:cry: :cry:
Yes, Its true, and in the midst of sewing! I took it in last month for servicing and when they called for me to pick it up, they said something other than what I had mentioned was wrong with it, and they were ordering a part ( a cable ) hoping that it wasn't the motherboard ( expensive ). Well, it has been a month & the cable has not come in, when it was sent home it supposedly would still sew. This weekend when I went to do some major straight stitching it just died in the midst. I have no idea how long it will take for the part to arrive, I have multiple projects lined up for the coming holidays and really need to be sewing daily. So here is my question????
A. Should I just wait & hope for the best.
B. Go out & purchase a cheap under $200 machine and sew away. I've looked at Brothers & they have several under $200 that look like I could do quite well with them.
C. See if the Bernina shop will take my machine in as a trade for what they sell, Bernina, Baby Lock, Juki, etc. What hurts even more is I bought the leather roller foot for the Bernina this past week on sale! Its regularly $80.

I have an old Sears Kenmore cam machine 1971, but it weighs about a hundred pounds and I hate to set it up. Also have an old Singer treadle I haven't cleaned up yet and 2 sergers. The new machines even the under $200 ones even under $100 are so light and do so much.

Also should I just get a mechanical one or a computerized one, I really am not that interested in getting one that does embroidery, but I love doing fancy stitches.

Any comments, suggestions, etc. welcome,

Debs & Hemi

Use your Kenmore. It' s a much better built machine than any of the plastic stuff you can buy for $200. Save your money, IMO.

several years the mother board went out on my bernina it was 100. for a new one.

What model do you have? I do so love my Bernina. If it were to need servicing I have a FW and a 301, several treadles and a Kenmore (my daughter's) to use while I wait. Oh, and my old Pfaff Tiptronic.

Don't waste your money on a cheap machine. After sewing on a Bernina, you'll hate it and (maybe even say bad words). Either get yours repaired or look for a used one. When I put the motor out of my Bernina, I was lucky enough to find a used machine for way less than the repair.

Sorry for the double post.

Talk to the store that has your bernina and ask if they can give you a loaner until your's is fixed. I think they do that here.

I'd use the Kenmore until you decide what's going on with your Bernina.

I would see about a loaner, but pretty sure you would hate "stepping back" to a cheap machine...

The cheap brothers do just nicely and last just fine, I hate that people bad mouth them on here. I have one from 93 that still runs, my MIL used it the other day to make an apron. My other one is 5 years old, never had any problems, I just bought another one. You are not going to be using it that often and it is great for class as well as a back up machine.

Wow! The motherboard on my Bernina 1530 cost $279! What model is yours???

If I was without my Bernina for a month I would be looking for a loaner for sure! Couldn't hurt to ask what they would give you for a trade-in.

Good luck to you!

Well, I have one of the cheaper Wal-Mart Brothers (under $150). I sewed with it for 4-5 years. Yes, it sews ok, but I was always way off in my seams and never could seem to sew one straight. I blamed it all on me. Then a couple of years ago I got a new Janome 1600P for Christmas. WOW! What a difference! Also to mention that now my Brother will not load a bobbin. Something slipping in there and I don't know how to fix it. The tech who services my better machine says that Brother will not even give them information on these machines and he cannot get parts.

If I were without my Janome, I'd use my old Kenmore or my FW until I could replace it. Would not buy the low-end machines.

I bought a cheap brother from Wal Mart years ago too and it was a piece of junk. Every time I sewed with it, it would bounce across the table. It was around $100 - maybe it was just tooo cheap. Maybe the ones that are $200 are a bit better!

I have to put my two cents in and agree with this. I have given my cheap mechanical Brother a lot of work and it has never failed me. Not saying an expensive machine is not a fun thing to have, but, my Brother has sewn on anything, is not fussy about thread, and will do a nice job of FMQ even if the feed dogs don't drop. I have a hand me down even more basic mechanical Brother at one son's house and it is easy to use and sews a nice seam. A newer mechanical Brother at the other son's which worked right out of the box and I enjoy that one too.

I could not agree more!

I think those of you who have some inexpensive machines here are missing the point. I'm not trying to "bad mouth" your machines. But, why in the world would she have to buy one of these as a back up with a perfectly awesome, vintage Kenmore in the house?

I recently bought an inexpensive Brother quilt machine from Amazon.com to use when I go to class. It is wonderful and comes with everything I need to do my quilting. I believe is was just over $100.
My Bernina QE440 is 6 years old and I love it and would miss it very much if it was out of commission. Now I know I have a light weight machine that is easy to carry just in case.

I have my old 1977 Kenmore sewing machine I bought new for $125.00. I use it as a back up machine. It even went through my house fire in 2003 and after rescuing it's grimy, smokey body I had it cleaned and refurbished. I could sew through SOUP CANS with that little work horse...lol My main machine is a Bernina 440QE, but I will NEVER let go of my old Kenmore. I've sewn horse blankets with it.. canvas bags..... you name it.

Recently, I had a friend who purchased a refurbished Janome off of Overstock.com for $120 and she LOVES IT. Just ideas before you take the plunge.

CANDACE.. I didn't sense you were dissing inexpensive machines.. I got your point.

Last year my Bernina 1530, stopped doing anything but a straight stitch. I couldn't even set "needle down". I have this machine at the summer place in NH and I have a Viking in FL. I LOVE my Bernina and if it had a couple of the features of the Viking that I really like I would reverse them. I took it to the repair shop with the intention of checking out the cost for repair or buying a cheaper machine. The repairman had fixed the same problem the previous year. He said the Bernina is a workhorse and finer machine than I could get for the price I wanted to spent. He called the company and they said they could rework the board because they no longer made new ones. He advised that I do that and he quoted a price of $250. I felt that I would only spend about that much so it was essentially my cut off price. I had it fixed and I have not been sorry. Take out the Kenmore and use it until they can fix your Bernina. I don't think you will be sorry.

