I'm on my third Bernina in thirty years - not because I needed a new machine but because I wanted to upgrade. I always get terrific trade- in prices.I bought my first one for $400 and got $400 for it when I traded it in 20 years later.Love them!!

Even on Bernina lists there are debates regarding the machines that are made in Thailand now. Apparently the Activas and some of the Auroras are no longer Swiss-made, and there are regular discussions regarding the Thai factories and how tightly Bernina controls them.

I would choose a Janome every time! I have the Janome 11000 and the Janome Horizon and couldn't live without either!

That's just my point. The country of origin doesn't matter; the behavior of the manufacturer, in this case Bernina, does. I've read all sorts of claims about where Bernettes are manufactured, and people usually object to a country based solely on the nation in question, when it's really the behavior of the manucturer that matters. A manufacturer in the US could be crap if they don't care about their product, and a product in China could be the best thing since sliced bread if the manufacturer cares to do a good job.

I have a Janome QC and do love it but with that being said I could have gone with anything since I only piece.Any machine that will sew a straight line would work for me.I don't embroidery or use anything but my straight stitch.So I guess your other consideration should be what are you going to use the machine for.

I had a Bernina embroidery machine. After about 4-5 years I sold it. I would never buy a Bernina again. I have a New Home (non embroidery) machine which Janome bought out the company. I would go with Janome. I don't believe I would ever get another embroidery machine but I would like the Janome 6600.

When I could afford it, I moved up to Berninas. I loved them. Then I got a lemon serger. My friend got a lemon 1630. My biggest complaint is as Bernina updates its machines, it makes it impossible for you to use the new feet etc. on your older machine. I can't afford a new Bernina every other year. I finally moved to Jenome. I have the gem for classes and the 6600 for quilting. I love the machines and as far as stitching quality, I guess I'm just not that particular. That was never one of my criterias when selecting a machine.

There is a Viking Huskvarna sewing maching at an auction today. Do you think they would be any good? It's an older machine, but I would like something to take to classes and use when embroidering on my Bernina. Linda

what a beautiful story and what a wonderful teacher

I was thinking the same thing about the teacher once I realized she had loaned you her BERNINA! I can't imagine letting it out of my sight and especially with someone I didn't know. I am not very proprietary about much but my Bernina is one of those things. I don't/can't/won't share it.

Luckily your teacher was less selfish than me. :D