Hi everybody! Just wondering what others think about this. I'm considering buying an old Bernina 801. It has the original case, foot pedal and feet that came with it but no walking foot. This machine was manufactured I think in the '70's so it is very plain & simple. I don't think the Bernina will do anything more than my current machine, an old Kenmore. Maybe it will just do it better? The asking price is $175 which I think is a fair price. Tell me if I'm wrong about that.

Or.....for around $500 or so I could get a newer Janome 2011 that has the needle down option and does lots of tricks.

Or...I could wait considerably longer and save up for a machine with a big throat space for quilting, which would be a dream come true.

Does anybody else agonize this much over a $175 purchase?!

i do extensive research on every dollar i'm going to spend. i work hard for the money (there's a song in that line).

if you plan on using one machine for both piecing and quilting i would suggest you wait.

you should look at the Juki F series (300, 400, 600) they all have the same mechanics and the difference is the fancy stitches.

the throat is 9 inches on all three of them.

i got the F600 for $750

If the 801 runs well, that is an excellent price. I paid $350 for mine, though it does have the walking foot. I love my Bernina 801.

Cheers, K

I LOVE Janome.... sews great, price good and a very nice dealer... that's key as well..

I purchased the Janome dc2010 around the beginning of May and LOVE it. I had emailed a local dealer about a Janome Magnolia model and she convinced me to try the dc2010. It was her last in stock at $399 since the new dc2011 models were coming out - exactly the same machine, just a different color and a higher price tag. If you're interested in the 2011, I would look around to see if anyone still has a dc2010...you might even be able to get a good deal...mine came with $50 worth of free thread and free classes for life (on how to use the machine). Good luck!

if you are dreaming of a larget throat space i would look into getting a used Janome 6500 or 6600. it has a 9" throat space, does everyting including embroidary and I'm getting a used one for $600 tomorrow!!!!! Call your local dealer... mines selling me his used machine. he got the horizon 7700 and said the 6500 is his "baby" and he's sad to see her go so I'm sure he took good care of her :)

A Bernina 801 with foot pedal and case is worth considerably more than $175, in my experience. I would love to have that little machine -- portable for classes and will never fail you.

My vote is for the Bernina 801. These little vintage machines are hard to find!

I'm pretty sure the Bernina has a nylon gear or two. I had an 830 that had to have one replaced. It wasn't hideously expensive, but you might want to check that out before you commit.

I got my 801 brand new when I was 16 and I love it.

One word of caution on the Bernina. I have a Bernina Nova - 900 series. I tried to get a new foot pedal for it, but, Bernina has discontinued making parts for it ! So, on the older machine,check to make sure you can still get parts for it if needed.