I am seriously starting to think about checking out this new machine when it finally becomes available. Do you know whether or not a new model sewing machine has the same typical problems as a first model year car (problems that inevitably have to get worked out over the first year and are fixed in the second year model?) : I have not considered a machine that is new on the market, and wondering whether it will likley come with the headaches that I just don't want to deal with. Thanks for any advice you can share! Mary Kay

Libbi, wish we could help you out with the quilting needs and things but I have to admit that some of the places you describe sound incredible. These are places I'm sure I wouldn't be able to afford traveling to in the near future. Just the area where you live sounds beautiful and the countries you visit. Keep describing them and posting pictures.

Lorchen, I am silly As my retirement-I'll-never-afford-one-again-present, I bought a 630E with BSR and DP V.5 in April. I was on the hunt for a 730 but decided to go with the 630. If I had been aware of the series 8, I might have waited to see if it was revolutionary enough for the expense and the wait. So maybe I am a bit and not to be given the option.

However I am generally frustrated that the fabrics, books, supplies, just generally neat stuff (and teachers) are available to you and not to me ... even when the maufacturer is European and not USA. Or, if I do find the item, it is horribly expensive.

I envy you Birmingham but maybe I'll get to Ste. Marie-aux-Mines in Alsace, France which is driveable.

Libbi, I don't know you so I have no idea if you are silly....... (VBG)!

The biggest quilting show in Europe is in the middle of August in Birmingham in the UK. I'll be there and I'll have a look at all the machine manufacturers (I've always been nosey). There are at least three who are advertising new top of the range machines on the net. I'll check them all out. But I won't buy. My income simply doesn't allow for the frivolity of a machine that does a thousand things I don't really need. I talked to a guy who sells domestic machines and he expects quite a number of very good second-hand machines of various makes to become available as people part-exchange for one of the new machines.

Lorchen

Interesting question about the new machine - will it be available over seas? I am going to BU this next week - and be with the top people -I will ask.

I was in a BIG Bernina store today in Zurich, Switzerland and asked about the Series 8 Bernina coming out in about 10 days. The response I got was "Huh?" And they do speak English. I have been in the Bernina stores in Lausanne, Vevey, Bern, Monthey, and now in Zurich, Switzerland. There is nothing, and I mean NOTHING that hints to this new machine. Can this mean it is only aimed at the American market? Is it a big deal in the UK or Australia? Are we Americans the only ones silly enough to buy such an expensive machine? Strange, very strange.

I won't sign up for the webcast because it will be the middle of the night here ... Just post what you think.

kmouse wrote:
Oh, I see! That was a commercial for Imperial margarine.

Anne in Vancouver, Canada

My dealer estimated about 10K but then you'll have add-ons... $$$.

She also said it has a myriad of new patents only to this machine. However... I won't be getting one anytime soon. I love my 200 anyway.

The Queen. I love that! I'll tell my guild friends that when they comment on my start-up!

Joyce

I'm thinking it's going to be between 9-10K........I'm really looking forward to seeing it.....All the major brnads are coming out with new Babies this year.......They will all have wider necks and bigger hoops, but I can't imagine what else they could get these machines to do.............In '71 when I bought a 730 I couldn't imagine a better machine. Now many Berninas later I definitely can't imagine what they will come up with.......Can hardly wait!!!

Wow, the cost is bound to be well over $7K :shock: I just got my 700 upgraded with the BSR and I love it! I also still have my older 1230, which has the shorter, but more solid, hook action that I use for lots of things--especially intricate garment construction. I love both my machines and just think I won't buy the new one.

Perhaps in about four years, just before I retire, I'll consider a new one---they may have yet a newer one by then. If I could figure where to put a longarm, that may be the one...but I'm keeping the two I have.

Hmmm I better start my new machine savings account now.

Why that would be Imperial brand margarine of course, remember the gold crown? LOL

Have you "Tinkled" today?
kmouse wrote:

The 200 & 730 have a distinctive tune that plays when you turn it on. It sounds like the tune that used to play for a butter commercial years ago. I can't remember the brand of butter/margarine but the person would taste the buttered bread and "POOF" this tune played and there was a queen's crown that appeared on their head. I think it is the same tune. There are various other "bells & whistles" that can individually be turned off or altered, if desired. However, that tune stays unless you turn off the audio altogether.

Wonder what the new 830 song will be?

Is the 730 known as the Queen? Or are you ladies just very happy with yours?

Anne in Vancouver, Canada, still happily sewing on my OLD 730, but looking forward to seeing the new 830

Karen, I really love my "Queen"....Went to class yesterday and of course when you turn it on, you know it is there by the sound it makes. The shop owner said, "The Queen has arrived"..Just love it. I, too, did garment sewing and some quilting. Love all kinds of crafts...Raised 4 kids by myself for a few years and did not have money for new clothes all the time. I would take apart the shirt waist dresses. you know the ones with two yards of fabric in the skirt. and make summer clothes for the kids. They had new clothes, just like everyone else. also clothes for their dolls. Have a great sewing/quilting day...Ruby in Fallbrook CA