A photo of the Bernina longarm machine prototype was apparently shown at Bernina University earlier this year and then the actual prototype was shown at the International Quilt Festival of Houston (I presume to get feedback from potential customers). You can see a photo of the prototype at http://weallsew.com/2013/12/05/the-rumors-are-true/.

I have not heard anything about an actual rollout date for purchase though. I understand that numerical tension setting control with preset, adjustable settings is going to be a feature of this machine which other longarm machines don't possess today. And IF they used the same bobbin system as they currently do for the 8 Series machines (830 and 880), this could be a pretty amazing machine.

Recently Bernina hosted a Webinar and included some info on their longarm machine. I did not participate; however, when it becomes available to watch, we might be able to glean a little more info on the Bernina longarm machine.

I was at the quilt show last week. Bernina coming out with 20" long arm sit down and 22" sit dome frame model. There are pictures around will have a laser light for stitch regulation.

A free Berninan tote bag?? We don't get that sort of treat at shows here in the UK. We also don't get the special offers that are advertised on Bernina USA quite regularly. Sigh..... Ah well, at least the actual machines are the same, and I'm very happy with my 220 and 630.

The nice thing about my two Berninas: They use the same feet and bobbins. If you, let's say have a 440 and an 830, and you now can't resist the new 700 series, you'll end up with three different bobbins.

Bernina has info on new series on their website
http://cmpmail1.berninausa.com/content/BERNINA-7-Series.html

Cindy

Check out my latest blog posting ...

http://www.dancingbearquiltingstudio.blogspot.com


I've been waiting waiting waiting for this announcement! Woo Woo!

Sylvia (aka dancing bear)

yes it will be intesting to see what the new machine is like.

As I live in Australia you in the US of A will get to see it sooner so dont forget to come back to this and tell me all a bout it pleaseeeee

This sounds so interesting. I miss the dual feed from my old Pfaff (work mostly on a Bernina 440QE) and I don't want the very big 830, even though I have considered it to get the dual feed. It seems to me that this new machine could be the answer. Better go saving some money

According to informed speculation on the Bernina yahoo groups, the 7 series will have 10" harps, dual feed (Yay!) like the 8 series, larger bobbin capacity but not the 8 series bobbin system, and a model priced to compete with the Janome Horizon 7700. The models will be revealed at Bernina University in late July and available for sale in the fall. So we will know for sure soon.

A lot of the time, Bernina will "debut" a new machine at the Houston Festival in early November, as they did the BSR. If you drop by the booth, and try out the new product, they give you a wonderful LARGE tote bag. They "intice " you to try out the latest, and the lines can be long at times. (Are we all wanting to try something out, or do we just want the latest tote? :shock: ) Anyway, that's probably why the secrecy, for now.

Dawn
In beautiful Northwest Montana

well I have the 44QE and besides a few more sititches its sound the same, I just hope with the new 7 series its not to far priced out because of the large throat area, otherwise you may as well go and buy the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 7700QCP with the 11inch throat space as they are similar priced as th 44QE. I am looking for a machine with the wider throat space and love my Bernina's BUT if it will all depend on the price's, if I was still working and not retired I would go and buy an 830 but I hope I can aford the 7 series........will have to keep my fingers crossed........and yes Lorchen I am bored by all this secret stuff because if I had not heard about the new 7 series with the longer arm I was going out to buy a Horizon Memory Craft 7700QCP and have just stalled purchase and am in waiting, Bernina could have missed out on a sale otherwise and I am sure other people may be in the same position as I.....

Here is some info from Bernina UK about the 500 series, Jill. I can't find something similar for the 400 machines. They are the Auroras and are going to be phased out as far as I know. The 600 series is also no longer produced. I guess if you like the Auroras it would be a fairly small step up (except in price) to the 500 series, and the same from the 600 to the new 700 (except that there is this chance of the new 700 series possibly coming with a larger throat space).

B 530 - Creative Sewing
This machine is ideally suited to sewing or repairing clothing – jobs which require high needle-penetration power. It is excellent for home furnishings projects, dressmaking and gifts.
You can use the BSR foot (BERNINA Stitch Regulator) which is an optional accessory on your B530.
With 150 modern, high-quality stitches including alphabets, both practical and decorative stitches pre-programmed on the machine, it is ready for any creative challenge. A variety of high-quality buttonholes are included.
An illuminated LCD display shows all settings and provides help where you need it. Direct-selection buttons enable quick stitch selection and let you adjust stitch length and width. An easy user guide is there for beginners or those returning to sewing in their creative projects.


B 580 – Creative Sewing, Quilting and Embroidery
The 5 Series top-of-the-range model is supplied complete with embroidery module; the BSR foot (BERNINA Stitch Regulator) is an optional accessory.
The maximum stitch width is 9mm.
The modern high-resolution graphic touch-screen makes using the menus and functions so easy. This market leading touch-screen, the software, sewing machine and user guidance are perfectly matched to one another.
A few simple steps enable you to choose from over 230 preprogrammed stitches with ease. The 100 embroidery motifs included along with this model are also quick to find and to embroider. All of these embroidery motifs can be edited in many ways directly on screen and saved easily.
The B580 can be operated by the supplied foot control, or by the start/stop button. The speed control enables the right sewing speed to be set manually for different sewing projects.
A bright, long-lasting LED sewing light illuminates the work area, a big help for long evenings' sewing.
A threader swiftly passes the thread through the eye of the needle and there is a practical thread cutter which always cuts the thread to the right length.

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The 5 Series all have an ideal thread guide, even fabric feed and high needle-penetration power. Reverse sewing is engaged at the touch of a button. The supplied extension table and the freearm offer even more convenience and ease when sewing.
Each sewing machine comes equipped with useful accessories, its own carrying bag, and a storage bag for all the supplied tools.

B 550 QE - Creative Sewing and Quilting
The Bernnina B550 QE is for creative quilters. Whether you are an experienced quilter or setting out on your first quilt creation this machine will satisfy your creative aspirations.
The sought after BSR (BERNINA Stitch Regulator) is included for highly accurate freehand work.
Nearly 200 stitches are pre-programmed into theB550 QE with a choice of alphabet, practical and decorative stitches, special quilting stitches and a variety of buttonholes. A button sew-on program is included and there is an illuminated LCD display.

Helpful support from the user guide ensures trouble free sewing

i would also like someone to explain to me the difference between the 400 serioes and the new 500 series......because I cant seem to see any......

As always, Bernina tries to keep everything under wraps right up to the last moment, but the jungle drums are busy!

It's the new 700 series that's coming out, and I would not be surprised at all if that has a larger 'throat'. It will slot in pricewise between the new 500 series and the 800 series.

Personally, I don't like all this secrecy.

Let's see if anybody else has been listening to those jungle drums (or watched the smoke signals).

Great thought