So does it feel like I have been avoiding you guys? Well in a way I guess I have .. this is my 99th post and we all know what is meant to come with my next post ... I have thought up a pretty nice giveaway but I am so heavily overcommited at the moment that actually making it in time has been impossible. Being as far behind with things as I am at the moment isn't fun it's nauseating I'm afraid ..... :(
So I figure my options are either to keep my head stuck firmly in the sand and hope you all wont notice that I haven't been around or just to stray from the line and have a surprise party celebration instead .. . so that is what I have decided to do ... sometime between now and my 106th post I will host the whole 100th post giveaway celebration ... I hope the blog police wont mind!
Just a little note regarding the entries for the giveaway ...
- everyone who leaves a comment on this post and the next posts that come before the giveaway will automatically get an extra entry for each comment that they leave ...
- if the person who ultimately wins the giveaway has purchased one of my patterns before the end of the giveaway then they will get an extra little something (can be purchased from either my self or any of my stockists - must have proof of purchase) ...
Since my last post I have been frantically trying to complete my next magazine project. I decided to do alot of the applique for this one by hand and honestly it feels like I have been treading water without really getting anywhere for the longest time ... until Monday when I finally finished the hand sewing on the centre panel and now it's where it belongs under my Bernina getting stuffed ... in a nice way I promise!. There is still some turned edge applique that has to be done in the borders but hopefully now I'm over that initial hump things will move along a little faster.
Thank you to everyone who sent me birdie love from my last post. The cage is about 8" x 4 1/2" and it was all sewn using free motion stitching and a regular Mettler polly thread. As for a pattern I will be thinking about that for a bit ... but for now I have to get through to my ever growing and rapidly approaching list of deadlines ....
While I was visiting Lara earlier in the week I was inspired by her fabulous review of her sewing machine that was originally inspired by a meme from Sew Mama Sew. Now those of you who know me, know that I am rubbish at attending to memes and tags and the like ... you see it always takes me so long to write a post that by the time I have written what I wanted to write my allotted time is up and I never seem to find time to do the meme. On this occasion I am going to break the drought and actually join in with this meme as I think that this process will create a fabulous resource for us all in the future ...
Bernina 820
What brand and model do you have & how long have you had it?
I have an almost brand new sparkling Bernina 820 - this is one of their new models .... it's the one without the Embroidery attachment. She came home with me in March this year. She was one of the first in the country and it was one of the machines that was used as a demo at the Australian Quilting Convention here in Melbourne
How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
This is a high end machine coming in at around $7000 (AUD). I was given an exceptionally good trade-in for my old machine (Bernina 440) and a large discount because the machine had been used as a demo at the Australasian Quilt Convention. (I have a horrible feeling that the price I have listed is wrong ... it may be $7900 so don't quote me I will check on this tomorrow and correct it if need be)
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?
My machine is predominantly used for patchwork and quilting. I do make kids costumes and some odd crafty items but I don't make clothing.
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
You had better sit down for this ... usually around 4 to 6 hours a day ... sometimes much more! My machines earn their keep! However ... I clean it every few days and oil it every second day or so when quilting. I also change my needles every 4 to 5 hours of sewing - this is not really related to the machine itself, however, a worn needle will effect the performance of your machine & the consistency of your stitch.
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
I love this machine. I tried out the 830 at Houston last year and fell in love. Knowing that I would never be able to afford / justify the expense of the 830 I was thrilled to hear that Bernina was offering a very similar machine without all of the embroidery gizmo's that I would never use anyway.
She runs so smoothly and effortlessly. The extra space is a God send ... it is amazing how much of a difference this alone makes on the quality & consistency of your machine quilting. There are at least a gazillion stitches most of which I will never use but if you are into that stuff I'm sure you'd be thrilled. It has the ability to hold stitches in a programmed memory file ... I haven't used this yet but the theory sounds wonderful! It has everything that opens and shuts ... and more!
