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Originally Posted by Maia B
What are you wanting that your 440 doesn't have? What do you like/dislike about your 440? I have several machines, including a 440. To me, the only things I wanted that the 440 didn't have were 1) a huge harp, 2) built-in walking foot like on my Pfaffs and Baby Lock Quest Plus, and 3) wide decorative stitches (less important, because I have them on my Quest Plus and a Pfaff). I looked at the Janome Horizon and sit down mid arms. But I'm spoiled by the precision and power of my Berninas. No extra stitch or two when stopping or reversing. No wonky feeding at the end of a seam. No trouble going over thicknesses-some Janomes and others have trouble going over patchwork seams in quilting cottons, let alone hemming jeans. I'm not dissing Janome, it's a good brand, but there's a discussion of this on PatternReview.com right now. I ended up with the new Bernina 820, their top-of-the-line sewing only machine, like the 830 with no embroidery capability, smaller (but still huge) touchscreen, no multidirectional stitches, and fewer (but still hundreds of) stitches. It's more than I ever thought I'd spend on a sewing machine, and totally worth it, for me. It has a 12" harp, built-in dual feed (better than on my Pfaff and adjustable), a 40% larger bobbin, all kinds of options and adjustments on every stitch, and that trademark Bernina power and precision. I can put it on a frame if I want. On October 22, they have interest-free financing for 40 months. The machine alone (no frame) has been $6299-6499. BTW, I kept my 440, it's better at narrow seam allowances, though just today, I was reading about an 830 user who makes 1/4" finished squares from HSTs. The 820 is heavy, so the 440 went to FMQ class with me. Any option you consider, test drive it with your fabrics, threads, and tasks, especially the tricky ones (metallic threads, flimsy fabrics, 1/8" seams, thick seams, curves, whatever). The only thing I'd trade in my 440 for would be a 630 or 635-another 5.5mm stitch width Bernina. Now to each her own, this is just my take as a 440 owner and quilter. Just don't let that 440 go until you are SURE that you have a replacement you love. It's been discontinued, replaced by the 550, which doesn't take the embroidery module. And the clearance prices weren't very much lower than the prices in the several months preceding.
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I would keep the Bernina no matter what I bought next. :) Not just backup, but multiple projects need multiple machines. As to the thread on the "sewing over thick seams", each person must take that with a grain of salt because who knows what sewing techniques or lack thereof people are using. I have a Viking, a Pfaff and two Janomes, and a mechanical Elna, and all can sew over thick seams. One or two like a hump-jumper to do it, but it's not an issue. The real issue in the thick seaming as far as I can tell is how high the presser foot goes, and my Pfaff 1222E hasn't that much clearance under the presser foot. I even wonder if that was on purpose so I couldn't abuse the machine! BTW - it's the Pfaff that is set up for quilting, but the Viking has no tension issues and does free motion very well (it's a Platinum 770).
All that said, it's a personal decision what machine you buy -what you like and what I like can be two very different things - things like positioning in front of a machine, where the needle area is on a given machine (front like the Viking or back like most others, etc., etc.). Try whatever machine you can. I have admired the Bernina B380 and the 430 because these machines don't do embroidery, which I never do either, and they are both really sturdy and really wonderful machines, but the prices seem out of line to me. |
I would also keep your 440 as a backup machine.
I know a couple people who traded in Bernina's and regret it for years. One can never have enough sewing machines :-) |
I have the Bernina 830 and I am not sure I would purchase it again. I really wanted it for the free-motion quilting. I have had numerous problems with specialty thread and they"Bernina factory" are still working on solving some of these problems.They did make an update kit and give us so it is a little better but still have trouble with clear thread! I kept my Bernina 1530 as my travel machine, also it free motion quilts pretty darn well!!!! Just my opinion!
Originally Posted by Gayle
I have been looking at the new top of the line Bernina but it is so expensive. Would you trade in a Bernina 440 with embroid. module for a different brand of machine that would have the same features as the top Bernina and more economical?? If you have done that, what machine did you change to and are you happier with that one? Thank you for your comments!
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I had the option of trading my viking mega quilter in when I bought my viking ruby but I'd had it less than a yr and would of lost 500 on the deal and I've hardly used the mega quilter. I decided it was worth more to keep it and start using it to quilt or to sell it myself than to lose so much on it. I'm so glad that I bought the Ruby though. I just learned how to embroidery greeting cards and it was so much fun and has an extra touch to show you care. With the free embroidery club that came with mine I'll be learning tons of more things and I'm really excited.
