Thoughts about Berninas
03-25-2023, 12:07 PM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 704
Originally Posted by pennyhal2
I own several Bernina sewing machines and have been very satisfied making quilts with them. However, if the circuit board fails, you may just have to throw the machine out depending on how old it is. My local shop could not repair them. I've put 1 in the dumpster...yes, it was old and very well used. I keep a mechanical machine for such events. I think this is called "planned obsolescence" that they do now so that things will fail over a planned life span so that you have to buy a new one. I think it is called "American Greed."
In any event, the Q series Ashley is interested in was only introduced in 2015 and is likely to be fully supported by Bernina for many years. In shopping for a sit-down long arm, I’m not sure there is an option from any brand that is mechanical only (maybe an older industrial model?).
I also believe that Bernina probably supports its older models as well as any brand out there. For example, I can purchase a ruler foot for my Bernina 1090, which isn’t an option for my mechanical Elna Lotus.
03-26-2023, 05:49 AM
#22
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Posts: 1,488
Thanks, everyone, for the helpful advice. I tried out the other brands, comparing their features with the Bernina 16Q Plus. Ended up with the 16Q Plus for the sale price of the 16Q! Also, went with the Bernette 77 for added decorative stitches...Don't call me today-I'll be busy playing in my studio!
03-31-2023, 03:54 AM
#25
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Oregon
Posts: 3,308
Enjoy your machine! Hubby found me an older used Aurora 430, but when we got it home, we found out the computer board was bad. I hated to spend money on the fix, but $900 later, it sews like a dream! Then hubby bought me the Q16, and I really enjoy it! I do prefer the older mechanical machines, especially hand cranks and treadles. Those really old machines will be sewing 200 years from now with just a little oil.
04-02-2023, 07:08 AM
#28
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 9,205
Originally Posted by aashley333
Phew! There is a learning curve to FMQ. This is my first masterpiece sampler. I'm saving it to look back upon when I get better. Thanks for all of the thoughts and ideas!
