So my first Bernina was home on Jan. 31, 2014. My B710 works out fine but has very annoying noises (like cricket, like jet engine take off, etc.). My dealer has confirmed that it's the circuit board problem and he placed an order to replace a new one for me. Other than the noises, there are actually a few minor things that I don't like about the machine:
1. The 9mm feed dog is too wide. And the slot openings on the needle plate for the feed dogs are too wide, too, leaving gaps in-between that I afraid they would eat my fabrics!
2. The machine automatically locks the beginning stitch for me even though I do not select the function. (I still have no clue how to shut it off in the settings.)
3. Only 11 positions for a 9mm machine is not sufficient! Even the 5.5mm machines have 11 positions...
5. It's actually not as quiet as I've expected. (I am spoiled by my Singer 201!)
Having those said, there is actually nothing "wrong" with the machine. I tested the straight stitches, decorative stitches, buttonholes, free-motion... B710 sews everything beautifully. I love the precision that a Bernina sewing machine promises, and I really love the interface of the touch screen. The needle-down function and the pressure foot lever work like a dream! Oh, how should I forget the bright LED lights and the eco mode! They are scrumptious. A plus: the jumble bobbins! Oh yes, I love the high-quality Bernina presser feet, too!
The 37d foot gives accurate results!
Stitch quality? No complain!
Free-motioning with B710 is so much fun! B710 is slower than Singer 201, and the needle-down function gives me so much more control!
My beloved Singer 201 is now my back-up machine, and my reliable Pfaff 2027 will be my go-to-class machine. They are all meaningful in my sewing soul!
Last but not least, I am working slopingly on several quilting projects since last Christmas. I can't wait to reveal them.
P.S. I was chosen to be the quilter of the month in my guild. So thrilled but at the same time a bit intimidated since I haven't done a presentation in front of a big crowd since my MASc thesis defence over a year ago!