Can you spot what is missing on my sewing table?
'Dear Nina', of course! My sewing machine!
It had to go in for service after the handwheel got stuck!
How did that happen, you may ask? I was quilting an Advent Calendar, using gold metallic thread (Superior Threads). Metallic thread is a bit stiff and tend to 'jump'. That is what happened! Somehow it got tangled in the handwheel and made it stuck! UGH!
I bought the machine (Bernina Aurora 440 QE) in 2008 and it has been used almost every day. There are a couple of other issues too; the bobbin pre-tension as well as the display, unable to read part of the display.
The display has to be ordered (not in stock). What else I don't know, the dealer has yet to call back!
I'm addicted to sewing and now after 5 days I'm having severe withdrawal symptoms! LOL I do not have a spare machine, which I do regret now of course!
So, what do I do?!
I'm doing something that is loooong overdue; I'm going through my Christmas fabrics!
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The table is full of Christmas fabrics! Most of these are already prepped; place mats, tea cozies, coasters, pot holders, mug rugs. Lots of pieces that can be used for small items. (I'll be busy when 'Dear Nina' is back!)
I have two big UFO's to sandwiched, but 'of course' I don't have batting enough! That has be be purchased soonest.
Since 'Dear Nina' is an old lady, I'm looking for a new machine. I'm eyeing the Bernina 570 QE or 740. A dear friend in Norway has the 740 and she is very happy with it.
I'm a 'Bernina-girl' and if, there will be another Bernina!
Any other Bernina-girls out there? Which model(s) do you have and which one would you recommend?
More Christmas fabrics are waiting to be sorted!
That's what I'm going to do now.
13 comments:
I would suffer from severe withdrawal symptoms too. I feel for you. I hope the "surgery" goes all and she comes back as her old self, ready to sew the day away. Hand sewing is a nice pastime too. Just saying. Haha! ;^)
I have two Bernina Sewing machines. I bought the 1031 (the "Queen") in 1993 and have only had one issue with it and it was concerning the bobbin system. (I had been sewing on it for over 20 years and something was loose.) It was quickly repaired and I've had no problem since. I also bought a Bernina activa 145S machine (the "Little Sister") in 2004 because it was lighter weight to take places and it had a buttonhole stitch for machine applique. It also makes the most magnificent buttonholes that are easy to do and the exact same size. This machine had to be repaired when I let my 14 yr. old son use it for his Boy Scout Eagle project to make quilts to donate the Christmas Box House. He somehow twisted the needle shaft. I have no idea how he did that but it was repaired and I've had no problem with it since. My only complaint about this machine is that the thread spool pin is plastic and I've had to replace it twice. My daughter sews on this machine when she comes over to sew and I often carry it upstairs to sew on when it's cold downstairs. If I ever need to get another machine it will definitely be another Bernina. They last forever. My daughter does her sewing at home on my mother's Bernina from the 80's. The foot pedal had to be replaced 2 years ago after all that time but that's the only problem she has had with that machine.
you need to get out a needle and thread and do a little hand stitching to hold you over until you get a machine. I do not like metallic thread - used it a couple times and could not use it in any machine I have had and I hate it for stitching by hand too.
Me, too, on the withdrawal symptoms, without a sewing machine! Have you tried hand-piecing? It helps when the sewing machine is not available!
I guess this is a good time for you to rest up! When Dear Nina gets home, you'll be too busy to do much else! I have a Bernina B535 and I love it! I think it's the best machine I've ever had. It's not made specifically for quilting so I bought a walking foot as well as a 1/4" foot when I got the machine. There is an embroidery component you can also buy but I still haven't bought it. I'm not sure I'd ever use it but you can add it anytime. Hope that helps!!
I understand your withdrawal! I'm a Bernina girl too! Can't go wrong with a Bernina.
I must admit I'm a Janome girl although my current one (a 5300QDC) isn't overly happy with metallic threads. I had a Bernatte (by Bernina) and it was nothing but good for a boat anchor. That thing had more issues than I can count. Of course it was the cheapest in their line of machines so that could have had something to do with it. I know many people love their Bernina's though.
Yes we feel lost without a working sewing machine, even me who is definitely not addicted to a machine...loves my hand stitching so much. Meanwhile Berninas have a great name and what fun to be exploring a new one. Great fun to play with fabrics in the meantime, Astrid.
I feel your pain. It feels like a member of the family is missing when you don't have your machine.
Good luck finding a machine.
I have a Bernina 710 and love it. All of the 7 series are great machines.
I hope Nina's spa appointment doesn't take too long and you get back to all the fun soon.
How awful to be without a sewing machine! I hope the wait time isn't too tremendously long. Sometimes it is 3 weeks for my yearly tune up ( which I have not done yet this year) I am a Bernina girl. I have a 1030 bought for $1000 at the time and a 1131 purchased 2nd hand, both from the 1980s. They are work horses and mechanical. I really would like a 1260 which is a little newer and has more decorative stitches, especially the blanket stitch for applique.
I truly hope that you will be able to find a good sewing machine, dear Astrid. ❤️
Beautiful post
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