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if you are knowledgable about Bernina sewing machines
I am looking for a sewing machine. (my mom got me a junky sewing machine & it is really hard & frustrating to use. first i thought it was me, but after reading reviews online, lots of people were having issues with it).
I read the FAQ and see that Bernina is a recommended brand. there is a dealer in my town so i plan to go there over the weekend. i called and asked what the price range of sewing machines is & the lady told me the range starts at ~$200. (there aren't really any other dealers close to where i live).
so, my question is - do you think the buying the lowest priced model of a reputable brand is a good idea? i would like to really learn to sew - be able to hem clothes, make curtains, be able to make clothes/dresses for my daughter (nothing fancy & obviously after i had some experience). so, i really don't need something w/50 different kinds of stitches & i don't plan to use it for quilting, etc. i just want a good, solid machine. also, do you think if i was willing to go to ~$350, i would get something much better?
thanks!!!!
Re: if you are knowledgable about Bernina sewing machines
I am curious what they have at that price point, because Berninas are not that inexpensive. I probably paid more than double that for my activa 125 s, at least eight or nine years ago, and it is the low end of the computerized machines. I don't remember the non computerized machines being that much less expensive, even then..
See if they have any trade ins or reconditioned machines. Those usually come with a decent warranty and are a really good buy for the money, because they are great machines....just not the newest models.
that seems oddly low if you're talking about a new bernina. whatever the machine is for $200, it's probably not so great. i think she may be referring to the bernette line, which is like bernina lite. if that's the case, i wouldn't do it.
if i wanted a bernina for under $500 or so, i'd look into a used machine. the dealer should have these as well, and you'll get a much better quality machine. otherwise, i'd consider investing more money into it and getting one from the activa line or the 1008, depending on what you're looking for. (for reference, i have the bernina activa 240, and i'm pretty sure i negotiated it down to $1200 or so when i bought it several years ago.)
It's an awful looking, cheap plastic piece of junk. I looked at Berninas before getting the CS-6000i off eBay. For the nice ones, even refurbished, they were too expensive for my budget.
Hopefully, OP, your dealer will have some good, inexpensive refurbished machines. GL!
TTC Baby #2 - BFP on 12/14/11 @ 10DPO - CP confirmed 12/18/11
BFP #2 on 1/13/12
Bernina is having some specials right now.
http://www.berninausa.com/content-t20120306Spring2eBlast-n1172-sUS.html
I don't post much on this board, but I'll weigh in because I'm a Bernina owner.
At the $350 price point you are looking at a Bernette. It is truly an entry level machine, meaning no frills (ie auto buttonhole, free hand system, stitch displays, etc..), no computer, and limited presser foot options. That said, it may be exactly what you want if you're projects are going to consist of basic apparel and light home-dec work. Be sure to try the machine before you buy it and talk to your dealer about the type of sewing that you do/or want to do.
After the Bernette there is a pretty big price jump up to the Bernina Activa and the '3' series. This is where they start referring to the Bernina's as sewing computers, and they really are. Bernina's are work horses, and, if properly cared for, will last really long time. That said, they're investments. There is a reason the Bernina credit card exists.
Also know this about a Bernina. They lock down their distribution pretty tightly, so you'll have to go back to your local authorized dealer for any accessories, including your bobbins.
Given your price range, you should also consider an entry level Babylock, like the Audrey or the Grace. These are also great machines that are well reviewed, and you may be able to get a little more bang for your buck at the $350 price point.
Many dealers that carry Bernina also carry Babylock (their distribution is also really tighly controlled), so you should check with yours. I don't have a Babylock sewing machine, but I have a serger and a coverstich and would highly recommend their product.