I have just discovered that this machine wasn't manufactured in Switzerland - yes, it is the last of the mechanicals!  I have the machine for sale on Facebook Marketplace and received a very shirty message from a bloke pointing out my error!  Oops - I have also had the usual range of scammers as well!

I  haven't had it very long, but have decided to sell my Bernina 1008 - the last of the mechanical machines made by Bernina in Switzerland - it was manufactured in 2020. It comes with a full set of accessories, foot pedal, instruction book, extra large free motion foot, cover, table and I also have a perspex insert for a Horn table.  It is in excellent condition all bar a little chip in the paintwork, works like a dream.  Only selling as I downsized house and not much more room to store stuff!

I love a mechanical machine - so I am keeping my Bernina 801 to take to classes.

I'd like £650 (ono) for it, but will post free!  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  

First class advice there @Bill!

Similar to Solvy is 'Solufleece'- looks a bit like a lightweight JCloth, is sturdy enough to draw on (biro, not marker as the wet will dissolve it!) washes away well, and holds quite a decent amount of stitches!

Well, after all the faffing around with the house move (which is now really happening on the 29th November!) I did treat myself to a new (secondhand) machine.  It was one I had always hankered after, but couldn't afford it - It is a Bernina 720, for sale at a good price with warranty from Frank Nutt.  It did quite a while to get here, as when I was looking at it, I noticed that the feet were not commensurate with that machine - it is a 5.5mm machine and the ones photographed were the 9mm dual feed ones! (I bet they had to dip into their profits to supply me a complete new set of 5.5mm feet!)

It arrived yesterday (DH in a grump as I've got another machine - hey ho!  It's my flipping money!) and so far is working well.  I have to say some of its working gear is better quality than that of my 540 - not so much plastic.  I did buy myself a Horn Elements sewing table a couple of years ago as it wasn't too expensive, but have been very disappointed with it, as when you lower the machine table, none of the machines fit properly!  I have to prop them up on books and cardboard to get them level!  This machine needs 2" of propping up - ridiculous!  I did have a 1970's Horn cabinet with an adjustable lift which fitted practically everything!

I am now going to play this afternoon - I know how most of it works, just want to read through the manual for the bits that I don't know!  The thread cutter works a lot better than my old one - I didn't use it after a while.  The needle threader is pretty accurate and easier to use.  Orf I go! wish me luck!

I have only one tip regarding FPP - don't buy the special paper, buy really cheap photocopy paper!  It's pretty easy once you get the hang of it!

Nothing like tinkering with an old machine!  Well done @Bill

Thats not too bad @Bill!
I run a workshop entitled 'get to know your sewing machine' and the ones that come in are usually worse than that! Everyone has to clean and oil their machines before they start, and I give a new packet of needles to the one with the most fluff and grot!