Saving my pennies for a Bernina 750QE or Pfaff Creative Performance?
 

Wow, the B750QE looks perfect! Can't wait to try it. But....the Pfaff Creative Performance is PURPLE! lol
I currently have an Elna 6003 Quilter's Dream and would like to upgrade. I've never had a Pfaff or Bernina and they both seem to be well loved machines. Need to save my pennies so I have plenty of time to research. Can anyone tell me how the PCP :D is to FMQ on? The BSR is pretty high on my list so I'm currently leaning towards the B750. My skills are confident beginner but I want a machine that I can grow with. Would love some advice. Thanks!

I have the Bernina 440QE with the BSR and that's how I learned to quilt, with stitch regulation. People who have learned to regulate their own stitches sometimes don't care for the BSR, but for me it was wonderful. I don't know anything about the PCP, but if having a purple machine is important to you... LOL

My only advice is to save quarters and dimes too!
Machines are getting higher all the time!

I have Pfaff's. I love the IDT on Pfaff's. No need for BSR really ... and I must have an electrical force field because the BSR has never worked for me.

Keep saving and watch for sales. I bought my Creative Vision on sale and with 3 or 5 years interest free! I paid it off just a little early just because I could and I don't like time payments.

ali

I'm guessing I could put a purple skin on the Bernina :-).

Did you buy the 750QE
 

I have heard the 750 QE is fussy like the 820 and 830. What have you experienced?

My suggestion is to try out the different machines that you are interested in to see which one is a good fit. Also, pay attention while in the LQS to see how they treat their customers and ask about classes, repair, etc. We have a Bernia and a Viking not that far from each other. From the time I walked into Bellas they were great and here it is over 2 yrs later and I still love driving over to the store, about 30 min for me. The Bernia shop, I've been there several times and only go when I can't find what I want any place else. I've had more negative experiences there that good ones. I knew from he beginning that I wouldn't want to have to deal with these people on a regular bases so Bernia was out of the question. Plus, I've always been a fan of the Vikings, I think it was the black and white dresses they used to embroider. I have 4 Vikings now, I had the Ruby for a yr, loved it and traded it in for the Diamond Deluxe this past fall. There are always sales going on. My Ruby I got from the dealer, it was used, a whole 7 hours when I bought it. I got the warranty and classes along with it. Then after the Viking convention last fall the dealers had the option of buying machines that had been set up for them to take classes on so they were then classified as "used". I got my Diamond a less than half, I got a great trade in for my Ruby (they had it sold before I could get it to the store) plus I got free luggage with it. I also have the Mega quilter and the Viking #1. Most of the dealers also get deals for financing; mine is at zero finance rate until paid off. Check around and see what all options you can find and you may find you don't have to save as many "pennies" as you thought.

I have the Bernina 750QE and haven't found it to be fussy at all (but what machine brands don't have their quirks). I use thread from Connecting Threads all the time and never a problem. I also use it on a 10' Bernina quilting frame with QuiltMotion. Love it! There are a couple of quirks with the QuiltMotion and that could be the QuiltMotion software, but my dealer has relayed those to Bernina and they are definitely on it. Have only used the BSR a couple of times and it worked like it was supposed to. Very well built, heavy and love the larger harp space. My dealer is very willing to work with me and has also asked my advice on how to use the QuiltMotion, lol. You can also add the embroider unit to the 750 QE it's an optional package. I plan on getting that maybe later this year. If you're not interested in embroidery, you may want to check out the 710. My sister-in-law has that one and she loves it too. Bernina has some great deals going this week.

Think about 5 years down the road. Will you still like the purple or all the benefits of the other? If you're like me I change colors, but always seem to like and use certain features all the time. I wanted a certain machine because of one feature, but liked all the features on another machine, except it didn't have the one feature that I really liked. This weekend I used a friends machine that had the special feature I wanted. I am so happy 5 years ago I went with the machine with all the features and now don't miss the one I thought I really wanted.

I went to a Bernina dealer today to test the sewing machine for FMQ/BSR. I am in love, I tried out the Bernina 750QE, the FMQ was so controlled!! I really think this is a very good machine, solid, has the larger harp area etc. I really made the salesman work for me, he showed me how to use and I tried everything. I am going to get one somehow!! Has anyone ever bought one from the UK? The prices sure are good!!! I sent an email to one of the dealers in the UK, when I find out anything about it I will post the info. I found my machine, now I just have to figure out how to get it!

It's a mystery to me how sewing machines are similar in price to the US and often cheaper, particularly when fabric is so expensive! Fabric in LQS is $20-$22 a metre (39"). If we shop around on line we can sometimes get for $12/$13 :(. We pay about 2 or 3 times the US price for notions too.

The best price I can find for the Bernina 750QE is £2,695.00, which at today's exchange rate is around $4,300. On top of that you would have to pay shipping and possibly import costs. The electrical socket and voltage would be different so you would have to check compatibility. Another, more important consideration imho, is that you wouldn't have any back-up from a local dealer if it were faulty........................
Good luck!

I get what you are saying, there's a risk!! The plug is not a problem, a converter is about $70. I came up with the same price $4300, the best price I can get here is $6000. The dealer I visited said he could give me 20% off the $7500 price tag = $6000. The difference is $1700, I don't know if that's enough to take the risk or not. I don't know how much shipping and port costs would be? I am thinking of bringing all this up to the dealer I visited and see if he can give me a greater discount to entice me to buy from him, I don't even know if he can do that or not. Anyone have any thoughts that would help?

