The classes are what let you really know your machine. This is true for most all machines. Granted some might work better for you and the way you think, but the rationale is the same.

Even the FW has some maintenance you should know.

I have had both bernina and Viking . It was also my experience that Bernina wasn't user friendly. My Viking I learned from manual as it is easy to use. Most joann stores has the husquavarnaviking dealership located within their store . They have models to fit all needs. Stop in and try some out. They have free classes also if you feel you need them. I gave my bernina away. I also have a Janome gem that I piece with and take to classes that is easy to use. It is very light weight. Try several out and see which one you like.

I'm so sorry that you haven't bonded with your Bernina. They really are super machines. The classes will help you so much. The Bernina workbook was a wonderful idea. Try that and see if you can get more at ease with it. The 640 is a real workhorse! Also, you might go to the Through the Needle magazines. Google them. They are online now, and they have a lot of projects to do with Bernina machines. Good luck to you.

If it weren't for the free machine usage classes offered by my dealer, I'd be lost as well! They even let you take the classes if you bought elsewhere (great marketing - gets you in the door, and then you sign up for more classes, and then buy the supplies needed, and then see all the other machines your fellow classmates are using and then you find the bigger/better machine that you just have to have!).

I think there is a learning curve no matter what the brand or model - my Pfaff Ambition was very easy to learn & fun to use!

I just read the manual and use it. Any machine is easy to use and all regular machines work the same. After sewing over 50 years, I don't take classes. Learned to sew in school and that was it.

I think Brother and Babylock machines are the most user-friendly. Take a look at one of them if you have a dealer nearby.

Don't try to learn everything at once. Start with the basics that you will need to know to get started. Get familiar with your machine, and then learn as you go. Take the clasees, but before you do, have a notebook and write down questions as you sew, that you can ask your instructor.

Is your machine the one that was from the 1960's and very heavy!

It is a workhorse if it is.

Bernina's are not the most user friendly, they usually require classes. If you are looking for simple right out of the box anyone can use it user friendly brothers and babylocks can't be beat. Here's why they make so many types of products that they make it so easy that anyone can use it. I used my TOL embroidery machine out of box with little trouble. I would take your classes for your bernina and if after that you still aren't enjoying it you can always sell it and try something new. There will always be someone willing to take a bernina off your hand if you don't want it. maybe it just isn't the brand for you. There is no one brand for everyone, and sewing should be fun, you shouldn't have to get frustrated

I would also recommend reading the owner's manual. You may find what you need there.