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Originally Posted by Maia B
Here's that discussion about machines that do or don't sew well over thick seams: http://sewing.patternreview.com/Sewi...ns/topic/64038
Look at what you need the machine for and besure it does what you want it to do. Is there any way you can go and sit and sew on the machine you are considering? I have a Janome 6500 and a Janome embrodery machine. The embrodery machine only got used for quilting. I gave it to my DD when DH gave me the Janome 6500. She only uses it for quilting. None of us like to do embrodery. What a waste of money for me to have bought that machine. If I had to do it again I would have saved all that money and saved up towards a used long arm. |
Originally Posted by scowlkat
The new TOL Janome was just unveiled at $9,999 so it is fairly close to the Bernina; however, I would take any Janome over Bernina any day even if it were more expensive! But because when I had a windfall a year ago and Janome did not have what I wanted, I bought and fell in love with the Babylock Ellisimo! It is an incredible machine. Now it is similar to the Brother Quattro so if you prefer Brother, I would look at that. As to whether to trade in the 440, well, how much do you like/hate the machine?
As for trading in the Bernina, do you have a spare machine? If not, I would keep it. My friend just got the new 830 and decided not to trade the other on in. If you can't afford to just buy the other one out right, I guess I would wait. That Bernina is a very nice machine. |
I do have an 830. Love it. Had a Bernina 180 and traded it in when I bought the 830. I have regreted trading it in as sometimes I needed to take a machine when I wanted to sew for others or in a class. The 830 is too heavy to take, so consider the weight of your new machine you plan on purchasing and IF you really want to trade in your 440. It is always nice to have that 2nd machine for a take along.
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I have a 440 and a Viking Ruby. I use my Viking all the time and the 440 sits. You have a lot of options with the Ruby probably more than I will use. I consider the Viking
powerful and precise! Love it. |
I traded my 440 in on an 820. I love it. Have never looked back. I got $2500.00 trade in on my 440. I think you would love the 820 or the 830. Mine was a great decision.
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I have a Bernina 165 embroidery machine. Yes, it is older, but works fantastic. I take it in for its service and that is the only issues I have had, except when I thru the timing on a no no I did. I owned a Viking 200 and it was a good machine. It was a basic model, but an upgrade from my mother's old Universal which was a workhorse. Changing from the Viking to the Bernina tooks some getting used to because of the more complex use of a Bernina, or it seemed. I purchased a Viking Iris for a second machine since I had sold my old Viking and I do not like how it works. Just did not seem to be the same quality. Once you go to Bernina, there is no going back. I would never trade in or get rid of my Bernina. A friend of mine purchased a Pfaff and loves it, another friend purchased a Pfaff and is having nothing but troubles and not many hours on it. I strongly suggest as others have, stay with your Bernina. Use it as a back up and do not get rid of it.
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Love my 440 and would not trade it. I guess it is just a matter of personal preference.
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I too have a Bernina 830 and a 200E for backup plus I just about gave awahy my Pfaff 7570 but kept the 1475. I have no need for any others!
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If you have invested in a lot of designs for your Bernina, do you have the software to convert them to a new format for your new machine? It is a consideration!
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I have many machines and Berninas are my very favorite. I have the Bernina 830...it is a dream machine. I also have a Babylock Elegante and A Brother Quattro....love them...but as their motto says...Nothing sews like a Bernina....Just my opinion.
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Originally Posted by joogoo
I have a 440 and a Viking Ruby. I use my Viking all the time and the 440 sits. You have a lot of options with the Ruby probably more than I will use. I consider the Viking
powerful and precise! Love it. |
I had a 1977 Bernina 830 and sold it for a song. I later found out from a certified Bernina repair tech that it was a work horse and should have kept it AND purchased a newer one if I wanted to. I am sorry that I sold it. Just a thought. If you feel you can afford to, keep it and get your newer one. Good luck!
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Voice of experience: I gave away a Bernina and my Janome is a great machine, but I regret not keeping the Bernina.
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I have a Bernina 830 and I absolutely love it. Buy the best you can afford and go to every single class you can. It is so worth it !
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I traded in my 440 and got the 730 to keep up-to date with
the gals I sew with. During this time a gal traded in her 830 and I picked up on it right away. I love Bernina because my dealer is close. Choose a machine that has a dealer close by to help in case of a problem. I put my 830 on my quilt frame and use my 730 on everything else. I have a 1973 Bernina that runs like a top. I do have my Pfaff Grand Quilter to sell at $700. My Bernina dealer said he would sell it for me. That to is a great machine but doesn't have the stitch regulator. Go with a dealer that will be close and is interested in your needs and will help. I sew every Tuesday at my dealers place Good luck. |
I am an avid Bernina fan and own a Bernina 635 which i absolutely love. I tried the new 830 and ultimately decided on the Baby Lock Ellisimo for 3 reasons..1) Price was more reasonable @ 5,999.....and in my opinion produces breautiful embroidery designs. 2) The machine is VERY intuitive and easier to use. 3) Close dealer support.... I was a bit timid about the 830 due to many of the issues that plagued the machine when it first came out..My Baby Lock dealer is a peach and only 15 minutes from me.
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I have the Bernina 830. LOVE IT!!! Need I say more. Go for it.
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Originally Posted by Gayle
I have been looking at the new top of the line Bernina but it is so expensive. Would you trade in a Bernina 440 with embroid. module for a different brand of machine that would have the same features as the top Bernina and more economical?? If you have done that, what machine did you change to and are you happier with that one? Thank you for your comments!
