A little Bernina 820 love ...

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 left a comment between now and the giveaway then they will get an extra little something including with their prize   ...

• 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) ... 

• At the end of the giveaway I will randomly select one person who has left a comment from each posts between now and the giveaway and they will receive a How does your garden grow pattern ...  

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?

• Needle down finishing option

-

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.

• Needle up & down foot peddle control

-

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.

• Knee lift

-

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.

• 12" extended arm

-

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

• Large bobbin that loads from the side

-

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.

• Separate bobbin winder

-

does anything at all need to be said about this really??? What a luxury!!!

• Automatic needle threader -

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!!!

• Stitch Regulator

-

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 ...

Comments

[Simone]

Loving your work, fingers are itching to try some ideas.
YOU have such talent and not the machine.

[Caroline]

Your machine is a really fantastic one! I only can dream about a machine with such a luxury. But perhaps...one day. You never know.
I love your work and I enjoy reading every post on your blog!
Thanks!

Caroline from Germany

[Anna McD]

Love love your blog!!

[Lisa L.]

I am so in awe of your projects - that birdcage is beautiful. Good luck getting everything done.

[Sara]

I've been drooling over that machine for awhile now. Super jealous. What an amazing and wonderful husband you have! The quilt shown is so cute!!

[Raphiel Thompson]

Love your work! Funky, whimsy, you inspire me. I'm new to the world of quilting and all things sewing. Your bird cage is amazing.

[jo]

What an amazing looking machine! I am not surprised you love it so much. I have a very old, basic singer and am positively drooling over all the wonderful machines I am seeing via sew mama sew. Thanks for the information about yours!

[Sonja]

I began with sewing/quilting in February this year. I have a Bernina 430 and I love it! Of course, your 820 is a dream machine but I'm not as pro as you are;D
I want to thank you for your tutos (the biding one is the first I read which explained exactly how to end up a biding!) and your inspired appliqués!!!
Success with your hand sewing and read you soon!

[Cath Roberts]

Kellie, So nice to see you back - you mentioned in your email a couple of weeks ago that you may have a few delayed blogs - but I have to say it was just too long between installments! I'm more than a little jealous after picking up my Elna S26 from a service last week - it is the one I learnt to sew on over 30 years ago! My 40th is late 2010, so I'll have to start practising now on my negotiation skills with my husband!!!
P.S. The error I was having accessing your blog has now gone - thanks.

[Vreni Kohler]

Thanks for the info on the Bernina 820. I've tried it out last week at the Sydney quilt and craft show and I was instantly hooked. Now I just have to convince my hubby that I need to upgrade my 440 to a 820 ;). Wish me luck....
Congratulations on your 100th post and I'm looking forward to the next 100 posts.

[Donna]

I feel the exact same way about my Bernina. I just love it. I have to tell you I adore the quilt you are working on with the circles and dots. Happy stitching, Donna

[Rebecca Clarke]

Thank you so much for the review and tips on buying a new machine, I am looking into a new one at the moment and although I am a Janome lover the tips will be extra handy. I so love your work and patterns. I will be hoping that one day when my kids are a bit bigger I can make it to one of your workshops if you come nearby.

[Karen C]

Wow what a blog, how long did this take you? It must have seriously eaten into your quality stitching time but good on you, there was a lot of useful info. What a machine.

[Pikku-Kettu]

I enjoyed reading your Ode to Bernina. :)

I recently got a new machine myself, and what a difference it makes.

[Claire]

I love your work and the new bird and birdcage design is amazing - very into birdcages at the moment as i want to wall paper my daughters bedroom in 'birdcage walk' - gorgeous wallpaper

[Jillian]

I have heard Bernina is a good brand of machine to go with, someday I will have my dream machine.
I am always looking for an update on your blog, I LOVE you work.
Jill "o)

[michelle cress]

Love the machine! If I had the money, Its what I'd buy! Good luck with catching up on all your projects!

[Beate Teale]

I'm not up to needing a great new machine yet but I do LOOOVE the bird in cage. How did you get such straight lines doing it freehand???? It is soo lovely. Thanks for sharing.
If I bought a mag because of your pattern inside does that count as a pattern purchase. huh, huh???

[Dana]

Your work is beautiful! I've been thinking about upgrading to a Bernina; thanks for the insite into what these machines can do!

[felicia pollard]

Your work is amazing. I love your ideas, your blog and your pics. I'm impressed and so glad i found you.

[SummerSadie]

What a wonderful sewing maching you have. I wished I lived in Australia for lots of reasons, but one so that I could attend one of your classes. Your patterns are gorgeous!

[Mary Martin-Brake]

I love your work....and your blog. I don't see how you get it all done. You have such a wonerful gift thank you for sharing your work.

[K. Schroeder]

Am so in awe with your talents. Thank you for sharing.
Must start saving for a better sewing machine.

[Doris]

That was quite an ode to your machine...I wish I loved mine that much! Maybe I should go visit the Bernina dealer...

Doris
auntiedart(at)yahoo(dot)com

[Jeree]

Hello
I have just started reading your blog this last month. This is actually the first time I've left a comment on any blog! I love the quilt in the picture, do you have a pic of it from the front anywhere? Maybe I missed it.

[lesthook]

Oh my goodness! So that's how I get needle down! Thank you so much!!!!

[Hillary]

What an amazing post! I love hearing about the pros & cons of a machine from a real person! Your polka dots are looking amazing I can't wait to see what it is coming together to be! Congrats on the upcoming 100th post!

