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 ...
You are so talented and I can not wait for your give away, I will promise to be patient! ;)
Posted by: Genette | June 18, 2009 at 03:08 PM
Hi Kellie,
I have just stumbled across four blog and I love it. I tried to get one of your patterns for Hot Possum here in W.A. but they do not have any yet. I will have to be paitent, but thats a bit hard.
Keep up the great work
Merilyn
Posted by: Merilyn | June 18, 2009 at 05:01 PM
I am so jealous of your Bernina. I don't think that's in the cards for me (ever!), but a girl can dream, right? : )
Posted by: aimee | June 18, 2009 at 09:49 PM
I bought my Bernina when my second child was a toddler back in 1983! Its done a lot of sewing through the years and two more kids. Now its time to sew for my first grandchild!
Posted by: Nancy | June 18, 2009 at 09:53 PM
That quilt is absolutely adorable. How fun with all those bright spring colors. Very pretty...
Love the information on the new Bernie. I have the 440 (and probably will for a long time)...
Posted by: Nancy | June 19, 2009 at 12:55 AM
Oh what a gorgeous machine!! "sigh" I would love, love, love a fancy machine but the budget just won't stretch that far!
That bird in a cage is just darling too...so much talent...so jealous lol x
Posted by: Shelley | June 19, 2009 at 01:17 AM
I'm starting to look into purchasing a new machine - you provided great information! Thanks.
Posted by: SuzK | June 19, 2009 at 01:53 AM
I'm so jealous! That machine looks amazing! And the quilt is beautiful!
Much love x x x
Posted by: SophieMadeOfStars | June 19, 2009 at 04:48 AM
i have always wanted a bernina...my grandma used to tell me she was going to trade in her machine and get a bernina and then give it to me...unfortunately, that never happend :( and now i am more sad
i cannot wait to see the finished quilt...i love the bright colors and all the little circles...and if i remember right, there area creatures..it looks like it is going to be fabulous!
Posted by: elizabeth | June 19, 2009 at 06:20 AM
Wow that was a post and a half. I have a 440 and love it. Still don't think I use it to it's full potential though.
Posted by: Leanne | June 19, 2009 at 08:50 AM
amazing machine, i need more practice with mine.
Posted by: Leslie | June 19, 2009 at 10:35 AM
Hey Kellie, happy 100th post for when it happens!
Posted by: Stomper Girl | June 19, 2009 at 11:54 AM
wow, I can't imagine how great that would be to sew that much every day -- I'd actually get things done! And you are totally making me want a new machine too. I love my Pfaff, but seeing all the new things machines do, my Pfaff seems old. (I must admit I would get another Pfaff, not a Bernina, but those are some great characteristics on your Bernina.)
Posted by: nanann | June 19, 2009 at 12:48 PM
I have been plugging away with a Kenmore 10 stitch for 11 years so I can only just drool over such a machine.
Posted by: Julianna | June 20, 2009 at 01:07 AM
What an amazing machine! That is definitely drool worthy! :)
Posted by: bruinbr | June 20, 2009 at 10:38 AM
Your new machine sounds wonderful. Hope you are able to get a lot done! And congratulations on your nearly 100th post! There are no blog police as far as I can tell. It's your blog and you can mostly do what you want (within the law and good taste of course LOL). More than 200 comments! Everyone must simply love your work. I know I do! Clever girl...
Cheers - Shari
Posted by: Shari | June 20, 2009 at 04:53 PM
What a fantastic summary of your machine a good guide for someone looking to purchase this machine. A sewing machine cannot be bought on price alone although for many this is a consideration. Bernina will always be a winner. I have seen your work in person and the detail is wonderful and beautifully executed. Keep up the good work. Lesley
Posted by: Lesley | June 21, 2009 at 07:35 PM
Hi Kellie, I just wanted to let you know that after finding your blog a few months ago your work has inspired me to be creative again after (too) many years of idle crafting hands. Thankyou so much for sharing your talent and your life with us - your spirit and zest just oozes from the page and I often pop onto your DLN page for a boost in my day! Thankyou.
Posted by: Cath Roberts | June 21, 2009 at 09:20 PM
Wow! So much in that post I am going to read it a second time! One of these days I need to commit to buying a grown-up sewing machine, so this post is perfect for research!
Posted by: Aunt Spicy | June 21, 2009 at 10:49 PM
Drooling over your 820!! I'm thinking of trading in my Artista 170 and updating to something non-embroidery with a stitch regulator. Won't DARE ask hubby to swing for the 820 ... maybe a 440 ...
LOVE the circles quilt!!!!!
Posted by: WendyLou | June 22, 2009 at 02:32 AM
I am so envious of your 820----I would love, love, love to own one. If I teach lessons at the Bernina shop for next next ??? years maybe I can get a good deal on one. Meanwhile, I'm very greatful for and very happy with my Aurora 440 QE----I used a little Sears basic zigzag machine through all the years our kids were growing up, and we managed just fine. I got my first Bernina when I had been married 30 years!!!---It was such a dream, but then I expanded to the 440. I just love these workhorses.
I also love the work that you do. It's so light a airy----like a fresh drink of water after a long hike. I will keep watching and I even plan to give some of your patterns a try.
Posted by: Linda DiVall | June 22, 2009 at 08:06 AM
I'm laughing at the idea of you making the machine breathe in to fit!
