II had a Bernina 730 Record I just sold because I didn't enjoy it like I thought I would. Definitely more modern machines for me, except I LOVE my 201 Singer! I have a new Pfaff Ambition Essential. Has the built in walking foot as well as multiple quilting stitches. Over 120 decorative stitches in all. It has been a good machine so far. Still trying to get used to it though. May want to check it out too. I looked at the new Berninas too, but I couldn't justify the cost.

I would not a buy a sewing machine from HSN ... I regardless of which brand you buy, it is always smart to have a local dealer for education, service, and community. I bought a new near top of the line Brother machine from eBay, as it turned out, it was a lemon. The brother dealer refused to service it under warranty since I did not buy the machine from him. He complained about people who buy from Walmart and online and then go crying to him for service or to teach them how to use it ... I guess he has a point. But I would suggest you visit the SM dealers in your area, get a feel for how they could treat you as a customer and do try several brands ... for the most part, they all have good features. My Brother is in the closet and I bought a Bernina which I love. My friend has a Janome and she wins State Fair medals all the time and I have liked several Janomes that I have tried (especially their little 12 pounder , QC something or other, it had all the features I would consider necessary and had a good solid feel to it (I think it runs in the 600-700 range) but my DH put his foot down about collecting machines after having spent several thousand on my Bernina. Good luck.

try sewvac direct.com and get a janome , and they have lay way

I love my used Bernina 430.

Bernina all the way!! I have 2 Bernina sewing machines and 1 sewing/embroidery machine. I have had Bernina machines for 14 yrs. and have never regretted buying them.

I was where you are about a month ago. I was looking to upgrade my 30-something Kenmore machine. I was convinced a Bernina was the way to go. They are high quality machines, however I couldn't justify the high price tag. I tried out several machines by different manufacturers, did my internet research and talked to quilters I know. I ended up with something else that gave me more bang for my buck and does everything I want/need it to do.

My suggestion would be to know what you need in a machine and test drive several before making your purchase.

Happy machine shopping!

I love, love my Bernina -- have had it for years, and its wonderful!

I find it interesting that so many Bernina owners have more than one. I too own two, my original Bernina 830 Record that I bought 40 years ago for $329 (a lot of money for a nursing student in 1972), she still purrs like a kitten. I also have a 440QE with embroidery, she is my regular machine for daily use. Some of the lower priced models are not made in Switzerland any more, I would be careful about buying one of them. It is easy to be star-struck in the dealership, watching someone show you the glories of a new machine. My advice would be to make sure the machine does what you need it to do, and to take all the lessons available, so you understand how to use the machine to it's best advantage. Good Luck and have fun.

Go for it ! I have two Berninas, 180 E for embroidery and 150 QE for sewing. LOVE my BERNINAS !
Best machine available today. I would never buy anything else. These machines last for 50 years.
You'll never need to buy another machine. :)
You can always look for a used Bernina...

I have 2 Berninas and love them both. The older one is a 1630 and is a real workhorse and always gives great stitches. The other is a 180 sewing/embroidery machine and an awesome machine. I don't think I will ever consider another brand even if they are pricey, you can always count on them to perform well.