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Bernina Question

quiltingsteph | Posted in Quilting and Home Decor on

Hi there, I am minutes old on here but have been a threads lover for years.  I have used nothing but Bernina sewing machines for over 25 years.  My latest machine is only 3 years old (Bernina Virtuosa 153QE) but the newest quilting versions have the stitch regulator on them. 

I am a quilter and use my machine mainly for peicing and machine quilting.  The new stitch regulator feature allows you to do meandering with even stitch length.  I would  love that feature!

My question is……What is your favorite machine for quilting and why?  Should I invest in the embroidery options of the machines even though I have never used those options before? 

 

Happy quilting!  Steph from Baltimore MD

Edited 2/7/2007 4:20 am ET by quiltingsteph


Edited 2/7/2007 4:21 am ET by quiltingsteph


Edited 2/7/2007 8:35 am ET by quiltingsteph

Replies

  1. meg | | #1

    I've heard that the Bernina machines, especially the older ones, are wonderful.  I have a Pfaff 1222E which I purchased in 1981.  I love it for the Integrated Dual Feed (built-in walking foot), among other features. 

    The sewing machine industry assumed that quilters NEEDED 4 gazillion fancy stitches, when in fact we need just one - a good straight stich.  They manufactured all kinds of high dollar embroidery machines, and some of us purchased them.  That's fine if you actually do that sort of stitching, but many of us do not incorporate all that embroidery into our quilting projects.  Why spend the money on features you don't use? 

    I don't look forward to the day that my trusty Pfaff is no longer serviceable, because I have no idea what could replace it.  Fortunately, that day isn't too near.

  2. thimbles1260 | | #2

    Hello and welcome!  You'll love this site and the people who participate.  There is always someone who can answer any sewing questions that come up.  There are some expert seamstresses here ( myself excluded).  That said, I do have some experience in quilting.  My machine is a Bernina 1260.  Like you, I have loved my Bernina's and I'm attracted to the stitch regulator feature on the new machines.  If you are doing mostly quilting,  a good straight stitch (and perhaps the stitch regulator) is all you really need.  Like the previous writer said, we sometimes buy a lot of fancy stitches we don't need or even want.  I have an embroidery machine I'll sell you!  LOL

    I'm curious as to what other's responses will be to the following statement:  I sometimes think we give our work, qults and garments, a "homemade" appearance by adding decorative stitches that don't really fit the piece simply because we have them.  (Hope I didn't just stir the hornets nest!)

    1. quiltingsteph | | #3

      I whole heartedly agree with both of you!  I see all those fancy stitches I don't know what to do with them.  When I see the heavy embellishments on the quilts it sometimes makes them look heavy and ornate, not like the antique quilt look I truley like.  In addition,  it's difficult to do large quilts bi-directional with fancy stitching on the machine. 

      Does anyone have the stitch regulator from Bernina and are they happy with it?  That is the ONLY reason I would forsee purchasing the new model.

       

      1. thimbles1260 | | #4

        I had a demo. on it and tried it at the store. It was nice, but I don't have any great length of time using it.....nor have I tried it on an actual quilt.

      2. moira | | #7

        I see this discussion started ages ago, but I've just acquired one of these Berninas with the stitch reulator. I don't do a lot of quilting though I have a project to work on over the next few months, in which I plan to quilt as well as applique and other techniques. So the other day I attached the regulator just to see what it would do, and I can see it will be fun to use when I get going properly. The evenness of the stitch size looked attractive. I didn't buy the machine for this, but I'm looking forward to making the most of it.

        1. Pattiann42 | | #8

          I was really interested in the stitch regulator, but the local Bernina dealer ticked me off, so no more Bernina's for me.  Bought a BabyLock and learned to free-motion stitch with the help of a free motion slider.

          I have done some Machine Embroidery on quilts and I think once you begin Machine Embroidery you can't stop!  In fact, I haven't seen my husband in days - I guess he found the kitchen!

  3. Cherrypops | | #5

    Hello and welcome quiltingsteph,

    My sewer/quilting machine is a Brother Star 140e. I purchased mainly to use for sewing because it has the start stop button, (perfect when my baby was crawling at my feet, no tangles in cords). and it also has the needle threader and auto thread cutter. It has 37 stitches. (17 decorative, i havent used all yet.) I have done a quilted wall hanging using a fabric panel and worked great.

    As a quilting machine, it has the walking foot, which i use for my mini quilts, wall hangings, and the spring action quilting foot, but i havent' done free motion/darning yet.

    I find it very easy to use for both sewing garments, which is what i mainly sew and small quilt projects.

    Presently I do small quilts and use only the straight stitch. I haven't done any top stitching using the decorative stitches.

    I will be purchasing the Janome 350e embroidery only machine, for future work.

    I own a Benina 800dl overlocker / serger and am extremely happy with it.

    You will have a fantastic time here, so many lovely ladies, each talented in their own areas, and very willing to help and share ideas.

    1. quiltingsteph | | #6

      Thanks for your insight.  I appreciate all your help.  I just love this site so far.  Everyone seems so helpful.

       

  4. fuzzer | | #9

    Just spotted your questions about the Bernina's. I have 3, well 4 with the serger.  I have an OLD 730, and 830 and an Artista 180.  I love them all.  I found that with just a little practice it is easy to do free form quilting.  Just lower the feed dogs and go for it.  I also bought the John Flynn multi frame system for quilting.  Haven't had a chance to use it yet, but am looking forward to it.  Seems to be able to do just about anything you would want to do.  Try the free form, you might just like it.

    1. moira | | #10

      I had a Bernina 930 which my husband bought for me about 20 years ago and which I really loved. Just a few weeks ago it simply stopped. The light still went on but the machine was dead. My repairman - Bernina trained - figured out that the main motherboard had 'gone' and enquiries eventually led to him findidng that the part is obsolete, and to send it to Switzerand for repair would cost £400. Reluctantly I had to admit defeat on that one, and now have a new Aurora with the stitch regulator. But you as a Bernina lover will understand how sad I am tat my old machine is done!Moira

      1. fuzzer | | #11

        Sorry that I'm so late getting back, Summer is here which means fishing and traveling.  Yes, I can understand the sorrow of having to say goodby to a really true friend in your machine.  But may you have many more happy hours with your new Bernina.

        1. moira | | #12

          Thanks, Fuzzer! It's nice to know someone understands. I am enjoying the new machine, although my university children are home for the summer and I've kind of lost my sewing room! So it'll be a month or so before I really have hours at a time to sew and try out all the new things this machine does. But wonderful to have our children home, so no complaints!Moira

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