My First Sewing Machine – Bernina 530
Hi all!!
It’s been a minute, so let me get straight to it…..I bought a sewing machine!!!!!!!!!!!
It happened while we were at the Wisconsin Quilt Expo in September. I had been thinking about it for a while and weighing my options –
Should I go ultra-inexpensive and buy the $100 machine at Target?
Do I think of it as an investment and just bite the bullet?
Or should I just steal one of my mom’s and hope she won’t notice???
Well after much debate and some great advice from quite a few experienced quilters (the saleswomen at Linda Z’s know what they’re talking about!), I purchased a beautiful new BERNINA 530!
Worth the investment
Okay to be honest, I kind of got swept up in the excitement of the Expo and just went for it. A classic impulse purchase – oops!
But I had already come to a few conclusions:
- If I bought a very inexpensive – or even just less expensive model – I’d probably run the risk of out-growing the machine too quickly which might be discouraging creatively.
- It would be frustrating to have to spend more money later on another machine when I could’ve put the initial $100 into it from the beginning.
- I had to think of the machine as any other big purchase I’ve made – like my car. I may not use it every day, but I can be confident that when I do use it, it will perform smoothly.
- If I treat it well, I’ll have it for many, many years to come.
Lots to learn
I haven’t made any masterpieces yet, but I’ve been watching the BERNINA videos on YouTube and I’ve already learned a lot!
I can confidently thread a bobbin, switch presser feet, play with the tension AND lower the feed dogs!
I’ve even played around with some FMQ which, interestingly, was both harder and easier than I expected….ha!
I tried the alphabet and even attempted Lori’s Silly Spiral and The Messy Spiral Rose (page 60-Free Motion Machine Quilting 1-2-3) I need some more practice….
So much to do, so little time…
It’s hard to believe it’s already been two months since I bought my machine…
Unfortunately this year I wasn’t quite advanced enough to help sew anyone’s costumes… I just made some spooky treats!
But now the cold weather and a little snow have swept into Minneapolis and I’m ready for some cozy and creative nights!!
I have so many Christmas projects planned for my new sewing machine – I just hope I’ll have time for them all!!
See you soon,
Faye
You won’t be sorry, Faye! A Bernina is the bomb! (I should know; I have two: 1090S and 440QE). If they’re available, the new-owner classes are WELL worth the time. Congratulations on your new “baby.”
Congratulations ! May your purchase bring you great joy and satisfaction.
Love my Bernina 750 ! With Lori’s tutorials and practice my free motion quilting is improving.
I used to sell machines. The first question was, ‘ are you going to sew for fun or just occasional mending”. It’s too frustrating to spend much time with a bad machine.
Good for you Faye! A good machine makes sewing so much more fun! Once you get started, it’s hard to stop. May it be the best winter ever!
Congratulations on the purchase of your Bernina! In the span of 43 years, I have only owned 3 Bernina’s. I only upgraded when there were enough new features to make it worthwhile. I love that the threading is so simple on every model. There is definitely a learning curve, especially since the new machines have so many features. Your fmq will get better and better the more you practice.
I bought my Bernina Q770 this year at a quilt show. I just love it. The stitch regulator is a great addition. Free motion quilting is so much fun and now know the back of my quilt looks just a nice as the front. I just finished a Thanksgiving table runner.
Chris
Faye, your investment in a good machine will pay off in so many ways! Performance and reliability are key to your making progress, right along with practice. I love my Viking and my Juki and have never regretted spending the money. Enjoy!
Congratulations Faye, on your new sewing machine. Buying a quality machine the first time around is always the best option. While I have a different brand, I bought my machine in 1998, I use it every day and have never regretted spending the money for it. She is a workhorse and continues to perform like a dream.
I bought my Bernina 1630 machine 25 years ago and still use it every day without an issue. I would buy another bernina with the stitch regulator if I ever felt the urge to upgrade but I am content so far. Look forward to seeing your holiday creations as the fun begins!!
Congratulations!!
You will LOVE your Bernina & it will serve you for many years. I started w/440QE in 2004, upgraded to 560 & 215 ( for classes, lightweight, easy travel) & recently purchased the 770 early this month. I have loved them all for each personality. Have fun! Enjoy!!
Laura
Make sure you post some of the wonderful items you’ve made after Christmas. I agree with spend a little more now and not have to later. You get what you pay for.
Congratulations on your first Bernina. I have never regretted buying mine after regretting buying an inexpensive one. Happy Sewing!!!
Congratulations on your purchase! It’s a lot of money, but you made the right choice in buying a better machine. I have the Bernina 440QE that I keep at our cottage, and a Bernina 750 at home. I also have a small and light-weight Elna. I guess they are my little herd of sewing machines! I also have a serger. Nearly 50 years ago, I bought my first sewing machine, a simple Singer. Eventually, I bought one that made button holes. That one is still in the family since I passed it on to my daughter about 20 years ago. So, enjoy the process of sewing and creating, Faye!
I have the Bernina 530 and love it!!
Please identify yourself early on in the post –like the first line. I thought,”What? Lori owns several Berninas!” I figured it out. Just 1 question: when they say “throat space” in the features, is this the harp space? It doesn’t seem to have changed since I bought my 1130, 30+ years ago.
it’s encouraging to see you do FMQ so soon on your new machine. That will inspire me to do more of it!
Congratulations, Faye!
Congratulations, Faye! You will never regret having a good machine and I’m very partial to Bernina. It’s been my favorite machine for many years.
It’s no fun sewing on something cheap.
Your sewing space looks a whole lot neater than mine! 🙂
Well done! Very good choice.
I own an old Bernina 1130 bought used over 25 years ago. It has been in the shop once for repairs during that time. It is a work horse making many quilts and in rug making. I just had it cleaned and it purrs. Best investment I ever made.
Sounds like it was worth the investment!!! -Faye
Reads like a Bernina advertisement! Bev
Ooh, good decision, Faye! I bought my Bernina 807 when I was 15, and I’m still using it. It went to college with me, I sewed clothes for my four kids (and now my four grandchildren) on it, and I wouldn’t give it up for anything. A Bernina is not only an excellent investment, but it will bring you many years of enjoyment. PS I grew up down the road from Linda Z’s; they are top-notch!
I have a Chicago 7 by bernia. It’s a sewing quilting and embroidery machine. If yours is an embroidery. I made some cute Christmas bells to count down to Christmas. I am hoping to upgrade to a machine that will embroidery up to 6 x 10. Mine is a bit sammler than a 5 by 7. For now it works. I’ve seen orjects that require a 6 by 10 so I’m limited.
Congratulations, Nora! A Bernina is a beautiful machine. I’ve had mine for quite a while (13 & 1/2 years) and have never regretted it. As a matter of fact, I bought a 2nd one (a used model) for travel. However, I use both. Lots of times one is ready for piecing and the other is busy quilting! Enjoy!
Hmmm, I am finding out what brand I want if and when my current stable kicks the bucket. Thanks Quilters !