It is definitely an advantage to buy locally. You will get much better service. After all the time he spent demonstrating the machine, I bet you could work out a deal with him without holding anything over his head. Perhaps shop around other dealers in US. I think most dealers dont like competing with each other for the same machine
. Also they may have rules to not sell out of their territory. You may want to look at other machines. The BabyLock Crescendo is a wonderful quilting machine. From Bernina owners I know, they say the BSR isnt all that great or needed after awhile. The one thing I dont like about Bernina other than their accessories are outrageous is they tend to come out with a new machine instead of making improvements on existing machines. I had one that was the newest and greatest and was nothing but trouble. It was soon discontinued and I was stuck with a machine that could no longer be serviced and was nearly worthless for a trade in. Switched over to Janome and Baby Lock. Bernina has always been known as reputable and superior, but there are many more quality machines out there now. Shop around then use that as leverage with the Bernina dealer. He cant compete with foreign sales but can with other local dealers.

Be sure to check to see if the 710 has the BSR if you are wanting one.

The sewing dealer from the UK answered my email today, I see problems with buying the machine in UK that can not be overcome. They did say they would give me the american plug to fit our style plugs, but the Bernina warranty will be in the UK, so if I need repair I would have to send it overseas- which would take weeks or even months to have done, plus all the wear and tear with shipping and handling- I would also have to pay the shipping charges!! That was the final straw, guess I am not getting a machine from the UK.

don't forget to faction in the cost of extra feet - if you have the Elna and purchase either the Bernina or Pfaff, you'll not be able to use any of your Elna feet. Another option is a Janome or another Elna - for both you can use feet you have now. I just upgraded from the Elna Eleanor Burns Quilter's Dream to a Janome 8900 QCP and love it.

Good point! although I only have a few Elna feet, but they are less expensive than Bernina for Janome. I tried FMQ on the Janome 8900, didn't like it as much as the Bernina- but the cost of the Bernina?!&@?? What I love about the Bernina is the BSR, the stitch quality the bias tapefoot, love all the creative stitches, LOVE LOVE the 80% larger bobbin. I don't think I would ever get another Elna, I struggled with the tension the entire time I used it- 37 years. I wore it completely out only because I didn't even think of buying another machine, ha, the thought never entered my mind!

I visited another Bernina dealer today, he gave me a deal I couldn't resist, I got extras and 0% financing. I am so excited, now comes the hard part figuring it out!! Their is so much to learn, I spent about 3 hours tonight, so far I can sew a straight line, when I try to sew with the 1D and dual feed, the thread keeps tangling in the bobbin, ugh! I did figure out how to thread and change the pressure feet, couldn't get it to thread the needle automatically. I have classes to go to starting on Saturday, I hope I make new friends at the classes too. Jumping for joy!!!

I'm glad you got the machine you wanted. I feel that if your heart was set on it and you bought something else you have forever regretted it. Enjoy it and good luck with your lessons :)

Thanks very much!

Check with your dealer about the thread tangling in the bobbin area. Mine told me that's a common problem and there are parts that are going to be available to fix that. Mine hasn't gotten them yet.

I have been playing every since I got home with it yesterday, I feel like a girl with her very first doll, I can't believe I actually have this sewing machine in my house! I had some trouble for the first hour I sat down to the machine, it was of course my fault I didn't have the top thread right, I corrected and not a problem since. I am so glad that I bought the machine locally, I have already made 4 phone calls, hey the owner said for me to call absolutely anytime I want for help, so I do!!! They are able to pinpoint the problem over the phone very well and off I go to keep exploring the unknown territory of my new toy! The BSR is fantastic for me, it helps me have a steadier hand and the open foot helps me see the stitches, especially backstitching on feathers. ( I am certainly still a beginner, but I have become much better instantly with the BSR) I feel like I have more control. I called my sister to tell her about my new toy, she was excited and MAY buy her own machine and go to the classes with me... that would be so fun. The only real bad part is I am not sure how I am going to carry this machine in and out of the car and sewing center!! I will have to have some sort of wheeled carrier, not sure yet.

I am so glad you got the Bernina locally. I know you will love it. As for the BSR, I think it is awesome. I use mine often and am so glad I have it. Enjoy your new machine!

Okay, I have a problem (already) when I begin to piece, it will not sew smoothly over the edge it bunches it up???

I have a Pfaff Creative Sensation - and I LOVE IT!! This machine does so much more than most of the machines ( the others all require use of the software ( Like 5D or 6D) to perform many of the functions that the Pfaff can do just with the machine.......While you may be a confident beginner now - it will not take long before you can and will be using the more extensive applications and features........The Pfaff is wonderful for FMQ......as a matter of fact - my local Pfaff dealer just had a FMQ class last weekend for beginners - and it was amazing what they were able to accomplish at the end of the 4 hour class!

Have fun with your research, and enjoy whichever machine you select!!! (PS - the Pfaff Purple is really beautiful!)

I just saw an ad for a Bernina and almost fell on the floor. $13999.00. Yes, it is on the printed page. I think it might be a mistake. It does everything but the laundry and is compared to other top machines with all the bells and whistles and the other costs are about half the Bernina.

Talk about sticker shock!
peace

Try easing up the presser foot pressure a little at a time.

It has a tendency to do this if you use the automatic thread cutter. Try not to start right at the edge of the piece you are sewing. Using the dual feed foot will also help.