Lori S

I know alot of people who had big ideas when they bought "top of the line" machines.... and years later little has happened in the way of projects.
First question can you really afford it? Is it a want or need? How much will you really use the new features? What does the machine do that you can not do now , and how much of that will you be doing?
Truth be told I have a few machines and 99 percent of the time I am sewing straight stiches.

cdufur

Personnaly, I would keep my Bernina 440 and use it as a back up machine or a second machine.

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.

Candace

Ditto.

Maia B

Ah, Candace...wise, timely, and succinct! :)

Candace

:>

annthreecats

Double Ditto.

Katia

I agree with Candace. I have two Bernina's. One is nearly 40 years old and I bought it new, and one I found at a yard sale, but still a very good machine. I would not get rid of either.

callie

Last year I upgraded my embroidery machine and though I didn't trade it in, I do wish I would have kept it. You'd be surprised how much you can do on two machines!

athomenow

Gran of 6, I want to come play at your house. I can only dream of having a new Viking. I have two older ones and the Diamond is my ultimate dream but I would take any of the other ones you have. Maybe someday!