I am very happy with Bernina in general my last machine a 440, was also a great machine. I am not on their payroll either by the way ... although I could use the extra cash ;)
What features does your machine have that work well for you?
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with machine quilting and free motion stitching this feature is essential ... you know I use this feature all the time! It means when you want to stop stitching ... your project stops too ... no more little skips and movement when you need to readjust yourself and / or your project.
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this is such a convenient & handy feature as when I combine this with the knee lift I never need to take my hands off my project at all. I suspect that all Bernina's have this feature which allows me to lift and lower my needle by tapping on the front edge of the foot peddle. This feature is invaluable when it comes to raw edge applique ... particularly with my designs that tend to have lots of little bits.
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if you have one of these and haven't used it or haven't persisted with it well pull it out and plug it back in! Go and do it right now!! This feature is so useful particularly with quilting or when free motion stitching with raw edge applique that once you get used to it you will wonder how you ever managed without it. Lifting your foot with your knee means you never have to take your hands off your project ... it's so much quicker and it helps with consistency in your stitching.
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I never really realised just how much this would help my machine quilting! Having that extra space just reduces all that pushing and shoving ... that's a no brainer ... but it also helps to make your movements much smoother and more controlled and your quilting more consistent
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I know that lots of people like top loading bobbins ... if you're a quilter top loading bobbins, in my opinion, are a pain in the bottom! To replace a bobbin I don't need to remove my quilt I simply lift up the front of the quilt a bit and pop the bobbin in and I can continue on stitching. The bobbins also have a large capacity - this is fantastic when you are using the same coloured thread through out a project, however, if you just need a little it seems a bit of a waist.
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does anything at all need to be said about this really??? What a luxury!!!
this is heaven! This process has been upgraded in this machine compared to my old 440. In the 820 it really is totally automated ... press a button and the machine makes a few little buzzing noises and a little lever flips around and my needle is threaded first go, everytime!!!
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I have left this amazing feature until last for a couple of reasons ... it was certainly one of the big selling features of the 440 when I bought it. A stitch regulator is a spectacular feature for those new to quilting and it certainly helps with gaining self confidence with a technique that can be a bit daunting for newbies. However, once you get the hang of free motion stitching it can hold you back a bit. I never use this feature anymore as I find I work better without it.
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
I wouldn't say that this drives me nuts but it is a mild annoyance ... The machine is very big, don't get me wrong this is also one of it's features but because it is so much bigger than standard machines it only just fits into the drop down section of my Horn cabinet and when I say only just I mean it!!! I literally had to have the machine breathe in to squeeze it in there. This will make it a pain to take it out for servicing etc. Also with my teaching coming up I am avoiding thinking about how I am going to cart it around with me ... particularly interstate. Sure I could borrow a machine from the Quilt Shops but my machine is a bit of a security blanket ... a good old friend to tag along with me!
Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!
This machine was a 40th birthday present from my husband ... it has sure softened the transition from 39 to 40! It also stands as a testament to my superior negotiation skills ... somehow I managed to put forward an argument that justified the expense of this machine and Mr DLN actually fell for it! Just kidding honey I really DID need this machine!!!!
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
I would absolutely recommend this machine and I think that all of the reasons have already been mentioned!
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
There are so many factors to consider when you are sewing machine shopping. First of all you need to know how much you are prepared to spend then you need to confirm what you want to do with the machine now and in the future - for me this was free motion stitching & quilting but if you don't machine quilt or only do it once in a blue moon a machine that is right for me may well be a waist of money for you. Once you have confirmed this make a list of essential / must have features and those that would be lovely to have but you could manage without.
If possible find dealers that have several makes so that you can try out a few at the same time, this will help when comparing machines. It may also be helpful to ring ahead and book an appointment so that the sales person knows you are coming and will hopefully devote one on one time to you and not need to stop and serve other customers. Take notes and make sure you get to have a go at each of the machines you want to look at ... and make sure you actually try out the features that are on your essentials list to make sure they adequately meet your needs - if you want to try out free motion quilting take a small practice quilt sandwich with you to use.
