I am really sold on Bernina, because of the trouble free sewing I’ve been able to do and the great low pressure/high service mentality of my local store in Tucson AZ. (For example, when I had thought about replacing my serger, the saleswoman told me to keep it, as that older model was known as especially trouble free).
I have a 1080, the older bottom of their line computerized model. When I got it, I knew it didn’t have the features I wanted, like the basting stitch, but I’ve been very pleased with all the features of the machine.
The newer models have a quilting stitch that it supposed to look like a hand quilting stitch. Any feedback on this stitch and the newer Bernina. One reason I haven’t upgraded is that I have several (somewhat expensive) accessories from the older line where the attachments go onto a straight shank. All the new Berninas have a slanted shaft.
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Before you invest in a new machine to get the "mock hand quilting" stitch, I thought I'd share that you can do this stitch with any sewing machine that has programable memory in it, which I think your 1080 does! (I have a 1090, and it does, which is why I'm assuming here.) I used to work for a Bernina/Pfaff dealer and I've taught many people how to do this stitch.
Put whatever color thread you wish to be your quilting stitch in your bobbin. Use a clear monofilament thread in the top of your machine and adjust your tension to very tight. This will pull the bobbin thread to the top. Program your memory to take 3 very tiny stitches (.05) and then 1 long stitch (about 4.0). As you stitch the bobbin thread will pull to the top evenly spaced across the fabric and will indeed appear to be a hand quilting stitch.
Peg
Aren't those guys great at that store? I bought a 217 industrial and my current Virtuosa 150 from them. Their service is the best. Unfortunately, I don't live in Tucson anymore, but they are great. Should you upgrade? Well, I can no longer live without needle-down position, and I wish I would have gotten the knee lift for the presser foot. My 150 is now 7 years old, and the new versions have better memory, like remembering your stitch length preferences for stitches you use over and over. The new buttonholes they've added are good, too. I love the overlock stitch, as I have serger fear (I've been shown how to thread them a zillion times, and can't retain that information!). But the "hand-quilting" stitch, I have to say, is ugly. Maybe I only think that because I've been hand-quilting for so long, and maybe it's fine for home dec stuff, but I think it's ugly. I sure wouldn't buy the machine based on that. But the alphabets are nice for label making, the memory is a great feature, the changeable collections of stitches are nice...You should take some different fabrics and threads and go play with them. Try the memory feature on the 155, and try the buttonholes on the Artistas. They are too fun! They let me play with the machines when I bought mine and it helped a lot. Have fun! p.s. Go to Grill on Congress and say hi to my son, Matt!
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