I ahve 3 brother sewing machins the first one is great and has taken a beating when I was finishing up my last of five quilts for christmas(two weeks before christmas day) my dog got cought on the cord and took off running. the sewing maching went with him for about 5 feet. bounced twice and I cried.My husband picked it upset it on the table we had to put the belt back on but it limped throught so I could finish the quilt. I did have to take it in to be fixed later and got a brother with a push button start stop never used the foot peddle. not I have added the brother pq1500 bigger open for quilting. so sorry it long winded.

I have a Viking. It is 10 years old I got it when I did garment sewing so it doesn't have some of the quilting features on it. I have been trying to save up for a viking Designer 11 but it costs alot, so maybe I might think about a Bernina I belong to a small guild and over half own a bernina.Goog luck it is a hard decision to make, so take your time and go test drive. Donna

Yes, 3incollege I have heard really good things about Bernina and had them demonstrated for me at our local quilt shop. They were promoting the most expensive one ($3200!!!!) with far more features than I think I would ever use. They do seem to be very dependable and I've never read anything but positive comments here on the message board. I would just love to find a used one somewhere "pre-computers". I'm not sure all of the computerized stuff is that great but I admit to being technically challenged. Regardless, all of your comments are much appreciated and I do intend to "shop around". In the meantime, I'll just use my mom's old trusty White machine (even if it is tempermental, etc......)

Yes Joan, a pre-computer Bernina will last you the rest of your life. I am very happy with my 830, my sister likes her 1030, and I have heard nothing but good things about the 930. My 830 is an early 70's model I think. I advise not getting one off ebay, but finding one in a local shop where the mechanic has gone through and cleaned and adjusted everything on it. The part that amazes me is how few oil points there are in this machine. I was use to seeing Mom oil her Singer and I know from personal experience the Elna Super I have has lots of oil points.


Anyhow, I can attest to the durability of the Berninas. If it can survive me, it can survive most anything.

tim in san jose