Bernina 880

[Teresa W.]

I've been sewing with aB440 for about 10 years but had to take it in for a repair today and I'm right in the middle of a project. I happened to be at the shop during a big event with the CEO from Switzerland. Since I can't stand being without a machine for even a day, I started looking at the 880. It is on sale at my shop right now though I am still staggered by the price. I am a bit terrified of all the electronics. Is anyone using this machine and completely in love with it. I piece and applique quilts and make apparel.

[Norma H.]

I don't have the 880 and I don't intend to get it, because I love my 830. People who have changed from the 830 to the 880 are extremely happy with it, but when you come from a 440 I have to warn you. This machine is so different in how it works that you must expect a learning curve. If you buy it you should not walk out of the shop without training.
When I got my 830 I sat in the shop and got instructions for 3 hours and that was after having studied all the webinars on this machine. I'm experienced too, have sewn all my life and I walked home with this machine and sewed away. I don't write this to scare you, but I want you to avoid the frustration I read so many have, when they think top of the line machines should just sew anything. I tell you the machine can, but it certainly demands you to do it in the right order. This machine is a computer that sews. I have a 440 also, so I know the difference between them. Good luck on what you decide to do.

[E.M. T.]

Please take Norma's remarks to heart !! I agree with it all. I had little training on the machine...mine an 820...
also some mechanical issues...that should have been addressed. And while it is a modern marvel....doesn't sew
like the 440 I had and all the while, behaves like a big Diva !!!! I must admit I wish I had spent those thousands
of $$$ on something else ! ops: :twisted: IMHO

[Mary K.]

Any 880 owners in the Forum? I just ordered one and am excited to get it!! From everything I am reading, I am focused on lots of training and a dash of patience! Will watch all the videos before I attend traning.

[Mary K.]

Thanks everyone. I got my B440 back and remembered how much I love it and decided not to get the 880. My 440 can embroider and I've never taken the thing out of the box. They are trying hard to sell me a refurbished 830LE, but I think I stick with my sweet 440. Stick with what you know and if you're happy just stop looking at other stuff. That advice would have saved many a marriage, right?!

[Betty J.]

Glad you made your decision, but I just wanted to say that I have been extremely happy with my 830LE. Now that I really know how to take advantage of all it does, I simply love it. It DOES require learning. I will stick with it for the foreseeable future and see what develops in the sewing world in the meantime. I do want to get the updated version of the Bernina embroidery software, though. I have v6 and want v7. I encourage you to take that embroidery module out of the box and learn to use it though for your 440. It is fun and adds yet another bit of magic to your sewing.

[Mary K.]

I am loving my new 880!!! Glad I finally made the purchase!!

[Mary K.]

Hi "J"
I also had my 440 in for service recently, just a routine maintenance visit. The shop owner told me in our 440's are in demand. Apparently, a lot of people are looking to buy them. Now, I love my Bernie even more...

[Betty J.]

Congratulations Mary Kay. I hope you have a wonderful time with your 880. What's its name?

[Betty J.]

Hi "J"
I also had my 440 in for service recently, just a routine maintenance visit. The shop owner told me in our 440's are in demand. Apparently, a lot of people are looking to buy them. Now, I love my Bernie even more...

That's good to know. Better keep mine. Now I'm so glad I didn't traded it when I got my 830. Thanks for sharing.

[Joan D.]

The last time I had my 440 serviced I was longing for a bigger machine but could not afford it the owner of the store said to me you don't need a new machine you need new software. Betty Jo can you tell me if she is correct would it help with new software? Joan

[Betty J.]

Joan, I don't know. Was she referring to your embroidery module usage? The latest version of the embroidery software (v7) is reportedly wonderful and easier to use than what I have (V6). It's kind of expensive too though. I can't think what else she might have been referring to for your 440.

[Joan D.]

I love to do embroidery and find the most challenging is positioning I have the oval hoop and if I want a larger design I find it hard to line up the next hooping right now all I have is Editor Lite.

[Betty J.]

Well, if you can possibly get it, I think you will find the v7 a big improvement. Lining up methods have been greatly improved in v7 I hear.