Bernina Fan Club Archives
2002
Tuesday, June 4
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Date: 4 Jun 2002 01:10:09 -0400
From: "Kathy H
Subject: Re: bernina lemon
I have the Bernina 180E and the 1130. I really believe that if I had the
problems that the lady who started this conversation I would go to the
Dealer where I purchased the machine. I would ask for a replacement machine.
If refused I would explain that I would be taking my documentation of repair
slips and etc and will be contacting this dealers District Representative
and I would follow through. I am sure Bernina will be considerate of your
problem. Bernina is a reputable company and has consistently produced the
highest quality machine for decades.
Kathy H
"I was cut out to be rich.....but I was sewn up wrong!"
I sew Bernina 180e, 1130, BabyLock Esante ESe, Singer Featherweight and an
Evolve Serger
- ----- Original Message -----
From: "BFC"
To: "BFC"
Sent: Monday, June 03, 2002 6:09 PM
Subject: Re: bernina lemon
> All this Bernina lemon talk is really making me reconsider buying a new
> machine, but what I think should really happen here, is for Bernina to
> start reading this list!!
>
> BJ (Barbara) in almost Deep East Texas
>
>
>
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Date: 4 Jun 2002 08:02:06 -0400
From: KMGreene
Subject: Re: bernina lemon
I believe that a Bernina rep did read this list in the past. I don't know if
they still do though.
Regarding lemons, there really are relatively few people who do have Bernina
lemons, but the people with the problems are usually more vocal due to their
frustration and unhappiness. Those of us with the great machines rarely take
the time to post a note saying "I have a great machine, I love it" since we
are busy sewing. ;-)
I believe that every reputable manufacturer occasionally does have a lemon.
The cost would be REALLY exorbitant to produce 100% defect free machines.
There are manufacturing quality standards, I think one is called "six sigma",
and to go to the next level of quality is not a linear progression, but
geometric (multiplied rather than added) in cost for the next level up in
quality. Most manufacturers can't afford to be at the sixth level since the
items would be so expensive that nobody would buy them.
I have seen reports in this list of dealers gladly exchanging a lemon
machine. I think that there are the minority though (unfortunate for us) who
do not take care of their customers. These dealers really should not be
representing Bernina and they SHOULD be reported.
Berninas ARE excellent machines, so don't be scared off by the complaints.
I have a 1230 and am saving my dollars to buy the top of the line machine. I
thought it would be a 180E, but it will probably be the 200E by the time I am
ready. But I will happily buy it then. But I also know that I have an
excellent dealer.
Karen in CT
In a message dated 6/3/02 11:16:37 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
bernina@pcnet1.pcnet.com writes:
> All this Bernina lemon talk is really making me reconsider buying a new
> machine, but what I think should really happen here, is for Bernina to
> start reading this list!!
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Date: 4 Jun 2002 08:05:14 -0400
From: Connie G
Subject: lemons
I did receive a machine that wasn't working correctly for my first
bernina 1090. When I called the dealer, they said "bring it back up"
which I did and they replaced it immediately--none of the "oh, we'll fix
it stuff"... But Beth's Creative Stitchery is a great dealership and
they do the right thing.
If I was with a dealership that did not do the right thing, I would tell
them what I wanted them to do... fix, replace, whatever. If this wasn't
acceptable, I would file charges with Better business bureau AND also
file with the Attorney General's Office. The Atty Gen'l office in Ohio
has a Consumer division for this type of problem. I would send them a
copy of my letters. THIS typically does get a response.
It amazes me that a company--even a small one =especially a small
one--would want any customer unhappy... especially with a major purchase
like this. I'm so thankful that I have a really great dealership in
Columbus... I have needed extremely LITTLE repair and LOVE my
Berninas...I have a 1530 and a 170 and a 334DS serger... and in 8 hard
working years for my 1530 and almost 9 for my serger, my serger has
needed new blades and I needed a pin for my platform for my 1530... (I
traded my 1090 up for the 1530) I remember my mom's Sears Kenmore
machines... and they never seemed to work right. I can't imagine going
back to that!
Good luck with your Lemon!!! They should just replace it and be done
with it... Apple just replaced a 2 year old iMac for me-- another very
reputable company... It was a machine that had been "messed with" by a
poor franchise.
Connie in columbus, Ohio
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Date: 4 Jun 2002 08:08:23 -0400
From: Kristy J
Subject: RE: bernina lemon
Are you signed up on the Quiltropolis Bernina list as well. I know that
Bernina watches this list faithfully. You may want to join this list and
post your issues there as well. A friend of mine was having some minor
issues with her machine and the representatives from Bernina posted back to
her with the resolution. It turned out okay because the issue was under
warranty.
