getcrafty :: popular topics :: sewing :: bernina

View entire thread: SFCM Mafia Made 2007 Winter Trunk Show this Sunday 10/21

Posted by barbesj on 2007-10-15 15:31:02      Post Subject: SFCM Mafia Made 2007 Winter Trunk Show this Sunday 10/21



The San Francisco Craft Mafia (SFCM) goes to the mat against mass-manufactured goods with their second annual fall shopping event.

On October 21, Mafia Made 2007 will showcase the brilliant, diverse work of over 40 clothing, accessories, jewelry, craft-related businesses, artists, and designers. We'll also have 3 demo/workshop areas to learn some new skills as well as a DJ to help you groove while you shop.

The second annual Mafia Made promises to be a fantastic shopping experience for all things handmade from the Bay Area and beyond. SF familia will be represented by Craft Gym, Feisty Elle, Future Momo, My Windup Bird, and Saints & Sinners.

Major sponsors include Bernina, BUST magazine, CRAFT magazine, Duncan Enterprises, and the Institute of Mosaic Art.

Mafia Made 2007
October 21, 2007, 12-5pm @ Hall of Flowers (Golden Gate Park, 9th and Irving)
Free to the public, $1 suggested donation to benefit SF SPCA

Come early for goodie bags for the first 100 shoppers and stay for hourly raffles of fabulous, crafty prizes!

www.sfcraftmafia.com

http://www.sfcraftmafia.com/eventimages/logo03.jpg





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View entire thread: Rowenta iron

Posted by Schmatta on 2006-07-14 11:58:44      Post Subject: Rowenta iron

I used to count my blessings: Bernina sewing machine, Rowenta iron, Gingher shears and snips. That first Rowenta was amazing. When it died (22 years of perfect performance!) I rushed out to buy another. What a dud. It has always leaked and now (after maybe 4 years) it won't even heat up.
Any advice? Has Rowenta quality slipped? I use my iron a lot. Any other serious sewing or quilting people who might tell me what to do next?

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View entire thread: Please help me!!

Posted by Schmatta on 2005-03-04 11:22:35      Post Subject: please help me: sewing machine

I had a Sears machine years ago and was most unhappy with it. If you can at all afford it, buy a Bernina. You can find a used, refurbished older Bernina. They are the Mercedes Benz of sewing machines. Mine is more than 20 years old and humming along.

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View entire thread: sewing machine help

Posted by sarahelizabeth on 2005-03-08 00:16:47      Post Subject:

http://www.sewwhat.net/millie/H.sm_manualsCOPIES.htm

i foudn this site; it has it for $18

good luck finding it. i had the same problem--inherited a machine from my grandmother, couldn't find the manual. it's a bernina, and i finally had to order one from a local bernina store.

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View entire thread: best sewing machine

Posted by saffronwoman on 2005-03-28 12:12:57      Post Subject:

I have my grandmonther's old Bernina. It doesn't have the newer computerized stuff, but it's amazing.

My mom's had the same Bernina for 30? years. Still going strong.

They are totally worth the money.

I had a Singer for a while, but it was loud and kind of clunky. Not my favorite.

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View entire thread: Sewing Machine

Posted by zahmeece on 2005-03-14 15:27:09      Post Subject: Re: Sewing machine

Generally speaking, the sewing machines that work with a computer are for machine embroidery. It sounds to me that you know nothing of sewing. If so, my advice is to take a sewing class or find a friend who will teach you. Kenmore and Brother make good basic machines. I've sewn on Kenmores for years and just got a high end Brother for machine quilting. Pfaff, Viking, and Bernina are great machines but pricey. Better to start small and grow since you are new to it. Don't go investing a lot of money until you know you love sewing. Personally, I don't know how anyone doesn't. I've been sewing since I was 12 and love it. You can make curtains, clothes (people and doll), book covers. Dang near anything.

