New 500 series

[Jo H.]

I have just seen pictures of the new 50 series and read the descriptions. Wow! How am I going to justify another machine? Can't wait to see them for real.

[Margo C.]

Marsha, can you share an Internet link with info?? I can't find anything.

[Margo C.]

What I've learned from the Bernina yahoo groups and Pattern Review is that only the 580 with have embroidery. It's a 9mm machine. The 530 and 550QE are 5.5mm machines without embroidery capabilities. The 430, 440, and 640 are to be discontinued.

Here's a link to a Bernina dealer's blog: http://www.lovingstitches.net/weblog/

[Margo C.]

Great info! Thanks for the link!

[Martha D.]

Hello People,

I've found a link to a .pdf which lists the specs for the new Bernina 5 series.

Enjoy!

http://www.itsastitchonline.com/misc...580Machine.pdf

What you have to do with it is to let it load, choose page 2, then go back to page 1 for the charts.

[Hannelore N.]

I had the chance to play with the new Bernina 550 for three hours at Festival of quilts yesterday. First impression: Seriously lovely machine. I did wonder briefly if it would fit in my tote bag......... Anybody who is considering spending a wad of cash on a new machine should go and try it out before buying any other machine. This one may be just right for you!

Just one little moan: I am disappointed that this brand-new series still has the small harp space. I'm sure that from Bernina's point of view it means that the 500 series does not compete with the 800 series. Unfortunately I'm not 'Mrs. Bernina' and can influence their decisions, and it's also unlikely that I'm going to win the lottery or that Mr. Trump wsill propose to me. So the 800 series stays out of reach.

One final thought: Before you hand over your cash, read the specs very carefully so that you know what is included and what is an optional extra with these three new machines. This could change the price quite considerably.

But definitely go and try out a 530, 550QE, or 580E. The retail prices during Festival of quilts here in the UK are £1295.00, £1750.00, and £2995.00. The 580 includes an embroidery module in the price. My past experience is that you don't pay quite as much for sewing machines in the US than we pay for them in the UK.

[Hannelore N.]

I agree. I think Bernina is missing a large audience by not making a large harp space middle of the line machine. MANY of my quilting friends were hoping for this. They do not want a complete TOL machine (like the 820/830) but want a good Bernina middle of the road machine with extra harp space. Pretty please Bernina??? Please.

[Renata L.]

Bernina USA website has just posted info on the new Bernina 500 series machines. Go to http://www.berninausa.com/product_overview-n2-sUS.html for details.

[Hannelore N.]

I'm sure that the mid-range larger harp space Bernina will come. I may think a little with a commercial hat on here, but once the sales of the 820/830 start dipping, we'll get that machine. Everybody has to decide themselves if they want to wait that long.

About harp space in gerneral, and specifically my little Bernina Activa 220: I have to keep reminding myself that it has this lovely function of sewing in a straight line, but in the opposite direction, at the press of a buttom. It takes a little getting used to, but it means that I can have the bulk of a piece always on the side where there is lots of space.

[Jill B.]

Yep I am sorry to learn the new series 500 do not have a bigger harp space for those of us who have no intentions of buying the 800 series, have always bought Bernina but would now choose a Pfaff which has the biger space and "in built dual feed", I would have thought this would have been standard on these new machines.

[Norma H.]

Agree. I certainly would consider the Pfaff, too. I love my 12 year old Pfaff and what is absolutely wonderful on this machine is the dual foot. I love my Bernina 440QE also, but miss the dual foot on this machine. Here I have the kneelift and the needle up/down control in the foot control and that is invaluable, too. Some time ago I learned that the newer Pfaff will hover the presser foot over the item when you have it in needle down position. That would help not to miss the kneelift to much.
Life is not easy with so many things to choose from and wanting them all in one machine :?

[Hannelore N.]

I always find it very interesting how different our experiences with makes of sewing machines are. For the last few years I have always booked one or two of the three hour or whole day workshops at one of the big European shows. Because a lot of visitors come by train, coach or plane, several manufacturers provide the machines for the workshops. So I have worked on Husqvarna ones (nice and easy to use, no problems), Berninas (the same), and Pfaff (all sorts of little hic-ups, every time with more than one of the 16 brand-new machines in the classroom). And then there are friends who have been very frustrated with a new Husqvarna Sapphire (Full marks to the company. It was replaced and no problems with the new machine), and others who would rather divorce their husband than part with their Pfaff. So far everybody I know who has one seems to be very happy with their Bernina, except if they bought an 820 or 830. They seem to have had some teething problems. Wouldn't it be nice if each of us could design our own machine from scratch?!!

[Norma H.]

Oh yes, but I guess we would never be ready for sewing if we had to design the machine first

It's a bit sad about the Pfaff. I chose the Bernina because I had heard that the quality of the Pfaff had come down. Now my dealer says, that it is going up again. What to believe?

[Hannelore N.]

Norma, I always think that the after sales service you get is just as important as the actual machine.

Norma, where in Denmark are you? I spent a wonderful 3 weeks in and around Herning during a exchange as a 14-year-old. From living in Hamburg to semi-rural Denmark. That's when I learned how to ride a bike, feed the chickens, and spent some time at an amazing modern art gallery. The building was shaped like a donut. In the middle was a factory and offices and around the outside a round corridor with lots of then contemporary art. Great place!

Lorchen

[Norma H.]

Norma, I always think that the after sales service you get is just as important as the actual machine.

Norma, where in Denmark are you? I spent a wonderful 3 weeks in and around Herning during a exchange as a 14-year-old. From living in Hamburg to semi-rural Denmark. That's when I learned how to ride a bike, feed the chickens, and spent some time at an amazing modern art gallery. The building was shaped like a donut. In the middle was a factory and offices and around the outside a round corridor with lots of then contemporary art. Great place!

Lorchen

Yep, you're right about the after sales service. I don't think mine was good enough, but fortunately I can find out things when I need to.

I live 1 hour's drive from Herning near the town Jelling. I think I know the building, you are talking about. Was it the place where they made shirts? There is a lot of art in and around Herning. The factory owner was very interested in art and did a lot for the community. Small world, don't you think?