sb1280
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VA USA
Member since 8/1/07
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Date: 4/19/10 2:48 PM So I'm finally looking to upgrade my machine from my poor little 5-year old Singer bought from Target for $50. I'm looking at Berninas, which are currently on special at the local dealer until Sunday. I am considering the Activa 230PE, Activa 240, Aurora 430 and Aurora 440QE. Activa prices are a little less guilt inducing, ($1100-1500) but I preferred sewing on the Auroras.
My goal here is to end up with a machine I can theoretically keep forever without outgrowing; my concern is if I get an Activa, I can see myself yearning to upgrade. Also, the Aurora just seemed so solid! I think the Aurora 430 would be sufficient for me; I think it's priced in the low $2's, and it comes with the walking foot... BUT (there's always a but!) there is a special promotion for the Aurora 440. It's $2900 for the 440 with BSR, PLUS the Bernina 700D serger (I don't have a serger yet either). I've been debating for 2 days whether to take the plunge (I really want to!), but does anyone know if this is a fair price? Thanks! |
nancy2001
 
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AL USA
Member since 12/3/05
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In reply to sb1280
Date: 4/19/10 5:22 PM I don't know anything about pricing for the Bernias, but the company is not really known for its sergers. The Babylocks are considered better because of the jet air threading and automatic tensions. ------
The essence of life is statistical improbability on a colossal scale.
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KathySews
Advanced Beginner
MI USA
Member since 10/1/06
Posts: 2897 |
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Date: 4/19/10 5:26 PM No guilt. Buying a good machine(s) once instead of replacing in a couple of years saves money. 
I also have a Babylock imagine and love it. |
dfsews
Intermediate
NE USA
Member since 4/17/06
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Date: 4/19/10 5:45 PM I have a different model of Bernina, but I demo'd the 440 Aurora for a friend who was looking for a machine. It was great-it sewed much like my beloved 155, but could do embroidery and had the BSR. I'd get the full-sized machine. It will last you a long time. |
quathy
Intermediate
CA USA
Member since 6/3/06
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Date: 4/19/10 5:50 PM I think Bernina is discontinuing the Activa line this summer - you might ask about upcoming deals if you're considering Activa. I have an Activa, a 630e, and a serger (1200DA). I LOVE them all!
The deal with the Aurora sounds great! I have the BSR and it's SO much fun!!
The newer sergers have an automated tension, but I haven't found that I need it. Mine is easy to thread and the LCD display makes changing stitches a breeze. Doesn't look like the 700D has the LCD, but I don't think it has a lot of stitches either. |
Barbara3
Intermediate
USA
Member since 5/22/06
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In reply to sb1280
Date: 4/19/10 6:22 PM While taking my time to write up a response, other posters were quicker and said pretty much what I said. Good luck and let us know what you decide to do!
-- Edited on 4/19/10 6:24 PM -- |
Doris W. in TN
Intermediate
TN USA
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In reply to sb1280
Date: 4/19/10 6:32 PM I've got one Bernina serger I have had 15+ years, and recently added a second one to the herd. They are made by Juki and the quality is there. Not difficult to thread, either.
If you can afford the Aurora, that would be the machine to buy. Unless you need a longer arm for free-motion machine quilting, you won't outgrow it for a long time, or ever. JMO |
Mufffet
Intermediate
VT USA
Member since 8/14/05
Posts: 8925 |
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Date: 4/19/10 6:37 PM If you have the budget, the Berninas would be great I bet. I was just cruising the site myself and saw that deal. I bet you could learn to love that serger! HAHHAhaa...
Bernina has some benefits. I don't have one and have never had one, but the dealers tend (not all) to be supportive and they have classes etc. The Bernina dealer near me advertises free classes for life except for materials if you buy from her. And she has nice fabrics and Metrosene thread which is hard to get where I live. I haven't put my toes into that store except at the Quilt show because I am afraid - very afraid that i might buy.   ------
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible."
--Dalai Lama
I have sewing machines |
CVT
Intermediate
CA USA
Member since 10/26/03
Posts: 47 |
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Date: 4/19/10 7:20 PM Hmm. The closest dealer to me was offering a closeout special on the Activa 230 for $900 this month. That being said, I have the Aurora 440. I'm trying to remember, but I think the local dealer that offers the best price, usually wants around $2800-2900 for the 440 (no sale). I do garment sewing, so haven't used a lot of the quilting functions, but I can see myself growing with this machine for a while. The Bernina feet are expensive but really good, and the 440 comes with a nice selection. |
Juniper76
USA
Member since 11/26/06
Posts: 90 |
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Date: 4/20/10 1:18 AM I've got a 1300 serger, bought in 2006 and hadn't touched a serger for 17+ years and have had no problem learning how to use/thread the serger nor have I had any trouble with the stitches! (I know absolutely nothing - seriously!). I love my serger. I've had the 230 and I am looking to pick up another one this month with the clear out prices. If you are afraid you'll outgrow the 230 you are probably right - I can see that happening, plus with the Aurora you'll extend the throat space. I'm buying another 230 for travel. I mistakenly sold my first one. Good luck! ------
www.berninacentral.com |
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