Ever since the Bushfire Quilt project, when Apples let me use her quilting frame I have been looking for a machine with more throat space. I figured I was in the market for a long arm. For years I quilted without too much drama on my regular Berninas. I didn't know any different. Well, the Bernina 830 came out and it cost a fortune (for me anyway) so I looked at it, but not seriously due mostly to the price and how intimidating it looked, and I have no interest in machine embroidery. Well, I kept reading on blogs about another Bernina, the 820. It does not do the embroidering, which is fine with me! I went down to the Bernina shop in Kansas City and I tried it out. Well, I really didn't try it out, I sat beside it and watched the sales lady try it out. But As I was sitting there, I thought to myself, this machine is quite a multitasker, it is a "mid-arm" that sews as well as quilts. Brilliant. SO I got home and called them about 7 different times to see what sort of deal they were going to work with me. I also emailed Jacquie who has one and she was very helpful. Finally I decided to trade in my lovely little 640E for the 820. It made the cost so very much more affordable! I am all for a deal. We drove down to Kansas City this afternoon and picked her up. I love her already. I feel like we have really bonded and really all I have done is figured out how to thread her. But that in and of itself was one hell of a task. I can't wait to quilt a quilt on her! I am looking at that Hope Valley fabric over on the shelf and I really want to just go for it!
Well, have a lovely weekend everyone. I will be sewing!
xo,
Tia
10 comments:
Congratulations!! May you two ladies have many many years long lasting years of friendship, love and shared cups of coffee and creativity!
Oh Thank you so much! I sure hope we do too! She is a dream boat.
CONGRATS! I got one in October (I agree with it being difficult to thread that 1st time) Gets easier I promise. Soon you will be doing it without thought! I sew EVERY DAY now that I have mine, she is my BBF, LOL
Can't wait to see what you create with her. Have fun :)
Oh yeah!
That looks like a lovely machine, and I too have heard much praise about the 820.
Cannot wait to see the creativity that will emerge from your cooperation :D
I am so happy that you decided to get this machine. You are the PERFECT person to have one! I know that you will love it, and Hope Valley, what a great way to start off. Best wishes from all of us at Bernina in KC and let us know whatever questions you have.
Have fun, there is nothing better than a BERNIE!! Gail Norback
Tia, you lucky duckie! I'm soooo green with envy! Have heard high praises for the 820. Wishing you many years of loving companionship.
Thanks so much ladies! I am loving her so much. My husband is even intrigued (maybe just curious what makes a sewing machine cost so much money). But I am thrilled and that sure makes a happy home!
Good for you, she looks lovely and one day I hope to own one as well.
Happy sewing........
Hi Tia,
You have now had the Bernina for about a year and I would love to read more about your experience with it, as I am very close to buying one myself. But.. it IS a huge amount of money, and I need to be told that I make the right decision *grins*.
Best regards from Denmark!
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