Here's a simple 1st sewing project. I make "blankies" from fleece and cotton. Get about a yard and a half of fleece. Since it's 54-60" wide you'll need twice that of 45" fabric unless you can find 60" wide cotton. If 45" cut the length in half and then cut one side in half lengthwise. Sew each side to the whole piece to make the yard and a half really wide. Lay the fleece and cotton with right sides together with the fleece in the center. Cut off the excess on either side. Then stitch a wide (3/4 to 1") seam allowance all around except for about 12" on one end for turning. Turn it inside out and straighten out the corners. Then topstitch all around about 3/8 or 1/2" from the edge. Then fold in thirds to mark and then topstitch straight across from side to side for the minimal quilting. Voila! Very nice for naps and tv watching. Babies too.

Good luck.

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View entire thread: I make skirts

Posted by RetroGroove_Grrl on 2004-06-08 08:15:27      Post Subject:

here is some more stuff I've whipped up on my bernina

http://www.aloofhosting.com/unspokenthings/rach/clothes.html

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View entire thread: sewing machine suggestions?

Posted by luka on 2004-12-16 11:48:00      Post Subject:

a bernina is a very good starting machine, not sure how much they are - maybe a few hundred. i have heard good things about elna too.

good luck! how fun!

-erika

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View entire thread: Sewing Machine Suggestions

Posted by luka on 2004-11-11 12:15:44      Post Subject:

i've heard good things about elna sewing machines. my first machine was a bernina and i loved it!

good luck,
erika

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View entire thread: Sewing Machine Suggestions

Posted by acebeader on 2004-11-10 12:06:24      Post Subject:

I have used my mom's Bernina, and love it! She has had it for almost 15 years, with no problems. I am getting one for Christmas, and am so excited!

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View entire thread: Sewing Machine Suggestions

Posted by lizzymahoney on 2004-11-10 10:26:48      Post Subject:

Don't go with Singer. Old Singers are great, but sometime, maybe twenty years ago, Singer was bought out by another company and quality dropped. The old Singers can still be purchased and repaired and whatever, but the newer ones have more problems with maintenance.

Viking/husqvarna is good, so is Bernina. If you are really new to sewing, keep it simple at first.

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View entire thread: Sewing Machine Suggestions

Posted by iffyifyouaskme on 2004-11-10 07:44:53      Post Subject: Sewing Machine Suggestions

Hello. Does anyone have any suggestions for sewing machines? I will be buying one in the next month or so, but I'm not sure what I should buy. I'll be spending about 300.00. Two of my friends have suggested a Singer, Bernina, and Husqvarna brands. What do you guys think of these brands? Can you suggest specific models or brands?

Any feedback is appreciated.

Thank you!

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View entire thread: best sewing machine

Posted by kdaum on 2005-03-23 14:29:51      Post Subject:

My first question is do you plan on putting this machine through hell; because Bernina's seem to last forever.

My mother still has her old one and it is in great condition. I used them in school and you can imagine with 30 girls using them, they should have been trashed; but they still worked beautifully.

If you want something quick and cheap, I would then suggest a White, they are pretty reliable.

Just remember that you pay for what you get.

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View entire thread: Sewing Machine Suggestions

Posted by plainmabel on 2004-11-10 13:23:24      Post Subject:

I love my Bernina, though the most inexpensive model that I know of is around $600 I think. As an above poster said, newer Singers should generally be avoided -- older ones are great, but newer ones get some pretty bad reviews. I'd also avoid Simplicity. My first machine was a Simplicity that was around $150-200 -- it was good at first, but after a couple years required more tune-ups and repairs than it was worth. I've heard that White brand is pretty good and inexpensive, particularly the White Jeans Machine which a couple people I know have.

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View entire thread: Sewing Machine Suggestions

Posted by felt on 2004-11-10 09:24:51      Post Subject:

I'm very satisfied with my Bernina beginner model, Bernette 60. Although it's got more features than I know what to do with, it does the job well. The only thing I wish it has is an adjustable pressure foot. I work with thick multiple layers of fabric and an adjustable pressure foot is pretty essential for the task. I don't know the price as it was a gift (lucky me..!). I also just got my machine (my first) 3 yrs ago so I can't really help with comparing brands, but hope this helps anyway. Good luck!

