Karen and Judith.........That is the plan! I will find out what days work for them next week, and jump right in. I did take a couple of faux projects to try out a couple of techniques that I wanted to learn, when I was test driving it. I think I will even see if there is a manual somewhere online, that I can study. It may too new to find, but hey, it's worth a try!

Dawn
in beautiful Northwest Montana

JudithA wrote: Hey that's a really great idea Judith. Gives you a head start Dawn!

Dawn,
Maybe - considering the delay in getting your machine - your dealer would let you come into his shop and take lessons on his demo machine. ...or go through the manual sitting at his machine. Then when your machine finally arrives, you would already know how to operate most of it.

Judith

maury47 wrote:
The new Brother Dream Machine. It has everything that everyone has mentioned in this thread, and then some! I have never had a thread cutter, automatic needle threader, and many more of the newest features. I'm looking forward to working with the build in camera, the laser line, and huge embroidery capability. One of my big considerations, was how much were parts and service going to be over the next "fixed income" years. Like; Bernina's new larger bobbins are $5 apiece. I can get 20 bobbins for that price for my new Brother. That's a big deal to me. I can't wait to play with it and see all of the things it will do, that I don't even know about yet!

Dawn

What did you end up with?

JudithA wrote:
Thanks for asking, Judith! Well, it seems there is/was that crummy dock strike. Supposedly, my machine is sitting in a container in San Diego. Or, maybe it has already been unloaded and on its way. The guy at the sewing machine store said there is no way to know exactly, but had been told that at one point, there was a 3 month backlog in unloading the containers. So, if my machine has not found its way here by the end if the month, they supposedly will ship another one, via air, to the store. Thank heavens I'm not the one paying the shipping!!!

Dawn

Hi Dawn,
Did your fabulous new machine arrive yet? How exciting! I am happy for you!

Judith

Love my Unity by Babylock. It's so user friendly. Cost of most extra feet are very reasonable compared to Bernina. My Unity is an embroidery machine but I make quilts mostly. It has a knee lift, which I use mostly when paper piecing. Nesting occurs rarely and only when embroidering. Can't live without my thread cutter. I also have a Koala sewing cabinet which is awesome. Good luck with whatever you choose. Melinda T.

This is all great information on these machines - real users giving reviews! Let me also say welcome to all of the new TQS members/posters! It's a wonderful website - I've been a member for a long time and have learned so very much from everyone's sharing information just like this. Beverly

I was also a Bernina lover until I purchased the 830. Babylock Destiny/Brother Dream Machine new features surpass those offered on the B830/880 in terms of making sewing easier for the user...laser needle position, digital dual feed, touch pen, and the extra large touch screen. A friend of mine purchased the Destiny last month, she says after 50 years of sewing on various top of the line machines, it is the best machine she's ever owned.

My favorite feature is the needle threader and the thread cutter They save so much time !

licensegirl wrote:
Yeah, if someone had told me to check out the Brother machines, I think I would have dismissed the idea! In my mind they are the little ones that you see in Walmart or Joann's. No service, no back-up. But, WOW! If you actually go to a Brother dealer (in my case, a Janome/Brother dealer) it's a real eye opener! Right down to the anti-static, clean-room for servicing the machines! Oh, did I mention the display looks like it is the size of a Kindle, almost as big as an iPad? Absolute heaven for older eyes!

Dawn

I would never have considered a Brother machine before reading your post. Can't wait to hear more and perhaps test drive one myself. I have been a sewing machine snob- only considering Berninas!

I love my sewing machines. They each have knee lifts and automatic needle threader. I use Superior threads and change my needle every eight hours.
Clean it out after my big projects are finished. Have it serviced every. They are my pride and joy. I have a Pfaff Creative, Janome 6600, Brother embroidery
machine and a simple Juke! Love sewing, making Quilts and special projects!