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Member since 12/26/08
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Posted on: 12/20/09 6:11 PM ET
I just bought a new machine, a Bernina 440QE, and am pretty excited about it all! The one item I haven't quite figured out what it is yet, is a plastic item, airplane shaped, with what looks like a blade, or guide at one end. Does anyone know what it might be used for? And if you have this machine, what do you think? My old machine, a Singer I got in 1982, is still a great workhorse, but not updated like this. It took me a few days to get it out, and now that I have, like I said, I'm pretty excited and looking forward to making my first garment. Thanks for your help in identifying the mystery item!
  
Member since 2/9/04
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Posted on: 12/20/09 7:06 PM ET
In reply to bakertoo
Can you post a photo?
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iPad's auto-correct is my enema.
  
Member since 2/6/06
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Posted on: 12/21/09 6:46 AM ET
It might be for using a pintuck foot?
Something like this:
http://www.ecrater.com/product.php?pid=5919292

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Singer 66-16. Singer 600e, Kenmore 158.1913 , Viking 1100, Brother PR1000!, Bernina 930, Bernina 1130,
Babylock Evolve, 2 Featherweights ,Pfaff Performance Icon,Janome Coverpro 1000CPX






  
Member since 12/9/06
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Posted on: 12/21/09 8:53 AM ET
In reply to bakertoo
Hi,

I have the 440 bernina too.

There is large plastic guide that clips onto the front of the sewing table to act as a sewing guide. The long bit goes across the table.

I've done a google search but am struggling to find a photo of one in place.
Can't photo mine as my machine is currently packed away as we've just had a home/office cabin built and I'm waiting to move some of my sewing stuff into it!

Sorry if thats not much help?!

Carrie
x
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My machines; Bernina 135S, Brother JK 4000,
http://fenullapolkadot.blogspot.com
  
Member since 2/9/04
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Posted on: 12/21/09 10:34 AM ET
In reply to bakertoo
Does the owners' manual show it?
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iPad's auto-correct is my enema.
  
Member since 6/27/03
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Posted on: 12/21/09 1:57 PM ET
I bet anything it is what Carrie Jane posted--it affixes to the extension table and the guide slides under the presser foot--intended to be used as a fabric guide or you can slide it all the way to the right and just leave it there or not use it at all. At first I thought you might have the compensation plates but they don't really look much like you described.
  
Member since 9/10/08
Posts: 31
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Posted on: 12/21/09 3:04 PM ET
I think it's what sewfrequent and Carrie-Jane describe. I found a picture:


I bought a Bernina 430 a few weeks ago. While a really like the machine, I'm not sure I like this guide. I decided to not give up on it yet, but did buy the patchwork seam guide.

I think I like this more than the other guide.


It screws to the bed of the machine so there's no worries it can slide by accident like the other one. I also like that you can use this without the slide-on table.

Maybe I will be a big fan of the plastic guide in future, but for now my vote is for the metal guide.

If you want to buy the patchwork seam guide, make sure you also buy the seperate screw. The one that comes with the guide will not fit.

Edited to add:
The plastic guide guide is long and starts at the front of the table. That gives me less space to manoeuvre the fabric. Especially when sewing curves the plastic guide makes it difficult sometimes. The metal patchwork seam guide is short (a big longer than the length of the feed dogs) so that makes it easier.

Of course It would be even more easy if I didn't need the guide.

This is just my opinion in the fairly short time I have been able to play with the machine. Everyone needs to find their own preferences.

Enjoy your new machine.

-- Edited on 12/21/09 3:21 PM --
  
Member since 8/31/05
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Posted on: 12/21/09 11:41 PM ET
In reply to Doris W. in TN
Quote: Doris W. in TN
Does the owners' manual show it?

It is discussed, along with the slide-on table, on page 9 of the manual.
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Betwixt mine eye and heart a league is took…. (Shakespeare)
  
Member since 12/26/08
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Posted on: 12/22/09 1:32 AM ET
In reply to sofietje
Oh-thank you for the info! I really appreciate your help., and the photo helped too. I'll give it a try.
  
Member since 12/26/08
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Posted on: 12/22/09 1:33 AM ET
In reply to Natalie D.
Thank You!
  
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