When considering price make sure you use all of your assets to get the best machine for your budget ... don't forget that your old machine can be traded-in and make sure you get the best possible price for it - ring around the dealers and check as this can vary greatly! Try doing what I did and buy a machine that has been used as a demo at a show or on the shop floor - excellent savings can be made by doing this!
After sales service is also a very important factor - make sure you feel confident with the staff's skills and their knowledge of the machine. If you have something go wrong you want to feel confident that you can go to them and get friendly, knowledgeable & timely help. Also look at their servicing arrangement. The shop I bought my 440 from took 2 to 3 weeks to service my machine .... that is too long as far as I am concerned. The dealer I bought the 820 from has told me that I will have my machine back in 2 days ... this is a much more satisfactory arrangement especially for the same price!!!!!
Do you have a dream machine? .... oh baby yes I do ... and this is it!
If you have managed to make it all the way through my ode to the 820 I congratulate you ... well done! To finish up this post there are just a few more tid bits so hang in there ....
There has been another workshop added to the class schedule at Patchwork House in Hawthorn. This will be a repeat of the class being held in August however it will be held with a few weeks gap between the classes. If you want to come along you will need to be quick as the waiting list was long enough to all but fill another class.
Patchwork House are also now stocking my patterns. So if you're in Melbourne and not into the whole on-line bit then this is the only Melbourne based shop where you can currently find my patterns. I am also very relieved to add that I have finally finished the How does your garden grow? pattern so don't forget if you happen to be the first person to contact me with proof of purchase of one of my patterns from Patchwork House I will send you out one of these patterns ...
There are some sales on this month too for all of you thrifty lovers of fabric and the like ...
Patchwork House- Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st of June
Ballarat Patchwork- in store annual Stocktake sale from the 23rd to the 30th of June (on-line sale starts a week earlier)
Jan from Sewjourn is hosting the Bushfires Quilt Hanging next Saturday the 20th of June ...
11am - 4.30pm LightHouse, Ashburton Uniting Church 3-7 Ashburn Grove, Ashburton, Vic, 3147 you will even see a few of my bits and pieces on display ... and you may even find me lurking around in the shadows ....
There have been quite a few additions to the Your take on my designs album lately so make sure you take a peek! You should also pop over to Deekie Belle Design and look here & here at what this amazing woman has been upto! There is even a Rocket Ship pillow in the album now which is the first one I have seen so far! Well done to Claude from France ... I am sure your Grandson will love it dearly!
If you have some finished things or some progress shots on your blog that you might like to share then please let me know as I would love to add them to the album.
OK so I had better run ... enjoy your weekend!
EDIT: I forgot to make a time frame for the pattern giveaway for this post ... so let's make it Sunday the 21st at midnight Australian EST. Sorry guys. I will post tomorrow with the winner.
Kellie
PS. Hopefully now all of the problems that some of you were experiencing with my blog are now resolved. Apparently there was a problem with a piece of script in the Linkwithin feature that I had installed - this was the three little thumbnaillinks that were found under each post suggesting other posts that you might be interested in. I really loved this feature, however, because of the Operation Abort error it had to be removed. I contacted Linkwithin however they haven't replied as yet with a solution. If any other typepad users find that they encounter this problem, try removing this widget and see what happens ...
BEEN fascinated with your blog since I found you, mostly your whimsy. Your designs are the stuff of my girls' imagined friends. So here's my comment and looking forward to the 100th episode and the BIG giveaway. ~anna in md, right near my hometown of DC
annafogg1@aol.com
Posted by: Anna | June 13, 2009 at 03:49 PM
Hi Kellie!
It was really interesting to read about your machine, thanks for the great advice of how to organise yourself for shopping for a new one.
