Readers, it's here: the Bernina 930 video!
I hope you enjoy it and, naturally, if you have any questions, feel free to ask.
If you'd like to view this video directly in YouTube (where it will appear larger), click here.
Either way, enjoy!
Posts
A Hollywood Classic
1 day ago
Glad I'm not the only one who sews in such close proximity to the stove. I love my Bernina to bits. Not sure I'll ever replace her.
ReplyDeleteNow all you need is the knee lever and we will have completed your transition to the dark...er...Bernina side. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI ws going to say that too! Peter, there is a wee hole just below the feed dog dial, it is for the knee lever, which may have come with the machine bt if not, it is a standard bit of kit and easy to get. It means you can lift the presser foot up and down with your knee, utterly fab!
DeleteYou've inspired me! Just bought a low shank adaptor for my 730, it also has another fitting that allows click on Singer and Brother feet, (I have a collection of those), can't wait for it to get here :)
ReplyDeleteOooh, looks like a great machine! Does that embroidery stitching use up a whack of thread?
ReplyDeleteHow much is a whack exactly? ;)
DeleteNaturally it uses more thread than a normal zigzag, especially since in order for the embroidery to look its best you have to set the stitch length practically to 0.
It just occurred to me that I am SO stingy when it comes to thread. I know it doesn't cost much in the scheme of things, and it's utterly non-negotiable, but I'm always so reluctant to buy an extra spool.
DeleteAre you going to keep her?
ReplyDeleteOMG, Yes!
DeleteNow I get why you are so big on this machine.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I want one now (those decorative stitches looked impeccable!).
Of course, I really wanted to see Willy, or the parrot puppet. Could the two of them ever get together? I sense "chemistry"!
Nice baby! I L O V E my 930. I'll never let her go.
ReplyDeleteDid the kneelift not come with it?
Also, have you tried to assertively tap on the foot pedal (up front close to your foot) to see if it is a needle down version?
I found that out about mine awhile after I got her .. it's a big
assist.
There's at least two great Yahoo groups: Bernina Thirty Somethings ... and ... Bono's Berninas. You'll find much good info there.
Have fun and many years of happy sewing with her.
~Joy~
We BERNINA owners are happy to welcome you to our world!
ReplyDeleteSuch a fabulous girl! Quiet, not flashy, STRONG, does it all no fuss no muss! love her to pieces!
ReplyDeleteThe foot control looks like it has the half stitch option... step on the back of the foot pedal and it will sink the needle... no need to use the fly wheel to sink the needle into the fabric... I might be wrong on this as it might only be the "electronic record" models that do this. Great that you love your Bernina... there is NO going back now... M
ReplyDeleteI was wondering that, as well, if it's the kind of Bernina where you step on the lower part of the foot pedal and it puts the needle down. If so, you're set!
DeleteI just knew you would love your Bernina, who doesnt! I didnt know you can get an attachment that enables the use other companys sewing feet, how exciting.
ReplyDeleteHi Peter,
ReplyDeleteNow that you have Bernina, do you believe it sews better than all the other brands? I have a 930 Record which I do enjoy sewing on, especially for heavy fabrics. However, the Bernina does not sew a better satin stitch than my Husqvarna Lily 555 or superior straight stitch than the Singer 15-91. The 930 Bernina is quiet and smooth, she hums along very nicely especially when fmq. I love the lever for attaching the feet making changing them really easy. Enjoy your new toy!
Tammy, I agree that the 930 does not sew a nicer stitch than many other machines -- the Singer 15-91, 201, and 66 are just as good, probably even my Kenmore 158.141. But I love the experience of using it and it's so nice to have the zigzag (and embroidery) option. When I was making my silk dress I felt like the Bernina handled the fabric beautifully. Then again, I didn't test it on the other machines. So does it sew "better"? It's hard to say: in terms of stitch quality, no. In terms of ease of use, perhaps yes.
DeleteAll that matters is that you enjoy it! It's not a contest. You can love certain machines for their own individual qualities.
DeleteBill is correct, no machine is perfect and they ALL have their better qualities. I work with teach free machine usage classes and we have no stipulation on when or where you received your machine for you to sign up for the class. As such, I have gained a pretty extensive working relationship with ALL kinds of machines. While the new, shiny embroidery/sewing combo machines have their place, those old mechanical machines, with minimal electronics really sew thru anything! My old and even OLDER Pfaff's can both sew thru leather like its cotton! My old Viking however does the decorative (what you referred to as embroidery) stitches beautifully. I do however prefer to do button holes on my newer Brother where they are all identical and perfect!! Yep, no machine is perfect but I find my stable suits my needs perfect ;-) And don't even get me started on the sergers I own!!
DeleteGood grief, I'm now looking at coverstitch machines!
DeleteWhy are sewing machines always referred to with the feminine pronoun 'she'? Rather than the male pronoun 'he'? Or the neutral "it'? Is it because sewing is such an isolating activity that we 'humanize' them?
