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Just tried a Bernina today
heathergwo Advanced Beginner CA USA Member since 11/14/11 Posts: 766	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/7/12 0:03 AM So, I attended a "Fearless Zipper" class today, which was GREAT! I've already done exposed zippers on my own, but here we learned invisibles, modified fly front, center and lapped... such a good class! But the point I'm getting to is that I didn't bring my own sewing machine, a Singer Curvy 8763 (paid $200), I used their Bernina which retails for about $700!! I hated it!! I know it's always weird to use a machine that's not yours, but it was so WEIRD! The reverse ALWAYS went off to the side (so you couldn't get a nice, even backtack), it has what I think is called a free arm (the base is just so small), the presser foot lever is WAY in the back... etc etc etc. I expected to be really impressed because Bernina is one of the BIG brands in sewing machines now. Are a lot of the upscale models like this? I mean it was quiet (my Singer is NOT, but I'm used to it), but everything else was just not what I was expecting. Anybody else have this type of experience?? ------ Brother Innovis 1250D Singer Curvy 8763 Brother 1034D Janome 385.19606 Brother 2340CV
bellsew   Advanced WA USA Member since 10/14/03 Posts: 390	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/7/12 0:10 AM If the reverse was that bad, the machine probably needed servicing. Berninas usually feed very well. One bad apple doesn't spoil the whole bunch:)
karen149   Intermediate CA USA Member since 3/4/05 Posts: 2519	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/7/12 0:10 AM Bernina is not the be-all, end-all of sewing machines. There is a following of sorts...kind of like I'm on my 5th Volkswagen...
NM gal   Beginner Member since 5/27/09 Posts: 1158	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 3/7/12 0:53 AM Love Volkswagens!
Sibilance7   Intermediate IL Member since 8/10/11 Posts: 533	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/7/12 1:54 AM Berninas definitely don't fit everyone, and can take some getting used to. The presser foot lever is one of those things that takes some getting used to if it's in a different position. Also, the vertical bobbin that most Berninas have can take some adjustment if you're used to a horizontal/drop in bobbin. But I will say that there should have been a sewing table that attaches to that free arm to give you a bigger space to work with. Also, if the reverse was going wonky, then something is wrong with the machine. ------ Olivia, my Pfurple Pfaff Creative Performance Bernina Aurora 430 BabyLock Enlighten
andye   Beginner VA USA Member since 5/9/09 Posts: 1531	Login to reply to this post In reply to heathergwo Like this post Date: 3/7/12 2:22 AM Quote: The reverse ALWAYS went off to the side (so you couldn't get a nice, even backtack), it has what I think is called a free arm (the base is just so small), I think these are related. Ordinarily, heavy fabric is supported by a the table-- when it's not, it can drag. Either that, or the machine needs a tuneup. My machine back--tacks perfectly-- and I'm using the straight stitch foot, which loves curves. Quote: the presser foot lever is WAY in the back... etc etc etc. I use the knee lever. But it's traditional to put the presser foot lever lever in the back. More room for a quilt? -- Edited on 3/7/12 2:23 AM --
AminaHijabi Advanced Beginner Member since 10/22/10 Posts: 813	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/7/12 2:29 AM It took my a while to get used to these newfangled machines and their pressure foot lifter thingies on the side. Home ec machine (Bernina which was meticulously maintained but I hated it) my Aunties Bernina, mom's old old New Home, my first machine (old Kenmore) all had it in the back. I actually think it's a more intuitive place for it, better for left handers too. I don't get the logic behind switching it to the side TBH, or does it have to do with the snap on feet?
threaddy   Advanced WY USA Member since 4/22/09 Posts: 2309	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/7/12 10:06 AM If the machine retails for $700 it was probably not a Bernina but a Bernette which is a totally different machine! ------ "The problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having problems is a problem." Theodore Rubin "Life isn't about finding yourself. Life's about creating yourself." George Bernard Shaw Bernina vintage and embroidery serger 234 and BLcoverstitch
Sew Nanny   Intermediate MS USA Member since 8/13/06 Posts: 1311	Login to reply to this post In reply to threaddy Like this post Date: 3/7/12 10:22 AM Quote: threaddy If the machine retails for $700 it was probably not a Bernina but a Bernette which is a totally different machine! My dealer sells the Bernettes for under $700. But, I think even the 330 sells for more than that. Was it maybe a 210? If it was a 210 or a 3 Series machine, it would be a 3/4 size machine. I wouldn't judge all Berninas based on this machine. ------ Patricia Bernina 830LE ~ Bernina 630E ~ Bernina B350SE Vintage Postcard Dragonfly ~ Juki TL2010Q ~ Babylock Enlighten ~ Babylock BLCS "One thing life has taught me: if you are interested, you never have to look for new interests. They come to you. When you are genuinely interested in one thing, it will always lead to something else." Eleanor Roosevelt
SouthernStitch   Advanced LA USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 8182	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/7/12 11:28 AM There was a time when I didn't like Berninas. Didn't like the boxy look, thought the feet were too weird, and the one in my price range didn't have enough bellls for me. I was a kid in a candy store looking for as many goodies as my pennies would buy, lol - coming from a 4 stitch machine. I found a Viking that I really, really liked a lot. Then my $1,000 budget went out the window. Janome was the IT machine on PR at that time. I tried the most popular model of the day, and strongly disliked it. I sort of felt like you do right now. What??? I'm supposed to LOVE this machine! I finally got an Elna I loved for years. Moral is - there are brands that you just won't like, no matter what everyone else's experiences are. If you are interested in a Bernina, you need to test more. If not, then it was just a bad experience with a not well maintained floor model. ------ Bernina 730E, 530, and 350PE Singer 221 FW, 403a When life gives you green velvet curtains, make a green velvet dress.

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