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Member since 12/9/06
Posts: 1186
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Posted on: 6/23/14 10:00 AM ET
Hi everyone.

I am thinking that I might sell my 9 year old bernina 135S PE which is 3/4 size and upgrade to the new 330.
I don't need a load of stitches but I would like the lightening bolt stitch which the 330 has. Also as the 135PE is now 9 at least (blue and white model) perhaps its time to update. Its a bit older than my daughter who is 8.5 and I'd like a machine we can sew on that will last.

I have another little used machine to sell also so with the money from both it would practically pay for the 330.

Has anyone upgraded their Bernina from the previous 3/4 sized models?
How have you found the new one?


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My machines; Bernina 135S, Brother JK 4000,
http://fenullapolkadot.blogspot.com
  
Member since 3/9/09
Posts: 11323
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Posted on: 6/23/14 10:36 AM ET
In reply to Carrie-Jane
The 3-series are also 3/4 size machines; did you also want to upgrade size? If so, you'd want to look at the 5-series.
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I heart Woo (HimmyCat). Until we meet again, my beautiful little boy. I love you.
  
Member since 3/2/11
Posts: 2923
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Posted on: 6/23/14 10:49 AM ET
In reply to Carrie-Jane
[quote]



-- Edited on Today at 0:13 AM --
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Bernina 790Plus, 635E, Juki 2010
Babylock Evolve Babylock Sashiko2
  
Member since 3/2/11
Posts: 2923
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Posted on: 6/23/14 10:50 AM ET
In reply to Carrie-Jane
Carrie Jane I sent you a PM

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Bernina 790Plus, 635E, Juki 2010
Babylock Evolve Babylock Sashiko2
  
Member since 12/9/06
Posts: 1186
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Posted on: 6/24/14 5:43 AM ET
In reply to LynnRowe
Not looking to upgrade the size really, the 135sPE is the right size for my needs.

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My machines; Bernina 135S, Brother JK 4000,
http://fenullapolkadot.blogspot.com
  
Member since 12/9/06
Posts: 1186
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Posted on: 6/24/14 5:43 AM ET
In reply to Artsewer
Thanks Ive replied to you.
Shame I am in the UK.


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My machines; Bernina 135S, Brother JK 4000,
http://fenullapolkadot.blogspot.com
  
Member since 1/25/09
Posts: 5195
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Posted on: 6/24/14 10:52 AM ET
The 3 series is such a nice machine line! I love love love my 350SE! It is smaller and I do appreciate the bigger sizes (have a standard size and a larger bed machine as well) but maybe because all I had was a 3/4 size Singer straight stitch when I learned to sew, so happy that was given to me, and used it for so many years, if that were the size I had to work with it'd be no problem, so I can see how you could be fine with it.
What the 330 would add is amazing LED lighting, needle threader (can't remember if that's on the 135), speed control - that may be great for your daughter depending on age), push button start stop which I don't use for precise garment sewing but great for loooooong lengths, like cruise control, or free motion work to keep speed consistent, or in a pinch, when my knee was giving me trouble and it was bothersome to sew all the hours I needed to get an intricate quilt done for a deadline.

I know sometimes the parts vary in U.S. vs. other countries. Here the 330 now comes with a slide on table which is great. Don't know if the 135 had the knee lift, I love having it, but that is not part of it.

If you love your 135 you'll really love your 330 or 3whatever!
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Member since 9/12/07
Posts: 222
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Posted on: 6/24/14 2:12 PM ET
I currently use an Activa 230 PE but looked at the new 3 series at the quilt show. They have better lighting and I feel a better screen to look at than the Activa series. The contrast is much better to see your information on. Plus there is one more button/ feature that is not on mine, which is the pattern end button. Not a bad upgrade in my opinion. I would like to do it myself, but just can not afford to at this time.
  
Member since 7/23/07
Posts: 2494
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Posted on: 6/24/14 6:57 PM ET
In reply to Carrie-Jane
While the 330 has some stitches that your 135 does not have, It would be worthwhile for you to look a little higher, and at least consider the 350 or 380. If they are more than you like or need, the the 330 is for you.

As for wearing out, your 135 should have a long way to go before that happens. One of my machines is a 145, and it is doing beautifully. When my friend comes to my house to sew, she often uses it. It gets quit a few hours of work each week. (It is also cleaned and oiled regularly, and gets a yearly visit to the tech.)

Also, though I know money is a consideration (isn't it always?), consider keeping the 135 for your daughter. It is the perfect machine for a child, and your daughter is definitely a good age to use the machine. Also, I seem to remember that the 135 had solid feet, which are much nicer than the clip on feet that come with most of the 3s. The solid feet would work on your new machine as well.

The Bernina dealer where I work, always has the 3/4 machines in the classroom. Each year, eight new ones. When the 135s where current, that was the machine the children sewed on. Today, the machines are 330s, which will be sold at the end of the summer, and replaced with brand new ones. The kids have a great time.

As an aside, the reason the machines are sold each year is that customers enjoy getting a discount on a machine that is, for all practical purposes new.

The 145 actually is the machine I bought for my daughter. She is too busy to sew much now, but the skills she learned have stood her in good stead. When she is ready for her machine, it will be here waiting for her.

What ever you choose to do, good luck and have fun.
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Michele Lommasson
  
Member since 5/9/09
Posts: 2413
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Posted on: 6/24/14 7:26 PM ET
The 135S has some stuff that the 330 doesn't, and vice versa.

135s/145s manual

330/350/380 manual

Which features of the 135s do you find yourself using?

Also, unless Bernina has been reusing its iconography, there's a lightning stitch on the 135s. (stitch 9)
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Bernina B330
Feet: 1,2,3,3A,4,5,7,8,10,13,16,18,20, 29,32,35,37,50,64,70,71,82,85,86, 92

  
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