Back in June, I started my journey to buying a new machine to upgrade my $85 Brother (which I adore and which is still going strong 10 years later! It just needs a friend). The goal was to pick out a new machine for my birthday (July 3), so that I'd have it for Fair season sewing.
I found three local dealers who carried the brands I was interested in (Brother, Viking, and Bernina/Bernette). The Bernina dealer was undergoing a remodel, and every time I went into their shop, something was always packed away or covered up or inaccessible, so I never got a chance to look at the models I was interested in. I found a Brother and a Viking I liked, but I wanted one more look at the Berninas before deciding.
Well, work and life commitments got in the way of my shopping and deciding, but I'm finally ready to start looking again. We've already tried to go back to the Bernina store *twice,* but they've been closed!
If they are closed tomorrow, I'm going with another brand. Full stop. I *really* wanted to look at the Bernettes, but I'm wondering if this is some kind of sign from the sewing gods!
If you want a Bernina, go for a proper Bernina, not a Bernette: they are badges machines, and not particularly good. Real Berninas are wonderful.
Best of luck!
I have not regretted purchasing the Janome Memory Craft 4900 2 years ago on sale for $995. It's my workhourse for doing just about everything.
Good luck Gem in purchasing the sewing machine that will do all the things you need it to do.