Replies

1. 
   callie1 | Nov 09, 2003 01:55am | #1

   It's a great machine although very expensive.  If you aren't really into machine embroidery it's probably a waste of money.  I have never used the embroidery part since I took the classes for the machine.  But I know many people who do tons of machine embroidery and the Bernina supposedly has the easiet to use software and provides tons of options for manipulation. 

   If you're not into machine embroidery there are many much less expensive machines you could buy that will give you all the same sewing features. 

   Personally I wish I had shopped around and gotten a cheaper machine.  The embroidery part is wasted on me.  I could have spent the money I saved on a serger. 

   My previous machine was a Bernina and I loved it, but I think I payed the price for brand loyalty.

1. 
   AmyW | Nov 09, 2003 02:31am | #2

   My Mom is really interested in machine embroidery, although she's never done any. I've never done any either, but I'm not too fond of most of the embriodery that these machines seem to do--stuff like a small line of flowers bordering a collar or cuff is fine, but I have no need for a big Santa Claus or unicorn on anything I make. I rather doubt that I would use most, if any, of the embroidery functions.  

   Our old machine is a Kenmore that's about 20 years old and is way past it's last legs-nary a computer in sight with this machine. I learned to sew on a Bernina, one of their computerized ones, at a local fabric store. I thought that it was a great machine, although annoying that the markings were in metric.

   Thank you for your words of wisdom.

   Amy

2. 
   carolfresia | Nov 11, 2003 12:40am | #3

   Callie,

   I just got back from an embroidery seminar offered by OESD that used the Artista 200, plus taught us the Designer Plus digitizing software. Wow, I never thought I'd want to embroider, either, but I loved the way this machine worked and some of the gorgeous designs that are available these days. I too probably wouldn't use too many Santas on most of my sewing, but there are some spectacular florals, Asian-inspired designs, and a whole bunch of other motifs that could work on a myriad of things from garments to home decor. I hope you'll hang onto your machine and investigate some of the options for embroidery in the future. Even subtle, tone-on-tone embroidery can do a lot for a basic item.

   There--preaching from the recently converted!

   Meanwhile, Bernina offers a number of mid-range machines that have loads and loads of sewing features but no embroidery, for those who want the bells and whistles for sewing.

   Carol

2. 
   FitnessNut | Nov 11, 2003 02:24am | #4

   I bought a Bernina 180E just over a year ago and love it. This machine has now been discontinued, but only just, so you may still find it around at discounted prices. It was the top of the line before the 200 was introduced and is quite similar (it has been replaced by the 185). This machine is a dream and I highly recommend it. Yes, its pricey, but I sew every day and expect it to be in heavy use for many, many years. The stitch quality is terrific and so is the selection of stitches. Great buttonholes, which was on my list of must-haves.

   I haven't used the embroidery as much as I thought I would so far, but then I've been busy just churning out garments. To get the most out of the embroidery, I feel you really have to invest in the software. Otherwise, you end up buying many embroidery designs on cards and they can quickly add up to more than the cost of the software, which isn't wonderful, especially if you are buying for only one or two of the designs on it. There is a great deal available on the web and it isn't as hard to digitize your own designs as you might think. Did I mention that Bernina's embroidery quality is second to none? (And no, I don't work for them....just a happy and inspired customer.)

   If you aren't really interested in the embroidery features, the machine alone is wonderful and reliable. I know many people who are extremely happy with their 200 as well....it just has more bells and whistles than mine. As with all machines, you have to decide if the features are ones that you will use.

   Good luck with your shopping. Let us know what you and your mother end up buying.

   Sandy

1. 
   mbeasley | Nov 18, 2003 08:31am | #5

   I purchased a Babylock Ellageo 2 years ago and could not be happier.  I looked at several embroidery machines and found that the Ellageo seemed more user friendly.  Input from anyone else?

3. 
   JulieP25 | Nov 20, 2003 07:40am | #6

   I have heard that many are happy with their Artista 200's. If Mom really likes them, I think she should get one. I have been looking at sewing/embroidery machines and found that Bernina's were good. Bonus is I love their designs. Yes. I know they are a lot of money but I found the 200 easy to use and easy to learn. Check out the dealer and see if she gives the Bernina classes with the machine. They'll have your Mom stitching away in no time.  jules

1. 
   FitnessNut | Nov 20, 2003 07:23pm | #7

   Classes are essential with this type of complex machine. You simply can't learn how to use it to its full potential without training of some sort. Most dealers include them with the purchase of a machine. Berninas also have a workbook (Mastering the Bernina 200) that the dealer should provide and it will also help to become acquainted with the features of the machine.

   Sandy

1. 
   JulieP25 | Nov 20, 2003 10:50pm | #8

   I agree on classes for an advanced machine. But classes on a basic machine if you already know a bit about sewing, I don't feel are always need. Though should take classes on things you would love to learn. I live rural and have to travel 2 hrs one way, to get to any class. So I select classes are are convient to me. Forums like this one teach alot, magaines, books and video's fill in the remaining need. jules

1. 
   SewTruTerry | Nov 22, 2003 07:10pm | #9

   There are two schools of thought here regarding the lessons and I guess I am in both camps as I have a Viking Rose and the Designer 1.  I had basic sewing skills when I got my Rose and took it from there after the dealer gave me the basics about cleaning and changing to the button hole foot etc..  After that I just started playing and playing and of course asking the "experts" the people of the forums and realized that I had done alot of the things that weren't by the book but still worked anyway. I also did not have a lot of support on digitizing with the Viking program but then again there was not alot of people out there that were doing it on the smaller scale that I was and so there were not the people to go to for the answers. 

1. 
   JulieP25 | Nov 23, 2003 11:49pm | #10

   By  advanced machine I meant anything with embroidery and/or digitizing software. I really feel that classes to learn the basic for these are important. Of course if you purchase a new machine you should take the classes that are offered.  For me distance is an issue. jules

2. 
   suz | Dec 09, 2003 06:38am | #11

   When I wanted a new machine last year, I went to Consumer Reports at the library and it broke down the various categories of machines, prices, functions, rating, etc. I ended up getting a Kenmore Elite: it has some good embroidery functions, but no computer software, and a whole raft of stitches to choose, solid brand name and good price (plus it was on sale). Whenever I need to make a large purchase, I go to C.R. and get the skinny.

3. 
   JulieP25 | Dec 15, 2003 03:36am | #12

   Great idea about looking things up at Consumer Reports. I always forget that option. I'm a bit of a Bernina nut myself. I have had two great machines from them. I  have only looked at bernina and husqvarna machine that have embroidery capabilities. I found that these are pretty close in price and packages. I also have not made a decision until after I test drive all of the machines I'm looking at out. In this price range it's important to me to have them easy to use. Great embroidery is also a plus and choice of designs is also a must. But what I'm looking at is the designer program to make you own designs. I found that Bernina's was really good almost the same as commercial embroidery software. So I have pretty much answered my own question on which machine I will choose.  It's the software that I want that dictates what I'll buy. But love your suggestion on checking things out.  Thanks jules