You really need a back up that is easy to set up. Look at various places including Overstock.com. Call Bernina and ask them when do they think the part will arrive.

Gosh, that'd make me sad for sure! Love my Bernina just as much now as when I bought it 16 yrs ago.

My 1984 Kenmore... Well, it DOES work, so for basic sewing, straight seams, I'd go with the Kenmore for now. It's there, and using it will help pay for whatever repairs are needed on the Bernina.

How old was it? Sad

hope it all gets worked out for you. My back up is a Bernette which is made for not by Bernina, but it great and light enough that I take it to classes.

fix the Bernina and use the Kenmore while you wait...you will be happier in the long run!

Or trade the Bernina in on a new Bernina. But use the Kenmore to bridge the gap.

Save your $$ until you can buy a good machine.

I agree with both of these ladies. I have a Brother PC6500, It is a great machine, but a Brother is not a Bernina. Use the Kenmore until you decide what to do with your Bernina. I would not throw good money into a big box store machine - no matter the brand.

the BERNINA is just in a coma, went through that with my 1630 and the techs at BERNINA U.S.A. in Chicago fixed it ! but while it was out i reaquainted myself with my travel Bernette 55 and my 301A, still love that 301 straight stitch

I'd like to suggest you use one of the sewing machines you have - clean up that treadle!!! and save the $200 to repair you Bernina. Then once it's repaired you can decide if you want to trade it in on a new one or not. As far as what kind you get, it depends on what kind of sewing you do. Do you like embroidery? Since you bought that new foot, you must do "other than quilting." Good luck getting your projects done. 8-)

Get the Bernina fixed and sew with the old Kenmore until it comes back. You'll be throwing a "Welcome Home" party.

I didn't like the Brother machine at Wal Mart. found a newer model Kenmore at the pawn shop for $16.00 and I love it. It does some extra stitches too. Good machine.

Gosh, how old were these Berninas when the motherboard died? Several of you have mentioned this. I live in fear that my motherboard on my Pfaff 7570 (or some other essential part) will die and I won't be able to get parts for it.

I also have a old Kenmore, and I definitely would use that while you make a decision on your Bernina. Good luck. A good sewing machine is a "diamond" that we cherish and never want to loose.

I'd wait on the repairs on my Bernina. A great machine even if you have to put $$ into it. Better than a new cheapy.

Me too. I have had Brothers that ran like a top. My machine now is a Brother QC1000 . I think it's a good machine for someone who wants a lot of bells and whistles without the machine costing a lot . Well yeah mine was 2 grand but compared to a Bernina. I couldn't have gotten one with half the stuff on it that mine has.
That being said I say find a way to set up your Kenmore especially if you are doing just straight stitch. Those older machines are real workhorses. Although if you have to set up and take down I totally understand the weight issue. I have a Household machine that I think weighs 40 lbs but it will sew everything short of a car bumper. :-)

I have 2 of the Brother machines both under $200 . I can fix 'em by myself and have no need of a shop to fix them. I don't like the computerized machines as this is what could happen. I have enough trouble with my laptops and desk top 'puters. I'd say get the Brother.Mine have a few fancy stitches but anything they don't have I embroider on my quilts. Just sayin

I agree. I just got a Janome 6500 which is awesome but my Brother 6100 still has it's special place in my sewing and it will continue to get TLC.

My Viking "went down" in the midst of sewing for DD wedding this summer. Due to finances (or lack of them) I bought the Singer Simple-$89. I was pleasantly surprised in mamy ways-the auto needle threader and fast threading was much better than on "Ms V"! However I do find the thread jumps out of the bobbin case causing tangleing. But it served it's purpose,and I figured out how to make that stop. Now I have to quit saying bad things about "new Singers"! Is it a Dream Mdachine? No. Does it sew? Yes. Is it forever? Probably as my back-up machine. If it breaks down will I pay money to have it repaired? No.

Hi, I recently damaged my Bernina when my DH accidently allowed the case with my machine fall down a flight of stairs - I was pretty sure it was gone to Bernina heaven! I was given several scenarios that might be diagnosed! 1) possible could not be repaired and could be used for parts and get a new Bernina. 2)might cost too much to repair 3) by a used Bernina. All these options were going to be expensive. The same day I looked at used machines (heavy) and the new 300 series (much lighter). I had been looking for a lighter machine that I could take to classes, etc. Turned out my Activa could be repaired and serviced for $170. The part ordered to repair has not come in at this time. And the 380 machine uses the same feet AND has the same capabilities as my Activa. Of course, I was LOOKING for a lighter weight machine but I wanted the same quality as my Activa. This machine doesn't have many decorative stitches. Since you have a back-up machine, I would use that and wait on the Bernina OR check on a loaner. They have done that for me for servicing. I LOVE my new machine. Same quality - BUT I was looking for one! BTW, I am still waiting for the part to repair my Activa! Several weeks already! Good Luck!

I would NEVER by a cheap machine from Walmart even though it says Brothers. Go to a reputable Brothers dealer and talk to them. They do have less expensive machines that have many fancy stitches and sew very well. I agree that they are not an equal to your old Bernina or to one of the top of the line Brothers, but they do a decent job.
The ones at WalMart are not really a Brothers machine. I think they are farmed out.

Have your 1530 repaired and keep an eye out for an older 830, 930 or 1030. They are workhorses and never go out.