sewtogo
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BC CANADA
Member since 6/19/05
Posts: 36 |
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Date: 9/28/11 1:29 AM After years of wanting a new machine, i was lucky enough to acquire an 820 last year. Now that I have grown used to the foot taps, the sounds, the speed, I am looking for a machine to take with me on retreats, classes etc.
I have a featherweight but would like to be able to appliqué and use a blanket stitch or thread paint when i am not at home.
The 820 is too awkward to move to classes.
Since I have a BSR and a walking foot, i know I could use them on the new 530. As well as many of the feet in my growing collection. But I rarely free motion quilt on retreats, so the BSR is less important.
I had been thinking of a 430 or a 380, but the idea of the 530 intrigues me... I could use all of my attachments. I have not priced the 530 yet in Canada. Then again, I wish they had put the dual feed on the 500 series. As an old Pfaff user, I like the fact that i can use dual feed on the 820.
I keep going in circles.... ------
Quilter, sewer, felter. Bernina 820, 630, FW 201k, |
Maia B
 
Advanced Beginner
IL USA
Member since 10/27/10
Posts: 3406 |
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Date: 9/28/11 8:56 AM I had an 440 before I got my 820 this summer, and I'm glad I kept it. "Awkward" to move is an understatement!!! It's HUGE and HEAVY, though worth every inch, ounce, and penny. The 430 accepts the BSR, and weighs only 5 lbs more than the 380. I've read of folks getting the 430 for about the same price as the 380. So I'd recommend you weigh cost against features including lighting and the display (the major differences between the 430 and 530 as I understand it). If I were making this choice, I'd probably go for the 430... Enjoy whichever you choose! ------
🌸 Plenty of machines, mostly Berninas 🌸 |
Maia B
Advanced Beginner
IL USA
Member since 10/27/10
Posts: 3406 |
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Date: 9/28/11 8:58 AM Btw, I was a former Pfaffanatic, the Bernina dual feed is excellent, but so is the walking foot, very easy to install, 3 sole options, 1/4" markings. ------
🌸 Plenty of machines, mostly Berninas 🌸 |
Doris W. in TN
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TN USA
Member since 2/9/04
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In reply to sewtogo
Date: 9/28/11 9:09 AM The 380 will weight approx. five to seven pounds less than a 5-series or Aurora 4-series machine, and give you the mirror image capability that the 330 and 350 don't offer. For classes, weight is important to me since my rolling tote has the weight of the supplies in it, too.
As for using the 820 feet on a 5mm feed dog machine.... yes, it will work, but I am much happier acquiring a few 5mm feet for my 350 because they are much narrower than the feet for my 9mm wide Artista 730E. The 5mm feet I wanted made great Xmas and birthday gift ideas for my family . . . |
a7yrstitch
Intermediate
TX USA
Member since 4/1/08
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In reply to sewtogo
Date: 9/28/11 1:54 PM Sewtogo,
Our circumstances are very similar. 29 years with my Pfaff. One year with with the 830 which I refuse to move unless it is for maintenance. And, i am looking for a class machine. The big dilemna for me is how much to spend on a class machine but I am determined that machines, accessories, class location all be coordinated. I heard a rumor that there would be another Bernina with a built in dual feed. I suspect that it will be too pricey for a class machine but I'm willing to hold out to see what Bernina has in mind. Sorry, can't source the rumor but thought you might want to know it is out there. Waiting, of course, could mean losing good pricing............. ------
I have no idea what Apple thought I was saying so be a Peach and credit anything bizarre to auto correct. |
GreenMtn
Intermediate
NC USA
Member since 10/28/05
Posts: 293 |
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In reply to sewtogo
Date: 9/28/11 2:43 PM I just purchased a 350 for a class machine (I have a 440 recessed in a table for home). I knew I would be doing very little freemotion quilting away from home and wanted something as light weight as possible.
The 350 does have the clip on feet, but honestly they are perfectly fine for class and travel. The 350 will always take my one piece feet and tap pedal should I wish to take them with me. I have a nice padded Bernina bag that came with my 440 that I am using to transport my 350. The 380 comes with a nice rolling tote. |
Sew Nanny
Intermediate
MS USA
Member since 8/13/06
Posts: 1319 |
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Date: 9/28/11 6:33 PM I bought a 430 without the embroidery unit as a traveling/class machine and as a companion to my 830LE. I like that I can use the BSR on either machine and the 430 is great for piecing. Have fun picking out the perfect machine for you. ------
Patricia
Bernina 830LE ~ Bernina 630E ~ Bernina B350SE Vintage Postcard Dragonfly ~ Juki TL2010Q ~ Babylock Enlighten ~ Babylock BLCS
"One thing life has taught me: if you are interested, you never have to look for new interests. They come to you. When you are genuinely interested in one thing, it will always lead to something else."
Eleanor Roosevelt
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sewtogo
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BC CANADA
Member since 6/19/05
Posts: 36 |
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Date: 12/17/11 7:11 PM Well, my dear husband has given me a Christmas present - I chose the model. I am now a proud owner of a 630....
(or will be at XMAS, since it is under the tree) ------
Quilter, sewer, felter. Bernina 820, 630, FW 201k, |
SewBusy63
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IA USA
Member since 12/10/07
Posts: 3195 |
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In reply to sewtogo
Date: 12/17/11 7:29 PM Excellent choice!  ------
~Diana~
♥ Bernina 830E ♥ Bernina 1150MDA serger
✝The Lord is my Light and my Salvation: whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1✝
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Learn To Sew
Intermediate
WA USA
Member since 4/12/05
Posts: 8001 |
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In reply to sewtogo
Date: 12/17/11 7:32 PM Lucky you. What a wonderful husband you have. We expect to read a full review in a month or two. None of these 2-3 sentence reviews. Please tell us what you like and don't like. It really helps those of us who have a hard time deciding between machines. ------
Quilting is relaxing to me. I love to play with fabrics, patterns and colors.
Bernina 630 machine only
Pfaff 2036
Babylock Molly
Bernina 1200DA serger
Unique Sewing Cabinet 450L |
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