550QE or 580

[wendy w.]

I'm buying a new machine soon but undecided which model. The 7 series are too big for my workspace so I'm looking at 5 series. Either the 550QE or the 580.

So what are the pros and cons of the rotary verses oscillating hook which seems to be the main difference and the bigger stitch . I can add on accessories and stitch regulator at a cost.

What are your thoughts, thanks

[Pamela N.]

I have the 550 QE and I love it. Sorry I can't tell you anything about the hook system. My machine came with the BSR but I use the open toe "darning' foot for FMQ - old dogs and new tricks I think with the BSR.
Best Wishes Pam in Scotland

[Lorna B.]

Wendy, Lorchen bought a 500 series a year or so back. Check with her. Last I heard on here she was very happy with her new machine.

[wendy w.]

Thanks Lorna and Pam.

I know I'll be happy I just don't want to make the wrong decision on the model. I'm going to the Harrogate knitting and stitching show on Friday so should be able to talk to a dealer and try the machines.

I suppose the answer I want is does the rotary hook berninas do fmq stitching as well as the CB hook? Lorna your big bernina will be rotary?

[wendy w.]

Darn it, we will miss each other by a night, I'm going to Harrogate on Saturday.

As for Bernina's can't help you, I have a (18 yr old) Janome, and a couple of ancient Singers.

[ANNE E.]

Wendy and Rosemary, I'm green with envy that you are able to go to the Harrogate show but it's a bit too far from Surrey.
My next show will be Ardingly West Sussex in January a very small show but very nice and only an hours drive from where I live.
Also in January there is a fabric sale at The Maltings in Farham where the traders sell last years stock I shall hopefully go to that.
Wendy ..not long now until you retire. :cheer: ..unless you have changed your mind!!!
Happy sewing
Anne

[ANNE E.]

Whereas I am green that you are close enough to get to The Maltings in Farnham. Oh well :huh:

[wendy w.]

And me it's always sounded so tempting. Sorry to miss you Rosemary.

It's just over 6 weeks Anne. My team are taking me out Saturday for a surprise I've no idea what is going to happen. I've been told to wear an incontinence pad :unsure: :woohoo:

[ANNE E.]

Wendy, I hope you have a great time on Saturday I just hope you don't end up tied to a lamp post in your underwear :lol: :blush: :woohoo:
Hugs
Anne

[wendy w.]

:blink: I'll send you a photo :lol:

[Pamela N.]

Anne The Maltings in Farnham sounds really interesting but probably to long a drive from Scotland. My daughter has ordered the KKB scissors from Amazon to go with my Xmas presents.
Best Wishes Pam

[Pamela N.]

The incontinence pad sounds scary Wendy.
Best Wishes
Pam

[ANNE E.]

Pam when I looked on Amazon this morning the KKB scissors had gone up in price to over £23.00.
I hope your daughter ordered them before the price hike.
Anne

[Pamela N.]

I rang her on the night I spoke to you on the Forum and she offered to get them for me. I really like sewing things in my Xmas presents.
Best Wishes Pam

[ANNE E.]

Happy Christmas.........I'm sure you will enjoy using them I have been using them to cut bits for the Christmas houses.
Anne