Wendy, my collection of 5 started from 1982, and I did win one in a competition this year, so it is not as extravagant as it first appears. I can't sell any because I did sell the very first one I ever bought, which was imaculate and I have aways regretted doing so. I know that I can't use them all at once.................but they all have their uses. One I kept to take on retreats because it is easy to handle, the one I won was presented to me from the owner of Bernina and it is also signed by him, so that is very special indeed. I also have another that I give to friends when their machines are being serviced (because life for a few weeks without a machine is like a child being 'grounded'). My main love is my 820QE and that doesn't get moved and is my workhorse machine.
I have also got an overlocker, getting very old now, but works like new. As you can see I am a Bernina addict..........................and LOVING IT!!!!!
Wednesday will eventually get her and you will be in Heaven!
Heather

5 berninas wow

Don't think I'll sleep tonight either Anne.

OH says I'm grounded not allowed to go to Harrogate again unsupervised

Well done Wendy, the 560 is a great machine. You did very well with the extras thrown in with the deal. You may be in the dog house now, but that will pass...........................your machine will give you joy forever!!!! I have 5 Berninas (can't part with any) and love them all. In fact I now have a job with Bernina, (I used to hang around the shop so much and 'sell' the machines to my friends anyway.........so now I get paid......................a job tailor made (as it were) for me............ )
Happy Sewing!
Heather

Wendy
I'm green with envy. I'll bet you won't sleep Tuesday night
Enjoy
Anne

Hooray for you !! What fun you will have !! And lots to learn and explore !

Congratulation's Wendy!
I bought the 440E when it came out in 2007 and love it, I know you'll love the 560!
Barb

Congratulations Wendy you will enjoy it
Best Wishes Pam

twiglet wrote:
Big congratulations to you, Wendy, you are going to love your machine--Bernina does a mean straight stitch!

Well I've done it and bought the 560 which has the 9mm stitch and rotary hook. I also got the BSR thrown in and walking foot and the plexi table plus some other feet. However, I'm in the doghouse at home having gone over our credit card limit.

But Wednesday I have a sparkly new machine that doesn't skip stitches, will quilt nice, and doesn't take an age to change the feet

Rosemary I will give my daughter a silver coin, I'd never heard of that. Thanks
Best Wishes Pam

Ridgehill, sorry I don't know your name, but thanks for reminding me to get a machine that will stretch me. I too am looking at the 500 series for my granddaughter. Janet

Hi Twiglet, If you can afford to go to the 580, go for it. The rotary hook system is great, giving you a wider stitch option. Also to get a touch screen is really worth spending the extra money for. There is nothing wrong with the 550, but the 580 is fantastic. Don't buy the machine that you think will suit your needs now, always go one better if you can, you will grow with the machine then a little further.
Also don't forget to consider the 560.

Happy sewing with whatever you choose.

According to DH, if some one gives you a sharp blade(scissors, or a knife), then you have to 'pay' them with a nominal coin preferably silver, otherwise the friendship will be cut.