[Carolyn]

Your work is Wonderful! The machine is a great tool, but your talent - so fun, so joyful, so inspiring. Thanks for sharing!! I love your site!

[Melanie]

I am so jealous that you got one of these machines from AQC. I was there, and did test drive one and fell in love, but was told that they would not be selling the display models (which really p**** me off!) I really really want one! But unlike you, I won't be trading in my old machine when I get it (I have a 430) mainly because when that baby gets set up, it wont be moving for classes!

[meggie]

Wow Kellie what a detailed post! I don't know how you manage to fit it all in, with family to care for as well.
Just love your style, & your designs.

[Sue]

What a fab machine you have, I have a very old Husqvarna, I've used it to stitch everything from curtains to quilts. Maybe one day I will upgrade to my dream Bernina - it doesnt hurt to dream .............

[Jittina]

What a great machine! I only have a simple Pfaff, but it does what I want (most of the time!).
I think a Bernina won't be in my budget for a long long time.

Jittina (vynidra@gmail.com)

[Daneen]

Thank you so much for posting this info, as a recent subscriber I had a bunch of questions to ask you about your machine and techniques and you have now answered most of them. I was especially interested to hear that you no longer tend to use the stitch regulator for you work ...which is so even I "assumed" you used it! Maybe there is hope for me yet!...your work in inspiring!
Daneen

[maribel]

Hi from Spain I just want to say your blog is wonderful and your patterns gorgeous. I just love your work

[Bridgid]

Much as I love my baby Pfaff, I think I now officially have sewing machine envy. Thanks for your fabulous post!

[Jana]

I LOVE your quilts. They are so happy. How do you make all of those perfect circles?! I have the original Bernina 830- the very, very old one. It works great but it sure would be fun to have the new version sitting on my kitchen table!

[Mamaspark]

Your machine sure sounds like a dream machine. I love my Bernina 170E too. I really love your bird in the cage, too cute!

[cindy b]

i just love your blog - it is so cheery! thank you for being so generous with your patterns and ideas and tutorials. inpired, i made several of those little tissue cozies for mother's day. last summer my husband helped me create a perfect little nook for quilting and for my new bernina!

[patty]

Congratulation on almost your 100th post! I have an Pfaff 1475. Its about 13 - 14 years old and it would take a lot to get me to give it up. I have used a older Bernina and I didn't like it. I have not tried out the new ones. Maybe I will check it out.

[Morgan]

So jealous! I would love to have one to have more freedom with my sewing...

[Sue]

Kellie

I love your blog and I have only discovered it today. Just skimmed through from your first to last entry. What fun. You have a great bunch of kids too:)

I have been teaching myself needle turn applique - following the Piece 'O Cake DVD and book. I also have tried some fusible/machine stitched applique blocks using the Piece 'O Cake designs. I wasn't sure about this method. Love using the machine and loved the edges with the stitching on the machine - but not sure about the slight stiffness of the result.

However, tripping along and oohhing and aahing at your work - I can see several things fall into place for me. Machining - whether zig zag edges or blanket stitch edges of the free machined edges (why did I not think of that?? - I have a long history of machine embroidery) I can see a way forward. I like the needle turn - bt it's far from practical for me - timewise.

I aAm going to try machine quilting a couple of the blocks I have recently appliqued - to get to the end result (make them into cushions) and I really feel I've found a way forward.

I want to use my own hand dyed fabrics and am developing a palette - my other great love being dyeing cloth.

Thank you for being so inspiring. Off to see if I can get back issues of the magazines in your blog and then to sleep - to dream applique:)

Kind Regards
Sue

[Fay]

I really love your circle quilts - I am trying to get up the courage to attempt something like that myself.

[Amanda]

Hi Kellie, great 820 article. I don't think I would be able to talk fast enough to get my hands on one and I llllove my 440 so I don't think I could part with it, i regret parting with my previous machine (not that I could sew with 2 at the same time but I am sure it would have come in handy some times). New project looks great and I am so looking forward to your class in October.

[Lynne]

I am so Green just love that machine and would love to own one one day. My 1530 is wonderful but that Large Throat would be a just be the icing on the cake. I did buy a XLotto ticket this week. Ever hopeful. Love that little birdie in the cage. It has such personality.

[susan]

awesome machine
i am glad you like it
sweet quilt and that bird in the cage is so lovely
i wish i could "draw" with my machine like that

[Tozz - Vicki]

Thank you for all that information about your machine and you sound like you have the ultimate machine. I love your designs Kelly and one I will get to meet you and even do a workshop with you. Looking forward to your future patterns and blog entries :)Congrats on your upcoming 100th!!

[Morgan]

I wish I had a beautiful Bernina machine...maybe someday!

[Lunachance]

I enjoy reading your blog. You work in such a happy color palette, that I cannot avoid feeling good while looking at the your photos. Marking an important date, a rite of passage or a significant event should bring happiness and a feeling of warmth to those involved. I congratulate you on both your birthday and your amazing husband who thought to give you such an amazing gift. I too am a "Bernina chick" and have been extremely happy with mine. I purchased the 180 with the embroidery unit to celebrate the one year anniversary of my cancer surgery. Since then, I bought a serger (the 1100DA) and I won an Activa 230 (which is the machine I take to classes).

Thanks for writing a visually entertaining blog. It is fun to see a new entry. Enjoy your new Bernina and keep up the good words :)

[Rhonda]

love the birdcage

[mo]

The four to six hours a day sound heavenly! I can't manage that much but I do love the time I do spend sewing. The bird in his cage is delightful!