What's the big deal?
 

I've been quilting for 7 years and still feel I'm in the beginner/intermediate stage. I own 3 Brothers; a mechanical, a Cs1000i and an Innovis 1250D w/embroidery feature. I love them all. But I have been intrigued by the devotion of many to the Bernina. After a few years I thought I was missing something, never having sewn on a Bernina. But I plugged along, feeling somewhat deprived but nevertheless successful in my projects. One day, in September this year, I was on Craig's List just cruising in sewing machines, and came across this cabinet, Bernina and Singer Serger for sale for $1,600. It's a Koala Lite cabinet and a Bernina Virtuoso 153QE Edition, both 2004 models. It was the Koala Cabinet I was after...I was full-up with sewing machines, but when we settled on $1,100 for both I thought it was a good deal. I could always sell the Bernina and still have the cabinet I wanted. You know where this is going, right? I have now sewn on a Bernina and I'm hooked. I wish I could describe the difference but I can't. It just feels more solid. My 1/4 inch seams are perfect; can't explain why except I suspect the feed dogs have something to do with it. Anyway, for the Bernina sewists out there, now I get what the big deal is. I absolutely love this Bernina. It doesn't have an automatic thread cutter, which I love on my Brother, but it sews beautifully. So, now I have 3 Brothers and 1 Bernina. I'm officially a quilter!

lol-no Viking yet-they are also awesome and easy to get perfect 1/4 inch seams.have fun with your new toy.

I still think - in most cases - the "perfect" 1/4 inch seam has more to do with the operator than the machine.

Glad you got a good deal and are ecstatic with it! :)

Love my Bernina too! Beautiful cabinet and you will love sewing on it. I have a similar one with the drawers connected to the side arm. Congrats and lots of happy hours quilting!!!

Berninas are wonderful -- as a Bernie owner I'm partial, of course -- but I'm also sure that one CAN be a *quilter* with any machine that's well made and well-maintained. :)

But I get a kick out of your falling in love with your 'new' machine! Bet you certainly *were* a "real" quilter before, too. :D

Jan in VA

congrats... enjoy

When I saw the deal you got I was envious and I already have a Bernina.:)

Congrats on you new machine. I love my Bernina. I'm not familar with your cabinet, but my cabinet the shelf the machine sits onrecesses just a bit so the machine bed is even with the table. You take the knee lever off to recess and when the machine is recessed put the knee lever back on. I would think your table should have come with some sort of cutout plexiglass that snugs around the arm of the machine making a nice flush surface. I think you will find you sewing and quilting will improve even more if you set your machine up that way.

I really love my Bernina 440! Really !

that is a great looking setup. congrats!