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Quote:

Originally Posted by schoolteacher (Post 5742601)

My husband bought me a Bernina 530 for Christmas. This was a gift that he bought without any hints or requests from me. In fact, it was the furtherest request on my Santa list. Now don't get me wrong, I am deeply grateful and excited, but am feeling alittle overwhelmed by it all. Have tried to thread it and use the auto thread and am even having trouble with that part. Even though I will be taking classes, I am afraid that he has given me a machine that will be difficult to use. I have been using a Viking that was bought in the 1970's. I quilt constantly and thoroughly enjoy the many steps. For those that have this machine or others in the Bernina family, how do you like it? What don't you like about it? I'm hoping that after taking classes, I can resume my enthusiasm but right now I totally feel overwhelmed/dumb/frustrated. Please, please, don't thinK I am ungrateful. I know that money is hard to come by so his generosity is deeply appreciated.

I have the 530 and LOVE it for piecing, buttons, basic sewing. It sews beautifully and the needle threader works every time. You have to be sure it the thread comes through the bottom loop at the needle. You will love it once you take your classes. I also have the 830 and 200 but use the 530 most of the time! Hope you come to love it too.

What a great husband! Okay now take a deep breath and remember to keep breathing.
I have had Berninas (several different ones) for years and yes I Love them. The needle threader takes some practice, but don't give up. It is like the knee lift (hands free) when I got my first Bernina I thought what in the heck is this, and it seemed like it took me months to get used to but now - if I have to sew without it I swear my finger gets sore from lifting the presser foot, especially when I am quilting. The needle threader does also take some practice and I will warn you that it can get out of alignment although I think the newer ones are a little sturdier than what is on my older machine.

In addition to your dealer please also check out the Bernina USA website - they have a ton of stuff out there

Here's to you and your new Bernina - I know you will have many happy times together

I have a bernina 440 and LOVE IT!! Was a singer owner previously and wouldn't go back. I'm sure once you take some lessons and get some miles on it you will love it also. P.S. I still can't figure out the auto threader thing..no biggie I still remember how to thread it the old fashioned way.

I have a Bernina 1260 and it does everything I need it to do. I bought it used and it's never given me a bit of trouble.

I have a 440 and I love it to pieces! When I first got it though, I was overwhelmed as well. I didn't have a chance to take the classes for her and then the shop went out of business but I just read the manual and looked things up online. I am in the Bernina_Aurora Yahoo group and I have found a tremendous amount of information and help with my machine in the group.

Take things slow, enjoy your classes and before you know it you'll be so in love with your new machine. By the way, what a great husband you've got there!

Purchased my first Bernina 13 years ago and still have that one. Have purchased and traded in others til I now have my 830. Love my Berninas. The classes will help. Enjoy.

mltquilt

I have a Bernina 430 and I found it very intuitive to use, just jumped right in (but not the embroidery- I had no clue what to do...) The threading worked like my two previous machines (but I didn't use the threader) and I had a vertical bobbin in my very first machine, so I knew how that worked.

However, when I went to the dealer for my first class, I noticed many of the women had never even turned their machine on. What you are feeling is not unique, many people are overwhelmed by these electronic machines. Just wait until your class, and then I'm sure you'll figure it out. No need to be overwhelmed, just keep taking classes and learn a little more each time.

You will get the hang of it, don't get discouraged. It will have a period of learning just like anything else we try!!! I have two Bernina's and now love them both. Did not love the 830 for about a year until I finally figured out how to FMQ with it and be successful.

I have a Bernina 1090 that I purchased in the mid 1990's. She has never given me a day of trouble and I would not sell or trade her for anything. I have never met a dissatisfied Bernina Owner. I am sure you will come to love it! You have a very thoughtful husband!

I have the Bernina 830 and didn't like her until I found out I was using the wrong size needle for the thread I was using. Once I went to the bigger needle, I was in love. I take classes 2 1/2 years later and still get free services. They do the updates for me and tuneups still.