Machine Recommendations
#11
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I have seen quite a few switch from bernina, they are not for everyone. I used a 5 and 7 series personally didn't care for either but some people love them
#13
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i don't think berninas are still manufactured in switzerland.
i tried tracking down accurate information about that last year.
all i could find was that they were assembled somewhere in "Asia."
that does not mean they are no longer a good machine.
that is always going to depend upon whether the brand owners still hold the assemblers to high standards for machines designed with excellent specifications.
for me, personally, i also think the brand owner should pass on their labor savings to the consumer if they have outsourced manufacture of parts and/or assembly.
i have never heard a bernina owner complain about her/his machine.
they brag about them enthusiastically.
they also still have a reputation for holding up for many years.
so, if you can afford a bernina and are most comfortable with that brand you should be able to buy one with confidence.
i tried tracking down accurate information about that last year.
all i could find was that they were assembled somewhere in "Asia."
that does not mean they are no longer a good machine.
that is always going to depend upon whether the brand owners still hold the assemblers to high standards for machines designed with excellent specifications.
for me, personally, i also think the brand owner should pass on their labor savings to the consumer if they have outsourced manufacture of parts and/or assembly.
i have never heard a bernina owner complain about her/his machine.
they brag about them enthusiastically.
they also still have a reputation for holding up for many years.
so, if you can afford a bernina and are most comfortable with that brand you should be able to buy one with confidence.
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#15
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 16,278
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The Brother 1500 straight stitch is all metal guts, has large area for quilting, had auto thread cutter, auto threader, knee lift, needle up/down and will sew through denim layers. I do all my quilting on this machine. Last time I looked at a new one it was under $700 at the dealer. Juki has a good straight stitch machine too.
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 2,414
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I had a Viking computerized one that was not a good choice for me. It broke down after a couple of years and couldn't be repaired. No one would even look at it. They said it was not worth fixing. I'm using a cheap mechanical Singer now and love it.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Southwest
Posts: 738
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I agree with onebyone...I have a Brother PS1500 and that is a workhorse! It only does straight stitch, but that is all I need. It will handle anything. It also has a pin-feed setting that feeds the fabric from the bottom (kind of like a walking foot). I love it and have had it for over 13 years. I'd buy another in a minute if mine ever stopped working.
#19
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Chico, CA
Posts: 10
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Thank you everyone for the recommendations. For now, a Bernina 1031 was donated to a local sewing studio and I am the proud/happy owner of it. She's made from metal, weighs a ton, and it's so comforting to have a machine again. I wish I could say thank you to the person who donated it. It's in almost perfect condition, had about ten feet inside an accessories case, a darning attachment, about 20 bobbins, the manual and a machine cover! Only the knee lifter was missing and I found where to purchase one. I'm thrilled. Even when/if I get my new machine, I'll keep her until someone else is in need.
#20
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Utah
Posts: 2,085
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The new "Next Generation" Berninas are pretty awesome! The Bernina 790 is my dream machine. But not in my budget. A lot of Bernina Gals are upgrading to the 570 (about $1899). You can get it with or without embroidery (add $1000). The giant bobbin and built-in dual feed are pretty great. I still like the walking foot much better than the dual feed. But the Jumbo bobbin holds 70% more thread!
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