Allow me to introduce my new business partner. She’s Bernie. Bernie’s my new Bernina.
Yes, since 1985 I’ve been working with my old reliable White workhorse. That machine (rebuilt when I got it!) got me through fashion design school and almost 20 years of sewing felted wool. I think it’s time the ol’ workhorse took a break. I’ve been contemplating buying a new machine for some time…every time I hear a clunk or the bobbin won’t wind or the foot falls off mid-seam. You know, the little things. Yeah, the old gray mare ain’t what she used to be.
Me and Bernie…we’re still getting acquainted. I like her, she’s smooth. The manual refers to her not as a sewing machine, but as a “Sewing Computer”. Weird. (don’t tell Mr. iMac, he’s the other business partner that shares the studio) I read a few reviews out there, but in the end I just had to go to the store, sew on a few machines, and take the leap. (If you’re in the market to buy a new one, take some advice) I did make sure to ask and was assured that all of Bernie’s moving parts are metal and she’s got a stronger motor than some of the other machines I looked at. I got tha powah!
Did you notice this floral beauty on the corner of my sewing table? It’ a little eBay score. Supposedly vintage, but who knows. I just like it. A lot.
Love this one too, a “vintage”(?) table cloth. I have no specific intentions for either fabric. They make me happy. I keep draping them around the studio for inspiration. Who knows what they will become.
Bernie and I will think of something…
I have the same machine! it’s my first, got her about three years ago now. we’ve had some good times and sews wonderfuly! enjoy!
I hope you and bernie have a long and loving relationship
Have fun getting to know your new partner! I have a 20 yr old Bernina and it’s still going strong. We use Berninas at school and just bought an Activa at the end of last year so I’m looking forward to using mine too!
Enjoy getting to know your new partner! We use Berninas at school and bought an Activa at the end of last year. I’m looking forward to using it too.
I have a “bernie” too. Got her last summer…after having a Brother- there is just no comparison whatsoever! I love it!!
How fun! Your gonna be spoiled now! And I love how much light comes into your sewing studio.
I love my Bernina! I haven’t had any problems sewing since I got mine! Looking forward to seeing new things you are working on!
I’m going to pick up my new bernina tonight. Hip hip hooray!
Very sweet!.. I am itching for a new machine but since I have 5… errr.. 6 machines already it’s pretty hard to pull a face about the whole subject. Did you get the knee lift??.. your world will CHANGE with it!.. PROMISE
maddie
http://www.domesticanarchy.blogspot.com
Too funny, I just decided I need to start looking for a new workhorse (since I’m still sewing on my mom’s machine from the early 80s)! I asked my friend Trish from Crafty Planet and her advice was “make sure it has an automatic buttonholer” so that is what I am searching for! Hope yours works out! Or else you can just make Weekend at Bernie’s joke, if she dies!
Oooh, she’s a beauty — Congratulations! I ordered my Warm Fuzzies today — I can’t wait for it to arrive!
Good for you. My mom bought me a new sewing machine for Christmas, and it is so fun! I just found your blog yesterday because I bought your awesome Warm Fuzzies book. I’m just learning about felting, but I’ve been sewing for a long time. Wish me luck with some of your awesome projects!
I was thinking of getting a new machine as mine has a habit of winding me up when it gats jamed but in the end i desided i love her to much to do that to her just yet lol. Hope you have fun with the Bernina
It’s hard parting with an old machine, sort of like putting aside an old friend for a new one, but it is still soooo much fun having a new machine!! It’s amazing what they can do. Have fun!
Congratulations on your new sewing machine. She’s a real beauty. I finally tried to make a cupcake, featured on my blog today. Not nearly as cute as yours, but fun to try anyway.
I am so behind here I feel a little silly…I have just found your blog from reading your book, I posted about the book and I got emails saying they could not beleive I did not know your blog…so please to have found you and the book is brillent. Love the machine, my you have a tidy work area!!!
Suzie Sews
Best wishes to Betz and Bernie on a successful creative career together. I received your book from Santa and have been just warm and fuzzy reading ….now ready to start designing and creating….mmmm maybe a thrift Wednesday for some sweaters. I love your blog and your work. Thank you.
Congratulations! I’m sure you and Bernie will be very happy together. Love those vintage finds, hope you show us what they become.
Yay for Bernies! I love mine and am so happy for you!! It’s so worth the investment. 🙂
Enjoy your long relationship with Bernie! You’ve actually inspired me to keep plugging along with my workhorse! I’ve got a few years to go to get to your 20 year relationship!
Oh I’m so jealous! I’m scared to make the jump to a more expensive machine. I’m working with a tempermental semi-broken old Kenmore, and a cheap-o Brother. I’m scared to spend alot of money, Bernina is definetly out of my range. I guess I have to just bite the bullet and head to a store and try out a couple.
Congrats on your new Bernina!!!! I love mine. The only problem is–I kept wanting to trade up each time they came out with a new model! I think I am as far up the chain as I can currently go, thank goodness! Enjoy.
bernie kinda looks a little intimidating, but beautiful. have fun with your new friend!
teresa
I have had a Bernina for 3 years, love it. the best thing no more “bobbin spitups”
Congrats on your new ‘computer’, it looks super cool. Enjoy many hours of working relationship with Bernina 🙂
What is in those darling little test tubes, beads? Where did you get them?
Hi Sam,
Those are little test tubes I keep small buttons in. Aren’t they cute? I got them years ago as part of a color forecast…they actually came with yarn in them!
Bez
Yes!! I love that idea! I love how you store them in a pencil cup type holder on your desk. Decorative and functional!! Thanks for the idea!
I have a 430 Bernie …. I love him. He has given me so much more confidence …. so far our relationship has been (mostly) a little bit of a love fest! http://rachaelrabbit.blogspot.com/2007/09/bernie-and-just-one-or-two-half-baked.html
I noticed the striped Gap sweater in your pile of felted sweaters. I just made a cover for my navigation unir using that same sweater…and I gave a shot out to you in my post:
http://cultofdomesticity.blogspot.com/2008/01/first-felting-project.html