Great machine for basic sewing. I’m giving one to my daughter next week as a Christmas gift. She’s a beginning sewer, so I know she’ll enjoy using this level of machine too. I love this machine for basic piecing and sewing and light home dec stuff. Maybe I’ll get a fancier machine later on, but for what I need most of the time, this machine really shines. In my opinion, this is one of the best machines I’ve ever used. My previous machine was an old Kenmore (about 35 yrs old), so this was a huge step up for me. Maybe because of what I had before, my expectations weren’t as high as other peoples’ might be……but I tstill think Bernina machines are so far ahead of what I was actually expecting, that I was dumbfounded when I first sat down at a Bernina. I had no idea that sewing machines had changed so much, and were so much better. I still fall in love again every single time I sit down to sew. .I did not try other brands, although I did a lot of research on the internet. Also, in 1972, a friend showed me her Bernina in it’s red case – and told me then that it was the best machine you could buy. I had always remembered that incident, so for many years, the dream of owning a Bernina was in the back of my mind. When I began researching, it just closed the deal as far as I was concerned..I searched to see what brands were for sale around the area where I live, and the local Bernina dealer was the closest in distance to me, so that’s where I went. I have absolutely no regrets. I plan to stay with Bernina from now on.

About the only thing I found wanting on it is that I would like to be able to set my own defaults, such as Needle Down, instead of always having to remember to set that when I turn it on. And when I’m working on a quilt, I wish I could set the machine to remember to move over 1 notch to the right so I can have a “scant” 1/4″ seam allowance, instead of just always having it come up in the center position as the default, and I have to re-set it to what I want each time. I use those settings often enough that I would love to be able to “default” them while I’m working on a project over many days. But I’m getting more used to just doing it myself as a routine when I turn it on each day. It works, but the other way would be even nicer, especially if one has short-term memory problems. Which I have.

Not affiliated, not a salesperson…….just a happy Bernina customer.