Is the 830 a step too far?

[Liberata T.]

After watching the show with Gayle Hillert from Bernina, I am going to write down a question that has been rolling around in my head since I've been working with my 830.

I have heard over and over again that Bernina canvassed its customers to determine what they wanted in a new machine and then built it. However I have also been reading all the issues, problems, frustrations, etc. experienced by those I will call "average" users and many professionals. Just surf the internet and read the social networking groups.

I personally have loads of experience with software driven machines and devices as well as years of experience with sewing of garments, home decoration items, and quilts. There are days I just want to scream at it: WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO NOW? WHAT DON'T YOU LIKE ABOUT THE THREAD? THE BOBBIN? THE FOOT? THE TENSION? THE SOFTWARE? ARE YOU BROKEN? OUT OF ALIGNMENT? IS IT ME?

Who thought it was OK to have to use a lighted dental mirror to see if the bobbin was threaded correctly? I still need to find a mini vacuum because it is a lint factory no matter what quality thread is used. I love the cutters but those tiny pieces can work their way into the most difficult places to clean.

On the other hand, I've been able to create some lovely and intricate results by machine that were impossible previously or only with hours of work.

As you can tell, the Diva and I have a hate/love relationship. What do you think?

PS: Training is dependent on your dealer and not dictated by Bernina.

[Liberata T.]

To me, yes and it always has been since I first set eyes on it.

I have similar thoughts about my 730 so an 830 would just end up in a heap on the floor! OH thinks I've taken up talking to myself as a new hobby but I'm usually just talking to the machine. 99% of the time it's good but always the 1% is barbed and gets right under your skin!

Your percentages are way different and you have a good solid background too! I admire your perseverance and the lovely things you have created on it.

[Liberata T.]

With all the fancy machines with the fancy stitches and doodads, you still find lots of folks who just prefer to use their old Singer Featherweights.

Maggie in E. Central Illinois

[Gloria H.]

I have read some of the issues that people are having with the top end machines. I don't think it's just the Bernina. My machines have all been Janome and last fall I bought the MC6600. Now I hear rumblings Janome is coming out with a new machine (with all the bells and whistles). At first I was kicking myself that I hadn't waited a bit longer to purchase but after hearing some of the issues others talk about I'm not kicking quite as hard.

[Barbara L.]

Oh don't get me started. I too love my 830 but I am with you Libbi on the bobbin & mirror insanity-that should have been worked out prior to the initial launch.

This machine is not for the faint hearted-look at the problem I had with the threads bunching up behind the bobbin. Lucky for me my dealer & her technician are great & pretty knowlegable. However, if it weren't for the internet I would often be floundering. That is one reason I love this forum.

This is a machine for folks who are savy with computers, & who have sewn for years: it is not an entry machine. Presently, I am sewing flower girl dresses in silk as well as making a faux fur vest. I constantly need to adjust the tension & refer to volume 1 & 2 for the proper feet that I need. The more I use my 830, the more I get to know her: I still feel I am on a path of possibilities in which to explore more creative sewing adventures!

[Barbara L.]

I felt that way about my 730, definitely a love/hate relationship. But the 830? It's like all my sewing dreams come to life, I am crazy in love with this machine!

Mine sews like a dream, it never gives me fits and after a couple of months with it, I have no need of the dental mirror (very big grin, I had the same thoughts as Libbi about that initially) to thread it.

Created by CJ

[Barbara L.]

I agree, Gloria. I've had my 6600 for about two years and really like it. When I heard there was a new machine coming out, I couldn't help but wonder what it would have that would tempt me. I decided that a stitch regulator might tempt me, but a larger throat opening would really be hard to resist. That opening can never be large enough, can it! However, I think I would want to wait and see what kind of reaction it gets from consumers before buying. All too often what the engineers think is good for us is really just good for the techie types.

[Barbara L.]

