catrancher

I got the Bernina 440 QE for that amount with the BSR. Later I added the embroidery module and I found that on eBay. Love both.

nangars

You should also try out the Baby Locks as well as others to see what you like. They are like cars not eveyone feels the same way.

pinkypig

yep I agree, a mid-arm for the frame

catrancher

Bernina Stitch Regulator--an attachment that keeps your stitches even in free motion quilting. There are four settings depending on what you prefer. One setting makes it so that the machine sews when you move the fabric, and it stops when you stop. You can use the foot pedal or the button. It just depends on what you like. I had a problem with mine (a loose connection) and Bernina replaced it under warranty. Works great now.

mhansen6

I would buy the embroidery unit for my Pfaff Creative 4.0. When I bought the machine my husband told me to buy the unit but like an idiot I said I wouldn't use it that much. Boy did I regret that decision.

Anna O

I would decide on what features I desired in a machine and for what purpose I plan to use the machine. If you are going to quilt on the machine then you want one with a wide throat and even feeding. If you are going to do a lot of embroidery then you want one that you can hook up to a computer and download patterns. If you are going to do applique you want want that has stitches you like for that. Higher end machines have more options, but don't necessarily sew any better. I would make sure I get it from a local authorized dealer and they will bargain with you. Save what money you have left for fabric!

My personal preference would be a Pfaff. The IDT can't be beat. I have owned many models and wouldn't settle for less. And, no, I'm not a dealer or have any connection. hee, hee

PolkaBabe

I love my Berninas. I waited a couple of years before I replaced the worn out Bernina. I would do that again if I had to.

catrancher

I don't care about the thread cutter, but a longer base would be nice. There are Berninas with longer bases, but being all metal, the machine I have is already heavy. The larger machines seem like a lot to haul around if you want to take it to a class. My husband and I travel in our RV, and I like the more compact size.

jmabby

Machines are like anything else, some fit your needs better than others. 2 things I abosolutely would look for are long base and needle up, needle down, the feed that goes up and down is nice too.

Izaquilter

Don't make any hasty decisions. I searched machines probably 6 months before I bought mine. Go to the different shops & test drive them. Go to any shops around & test drive. Then go back & test drive AGAIN & AGAIN until you are sure. Get the feel of the machine. See what you like & don't like. Take a small notebook with you & jot down the likes & dislikes. But what I really recommend is buying it from a sewing machine shop that will stand behind it. I bought my first Bernina 11 yrs ago & it was a lemon. A total lemon. The shop kept saying it was something I had done every time something would go wrong. All I did was turn it on & sew! I sure gave that shop some negative advertisement! I just purchased my newest Bernina 440QE last April (from a different shop) & I am going Sat. to see about trading up. There's nothing wrong with my new machine thank goodness but there are more features on one a couple steps up that I like so I'm going to see what the shop will give me for it. My new machine has been wonderful thank goodness but I want more! LOL I know greedy. So make sure you buy it from a reputible sewing machine shop & they stand behind their machines. Also if you do your own quilting of your quilts, check out the throat space. Make sure there's plenty of room to get that quilt thru there! A needle up & needle down option is WONDERFUL.