Bernina Sew Day B830
 

I went to a free Bernina Sew day at my local store yesterday and made a cute pencil case. It is intended to hold the markers you use with the new device that "paints' on your fabric with a marker. They are going to put it on their (Paramount Sewing, Eugene, OR) Facebook page but it is not there yet.

I really had fun playing with that "toy". It did most of the project for me, including making the applique, crystal template, embroidery, etc. I really like the stitch regulator I've seen mentioned on this board many times. It was much easier doing FMQ with it. It beeped at me when I went too fast, which would cause my stitches to be uneven. I liked the dual feed feet too, they have a lever you pull down which makes the feet act kind of like a walking foot -- I think, it was all so new to me.

Out of curiosity I asked the price; $11,000 or $9,000 with trade-in. I'm thinking I need a new car instead. I'm wondering how many can afford a machine like that for personal use. If I used it to make projects for people it might be a justifiable price.

I don't know if Bernina's sew day extends beyond this weekend, but it is fun if you can still go do it.

The bling is really fun, isn't it. I've been amazed at how many people in my area have a machine like that. Of course, the new design works can perform on the 580's, too. Not as expensive.

I have the 820, which is the sister of the 830 without the embroidery and made it affordable for me. My Bernina dealer of 25 plus years gave me a great deal of $6,000 cash price. I bought the 820 instead of a long arm and use it for quilting on a frame, and when a long arm does work in to my future, I will have a personal sewing machine that I will use for a long time. It is what worked for me. I like it for quilting, but I really like it for sewing too.

I could justify that amount of money for a longarm setup, but not for my go-to everyday sewing machine. I LOVE my Bernina 1230, which is well over 15 years old. If it ever goes out on me I will look for a new machine I can love, but it will be in a much lower price category. There may be some people who love crafting and selling crafted goods enough to make a profit of $10,000 but that's not me!

I am wondering which older, or less expensive model, will do as much or similar things. I forgot I loved the oversize bobbin which has to be rewound less often, and the fact that it tells you it is running out is nice!

I have the 830. Lots of posts and threads about it if you search. My machine has had numerous parts replaced and problems. It currently has another sensor in it that's bad and needs replacing. I think that makes 7 sensors replaced in under 2 years. It's at the shop more than it's in my sewing room. Luckily I own a hoard of vintage machines that happily take its place and never break down on me. If I could do it again, I would save a few more $ and buy an Innova.

I'd rather have my nice machine than a new car anyday.

I have the Bernina 830 but don't like(and don't use) the stitch regulator.

I have the 830 and absolutely love it! I can piece, quilt, embroider, bling, do cut work,whatever strikes my fancy. This is a machine you either love or hate!