ReplyDeleteYou kept referring to your Bernina with the feminine pronoun in your YourTube video. Curious to know your thoughts since you have an interests in vintage (rescued?!) machines.
That seems to apply to a lot of things! Ocean liners are called 'she' along with racing cars.......you got me on that one! LOL!!
DeleteI am a male sewer and I have a Bernina B710. I refer to it as a "him".. He's name is Bernie.. because he he big and tough!
DeleteI find that the Bernina has the prettiest embroidery options. I use to look for the simplest machines, because I didn't like many of the homespun looking embroidery features on other machines. I also love the button holes, and on mine you can program the size on the first one, love that feature when you are making many in a row.
ReplyDeleteI will have to agree with you on the stitch though. I think my favorite machine for beautiful stitch quality would have to be my moms old Necchi. I do love my Bernina though :)
Elizabeth, I forgot all about the Necchis, I had a Lelia 513 that made just gorgeous stitches. The Italian made Necchis also sew very quietly and smoothly. I concur with Peter that the Bernina is the easiest sewing machine to use.
DeleteGorgeous! I'd love one too. What's a good or reasonable price for one of these?
ReplyDeleteI paid $350 + $50 shipping, then another $40 for a plug which the seller had misplaced/lost. BUT mine doesn't have the knee lift or the original accessory case, and it's an earlier 930 model without the needle-down feature. A complete 930 can cost quite a bit more. There are many other Bernina Record models that are excellent. Some have fewer embroidery options but how many do you need? The 830 is very popular and usually goes for a bit less than the 930.
DeleteYou might want to check the "Completed Listings" on eBay to get a sense of what these are going for. Mine was a "Buy It Now" but I took a risk as there was no plug.
Since you have a car, you might want to check out your local Craigslist. You'll save yourself roughly $50 shipping and the uncertainty of buying a machine sight unseen.
Thanks Peter.
DeleteWhen I read your posts, in my mind your voice has always been a combination of Micheal Keaton's and Stephen Colbert's. And now I realize I have guessed completely incorrectly.
ReplyDeleteAs always, I loved the video! I really must tell you that I feel you have done more than any other blogger in raising awareness about vintage machines and their importance in this age of "plastic disposables". I gained my love and admiration of the finely crafted machines of the past since discovering you.......keep up the wonderful work!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the video. Although I basically know how to use it, I have two, but on loan to relatives. It is still fun to watch and learn.
ReplyDeleteI just use my Brother machine which I love.
Your Bernina 930 is in excellent condition. But, it sounds to me like it needs a little oil. Bernina's love oil!
ReplyDeletebig fan of your blog. as a fashion designer I love hearing people talk about sewing esp from fellow men. I just bought the singer heavy duty 4423. I know it's not the fanciest or quality vintage as the ones listed here. That being said I'm in love with the machine& your blog
ReplyDeleteSadly, my only experience of Berninas was during a class at my local college, in south west London, ages ago! There was a line of them, from one side of a very long room to the other. They all sewed a dream stitch and I so looked forward to using them. If the 17-Y-O (and my bank acount) allowed me, Bernina would be my next machine.
ReplyDeleteThe Bernina 930 is my GOOD Machine! lol
ReplyDeleteNow look what you have done: I was so impressed by your ravings about your Bernina I bought the exact same model too.
ReplyDeleteI do feel a little bit bad about being unfaithful to my old machine though. http://handmadebychris.wordpress.com/2013/06/02/my-confession-i-think-im-in-love/
Congratulations, Chris! I must admit I feel a little guilty. ;)
DeleteNo need, Peter. I have worked through the quilt now and I just love the Bernina. It just sews so well! I have not tried any unusual stuff, but just the stick quality is so wonderful. it seems much more effortless than with my old machine.
DeletePeter, I love your blog... I mostly quilt and I have a Brother PC 420 (modern computerized) and a vintage Brother all Metal straight stitcher and just got my first Bernina.. a Bernina 200 with touch screen and embroidery, windows powered... it's amazing... I know you don't like newer stuff, but Bernina is still making quality products... I appreciate and share your enthusiasm for machines :o)
ReplyDeleteMy Bernina's foot wont move when I want to sew. Please help!
ReplyDeleteHello! I need to buy a new sewing machine, and I'm looking into a good Bernina or Janome. I read a review that said the Bernina 1008 was not suitable for "multiple layered fabrics" which was a frightening statement for me as I often find myself piecing together layers of thick fabric. How do you think these two machines compare (1008 and 930), and how do you feel your 930 would hold up with lots of layers?
ReplyDeleteI can't speak for the 1008 -- it's a current model, right? My 930 is more than 30 years old and can sew through everything. It's really a question of whether you want a new machine or are willing to hunt down a vintage one (and remember, the 930 uses the old Bernina feet and the 1008 will use the new Bernina feet).
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