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Quote:

Originally Posted by llong0233 (Post 7424539)

I have 3 Brothers: One is mechanical with a few decorative stitches, one is the cs6000i digital and finally, the Innova 1250 with embroidery. All are very good machines. But for the perfect straight stitch, and I do mean perfect...it's the Bernina 153 Virtuoso QE for me. The stitching is very, very smooth and consistent. The fabric up-take is also consistent which I find is not always the case with all the Brothers. I used the Innovis for embroidery but I always wind up with the Bernina for piecing. I have the best chance of consistent 1/4" on that one than any of the others. If you are used to a Bernina, do yourself a favor and try out a few others before deciding. There are some wonderful machines out there today and personal preference is a big deciding factor. Good luck.

I too have 3 brothers, a cheap lightweight one for classes, a quilting edition qc1000 and a big embroidery Innovis 1E... And I also have a Bernina 153 Virtuouso QE just like you llong0233. I agree with everthing you have said above but I do use the Innovis 1E for free motion quilting as the throat is by far the biggest.

My sister sewed on her Bernina for over 40 years, then gave it to her daughter-in-law. I don't know the model, but it's still going strong. I advise to get a second opinion.

Quote:

Originally Posted by angelarose (Post 7427875)

My sister sewed on her Bernina for over 40 years, then gave it to her daughter-in-law. I don't know the model, but it's still going strong. I advise to get a second opinion.

I totally agree with angelarose.

Right after Christmas I bought a Bernina 1120 which is 30 years old. It has a few dings in the finish, but it sews like a charm.

Quote:

Originally Posted by quiltedsunshine (Post 7422953)

I have seen a few Berninas at the shop that have just been worn out -- maybe 4 in the past 6 years. Not very many, but it does happen. The lint build-up in the gears and rack will wear a machine out. Usually happens when a machine is used hard, and hasn't come in for regular service or deep clean, in a period of several years.

I think one of the few nylon gears in the old Berninas, is the one on top near the camstack, it can be replaced by a competent technician. My daughter's old 730 needed that top gear replaced, no other problems with it. Her current machine is a 1985 Bernina 930, she sews everything with it; lots of costumes and other items.

You might not be happy with a new Bernina, too much plastic, get a second opinion. I have a Bernina 1031 that I bought new in 1993, still sewing with it. I've bought 2 new Berninas, they got sold after a few years.

My newest machine is a Pfaff Quilter Expression 4.2, ten inch throat,built in walking foot, does everything except embroidery. I machine quilt and also make garments and bags.
Sharon in Texas