I went to the sewing center to get some oil for my featherweight, the only machine I have. I have wanted a sewing/embroidery machine for a while, but could not afford one. While I was there I asked if he had any used machines and of coarse he did. He also let me put it on layaway!

I got a Bernina Artista 200E for 799. It looks brand new and comes with all attachments, software and hoops. He went through the machine and said it was barely used. Now I need to find some info so I will know how to play with it when I get to bring it home. I have never sewed on anything but a featherweight.

Is 799 a good deal.

Did they say if it had been upgraded to the 730? Sounds like a good price to me. I have the 640E.

You will need software, embird is a good one and the least expensive. Also, embroidery threads & stabilizers.

Congrats on your new baby!

Woo Hoo!!! How exciting for you :D:D:D
Start watching for sales on the stabilizers and threads :wink:

Okay.. any idea what kind of thread to use? I have never sewn anything but quilt tops.

If you're talking about embroidery thread, don't buy a bunch of thread ahead of time because different machines have different likes and dislikes regarding thread. What someone else's machine just loves, your new baby may hate. So just buy some small spools until you figure out what your machine likes when it comes to embroidery. I have two brother machines and they aren't too picky. I have used ARC, Brother's thread, Madeira, and my personal favorite, Admelody.

Good luck with her when you get her home. Have lots of fun.

Congrats! What hoops came with it? You are going to have FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!


You will love your new baby!

My Berninas are not fussy about embroidery threads - I use a lot of maderia thread, You MAY get a DVD or VHS to show you how to get started (both mine came with one!) Watch it carefuly and read the manual - you will be fine!

There is a Yahoo group for the 200/730E that you can join, there is lots of help on that. Also, did your dealer offer you any free classes on how to use the machine? You got a huge saving on the price of a new 730E, mine was over €4000 (euros) about four years ago.

So you bought it without even knowing if it was a good deal?? LOL, sounds like love to me.

:-P

If hers isn't upgraded to 730E, which it sounds like it is not, how much would it cost to do the upgrade?