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Tripple ditto
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Janome just ame out with a new model that is a msh up of the 7700 and 10001(embroidery machine). It's on $10,000. How I wish I would win the lottery.
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Hi Gayle,
Just this week I traded in my 200E Bernina for the 830 model. I have had several Berninas and have had good luck with their machines. My dealer is fantastic to deal with. My only problem is they are an hours drive away from me which is a bit inconvient. But seeing as I have had very few problems it hasn't become an issue. So far I haven't had much of a chance to actually sew on the new machine because I had to do some switching around with my other machine (Pfaff). I had to put the new machine where my Pfaff was because it wouldn't fit where I had intended it to. So keep in mind this is a much bigger machine and the arm on it (embrodery module) takes a bit more space than some of the other Berninas. All that being said I am really looking forward to playing with my machine today when it's nice and quiet and I have my home to myself. I know I'm going to need to be able to concentrate without distractions. Good luck with your decision. Personally I feel you get what you pay for. Linda from Clinton |
This depends on what kind of sewing you do the most. Janome is a good runner up for Bernina. Babylock/Brother are great machines for embroidery but I feel are kind of flimsy for general sewing especially piecing patchwork. I don't like the upper end Viking machines because there is no pressor foot lift but are amazing for heirloom sewing. Pfaff are great for the IDT. A lower end Pfaff, the select line, are great machines for general sewing as well as patchwork. Bernina machines are crazy expensive. Find a good dealer that will work with you on the price. There may not be much leeway with the pricing but they can offer a huge trade-in amount for your old machine. Also, when Bernina is about to discontinue a model the dealers are allowed to offer a great (lower) price.
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A good choice is the Bernina 580. It is a mid-range/mid-priced machine and has all the latest technology and improvements. The 820/830 line is three years old.
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$5999 is an excellent price for the Ellisimo Gold. Who is your dealer?
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ONLY?
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No way!! I love my 440 QE but would definitely love to have the 830! I would keep mine though and save up for the big one. I have sewn on them several times and they are a dream!
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Trade your Bernina in for a Brother Quattro. I know it's cheaper than Bernina's TOL. My SIL bought the Bernina 830, and while it's a very nice machine, she has had it in the shop 3 times. And that's since Dec. In fact, it's at the "doctor's" now and has been for over two weeks, and he's saying it will be at least another two weeks, as he had to order some parts. I've had my Quattro two and a half years and have had no problems whatsoever. I also like the embroidery hoop selections that Brother offers better. The only thing I'd like on my Quattro is a stitch regulator. It seems like that would be a great feature. But never the less, I don't think I'd ever buy a Bernina. Wait, wait, I lied, :oops: I do own a little Bernina Bernette for taking to classes, and I do like it.
On the other hand, if you're just looking for a sewing machine, try Janome. I have a 6500 and just love it. It, too, has never been to the repair shop, and I've had it since 2004. I usually sew on the Janome while at the same time embroidering on my Brother. But, in the end, only you know what you can afford and what "feels right". I know there's a lot out there to look at, but, try the ones you may be interested in and see which one "feels right". Good luck! |
The Brother Quattro and the Baby Lock Ellisimo are the same machine, differnt names...
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Well GASP....seems like there are mostly Bernina fans here. I too have a Bernina (had about 2 yrs). TOTALLY love it. I had a VIking for 20 years. It was absolutely fabulous too. I bought a Bernina this time because that is the only dealer that services their own product in my area now. But I have NOT had any regrets. It is a sturdy little workhorse. I have the 230 Patchwork. Most everyone in my family and friends also have Bernina they all love them so that is another reason I went with a Bernina. I don't think I'll ever part with it.
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I agree, I would keep a Bernina, any model or year, they are super great machines....made so well....and having a back up machine is worth its weight in gold....
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No, I would not let my Bernina 440 go
but I sure would like the big Bernina. |
I'm with gramquilter2. Keep your Bernina. Berninas hold their value well and you may be disappointed in the future with the amount of trade in money you gave it up for. I have a 930 and a 1230 which are getting to be real oldies now but they are still sought after machines. It is not so easy to get one back once you have let it go.
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I gave away my Red Case 830, to an ungreatful niece and now find out it is worth $1400............how do you say, kick myself in the ass !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
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I replaced my Husqavarna / SE with Husqavarna / Diamond Plus 4 months ago. Absolutely love it! So many features on it that are unknown unless you try it out at a dealers. It is worth every penny even though I had to convince myself to spen sp much on a sewing machine.
Check out the feature at a dealers and see for yourself. |
I have a Bernina 440, with the BSR. It is a good machine, but although VERY expensive, there are not the bells and whistles I wanted. Last year I broke down and bought a Brother Innovia(?) Laura Ashley Edition. I love it. It cuts the thread, the needle threader is so much easier than the Bernina. The feet are less expensive so I can buy more. It has stitches up to 7mm. I do not regret giving up my bare bones cadillac for a fully loaded Kia!
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