okay okay OKAY. i'm so excited i whisper scream to myself every thirty seconds or so, and i'm not even drunk. (a constant state of holiday tipsy does not equal drunk. them's the rules.) SANTA BEEN BERY BERY GOOD TO ME. and on top of that, santa had the great wisdom to let me in on the decision. i unwrapped a vintage ornament this christmas to find it nestled in a wad of cash...and i am under strict orders to use that cash for a new bernina.
for once, i am following orders. mark this date well.
the rugster explained the family's intentions. babe, we wanted to have one under the tree, but i thought you'd want to pick the model. you'll probably want mechanical over digital. you can get one like gertie's, she did a two year review of hers--
at which point my brain exploded a bit: i'm sorry ruggy, HAVE YOU ACTUALLY BEEN DOING COVERT RESEARCH ON MY BLOGGER GIRLS? ARE YOU CALLING THEM OUT BY NAME?! WHAT. BATHROOM?!
okay. i'm telling you, pint sized freak outs every thirty seconds. i would go balls out every time, but i feel i should keep them under a certain girth, i don't wanna blow my bernina wad just yet. after all, there's still the homecoming, which may set off the richter scale. here's where i need your help. of course i've been trolling my girls lladybird, heather lou & gertie, all proud owners of variations of the sexy bernina beasties... anyone out there wanna add some advice? mechanical? digital? feet? vodkas? i'm all ears!
OK, I'm not jealous. Really. Except kind of. Those are the kind of rules I want to be compelled to follow! Eeek!
ReplyDeleteit's going to be REALLY HARD.... seriously, those things are expensive, man! i've been searching craigslist too, i must admit.
DeleteI have a 1260 and 1130 . . . love them both! They're about 15-20 years old, I bought both of them used from the original owners and wouldn't part with either of them. Terrific machines. You can sometimes find them from dealers who get them as trade-ins.
ReplyDeleteseriously, i'm getting excited about dealers. which sounds about as weird as my post title...
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI can't offer any help in your selection, I just know that I am very happy for you - Bernina is my dream machine!
ReplyDeletei've dreamt about one for so long, i was shocked to see what they cost now!!!!
DeleteGET THE 350 BBYGIRL. GET IT, YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED.
ReplyDeleteEeeeeee I'm so excited for you!
there are an awful lotta votes for that lady.........aaaaaaagh I'M FREAKING OUT
DeleteI bought a Bernina Record 930 (delicately touched) from a little old lady in Chicago via Ebay. Major Score!!! Love my Bernina Beast. Especially because the she has All Metal Insides! I stripped a plastic Singer years ago and I will never have plastic innards again! Check out what is selling on Ebay. Definitely!
ReplyDeletei seriously do not want plastic innards, i must say! i'm so used to my all metal vintage machines.
DeleteI've got the 850, it's old, it takes a lot of space but it's ruthlessly reliable (not so good for buttonholes though)...whichever choice you go for, you won't go wrong!
ReplyDeletei wonder, if i had a machine that did good buttonholes...would i do buttonholes? sort of if a tree falls in the forest kinda thing.
DeleteI have owned the 1020 for over 20 years. It has never had a bad day. Can't live without it!
ReplyDeletei LOVE hearing about these long happy relationships!! and it's so interesting that their current mechanical machine is a 10 series as well.
DeleteUm, no advice here. But I'm jealous! Ruggy gets some major points for this gift.
ReplyDeletei mean for real. i am so done ribbing him about le bain.
DeleteWow! Amazing gift idea - love the ornament too! Way to go Ruggy! :)
ReplyDeleteisn't that ornament great?! i may leave it out year round!
DeleteGood job, Ruggy!!! We like dudes who know that you want to pick it yourself!!
ReplyDeleteAlso, please listen, this time. NO CRAIGSLIST!! CL is for buying things for yourself, not for when others are buying things for you!
TREAT YO SELF!!
GIRL. YOU SAID THE MAGIC WORDS.
Deleteseriously changed my mind with that.
I got a Bernina 350 about two months ago for a birthday and Christmas gift. Very happy with it! Been making it sew all kinds of fabric and it does great.
ReplyDeletemiss lladybird adores hers too... i'm hoping to try it out at city quilter. EEEEK!
DeleteI got a Bernina 350 about two months ago for a birthday and Christmas gift. Very happy with it! Been making it sew all kinds of fabric and it does great.