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View entire thread: Capri Sun purse

Posted by Karen on 2004-06-18 12:14:06      Post Subject: Craftster!

Here's a picture of one lined with a vinyl tablecloth: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=5308.msg41794#msg41794

You can download PDF instructions here: http://www.bernina.com.au/__data/page/193/Activate_Your_Accessories_-_Juice_Bag_Tote_-_January_04.pdf

Here's another tutorial:
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=3125.0

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View entire thread: Beginning Sewing machines

Posted by felt on 2004-08-30 03:35:33      Post Subject:

Bernina has a great range of machines for beginners at great value. I own their Bernette 60 model. I absolutely love it. Pretty basic but can do lots of things. Has about 15 stitch settings, can do buttonholes and embroidery (<< tricky but very cool).

Their site is http://www.berninausa.com/ but for some reason it's down.. Although you can get info of the Bernette line here:
http://www.sewvac1.com/Products/bernette_sewing.htm
and
http://www.wildernessroadquilt.com/sewing_machines/bernette_series.html

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View entire thread: sewing machine vs. serger - for a beginner? [xposted]

Posted by sharonius on 2005-01-06 13:20:33      Post Subject:

I have a Bernina 1008 that I bought several years ago and I really like. It's simple enough for me, I've sewed on and off for years but I would still consider myself a beginner. I can't remember how much I paid for it but it's affordable.

http://www.berninausa.com/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441761423&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302025051&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395181831&bmUID=1105031167609

i can;t wait to get a serger too. I'm looking for a used one.

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View entire thread: Any Central FL crafters?

Posted by LaurenD on 2005-11-28 18:54:20      Post Subject: Getting crafty in Central FL

I am another central fl, person who would love to exchange ideas with other crafters. I love the embroidery designs, I just wish I had the capabilities on my bernina. Looking to grow a group.

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View entire thread: anyone have a husqvarna viking machine?

Posted by nerf on 2005-10-12 21:20:06      Post Subject:

Thanks for the feedback! I'm currently taking a patchworking class and I picked the lady's brain there too. She recommended a husqvarna or a bernina. Next week is the craft and quilt show here, so I'll be checking them all out. (Inbetween learning sashiko and attending about 5 other talks!)

: )

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View entire thread: anyone have a husqvarna viking machine?

Posted by gladygirl on 2005-10-13 16:21:59      Post Subject:

I would just love to throw in my love for my Viking! I bought it used from a co-worker who was upgrading hers...it retailed for @$500 new, doesn't have any computerized functions, but I LOVE it! I dream of getting a Bernina Quilter's Edition when I either do enough quilts to warrant it or win the lottery, but this is a great machine.

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View entire thread: anyone have a husqvarna viking machine?

Posted by Marcie on 2008-01-28 07:36:44      Post Subject:

Yes, Singer still uses plastic parts. That is why you can get one for $50. When I was shopping for mine (I have a used Jenome, which I love), the service man who sold me mine told me that the new Singers have a life expectancy of about 2 years, and the parts can not be replaced. Basically, they are like disposable machines. I guess it would be good for someone to learn on, to find out if they like sewing or not without spending too much.

My mother-in-law has a high end Bernina and she adores it. She has had it for about 15 years now and wouldn't let me touch it when I was learning to sew because she loves it so much (understandable).

I also have a Singer feather-weight (really really old) that still works but needs to be oiled and adjusted. I can not find anyone near me who does sewing machine repair, so, I will probably have to take it on a very long journey next time I visit my in laws to their sewing machine shop. It was a gift from a friend of my grandmother's who didn't have room for it anymore. I was very excited.

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View entire thread: sewing machine????

Posted by mbar03 on 2006-12-04 18:23:56      Post Subject: Re: Brother Sewing Machine from Costco

I have a Brother sewing machine from Costco and it is allright for some simple sewing but mine will not do for quilting. It just can't take all that sewing. You would have to get a Janome for that. I would suggest spending a little more money and buying a Bernani.

