07 January, 2015

Lucky Lady


Check that out! Mama got a new sewing machine for Christmas. Hubby and the kids were very, very, very, very generous. And here I thought we were having a low-key, low budget holiday.

To be honest, I gave him grief for going all out like this. We are supposed to be in budget mode these days and a new machine wasn't in the cards. But he said he knew I needed a new machine and that I wouldn't spend the money myself. All true. So I will tighten the purse strings a bit more and thank him profusely for spoiling me.

Once I figure out how to use it.


Bernina refers to this machine as a sewing computer. That seems fairly accurate so far. I'm finding myself a bit frustrated with figuring out the commands, not to mention the knee lift. It's just because it is something new though. With some practice, play time, and a good class I will have this baby motoring. 

To break it in I thought some easy sewing was in order. And with my commitment to work through the Quilts Under Construction weekly I pulled out more Round and Round blocks. I feel like I need to really get into some chain piecing to maximize my time at the machine, so I hope to make a few more blocks this week. Right now I'm up to 12, including this one here.

I've got a few quilts I would like to get quilted as well, to test out the Bernina Stitch Regulator. To free motion at home again feels like such a luxury. And did you see the size of that throat? Almost makes me want to make a king size quilt. Almost.


13 comments:

Betsy said...

Congratulations. This is a beautiful machine and you will love it. I have it and the only problem I encounter is that it is a computer and sometimes it will suddenly shut down .

DianeY said...

Does your Bernina dealer have a class for new owners? I took a one-on-one class when I got mine and it was helpful beyond belief. I used it for about 2 weeks before I took it so I could ask "intelligent" questions. I couldn't live without the knee lift. If you are using your foot pedal, you really need to use your left foot. You will love it and I did do a King Size quilt on mine!

Patti said...

Fantastic! You will love your knee lift. Since sewing is your love and profession I'd say it's money well spent. You'll be stitching up a storm with it very soon. Congrats and enjoy!

Sandra W said...

I recently got a new Janome and the learning curve takes a while. The first thing I did was to take the instruction manual to a printer and get it coil bound. That way I can open the manual flat.
Then I used the machine on a need to know basis.
Threading and bobbin winding, followed by straight sewing and needle position. When I want to do something different I look it up and add it to what I know how to do.
Then after about 6 months I bought another Janome in a portable model--while this was an extra extravagance it has made going to workshops and travel a no-brainer.It weighs only 12 lbs. and has a hard case. Most of the sewing directions are identical and the sewing feet are interchangeable.
My previous machine--a Pffaff--was 35 years old and still sews wonderfully but weighs 40 lbs.
Congrats on your new machine and a husband who gets it! A double win. If I had it to do over again I would have bought new machine 10 years ago. It does make sewing so much easier and enjoyable.

Unknown said...

Congratulations!!! I have owned a Bernina for 20 years and that was my first knee lift experience. It took some getting used to, but now, I couldn't do without it. The knee lift is like having an extra hand. Do check with your dealer for a class. If they are like my dealer, there will be other classes periodically. Berninausa.com is also helpful. The best way to learn, is to use it and play. Have fun and enjoy.

Linda said...

The best tip I got when starting with the knee lift was to change the pedal foot to my left foot, so that my right leg could just focus on the knee lift. It stopped me from accidentally lifting while pedaling. I cannot imagine sewing without my knee lift now. And that ginormous bobbin....sigh. Enjoy.

Sandra W said...

I recently got a new Janome and the learning curve takes a while. The first thing I did was to take the instruction manual to a printer and get it coil bound. That way I can open the manual flat.
Then I used the machine on a need to know basis.
Threading and bobbin winding, followed by straight sewing and needle position. When I want to do something different I look it up and add it to what I know how to do.
Then after about 6 months I bought another Janome in a portable model--while this was an extra extravagance it has made going to workshops and travel a no-brainer.It weighs only 12 lbs. and has a hard case. Most of the sewing directions are identical and the sewing feet are interchangeable.
My previous machine--a Pffaff--was 35 years old and still sews wonderfully but weighs 40 lbs.
Congrats on your new machine and a husband who gets it! A double win. If I had it to do over again I would have bought new machine 10 years ago. It does make sewing so much easier and enjoyable.

Beth said...

Lovely new machine, I am sure you will be in love once you get used to all of its features.

Darlington Delights said...

You are a lucky lady. I received the Bernina 750 QE for Christmas and had to take it back because it wouldn't work straight from the box. I'm waiting on a replacement now.

Charlotta said...

Very lucky, indeed! Love the Charley Harper cardinals!

Lisa said...

lucky indeed! enjoy!

O'Quilts said...

a new machine is a wonderful thing!!! Can cheer a sewist right up..have fun

Kris P said...

Wow, nice machine! You deserve it! I love that the extension table has all the guide lines. I'm tempted to take a sharpie marker to my Janome extension table to make it as user friendly as yours. Enjoy your machine and knowing your hubby supports your profession so completely.