ReplyDeleteI bought the Bernina 350PE about 6 months ago and I love it. I'd marry it if I could, and the mister knows. It's amazing and handles everything I throw at it. It came with the knee lift, and I love it. Knee lift is freakin' amazing yo. I love my Bernina and can't go back to any other machine. Seriously.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I can't wait to see what you get! eek!
Deleteanother 350!!!! i'm highly interested in this knee lift too, tho i sew standing up (very tall desks, very short oona).
Delete{{{{WOOT}}}} So happy for you! I can't give you any advice...but will cheer madly for you if you go Bernina mechanical. Yup! I bought my Bernina 801 over thirty years ago, and she helped me sail through several rounds of the Super Online Sewing Match this summer. She and I, we're good together, and I predict you too will find your next true love with a Bernina...just don't share that bit with Ruggy!
ReplyDeleteoh, ruggy is well aware that there will be competition. hey, it's his own fault ;)
DeleteI have no suggestions being a Janome girl myself. However, I want to congratulate you on the new sewing machine to come! I'm sure it won't find a more deserving home!
ReplyDeleteSo I know nuthin about Berninas but I went to their website and watched the kewl videos and realized two things - buy as many of the additional feet as possible and two DO NOT BUY THIS MACHINE ON CRAIGSLIST go and have the whole dealer experience. You ARE special and deserve a brand new machine!
DeleteI LOVE THIS!!
Deletei promise not to go to CL. (but i *can* see myself buying pre-owned from a dealer, because holy cow, this is like a new car!)
This is BETTER than a new car! That man of yours is a keeper, for sure!
DeleteCongrats! I love my Bernina 1008! Mechanical and basic, and a workhorse of a machine.
ReplyDeleteI purchased it on ebay in 2006 - new in box and half price.
ah, a 1008!! THAT REALL whoops cap key still on, like i said freaking out over here, ahem-- that really is the model ruggy thought i'd want. i'm worried i won't be able to test it out, NY dealers seem to carry the quilting models......
DeleteI have this model too, and as far as I can tell I'll have it for the entire rest of my life. I'm a good basic tools + big skills kind of girl, so I say skip the fancy digital stuff and put the cash towards all metal innards.
DeleteDo you do buttonholes? Buy new!
ReplyDeletei DON'T. but i think that's because i CAN'T!!! i'm looking forward to changing that :)
DeleteI have an Artista200 bought 7 years ago. Just bought the 830. I love them both. My only advice is to go
ReplyDeleteto a dealer and have her help you decide what you want. Don't buy it off of Craig's List. You need a relationship with the dealer to make it the perfect experience.
y'all are really selling me on the dealer experience. and i'm glad to hear about the 200 series, i was interested in those (i'm a bit of a sucker for decals).
DeleteI have a Bernina 430 bought on sale -- and I absolutely love it! It's perfect. And, quite precise -- I really do erasure it! I agree with the dealer recommendation as well! Congratulations on your perfect Christmas present.
ReplyDeletei hear that the 4 series was really great, i'm hoping some dealers still have those models, or maybe pre owned. come to think of it, sarai posted about a 440 recently.
DeleteSinger here, so no advice, but yay! for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteand here i always thought i'd be a vintage girl! and merry warm holidays to you & yours, hana!
DeleteMy 1030 is 26 years old and never ever let me down! From wedding gown to upholstery of the family couch, couture jackets and children's clothes, my Bernina is my BFF! Over the years I only added an invisible zipper foot, the feet that originally came with it can handle any trick. Whatever Bernina you choose, you can't go wrong. Now stop nagging about that bathroom, guys that give you a Bernina may have some flaws. When I'm really mad at my husband all I need is one look at the Bernina to get in Forgiving Mode!
ReplyDeletebathroom? what bathroom???
Delete;)
this bernina is going to get him out of so very much, for so very many years to come, god i hope he doesn't read this comment. 26 years?! i just screamed a lil bit again.
I only have a Bernina Serger, but love it. Amazing machine, so I'm sure the sewing machine is amazing and am planning on purchasing one for my next machine...so congrats. Will have to let us know what you think and what you end up getting. That would help when I go to get mine :) What a great gift and the ornament was a super cute way to do it :)
ReplyDeletei read in a thread-- maybe at peter's? that someone bought a bernina at G street fabrics in DC, AND GOT A SERGER FOR FREE. i would take a bus to DC if they ran that deal again.