When I first started sewing and quilting, I bought a Brother from Costco and I quilted many quilts on it, including a King Sized one.

I also have a Bernina, and while it wasn't their TOL, when I bought it well over 10 years ago I spent $1000 for it, and I can't say that I've been so impressed with it that I'd buy another. Right now I'm into the Babylock (same company as Brother) and have been happy with them.

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View entire thread: sewing machine????

Posted by kdaum on 2005-12-07 13:14:03      Post Subject:

I've been sewing for as long as I can remember and used several different kind of machines. While I am partial to my Bernina, they are VERY pricey for the beginner and hobbyist sewer.

I would offer this suggestion, visit your local Jo-Anns or Hancock store where they have machines set up. Tell them that you are looking to get a machine for X-Mas; but are unsure of the type. Explain that you are only a beginner and would not need all of the fancy things. If you have a good salesperson they would allow you to use the machines to get a feel for them. If you find one you like and want, ask the salesperson to write down the model name and their name...then tell them that you (or your gift-buyer) will be back to buy it.

If they really want your business, they will be glad to help.

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View entire thread: sewing machine????

Posted by smudgy_cat on 2005-12-02 20:15:05      Post Subject:

I was just about to post on the same topic, except I'm contemplating a $700 brother quilting machine. Anyone used brother machines?

For an easy, entry level machine, I'd probably pick one up at costco. They have some for $200 or under, and they have everything you seem to be looking for.

You can also find used models on craigslist or sewing machine shops, but it can be frustrating to have a machine with funky, vintage quirks. I have 4 old machines, and they've served me well with sewing halloween costumes and some projects, but they frustrate me now because everything is breaking and repairs are difficult because they are so old.

Janome gem is supposed to be really nice; a few women in the quilt shop got them for their daughters, and they passed the workhorse test from one of the quilters. Husquevarna (sp?) is also a good brand. My friend is coveting a bernina or an elna; I forget which.

the brother I'm looking at is comparable to an elna that's twice it's price at the shop, and they've told me it's sturdy.

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View entire thread: sewing machine????

Posted by Carolyn Himango on 2006-12-04 12:15:13      Post Subject: Brother Sewing Machine from Costco

I have a Brother sewing machine from Costco and it is allright for some simple sewing but mine will not do for quilting. It just can't take all that sewing. You would have to get a Janome for that. I would suggest spending a little more money and buying a Bernani.

I was just about to post on the same topic, except I'm coplating a $700 brother quilting machine. Anyone used brother machines?

For an easy, entry level machine, I'd probably pick one up at costco. They have some for $200 or under, and they have everything you seem to be looking for.

You can also find used models on craigslist or sewing machine shops, but it can be frustrating to have a machine with funky, vintage quirks. I have 4 old machines, and they've served me well with sewing halloween costumes and some projects, but they frustrate me now because everything is breaking and repairs are difficult because they are so old.

Janome gem is supposed to be really nice; a few women in the quilt shop got them for their daughters, and they passed the workhorse test from one of the quilters. Husquevarna (sp?) is also a good brand. My friend is coveting a bernina or an elna; I forget which.

the brother I'm looking at is comparable to an elna that's twice it's price at the shop, and they've told me it's sturdy.

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View entire thread: what craft intimidates you?

Posted by bessiemae on 2006-04-06 11:10:02      Post Subject:

Intimidates? Not much really.

Frustrates? Oodles!

I bought myself a new computerized sewing machine about 6wks ago. It's sat opened, but never used because I was intimidated by her...a bazillon specialty feet...more stitches than I can probably count, or learn how to use. 7 automatic buttonholes. I've fantasized about automatic button holes! I've avoided button holes for years.

Feeling kinda grumpy, overcome by an urge to assemble the pieces for a swap item, I actually watched the enclosed dvd. Wound bobbins. Threaded and sewed.

I am so in love with my machine! And she's not nearly as fancy pants as my friend's beautiful new Bernina Aurora.

Next? Learning to cast-off that lime green scarf I learned to knit on those Hello Kitty needles.

Or maybe foundation pieceing?

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