I have signed up to attend your workshop in Hawthorn this August... does that count as a purchase?!! I am really looking forward to learning new skills - and to meeting you!
Warm wishes! VIkki :-)
Posted by: Vikki | June 13, 2009 at 04:03 PM
I can't get over your use of color. It's just stunning. I love how vibrant each piece of your quilt is, but everything flows together so harmoniously. Thanks for sharing your beautiful quilts and patterns online!
Posted by: Denice | June 13, 2009 at 04:08 PM
It's good to hear that your work is becoming more well known via classes and so on. I love the gorgeous things you make and check your blog frequently.
Posted by: Lauren | June 13, 2009 at 04:29 PM
4-6 hours a day sewing?!! Wow - that's awesome!! Sounds like heaven for any sewer. I really enjoyed reading about your Bernina - what a fabulous machine.
Posted by: Sam | June 13, 2009 at 05:06 PM
Oh my goodness, I would give my eye teeth to be able to take one of your classes.....maybe one day you can do an online class? I just love my Bernina but it is only the activa 230
Posted by: Barbara | June 13, 2009 at 05:08 PM
love visiting you here.
I haven't had a chance to make anything from the pattern I bought.....but I'm trying. :)
Posted by: Blossom | June 13, 2009 at 05:13 PM
WOW would I be able to create things like you your work is amazing.
Posted by: Joy Gross | June 13, 2009 at 05:42 PM
I found your blog about six months ago, when I got back into patchwork. Wow - I just love your colourful quilts and pillows. I would love to learn how to machine embroidery. (I must attend one of your workshops!).
I have a brother embroidery machine and I just love it. (In the past I have done all of the embroidery for my daughter's dance school).
Thanks for sharing your quilts to us all.
Sandy
normansandra@hotmail.com
Posted by: Sandy | June 13, 2009 at 08:07 PM
I am sure we all think you are amazing, managing to juggle all the things you do and be so creative as well. You get my wonder woman award! And you keep us entertained on your blog - way to go. Thanks heaps.
Posted by: chriss jasper | June 13, 2009 at 08:08 PM
I love my Bernina too and would love to upgrade. My quilt shop in the US has started selling machines; the 820, in US Dollars, is a just every so slightly under $10,000. I enjoy your blog and like your quilt style very much.
Posted by: Kathy Watt | June 13, 2009 at 08:12 PM
HI Kellie,
I love your bright colours and funky style! First comment I have left so thought I should 'check in' about that! I love my Bernina 440- and you have inspired me to go and check out that knee lifter which I just don't use at the moment.
Posted by: Tanya Holt | June 13, 2009 at 08:15 PM
Congrats on your 99th post! You do beautiful work. I want to sew like you when I grow up :)
Posted by: LeAnn | June 13, 2009 at 08:21 PM
Yup this is my dream machine too. But its a big dream for me. I'm just hoping to upgrade a little bit from my little singer that my hubby bought me for my fist machine sometime this year.
Posted by: BethAnn | June 13, 2009 at 09:06 PM
I have machine envy! I would love a Bernina but sadly mine is not.
Posted by: Yvonne | June 13, 2009 at 09:48 PM
Thanks for sharing all the info on your shiny new machine! Sadly, my 3 kids eat up the budget and there's none leftover for my sewing habit!
On the bright side, I'll be 40 in 2 years! That gives me time to work on my negotiating skills!!!
Can't wait to see the new project unveiled....
Posted by: kimmer | June 13, 2009 at 09:52 PM
Very informative post on the 820. I saw this machine in person recently, and it does look really big! I'd love to have the extra throat space, though.
Love the sneak peek of your quilt. As always, your work is amazing.
Posted by: Magnolia Bay Quilts | June 13, 2009 at 10:48 PM
Sounds a lovely machine and I can really see the advantage of some of the features like the big area to work on and the knee lift they are both features I love on my industrial machine but those on a domestic that does more than straight stitch and is possible to move around would be wonderful.