DeleteOHMAHGERD!! I have a Pfaff regular machine, but a Bernina overlocker from the 1980s, and I love it. What a purr! Congratulations and Happy Christmas!
ReplyDeletei really can't waaaaaiiiiiit to hear this famous purr!
DeleteDouble points to the Rugster, you have a winner there babe. I dont know nuttin' about Bernina (coz i got me a Husqvarna...which I adore BTW) but whatever you do, go DEALER route PLEEEEEZ. Happy Shopping :)
ReplyDeletehe is. THE MAN.
Deleteyou know, i went into a joanns to look at a husky once, and they were so rude, i actually wrote an open letter to them that i was going to post on the blog, all about i guess i'll get a bernina. of course, i wouldn't quite call this particular texas joann the dealer route......
i do have a bernina, but it's a bernette kind of bernina, nothing fancy (brand new one cost about 200 euros), so i can't really give no advice.. not particularly attached to my bernina, it's only a year old and already gives me headaches.. but it does the job, so i'm fine with it.. i do own an elna serger, and love it to pieces, she is totally my favourite swiss girl!
ReplyDeletethose bernettes are cute, and man they're easier on the wallet. when you come to visit you can play on my bernina and see if you like her ;)
DeleteHUUUUUGE Bernina fan here. I have 2 older style mechanicals and a fancy-schmantzy computerised (440 QE) and love them all, as does any mechanic.
ReplyDeletei've heard so much about the 430/440s-- yet i'm so hesitant about the computerized! i worry about the computer parts getting constant tiny shakes from the actual sewing...i guess that's a vintage girl worry.
DeleteI have the 910 made in the late seventies, early eighties. Love it with a passion. I have had at one time or another the Bernina 165, 440QE and the Artista 200. If you are wanting an older Bernina, my dealer has some in stock. I go there frequently because something might need to come home with me!
ReplyDeleteummmmm eeeek! where is your dealer :)?
DeleteWhere is your dealer?
DeleteI am massively impressed by Ruggy and his perfect intuition when it comes to gifting a sewing machine! Good luck choosing from all the Bernina-candy... I would go for a mechanical one, with a lot of decorative stitches and go all out on sewing feet, especially a rolled hem-foot and a blind zipper-foot.
ReplyDeletehe gets the prize. and luckily so do i ;). OH GOD i just realized i'll have to sew him something!!
DeleteWoah, I'm impressed!! Not just the machine but the presentation--the vintage ornament! the bernina tag! the wad of ca$h! Nice!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE my 930, which was a hand-me-down from my grandmother. It sews everything. Although the buttonholes aren't great, I remedied that with a Greist buttonholer that easily attaches and makes buttonholing a breeze (nice looking too). I sometimes wish I had embroidery capability, but not enough that I would trade my 930.
ReplyDeleteOf course, I can't wait to see what you finally settle on - looks like you have a hard choice ahead of you! ;)
ReplyDeleteDid anyone else think something totally different when reading the title to this post?? Like Oona pouring champagne (or something else) over her Bernina? *lmao*
Glad Santa was so amazing to you! :)
You ever-minion,
Mugsy
Santa loves me some Bernina too! He brought me the 750 QE without the embroidery module and saved us both a ton of $$$. I have not used her yet, going to set the machine up this weekend. I have a ten year old Bernina Virtuosa 155 QE right now that has been the most fabulous machine of all times and need to admit that it is tearing my heart up to put her to the side but a girls gotta do... I have never had a single thing ever go wrong with the 155, she has done every thing I have ever expected from her. During my research for a new machine I found the 750 (w/o emb) to be the best bang for the buck. I also discovered that all lower end Berninas are now made in Thailand whereas my older machine was Swiss made. My biggest advice to you is research, read and know what you want. The Bernina website makes it easy to compare models, even older models... Good luck in you adventure!
ReplyDeleteThat is a seriously awesome gift! I currently have a Janome but if I ever decide I need/want something fancier I might switch to a Bernina as well (but the price, the price!).
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!!! I have the Bernina 930 and the Activa 230. I love them both. I take both of my machines to the Bernina dealer for maintenance here in Houston. If there is a Bernina dealer in your area pay them a visit. The sales people are very knowledgeable. Bernina's high end machines are expensive but worth the money. You deserve it!!!
ReplyDeleteI have an older 830 record electric that is like buddah and a Janome. That Bernina is retired and I only take it down for special sewing occasions. You are gonna luuuuuuv it!
