Bernina 801 Sewing Machine

[Sewdreamy]

There is a Bernina 801 for sale on Craiges list. They are asking $250 for it but thinking that I might be able to get it for a little as $150. It does have a cabinet with it but don't think I will be able to use that. Will probably just have to try to sell it and set the machine on my other sewing table.
Anyway, this will be a second/back up machine for me. From what I have seen by googling it this machine is a very stable machine. Anyone here have personal experience? Any known problems? Is $150 to much, not enough to pay? If I understand the story it was owned by this persons grandma so probably taken good care of.

[Margo]

I haven't looked at your Craig's list item, but can tell you that I've never heard of ANY Bernina being sold for that kind of money!

Buyer beware!!

http://www.bernina.com/en-US/Product...624606/0@1@1@1

[Margo]

This is a 30 yr old machine. They started it at $400. It sold for around $800 new.
Here is a link to the add.
http://rapidcity.craigslist.org/art/3813638154.html

[sew2day]

I own a Bernina 801 and bought it locally on craigslist for around that same price. It came with a custom cabinet and I love both the cabinet and the machine. The machine sews like a dream, but it is an older machine so there aren't a lot of optional features. You can usually get a good idea of how legitimate the seller is when you speak with them on the phone, but I always take someone with me for craigslist purchases. There are scammers out there, but hopefully you will have good luck!

[Margo]

It may be a good deal!! Let us know if you get it!

[Margo]

sew2day Can I ask if it was the $400 or $150-200 that you got yours for.
I am not looking for anything that has a lot of bells. I have a janome 7700 and love it. I really just want something that I can use for straight stitch when I have my other machine set up and working on quilting. I also want something that will be simple for my youngest son to be able to use if he so desires. He has a very good eye for design and has helped me a couple of time avoid disaster. I would like there to be a machine that is dependable that I feel I could turn him loose without worrying about him doing something to my janome.

[suehenyon]

This was my first good sewing machine age 30. It's an awesome simple machine with a perfect stitch, strictly mechanical. Has it been serviced recently? Pay for a good servicing, if not. I don't think you could go wrong, given the junk being sold for $150 new these days.
Can't wait to hear the end of the story!

[sew2day]

The original listing for my 801 was $300, but I believe I paid $250. It's been several years, so I don't remember exactly. It came with accessories and the manual, but I'm missing the extension table and the hard case. Since it's in a custom cabinet, I don't really need either of those though. I have a Bernina 450 and use that for most projects but use the 801 when I already have the 450 set up for something else. I think it would be the perfect machine for your son since it is simple to operate. Hope it works out for you! (Sorry if this post appears twice. I'm having computer issues at the moment!)

[sew2day]

I want to thank everyone for your responses. I have to wait until after Tue but if it is still there I am going to make them an offer.
Blessings,
Sandy

[sew2day]

It looks like the machine I was looking for has sold. I guess I will just keep looking.

[EditorAnne]

It looks like the machine I was looking for has sold. I guess I will just keep looking.

In that case, look for an old Singer Featherweight (pre-1968). It's the best machine ever made, if all you want is a straight stitch.

[idaho]

Or a Singer 301/301A , the Featherweights' bigger sister...st. stitch and weighs only about 12 pounds !