Kas

I do my own quilting and love to FMQ. My Pfaff, which I loved, started having tension problems when I FMQed. Not on the straight stitches, though. It still pieces like a dream. But I took it back to the dealer and he couldn't fix it. I took it to another reputable sewing machine repair shop and they couldn't fix it either. So I was miserable because I couldn't do any quilting, only straight stitching. Truly it was a blessing that it happened because I love my Bernina 640 and the knee lift! My old Tiptronic didn't have one. and the 640 has the flourescent light that goes in a "C" shape on three sides of the needle so you can really see what you are doing.

Kas

My Bernina dealer carries feet for several shank types. It even says on the box the feet come in which machine they are for. So the feet are available if you need them. But if you are upgrading, it seems like you wouldn't need to use your new feet on the old machine. Mine came with all the feet I need for quilting.

Mattee

Bernina had one time at which it changed its shanks, so the new feet don't fit on older machines, but this happened only once, and was done because the new foot design is so much nicer than the old. They don't update their foot design every couple of years; it was done once in the last several decades, maybe even century. Their feet are interchangeable between each of the machines, so if you buy a new machine, all of your feet will fit it, as long as they aren't the much older style of foot. It's like pre-1982 feet and post-1982 feet, for example (I don't know the exact year). They don't do it often, and aren't likely to have plans to do it again.

Candace

Yes, and Janome has now changed to the Accufeed feet on some machines, so one can't realistically complain about it. Manufacturers change feet, computer technology etc. and yes it makes some of our machines out dated and sometimes a challenge to find "old" parts and what not, but new technology is exciting.

mpspeedy

I learned to sew on my mother's featherweight. I worked for over a year at a Bernina dealer's shop where they stayed afloat by doing custom dressmaking and alterations. I not only learned a whole lot about garmet sewing and alterations but I fell in love with the Berninas we sewed on everyday. I had purchased one of the first Embroidery machines Bernina sold before I started working for the dealer. I also had purchased a beginner Bernina serger from the same dealer. The embroidery machine was actually a Brother patent and used the PES format. I later traded it up to the next higher model. In the meantime I was able to purchase a then new model 1260 sewing machine at the dealer's cost since I worked for them. That model didn't have the capacity to clock the hours used. I am still using it and it probably has thousands and thousands of hours on it. In the last year I purchased another Bernina machine that has the plastic housing. It makes it about ten pounds lighter than my 1260 and it actually has a few more decorative stitches than the older model. It cost a third of what I paid for the other machine. I had to spend a couple of extra hundred dollars to have the foot pedal upgraded and the knee bar installed. I have upgraded my Bernina serger in the last couple of years to one that threads easier. I use it almost daily when I am working on Linus quilts. In all I now possess 4 Berninas, a new Brother embroidery machine, a featherweight and an antique tredel machine. Given a choice I would grab my 1260 first if I had to leave any of my machines behind.
Note: At the time I purchased my first Bernina sewing machine I made a choice to get the 1260 because of the quality of the straight stitch. I don't like the combination machines. The ones that also do embroidery don't have a stable straight stitch because the needle housing must be able to move in so many directions. The other reason is because I hate to have to change the machine around everytime I want to either sew or embroider. I spent more money for my serger just to have the built in rolled hem capacity for the same reason.

IrishNY

I love, love, love my 1260! :thumbup:

KLO

I have a Bernina 153QE that I bought second hand a few years ago from my LQS. I swore I would never buy a Bernina but I was sewing on an old Singer that was giving me trouble. The owner of the shop said for years that he was going to sell me a machine and finally did. Well, I love this little machine. It does all and more than I could ask for. The only change I would make would be to enlarge the throat space which I gather they have done finally with a newer model. Might do a trade in for that one day.

catrancher

I had a bare bones Janome that I absolutely hated from the day I brought it home. It gave me nothing but trouble. When I bought one to replace it, it was a Bernina. I love my Bernina. I kept the Janome as a spare in case the Bernina ever breaks down. So far, I haven't used it.

gale

I wonder if you got a lemon. I've heard very little or no complaints about Janome machines.

Lucky Lindy

My best friend urged me to get one about 9 years ago. She said it made sewing so much fun, I wouldn't be able to stop! Well she was right and I'm still sewing with it and loving it. I miss my friend, she passed away 2 years ago from cancer, but I think of her everyday when I sit down to sew....maybe I should name my machine Lynette, after my friend!