ReplyDeleteWow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow! I'm so happy for you!!!!!!!! That is SO EXCITING!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI bought an old Bernina 830 Record off Ebay a few months ago and I have never looked back. That baby sews EVERYTHING and although it has only a few different stitches I have not come across one that I have actually missed. I love that machine! But I would not mind your wad of Bernina cash either ;-) Have a great time spending it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful present. I am sure the older Bernina I once had might be too old to consider but it was a 1630 and the most wonderful machine I have ever owned. I used to tell everyone that it was so well put together, that I did not even have to hold the fabric to have it stitch straight, and it had a gorgeous feather stitch built in.
ReplyDeleteMe again. I am not sure where you live but if in the US, I would heartily recommend Byrne Sewing Connection in New Britain, PA (215-230-8411 OR 1-888-302-9411 toll free) if you do not have a Bernina dealer nearby. Many years ago, when my finances were better, I bought a used 1530 for a friend. She does a lot of sewing but she is faithful in taking it into Byrne once a year just to be serviced and it has never given her one bit of trouble.
ReplyDeleteRugby = awesoome. Have an awesome time researching and shopping!
ReplyDeleteRuggy is awesome! Don't correct me, technology. Stoopid spell check.
DeleteI have the Bernina 1150mda and it is great! My mother have had one for 20 years, so it was an easy choice for me. It can handle 15 layers of linen or 7-8 layers of denim (ask me how I know!), but beyond that the handwheel is handy. Happy new year
ReplyDeleteYay for SantaRuggy!!!! You were clearly on the nice list!!
ReplyDeleteyay!!!! well done family Oona!!! I too am a Bernina gal and couldn't recommend them more! mine is named Birdie and I love her. you will no doubt love yours too! happy holidays sweets! xoxo
ReplyDeleteI love your husband, crikey. A VINTAGE SEWING MACHINE ORNAMENT?!?!? Reading Gertie's Bernie posts? RUGGY YOU WOULD BE PERFECT IF YOU WOULD ONLY FINISH THE FUCKING BATHROOM.
ReplyDeleteAhem. Go digital. You already have a kickass Featherweight should you get nostalgic for that old school whirrr. I love my digital so very very much. It's just so easy to use and does ever so many things. I would suggest you get the model one step up from mine, the one Lauren has, either the 350 or the 380. More buttonhole options. All the automatic stuff just makes it so easy..... but if you're a stick shift kinda girl maybe you'll like the mechanical more.
I bought the 350 PE last fall on sale and got a few trinkets and beads thrown in. I don't get to sew much (sewing machine in NJ while I spend most of my life in AK, don't ask). But what I have done, it does splendidly.
ReplyDeleteRuggy sounds like a keeper.
EEEE! You lucky, lucky girl. I hate researching sewing machines, and I usually like the extra simple ones anyways, like the Janome Class Mate (made for home ec classes I htink lol) so I'm not of any help. I own a Baby Lock anyways.
ReplyDeleteYeah, Bernina heaven for you.
ReplyDeleteI have a 1015 'Sport' which I have had for 22 years and he is still going strong ; )
It was a birthday & Xmas present from my folks before I left home for art college.
He is a beast and has handled all that has been thrown at him from sewing through crazy materials, paper, shower curtains, plastic bags and other crazy shit I did at art college!
Just remember to oil and de-fluff that bobbin case - in my early 20's I wasn't as diligent as I should have been - more concerned with whipping up mad outfits to go out raving in th 1990's - ha!
Have fun choosing a new one and it will be your machine for life ; )http://carolinejoynson.blogspot.co.uk/2013_08_01_archive.html - photos of my baby here!
I bought my Bernina 1080 when I moved to Manhattan (from sunny, warm Cali) to go to FIT. I got that machine and a Bernette 004d serger and made payments (I kid you not!) until I paid those suckers off. I've still got them and use them constantly and they're awesome. A step up from basic and heavy as shit. Heaven!
ReplyDeleteGood luck finding your sewing machine soulmate girl! How fabulous a problem to have.
I've been waiting to respond to this post since I got back to Philly because I knew I had a good article saved that might help you. I'm glad Santa/Ruggy was good to you this year. You were definitely a good seamstress in 2013! I agree that the Bernina 1030's are great and that buying from a dealer and not CL is a good idea. Have you looked into the Activas? They're 3/4 machines, so they're a little smaller. If you're sewing space is like mine, the smaller the items, the better. I've sporadically researched the 300 series and they look great. The higher models just seem to have unnecessary accoutrements.