Posted by: Lisa | June 22, 2009 at 11:38 AM
I just finished quilting my first quilt and I was looking around Flickr for inspiration for the next (and the next, and the next!) and I found you. Your work is so inspiring. I love the colors, the applique shapes, the use of free motion quilting. Everything! I can't stop looking at all your pictures. Really lovely. Thank you for putting it out there and sharing because I wouldn't have seen it otherwise.
Posted by: Adrianne | June 22, 2009 at 01:22 PM
Hi--
Happy belated Birthday! My husband and I were chatting about what to do for my birthday, the big 5-0! I want an 830, but it's out of my range for now. So, we'll see, maybe Santa Claus? I went to Bernina Northwest this past week and I saw your little bunny cushion on the wall--just an adorable display piece! Don't you just love Bernina? With the cost of airline tickets, maybe Melbourne would be another option. Take care--
Posted by: auntiepami | June 22, 2009 at 11:41 PM
My mom had an old Bernina forever - like ancient - but the thing was a workhorse - they really do know how to make a machine and I just love yours.
Posted by: Heather | June 28, 2009 at 02:48 PM
I am soooo jealous of your machine. In dreams, I have one just like it.
Posted by: susana | July 07, 2009 at 05:40 AM
Your Bernina is fabulous and your work is wonderful! Kisses from Brasil.
Posted by: Rosangela | July 08, 2009 at 11:06 AM
Wow! you are so busy. I hope you keep up your strength even though you're not feeling well.
Posted by: Kelly O. | July 23, 2009 at 03:19 AM
I am seriously considering buying one this week.....but so scared to spend that much money.....aaaaahhhh what to do!!!!! The government 50% "tools of trade" incentive is making me think seriously, but still feel tooooooo indulgent even thinking about it. Thanks for your review as there are not many reviews yet!! I gather from this post that you highly recommend it.....ahhhhhhhhhhhh!
Posted by: Melly | September 10, 2009 at 04:35 PM
I have a Bernina 440 now and am still working on my dh for an 820 (or an 830 if he's feeling particularly generous), so I've loved reading about yours. I'm not willing to part with my 440 though, my ideal would be to have both the 5.5mm and 9mm machines!
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Posted by: coach handbags | June 30, 2010 at 07:36 PM
Exactly what is $7,900 in US dollars??? I'm looking at this machine and loving it but yours is the only site with a price, but not in US dollars.
Maureen in Western Pennsylvania (USA)
Posted by: Maureen kearns | July 21, 2010 at 10:30 AM
I have come to know several sewing machines quite well. Being able to bring out the best in each machine. From the charm of all three of my featherweights, to the streamlined precision of my janome's, each machine is a star in its own rite. I know all of us at one time or another have been frustrated, thinking that if I "just had a better machine,I would become a "super star" quilter!!! The reality is...each sewing machine is a star. Over the years I have purchased several machines, but have never been able to part with my other "sweet marvels". From time to time I will dust off one of my old favorite's and it never takes me long at all, to discover what I felt was so wonderful! These "faithful" old friends are much like my travels in life. I appreciate the simplicity, all the while bragging from the roof tops...all the new tricks my "new best machine" can do, but my faithful old friends sitting on the shelves, even collect some dust from time to time, can tell many a story of the times we have had!!! Just like people, our sewing machines can tell many stories of the times we have had.
Posted by: Mary Procopio | September 10, 2010 at 01:12 AM
My wonderful husband just bought the 820 for me!! I am so excited. I have a 180 and a 440. I love them all. But I think this is going to be the queen!! My New Years wish is that each and every one of you who is wishing for this wonderful machine will recieve it also.
Posted by: Darcey Judy | January 01, 2011 at 04:47 PM
If you had a choice between Bernina 440Q, 820 and the new Janome Horizon which one is the best valve for money, taking into account the Bernina 820 is a lot more expensive. Beginner quilter still using Pfaff 1222E which is 30 years old. If the 820 is purchased how many years would you expect to get from it? At the expense of the 820 I would expect it to out live me, not quite requirement age.
Love your patterns, one day I will have time to try all these things.
Thanks
Linda
Nelson
New Zealand
Posted by: Linda Hough | May 13, 2011 at 05:54 PM
I am looking at buying a Bernina 820 or 830 for machine quilting. I would like to ask if you are still happy with your 820 two years later and if you have had many problems? Cindy
Posted by: Cindy Crowell | October 06, 2011 at 11:24 AM
I have a Bernina 820 sewing machine that I purchased a year and a half ago. I bought a bernina about 15 years ago and I still use it more than the 820. It seems that the 820 is so sensitive and has so many bells and whistles that I am intimidated by it. It seems that I am still used to sewing with my old bernina. I am 73 years old and I hate to admit that I am challenged when it comes to learning a new sewing machine. I bought my machine in Marissa , IL. It is too far to go for any classes. Are there any classes near me? I live at 1300 S. Clinton Rd. in Caseyville IL. 62232.
Posted by: Mary Schiller | November 21, 2011 at 06:55 AM
I fell in love with the Bernina 820 and I wanted someone's opinion, so I am happy to have found your blog! Thank you for all the info!! Your patterns are beautiful!
Posted by: Trudy Van Vossen | December 05, 2011 at 09:38 AM
Joshua is one lucky fellow, what a stunning quilt. I've just come over from Quilt Taffy and am I glad I did. Oh please include me for the chance to win one of your brilliant patterns.
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