Posted by: Esther | June 13, 2009 at 11:03 PM
Your work is amazing and I will be looking for your patterns. I have a Bernina 440 and I love it too - but the 820 is really something - I hope my dream machine comes true.
Posted by: Judy in Michigan | June 14, 2009 at 02:45 AM
Fantastic post!!! Very informative. I've been trying to decide between getting the 440 or just going all the way and getting the 820....... decisions decisions! Thanks for you opinion.
Posted by: Michelle | June 14, 2009 at 03:36 AM
Oooooo! that sounds like a grand machine! Maybe for my next Bernina. I have had mine for 9 years and love it. And 4-6 hrs daily?!!! Kellie, do you sleep and eat???
Posted by: upstatelisa | June 14, 2009 at 04:00 AM
I Just love all of your work
Posted by: Mary | June 14, 2009 at 04:31 AM
The bird is adorable, and your quilt shots look great too. I am still using my old Kenmore.
Posted by: Shasta | June 14, 2009 at 05:35 AM
lovely colors as always!
Posted by: cxlx | June 14, 2009 at 07:04 AM
The new Bernina would look great in my sewing room. She would sit next to my Bernian 730. I just ordered 2 of your patterns to make for my grand daughter Chloe. I made the pillow listed on a previous page and it turned out wonderfully. They are so bright and cheery..just like Chloe. Can't wait to get started ! Thank you for sharing your design talent.
Posted by: Janet | June 14, 2009 at 07:19 AM
of course I commented on the wrong page, Love love love your blog, read it 100 times a day. I am mustering up the courage to try a pattern and can't wait for Oh Christmas Tree. Thank you for the inspiration. Please come to California soon so I can take lessons from you.
Posted by: Leslie | June 14, 2009 at 08:03 AM
why don't I live in Australia?
Posted by: Leslie | June 14, 2009 at 08:04 AM
Congratulations from Germany on your 100. I love your blog and your work, try to get inspired by it and hopefully will tend to be less shy when it comes to applications. By the way my machine is over 30 years old!
Posted by: Claudia | June 14, 2009 at 08:04 AM
You should work for them. I'm not sure how I even survive without that machine after your breakdown of its features and advantages!
Posted by: tracey petersen | June 14, 2009 at 09:28 AM
Kellie - I was so excited to read your new post and read about your new bernina. I have been looking at the Bernina's trying to decided which one to buy for my daughter who is majoring in clothing and fashion design. I am thinking perhaps she can have my old Bernina and I'll get a new one. It was interesting to get your take on the stitch regulator.
Oh - and how I wish I could come take a class!!!! Utah, USA is too far away.
Posted by: Beth Fosut | June 14, 2009 at 09:42 AM
Happy 40th and new machine. Your work is awesome.
Posted by: Mic B | June 14, 2009 at 11:41 AM
I've been a Bernina girl for over 20 years! I'm avoiding even looking at the 820!
Posted by: Maria | June 14, 2009 at 11:43 AM
I've just come back from the quilt show in Sydney where my dh surprised me by buying this machine!!! The price on one of the demo models was very good added to the show special. Now I can't wait for it to be delivered but we'll have to figure out how to accomodate it. It's pure luxury and a dream come true. I'm still in shock.
Posted by: Janet | June 14, 2009 at 01:07 PM
Wow - your 820 makes my little 150 look like a poor relative. If I didn't love my 'Bernice' so much, I'd be jealous!
Happy 100th post! That's quite an achievement. Way to go!
Posted by: Rachel | June 14, 2009 at 01:31 PM
Phew - that was a long post to get through - so many interesting things to note and link and visit and think about!! Thanks so much for being involved in the Bushfires Quilt Hanging on Sat 20th June - I am definitely looking forward to seeing your quilts up close - though I hope yours are not placed too close to mine - it would be going from the sublime to the ridiculous(ly simple)!!
