I know, the bobbins are proprietary and only fit it and the 830 (same machine with embroidery unit). It is not a standard size.

My 770 has large bobbins but I don't think they work with the 800 series. Some of my 150 feet fit on my 770. But it isn't portable. That thing's a beast!

I called the Bernina dealer because I was curious. Iceblossom, you are right about the bobbins. 820 do not fit the 500 series but the 500 series bobbin is very large too. And these bobbins are not the same as a longarm bobbin even though they look about the same size. QuiltE, the feet and BSR are compatible and the 500 series has the knee lift. I was just in the dealer yesterday looking at the 570 QE.

I got a 570 QE...the new one.....I don't know why Bernina reuses old model numbers...so to clarify...mine has the 9mm feed dogs, not the 5.5mm ones the old model had. Yes it is somewhat portable...I can lift it yeah! still is a bit heavy....and I ended up also picking up the little Bernina red machine to take to classes too....I am enjoying it...but it is a bit complicated to learn....there is a lot it does....and a lot to learn....but I am getting there...so if you get...make sure and take the classes that came with it...some things will be similiar to your old Bernina and some will be different....I had a Bernina 630 artista before this one ...so the 570 is a bit bigger for me....and there is a lot that is new too....I can use most of my old feet on the the 570 but as the 630 had 5.5mm feed dogs, there are some feet that I needed new....of course most of those came with new machine...and I do like the drop down dual feed foot...on the new machine.....

I just purchased the N 435 and had to take it in, it took 1 hour and 12 minutes to "warm up". I would not buy a Bernina right now

The circuit board is faulty and is covered under warranty for 5 years from the purchase date. They should replace it without charge.

I recently bought the Bernina 570 QE and it has all those features. Another lady in our machine Mastery classes bought the 570 QE as her portable machine, because she already has a Bernina 800 series machine. For me, the 570 QE is my "Big" machine, lol.

Thanks everyone for your replies .....

Actually I had called two dealers. Getting different answers was why I turned to my QB friends!

One dealer told me that both the 475 and and 480 used the same bobbins as the 820.

The other dealer said no machine used the same bobbins but recommended the 570. It includes a BSR that I hardly need being that it came with my 820. The bobbins are large too, but a different style. Also recommended the 475, but it does not have the dual feed and because of that none of the C or D feet would be usable, which most of mine are.

The bobbins and feet are a bit of a stickler for me. At the price of Bernina accessories I really don't want the added investment required ............even though I am finding out it will be an impossibility!

I know ... get over it ... and just spend my bucks!
If only Santa would listen .............:D