Big difference in price between the Bernette 46 and the Bernina 350, Frances. I bet you made the right choice longterm (and don't forget to share a picture of that wedding quilt when it's finished). My machine for taking to workshops is still a Frister & Rossman Cub4 that my mother bought for me in 1977 ("Every wife must have a sewing machine!"). Sometimes one of these old 'heavy metal friends' seem to be a lot more reliable than some of todays machines. Saying that, I'm planning to treat myself to quite an expensive Bernina later this year.

Lorchen,
My daughter bought that machine for me as an early Christmas present. I used it once and knew that I wouldn't be happy with it. I returned it and bought a Bernina 350. I'm very happy with it. It's half the weight of my other machines so it's nice to take places. I have it set up in the family room so I can sew while DH and I watch tv. I'm making my daughter's wedding quilt on it.

I have been told that even though Bernina dustributes the Bernette machines,they are not made BY Bernina, but FOR Bernina.

So far I have heard nothing negative about the range of Bernette machines. Just remember that you do not buy a Bernina but a Bernette. I don't know about the US, but here in the UK there seem to be quite a number of people who think that these are machines made by Bernina in Switzerland. I suspect that these machines are just fine for light use. I have recently seen a Bernette that looked mega-cute and was very inexpensive. It had a black body with a floral motiv. Aaaahhhh.....

I have a Bernette 56 I paid $199.00 for something lightweifht to take to class. I don't know if there is any comparison, but it sews fine and has nice decorative stitches. I was able to get a walking foot to fit that was not expensive.

Does anyone know anything about the Bernette 46? At our show, it is a special price of $129. It would be nice to have a small, lightweight machine to take to bee and to class. Any input would be appreciated.

Frances in Austin