I am looking to buy a second basic sewing machine. I would like a Bernina above anything else and I am looking to spend about 1000$US.
Can you recomend one to me? I am looking for a simple buttonhole, basic machine, not too many fancy stitches or anything, good for only garment construction.
I was thinking Activa 125?
Any thoughts?      

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Hello Kitty,
I have an old Bernina 1130 and have worked on older very basic models.  The University has several of the older models and they run very smoothly.  Much better than the newer models.  If you're looking for a basic backup machine and want a Bernina, I'd go with the old models.  I don't know the numbers, but they were made even before my 1130.

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"ACK! I'm having withdrawals! Get me to a sewing machine... NOW!"

http://ryuunohikari.etsy.com
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I'd really like to buy a new machine, since I have had really rotten luck buying used in the past!! (kind of why I need a new mahcine as it is...)
The shop uses Bernina's, thats why I want one. But these are sraight stitch industrials, so not much of a help model wise ...  

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Oh how fun it is to buy a new machine!!!  But, geez, Bernina keeps changing model numbers!  In the old days, all models ending in 30 (1130, 1230, 1530, 1630 and so on all the way back to 530 I believe) were the top of the line.  That all changed after the 1630.  But I've worked on some of the newer models and I liked the 125, 130, 140, 150 and 160 - they were all very nice-running machines (all computerized).  I like a computerized machine because of the buttonholes but if a mechanical machine is enough for you, you might try the 1008 too.  I too love the older models (I use an 830 and a 1530) but if I had to buy a new machine I'd still go with a Bernina.  We fashion sewists don't need much beyond straight stitch, zigzag, and buttonholes so I think you'd be very pleased with the 125.  Just be sure that you actually sew on the model you are considering and have the dealer point out the differences in features.  Also ask about trade-up policy.  Many dealers will give you full trade-in within 1 year.

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My friend has recently bought a Bernina activa/virtuosa (?) 165!
So great! Easy to handle, a lot of features and the nices buttonholes I've ever seen! I'm so jealous ( I have an old Pfaff! ) but I'm going to visit her as often as I need buttonholes. They are 1 step buttonholes and they have the same sizes, if you make the machine memorize the lenght!!
and you can have 3 different kinds of buttonholes, zillions of different stichtes and a knee-lifter (?)

Tini

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read my blog:
http://www.tininaeht.blogspot.com/

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I have an old 801 and I got it specifically because I loved the machines (830's) I used in my beginner class. Its great. I'm still lusting over automatic button hole features, but this girl is a work horse. I need to get her fixed up though, its time for her annual physical! I say just pop by a Bernina dealer and try a few out. You will know you are at a good dealer if they don't totally pressure you to buy buy buy!

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I have a great Bernina dealer, so I am confident with that.
Here are some of my concerns.
I like the Activa's, but they are smaller not full size machines I don't think. I don't think I mind this very much, but should I? I don't quilt and sew mostly garments.
I was looking at them and I think I may go up to the 135. Is it worth 400$US to go up to a 145?
The Virtuosos are much too expensive for right now I think.
I would prefer a computerized machine, so is there any other option?
This really is a big choice to make and I want to make sure I am confident in what I end up with.

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Kitty,
I have a Bernina 160 which was my leap into "real sewing" after my ancient  but reliable Kenmore (which I still have for my 2 daughters to sew on and as my backup).  I have to say: "I love my Bernina."  I also have a fabulous dealer.  When I went to the Bernina site, it looks like the major differences between the 135 and anything higher are the number of stitches (mostly decorative) and the kneelift (optional on the 135 and I'd go ahead and spring for it - whatever the cost its worth it)!  The Virtuosa models allow you to switch out decorative stitches using CPS software, but in 2 + years I have yet do that on my machine.  I rarely use the decorative stitches, but I think there's one additional buttonhole style on the 145 - I'd have the dealer show you.  At the end of the road, Kitty, your dealer is the one to make all the difference.  If you buy the 135 and find that its missing features that you want, your dealer should accomodate you.  I don't think you can go wrong with the brand - it really is the dealer that makes the difference.  However it sounds to me like the 135 will meet your needs - you can always buy the knee lift later.  I know how hard this kind of purchase can be - I've finally decided to give in to the need for a serger and its really hard to navigate between what's absolutely necessary and what's a "nice to have that I'll never use"    Best of luck to you - let us know what you end up doing!
One more thing - the stitch memory capability is worth moving up from the 125 to the 135.  Everything on the upper models is gravy IMO  
Tina

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Tina
Phoenix, AZ

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Thanks for the advice.
I know what I'd LIKE, but i want to make sure it will be what I NEED.
I don't want to have to make another big purchase like this again soon !!
Do you think the size of the machine would matter?

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Kitty,  I talked to my Bernina dealer today and asked her about the "not full size" issue of the Activas and she said they don't really think of them that way.  The arm/head of the machine is less than an inch shorter than the Virtuosas and that is the only difference size-wise.  If you like to machine quilt bed size quilts you might not like that but for garment sewing I think you'd be more than fine.  I still think you can't go wrong with the 135.  
Tina

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Tina
Phoenix, AZ

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