Kelligirl

Soooo... there are just sooooo many machines out there... it can very very confusing navigating through it all. I'm leaning toward a Bernina... but not sure of the type. I looked at the Bernina 550QE...

Does anyone have this model? Or have other suggestions... this is my FIRST machine. My husband has down quite a bit of research as well.... and feels we should buy the one we plan on keeping for the long haul...

Thanks for the help!! I'm all ears... and sooo anxious to get started!!

Kelli

Jackie Spencer

You will love it!! I bought a Bernina a year before I retired, (4 yrs. ago) you will not regret it. I bought the 75 year anniversary Quilter model. with BSR. I never would have learned free motion quilting without it. Best machine I have ever had, and I have had them all. Been quilting since 1975.

dunster

I have the 440QE and love it.

Jan in VA

So glad you are starting with a Bernina! You will love it. I hope over the next few years you also have the chance to sew on other brands, because then you will really appreciate the value of your machine for the long run.

Jan in VA

jcrow

I have had a few machines and nothing compares to my Bernina. Nothing comes even close! I did need the free lesson though. She does so very much and if I hadn't taken the lessons, I wouldn't know all she does! So plan on taking the lessons right away.

JudyTheSewer

I really like my 440QE (and vintage 730 and 1630). I don't think you will ever regret your purchase of a Bernina. The suggestion to take the classes is a good one. There are so many features that just are not mentioned in the manual. Even simple things like a thread cutter down in the bobbin area to cut the thread once you've but the bobbin case in - I never would have known that great feature with out going to the classes.

sewingsuz

I have a Bernina 440 QE also and really like it. I have a viking that I bought before the bernina and It is a very good machine also.

Skittl1321

Fabulous machine and easy to use. Make sure your dealer offers good support, maintaince and classes.

I adore my Bernina (430, but ive sewn on the one you mentioned)

quiltstringz

Just a suggestion - look at the new 710/750/780 series. If you can swing it I think you will be much happier in the long run. what is the advantage? Larger throat space (10" - just 2" shy of the new 830) even feed feet available (called IDT on Pfaffs ) sort of like a built in walking foot. Larger bobbin - holds about 70% more than the standard sewing machine bobbins, even more than the new 830!!!

Ask me how I know - I just came back from the Bernina store (they had a fabric sale today) and was looking at these. I have a 730 but think I will be selling it and going with either the 710 or 750.

Kelligirl

Thanks so much for all the responses!! I appreciate the input..... I've got some shopping to do!!! It seems I can't go wrong with Bernina!!