Libbi, I'm with you. I think that Bernina has reached a point of diminishing returns. I bought a Bernina 430 a few years back because it was just what I needed for basic garment sewing and quilting using the stitch regulator. I love the quality of the stitching and the ease of using this fairly simple straightforward machine. However, when I look at all the bells and whistles on the new machines, which I will NEVER need, I just wonder if I'll ever buy a Bernina, again. Frankly, I don't think Bernina is listening very carefully to its customers. With the prices going into the stratosphere because of all the bells and whistles, I'm not so sure that they aren't pricing themselves right out of the market.

[Liberata T.]

CJ, I consider you a guru and if it wasn't for your posts & website, I wouldn't be as far along as I am. Your generousity with your time and information is amazing. I try to remember that my first weeks with the 630 were a real trial too.

My Diva behaves herself for the most part. But I have a friend whose 830 has misbehaved from day 1. I do my best to help her because Quilting is a very important part of her life. You would think that living in Switzerland that we would get the best of training and support from our dealers but this is not the case. The 830 was released last fall and V6 is just being released. Steckborn is training European dealers now.

Thanks again to all of you who share.

[Susan B.]

With innovations growing at an astronomical rate, what cellphone do you have? I’ll never pay for a Blackberry or Iphone even though I’d love the features. I’d rather buy thread and fabric for that monthly bill.

I’ve owned Bernina’s for 30 years. If I ever have to sew an edging stitch on silk again, I’ll use that old 930 Record, because nothing, not even the new Berninas, can make such a beautiful stitch.

Having said that, once I got used to the 730 (and it has taken some doing at times), I wouldn’t want to do without. Yep, there are features of the 830 that I’d love to have, but some of us have to stay in a budget. If I could afford it, I’d get it, and get used to the quirks in tension & threading, just like I did on the 730.

As many of us are on several forums, have you noticed that EverYOne has moments when the high end machines screw up? When I have problems, I’m always figuring it’s operator error.

Have you seen the new Mac Ipad?

[Susan B.]

Thanks Libbi, I think I just got really lucky with my 830, it is such a joy to use! I loved my 730, but I had a lot of problems with it. My 630 and my 440, also pure joy. I never warmed up much to my 170 though.

Funny how we all bond differently. As long as my 830 and 630 keep running, I will probably own them!

Sue, I use an iPhone for a cell. I think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread! Now when we travel, I don't bother lugging a laptop along, the iPhone will handle most things just fine. I agree though, the monthly fee is ridiculous, since I use the phone portion very little.

[Barbara L.]

cj, I agree with Libbi you have it all together. Thank you. I really do love my 830 & now can thread it easily without a hitch. I think my point would be that if you own a high end machine like this you do so because you want to use many of the bells & whistles. It is like a Ferrari-treat her with respect & enjoy.

I also find my little 430 is better at some jobs & I will set her up when I am in the middle of multiple projects (like right now).

I travel a lot & take my iphone with me too. It is amazing. Our Canadian monthly fees are really sky high.

I have a question to ask all of you. A friend from Boston & I have signed up for the 3 day workshop at Superior Threads School of Threadology in April. Have any of you ever attended?

[Barbara L.]

I've loved my 630 from the day I bought it, it's always been a pleasure to use. I'd always be cautious about buying a new model straight away, I prefer to wait for the niggles to be sorted out, which is why I waited to buy my 630 :wink: . Not sure if I'd ever be able to justify an 830, or even use half of what it does, but I do like the idea of having a much larger throat.

[Barbara L.]

I've enjoyed reading this thread because I'm just starting to look for a new machine with a larger embroidery field but also to use as a sewing machine. I've checked out Pfaff and Baby Lock so far and next week hope to do Bernina, Brother, and Husqvarna. The Pfaff and Baby Lock I've looked at are in the $8000 range. What is the Bernina? Thanks!

[Barbara L.]

I've seen the 830 priced from $10,000 - $12,000. The jumbo hoop for embroidery runs around 200-400. The 730 runs $6,000-$8,000 and the mega hoop runs 100-200. The $10,000 price for the 830 is the "sale" price. Some stores will also sell their floor model or demo machine. I have a friend who bought the 830 floor model at our LQS for a nice discount, and she gets full waranty.