Cloth Nappy Tree Forum

That sounds great but don't really know how to use skype so would need tute on that first!! I downlaoded it as my parents are away for so long but not got first clue how to use it!

My MIL has gone over the machine to no avail and she has sewn for 30 years! I'm not sure when it was last serviced but I know it didn't really get much use with my parents. I can't decide between trying a service for £60 in the hope it will be easier to work with and being without a machine for 2-3 weeks! or putting some money towards something I feel may last me longer. I did have a look at the Bernina, I'm surprised nobody has bid if its so good. Do you think its a rare bargain or would I be as likely to get as much for my money if I wait?

they do come up quite regularly on ebay.. maybe not that particular bernina model, but others very similar! Personally I think its a bargain, so maybe others are just weary of buying something when theres another one up exactly the same for more than three times the price!

ps.. shouldn't be 60 quid for a mechanical machine for a service. I'd expect 30-40 quid for a simple mechanical machine service, and I wouldn't have it wait 2-3 weeks either!!!

Just a few more qu's Ems if you don't mind. You said you swapped for this model, does that mean you use this as your main sewing machine? Or what specifically do you use it for. If you've not had it long I don't suppose you know hard spare parts are to find, what with it being on the older side. And what would you expect to pay for a service for this sort of machine?
Also you mentioned being able to get an embroidery module for around £50. Any idea where from? I've had no luck so far. You say you need Windows 98. I use Vista so how could I use 98 as well?

TIA

The 180? Yup, well I don't actually have a *main* sewing machine, I use 2-3 sewing machines, all set up for different things, even when sewing nappies. The 180 has taken over from my brand new 820 LOL its a 9mm width, plenty of stitches, I prefer the hook system.. theres a lot more to explain about it, but i won't here as I doubt most would understand.. no offence.. I'm jus picky about my tools!

It's a waiting game.. I wouldn't buy it just because you may find an embroidery module for £50 for .. and I wouldn't start thinking about the compatible software until you had it. There are plenty of other models which are just as good! It depends what you want out of it. If you only searched for one model ... and then tried to find all the modules for it et etc.. it would take you a long time I just tend to nab things as they come up if I want them.

ps.. just updating the finds list

Hi Ems, i know youre busy but looking for some advice if you dont mind? im looking at getting the bernina 350pe but am wondering if for £100 more, the 380 would be better? what do you think? the information that the chap in the sew shop gave me went way over my head thanks very much x

ETA - im not a professional seamstress and never will be unfortuantely so am thinking i dont need top of the 3 series range but have availble funds and fancy spoiling myself so was thinking why not get the 380 but i dont want it to get bored with me because i cant use it to its full potential if that makes sense

I'd go for the 380 personally, for the amount extra you get its worth the extra £100 You get 30 more stitches , two more feet, which are the jeans and the embroidery feet (which are not cheap with Bernina!!!), you get the hands free knee lift which will stop you having to shuffle your hands to the back of the machine just to lift the presser foot, and you get the accessories box, which are more like a bernina wardrobe.. very useful and very neat.

youve convinced me !! does that mean i can blame you when oh sees the bill? thanks so much for your help Ems, really appreciate it. im going to get it in 4 weeks when ive got al the cash saved up - so excited !!! thanks again x

LOL when my man asks how much stuff is.. my answer is always the same ...I answer .... "a bit". Thankfully we have separate personal accounts, so he doesn't actually notice too many things!

Have you been busy reading up about it http://www.berninausa.com/3series/EN-US/default.html and watching all the videos? http://www.berninausa.com/3series/EN-US/video.html

Doing that always tend to obsess a little until I get my toy But its nice watching them and getting semi acquainted before you either make the decision or it arrives on your doorstep!

i hadnt seen any of the videos - theyre exactly what i need ! getting more excited now !!!
i told oh " the lady who made our face wipes recommended the 380" and he seemed satisfied ( he always comments on how clever they are to have a space to put your hand as, in his words "it just makes sense" hes a very practical man so ive relayed all the info you gave me on why the 380 was worth an extra £100 and looks like ive won him over so thank you !