ReplyDeleteThe pros and cons of metal versus plastic is an interesting discussion, one that I'm hoping to post about this month. From my research, plastic machines are not as horrible as they're connotation, it just depends on your type of sewing. Here's a great article: http://sewing.patternreview.com/SewingDiscussions/topic/79315
No clue what you should get, since I'm new to the game... I am, however, quite familiar with being holiday tipsy (even outside of the holiday season).
ReplyDeleteAhhhh, what a wonderful gift!!! :-)
I have 2 berninas and I love them both. I am originally a quilter but just recently started dabbling in trying to make clothes. I would go with the best model you could afford but no matter what you buy any bernina is always top of the line.
ReplyDeleteI still don't get the Bernina obsession I'm afraid, I have never encountered a good one! I strongly advocate Pfaff however. What a wonderful, marvellous and Beautiful Christmas present though... it must be in the air as I got a Treadle Sewing Machine for Christmas and had mush the same reaction!! xxx
ReplyDeleteI can't offer any suggestions, but I am very, very, very excited for you! I think 2014 is going to be a great year for your sewing adventures! Here, here for a wonderful and thoughtful gift!
ReplyDeleteI have the Patchwork Edition 1040 (I think on the number. My recovering-from-sick-brain forgets already and I don't want to go back upstairs!). I bought from a friend who's wife was no longer using so it was a good deal. I don't do any quilting but she works beautifully for clothes! Every so often she binds up but I think this is bc I have been lazy and haven't had her tuned up recently. I do so love her and after using the most hideous cheap-ass plastic Singer she is basically my BFF! She does have computerized parts which weirds me out a little bit it's nice to just push a button for the stitch type. She still lets me do all the threading/bobbin-winding, etc so it's ok. Though some of those stiches are totally silly....Like who needs oak-leaf shaped stitches? Lol And YAY on a super awesome gift!!
ReplyDeleteIf it's a Bernina, "buy" the dealer. You'll need the support and you'll need no runarounds if you need technical help/repairs. I've got a big Bernina beast which I love and my dealer is tops. You need both! Also take a peek at Babylock. It doesn't have as much mystique, but these machines are very forgiving and easy to use. Do they drive like a Bernina? No they do not, but you need to try them.
ReplyDeleteOne more thing: if you have enough in your budget to get a Bernina with built in Dual Feed, buy that one. The dual feed is da bomb. If there's not enough in the Xmas stocking to do that, just go computerized Bernina. It is just an entirely different experience that makes driving soooo easy.
Happy New Year!
PS: It doesn't matter whether your Bernina is produced in Thailand or Switzerland. Bernina built and owns the Thailand facility and completely controls the operation. The quality control is the same.
ReplyDeletePPS: You will love the lighting on the modern Berninas.
Happy New Year and congrats on your new sewing machine booty! Can't wait to hear about what you get, I know nothing about Berninas.
ReplyDeleteSuper exciting!! No advice to give, but can't wait to see what you decide.
ReplyDeleteI've also been looking into buying a new machine. A lot of people are recommending the Bernina 350 but from my research and playing on actual machines, I think the equivalent Janome's are better bang-for-buck. The Janome 7100 (which is coming out soon along with the 7060) have all the same features as the Bernina 380 (including number of stitches, lettering, number of buttonholes, extension table), plus a few more (automatic thread cutter - no more clipping threads, the machine does it for you!! - lock stitch etc) for about half the price. Plus I believe the feet are cheaper. They both sew nicely and quietly (which my husband will appreciate).
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately there's nothing online about the new Janome's yet but I have the info cards (if you'd like to see them scanned). It's a step up from the DC6030.
So wonderful of your family! I can see where you're coming from regarding holding off as mentioned on your next post (I tried to comment and blogger kept coming back to me saying there was an error so hopefully this works)
ReplyDeleteHahaha! We are in the same spot!:
ReplyDeletehttp://mertxeshomesewing.blogspot.com.es/
Amazing, isn't it? It is not my boyfriend who gave to me, though, but he waited patiently for two hours while I was beign shown the machine by the dealer, who even commented on his patience, hehe! I have made up my mind, baby: Bernina 1008, you will be mine!