I’m thrilled to report there’s a new tool in my workshop—a Bernina 820 Quilter’s Edition! We are still getting to know each other, but I think we may be a “match made in heaven!”
We met on an online dating site: Bernina.com –and when I read about the extra-large harp space—I knew I was in love…(Think about all those queen and king size quilt tops just waiting to be quilted…. )
The bobbin is huge! The light is so bright!
It has a clock…and a stitch counter…and a threader that works….It knots and cuts off threads with one push of the button!
I think we are going to be very happy together!
So many Works in Progress…and a little sewing machine Love!
38 comments
Chris Graeve
I have 3 Bernina machines….an older 801 Sport and a 350 QE and 550 QE. I was considering the new 7 series when I discovered the Handiquilter Sweet Sixteen. It’s a sit down quilting machine that is brilliant. I love my FMQ but always struggled with harp space. The HQ Swt 16 has 16 inches of harp space and takes up very little room. I have the 2 extension sides that I put up when quilting larger items but I do a lot of art quilts and it is perfect for that. So I can still piece and use all the features on the Berninas but when it comes to quilting I adore my Swt 16.
Doreen
Chris…..I have had several Bernina machines, also (currently the 440QE), along with a Juki TL2010Q (which has a 9″ harp). I use the Juki for all my piecing….fab 1/4″ foot!!!….. and my 1&1/2 yr. old Sweet Sixteen for FMQ. I so agree….the SS is an awesome machine!!! I quilt for others and do a variety of personal quilts, it performs perfectly and it doesn’t take up all the space a frame requires. Even if I had the room, I wouldn’t have gotten a frame mounted machine as I love to move the fabric rather than the machine.
Chris Graeve
Happy quilting…you can switch off the world around you when you get into the zone of quilting. Love the creativity it allows me…just need more time to play.
Lori Kennedy
We all need more time to play! It’s so frustrating when you have a great idea and can’t get to your sewing room–I try to doodle the idea at least!
westernwilson
I considered the 800’s when they came out but they had the wider feed dogs, which I find don’t stitch as easy a 1/4″ seam as I like and am used to on my Artista 170. So I decided to save up for a longarm…but I would like to hear from 800 series owners…how does it do with 1/4″ seams, does the dual feed keep the fabric layers steady so they don’t swing at the end of the seam?
Renee
Woohoo! I am so SO glad I got a machine with a larger harp (9″, I think), and have made several queen and one king quilt on it, it is fantastic! Love your little doodles, especially the sewing machine 😉
theinboxjaunt
Thanks, Renee! I can’t wait to try a queen quilt that I have on the “back burner”!
ThreadTime
I have the 820 and the space is totally awesome. Have fun.
theinboxjaunt
How long have you had it? What do you like most about it?
> Date: Fri, 19 Apr 2013 19:36:09 +0000 > To: lckennedy@hotmail.com >
ThreadTime
I have had it a little over a year. It is sunk with the table top and I have quilted baby quilts up to 80 x 80. I love that my quilts never feel crushed in a tight space. I was choosing between a Juki and Bernina. The Bernina won because I have a local dealer who is available when I need help and/or accessories.
I had sewn on a Viking for more than 25 years and the Bernina 820 was a lot more persnickity than I was used to. But I figured her out and we get along fine now.
theinboxjaunt
I agree–it is very important to pick a dealer that you trust and can work with!
Jan
I love your little sticheries! I bought my first Bernina last year and I love it. I think it is a ‘junior’ to yours, but it is more than I need at this point! Congratulations!
theinboxjaunt
Thanks, Jan! The only reason I wanted this machine was for the larger harp space—and I didn’t want to get a long arm! I’m so glad to hear you like your Bernina.
Maga
Congratulations on your new machine. Wishing you a long and happy relationship!
theinboxjaunt
I’m wishing it too! (my husband would appreciate it if this was my last machine!)
Lori in NC
I have been drooling over the 820’s every time I’m in the local Bernina dealer. I have a 13 year old 150 QE that I love dearly, in spite of her thousands of miles. I’d love to upgrade, especially for a needle threader, good lights, and the bigger space to quilt, but there is not a thing wrong with my current machine. 🙂
theinboxjaunt
I have a 150 that I love, love, love! The only reason I looked for another machine was the harp space.–and I didn’t want to get a long arm.
yarnjourney
Congrats on the new addition! Your first samples are wonderful. I love my 830, which I named Belle. It is fun to say I am playing with Belle, instead of sewing. Do you name your machines?
theinboxjaunt
I have never named mine, but I think that is a great question to ask readers….do you mind if I borrow your idea?
lucindalines
Great looking machine. I just put a smaller needle in mine and am quite happy with the results. I wish that I sewed enough to make a big fancy one worth the cost. I guess I could change that. Priorities and all.
theinboxjaunt
When you are happy, why look for anything else?
JoAnne
Congratulations! I am loving my 830. I am embarking on free motion quilting a queen-sized quilt and am so excited about the extended size of the harp. Your tutorials have done wonders for my free motion skills. THANK YOU!
theinboxjaunt
I’m so glad you like the tutorials–I can’t wait to have the extra space!
Lucie the Happy Quilter
Enjoy your new machine. Bernina’s an excellent make. I can’t wait to see what you will produce with your new baby.
theinboxjaunt
I can’t wait to go for a long drive on it!
Pretty Lady Baby
I just got my first Bernina a 350 Patchwork edition. I LOVE IT! I hope she makes you very happy!
theinboxjaunt
I love Berninas–This is my 5th (including my serger!)
SandyK
Congratulations!! I have had the 830 since they came out and absolutely love her. So many convenient features to be spoiled by. What you need next is a long arm 😉 With your talent and love of free motion, you would have a ball.
theinboxjaunt
I’m intimidated by the space requirement…What do you like MOST about your 830?
SandyK
I have grandkids, so I love to personalize their gifts. Lots of the quilts I do have embroidery in them. So for me the 830 was the best of both worlds. I had a 730E before and dearly loved her. When I go back to use the 730 though, I find all the things I’ve taken for granted now that I’m used to the 830. Thread cutter, threader, so easy to adjust to whatever you are doing with the stitches and the dual feed has really replaced my walking foot. I don’t really use it any longer. My bindings go on perfectly just with the dual feed down. I love, love all my feet too. We basically can do anything with these Berninas.
theinboxjaunt
I can’t wait to learn it all!
Jeanne Crea
Sounds like you will be very happy together 🙂
I can’t wait to see all the beautiful things you will create together!
theinboxjaunt
Thanks, Jeanne! I can’t wait to put a few (thousand) miles on it—and if the weather in Minnesota keeps up –the only gardening I will be doing is on the sewing machine!
Life on a Dirt Road
I have heard good things about this machine. Saving my pennies to buy a real “quilting” machine someday. Looking forward to hearing more about your new baby.
theinboxjaunt
I’m so excited! I will keep you “posted”!
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