Posted by: Bronwyn | June 14, 2009 at 02:11 PM
Thank You So Much for joining in on the Meme... My Dream Machine has always been the Bernina 820 & I just loved reading your review... Now I Heart it even more... Lol !!!
Posted by: Helz | June 14, 2009 at 02:41 PM
Love your stuff! really!
Posted by: Carrie A | June 14, 2009 at 03:05 PM
Kellie, I LOVE the look of your new project and can't wait until you reveal the full design! I must say I'm a little green with envy over your new sewing machine - it sounds like a dream. Now, with the combination of your creative mind and a fantastic machine - the sky is the limit - we will look forward to lots of great designs in the future!! Karen
Posted by: Karen | June 14, 2009 at 03:38 PM
really really enjoyed the intro to your bernina! now I want one!
I can relate to avoiding posting, I just notice I hit 101! and don't have time for a contest.
Keep up the sewing and I wish I could do as much as you.
Posted by: colourdujour | June 14, 2009 at 04:01 PM
Now I also want one of those. I am still working with my old, very cheap machine, but it gets me what I want so that is the most important thing. Love your designs.
Posted by: Margy Aerts | June 14, 2009 at 05:28 PM
I'm still in awe of the bird cage - wow - it is fabulous!
Posted by: Jennifer | June 14, 2009 at 05:40 PM
That is an amazing machine. I do love the one I have at the moment but yours does sound really special. I do love your free motion quilting. I have had a lesson but am a little daunted! Must practise.
Posted by: Sylvia | June 14, 2009 at 05:41 PM
A Bernina girl I am too! The machines allow you to be a creative queen - you encapsulate the creativity of Bernina within your designs and quilting. looking forward to making one of quilts soon! I dream of an 820 - after reading your blog I need to find a way to afford one. Continue your creative journey, the left foot hint works wonders and is easy to get the hang of.
Posted by: 'Chelle | June 14, 2009 at 06:17 PM
Kellie, you are amazing! I just love the colours in your latest project. I can't wait to see the whole thing. I have just found my machine attachment to do free motion quilting and I am a bit scared, but seeing the wonderful things that you have created I am excited to give it a go. I love your sewing machine, by the way. I hope you continue to enjoy using it to create more fabulous projects!
Posted by: Amelia | June 14, 2009 at 06:17 PM
Thank you so much for sharing your perspective on your machine. I've been so curious about the 820/830 and wondering how it compares to the 440 (which I have and love). I'm afraid you've planted a seed in my brain... oh, my... that extra space would indeed be lovely! :)
Posted by: Robin | June 14, 2009 at 06:17 PM
I was beginning to feel like a stalker, checking in to see if you were ok! So glad your life is so busy, but remember to take time to relax!! You've been the inspiration for me to take up a new hobby and I love it! More stash, more fun!
Take care Kellie. x
Posted by: jill | June 14, 2009 at 06:22 PM
Love your blog and your quilts are so gorgeous and that sewing machine what a dream. I'd love to win something from you please enter me. Take care Carol
Posted by: Carol Spacagna | June 14, 2009 at 07:46 PM
Wow what a machine, I have a 30 year old Berina, that was my mums and she still sews beautifully. I have only just started to get into quilting (it is my mums love) but your designs and use of colour have inspired me to get into it too. Mum is so excited she has started my fabric stash for me, lots of Kaffe Fassett and Farmers Marker. I have already made one of you girls art smocks, every one comments on it. Once again thanks for your creative gifts and inspirations.
Posted by: Chelle | June 14, 2009 at 07:47 PM
Thank you for the Bernina know how. I would love your machine - one day - maybe!
Posted by: jemima | June 14, 2009 at 08:58 PM
Your work is incredible! Thanks for the sewing machine review. I found it very informative.
Posted by: Jen | June 14, 2009 at 09:29 PM