Also, Bev, I figured out RSI and FMQ but you lost me on BSR?
Don't feel bad. The BSR is Bernina's new Bernina Stitch Regulator, which makes free-motion quilting (FMQ) much easier, since you only worry about where you're going, rather than also worrying about keeping the stitches even.
> It sounds as if she needs to mainly decide on whether or not she likes
> the track-ball interface, and if she likes it the 1530 is the better
> of these two machines. Thanks also for not mentioning actual prices,
> I'll have her look here and maybe follow up. I'm already pushing the
> budget at this level, and can't really go any higher right now. We
> were hoping the Bernina would hold it's value, and if she really gets
> into the quilting she can trade up later. I guess that's another
> reason I like the used machine over the plastic 220.
So much of owning a sewing machine is personal preference, so you're wise to see if your wife likes that track-ball interface. Some people do, some don't. You've also brought up another advantage to the 1530 over the 220, in that it's already lost its initial "new car" value, since it's used.
Good luck to both of you! :)