Its worth a shot! I also agree about contacting the Better Business Bureau.
You may also want to contact your State Attorney General's Office. I know
that in my state our Attorney General's Office is very involved in resolving
such disputes.
I know that it must be frustrating to have spent so much money and have had
so many problems. I'm sure that you just got one bad apple, I really don't
thing the whole bunch is bad (at least I hope not, I just bought a 165E)
Best of luck to you. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
- -----Original Message-----
From: BFC [mailto:bernina@pcnet1.pcnet.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2002 12:31 AM
To: BFC
Subject: Re: bernina lemon
I have the Bernina 180E and the 1130. I really believe that if I had the
problems that the lady who started this conversation I would go to the
Dealer where I purchased the machine. I would ask for a replacement machine.
If refused I would explain that I would be taking my documentation of repair
slips and etc and will be contacting this dealers District Representative
and I would follow through. I am sure Bernina will be considerate of your
problem. Bernina is a reputable company and has consistently produced the
highest quality machine for decades.
Kathy Heidel
"I was cut out to be rich.....but I was sewn up wrong!"
I sew Bernina 180e, 1130, BabyLock Esante ESe, Singer Featherweight and an
Evolve Serger
- ----- Original Message -----
From: "BFC"
To: "BFC"
Sent: Monday, June 03, 2002 6:09 PM
Subject: Re: bernina lemon
> All this Bernina lemon talk is really making me reconsider buying a new
> machine, but what I think should really happen here, is for Bernina to
> start reading this list!!
>
> BJ (Barbara) in almost Deep East Texas
>
>
>
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Date: 4 Jun 2002 08:51:32 -0400
From: Tyral
Subject: Re: bernina lemon
At 06:09 PM 6/3/02 -0500, you wrote:
>All this Bernina lemon talk is really making me reconsider buying a new
>machine, but what I think should really happen here, is for Bernina to
>start reading this list!!
>
>BJ (Barbara) in almost Deep East Texas
This week Bernina is having a big get together with all it's best dealers
their guests in Switzerland. My dealer is on of them. Next week your dealer
should be able to help you. Be patience Bernina does care.
My dealer is super and that's why Bernina sent him to be their guest. There
are about 400 dealers from around the world that are in Switzerland this week.
Tyral in Rogers AR
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Date: 4 Jun 2002 11:14:12 -0400
From: eklow
Subject: foot for sideways
I never bought the sideways motion foot for the 1630, surprising
actually, since I managed to buy EVERY OTHER foot practically...
Anyway, I used to sew the girl scout badges on my troop's sashes and
vests after an awards ceremony. It was nice to send them home
embellished instead of making a chore for the mothers. I used either the
#20 foot or the #40 foot. The free motion feet won't work well for
sewing on badges, as you need a foot that is used with the feed dogs
doing their thing. The #40 foot gives you better visibility.
I used to thread up the machine with a color to match the clothing in
the bobbin, and clear thread in the needle. I taped down all the badges
with Scotch Magic Tape, and then did them all at once, in a grid.
Scotch Magic Tape also works well to tape down a shirtfull of buttons
all at once.
HOpe this helps.
Robbi E
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Date: 4 Jun 2002 11:16:21 -0400
From: Kwiltsit
Subject: what's everybody's favorite MUST-HAVE foot?
Hello friends! Just would love to discuss feet for awhile. I have #20
edge-stitching foot which is my fave and the #10 open-toe foot. I'd like to
add some others especially ones that are as cool as the #20. The ruffler
looks intimidating and I think i read somewhere that sergers do a better job
of ruffling anyway. true? I do notice w/ the open-toe foot, the satin stitch
applique looks much better vs. using the regular zig-zag foot that comes w/
the machine. I have a pin-tuck foot also which is a staple, really. Just
wanted to generate some good discussion here on feet and accessories to go w/
these great machines!
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Date: 4 Jun 2002 11:19:16 -0400
From: StashAddict
Subject: this week's news
Well let's see...
Spent Saturday at the quilt shop helping to make blocks for Project Linus
quilts. A group of 7 ladies put the finishing touches (stitching around
edge, tacking at block corners to "quilt") on 9 blankets that had been
started in months past and sewed up enough new blocks to make 11+ more
blankets. It will be part of my duties on slow days in the summer to trim
and sew together those blocks. What fun, and such a good cause.
Our blocks are very simple - done by string piecing strips onto flannel
squares (ie quilt as you go). The huge table in the classroom is covered
with a heap of scrap strips that come from the shop's suppliers, class
waste, shop leftovers etc. All widths and colours and patterns. We all
started off just sewing what we put our hands on but by the end of the day
our souls had taken over and we were designing our blocks a little more
(reds, nautical themes, fruits, flowers etc.).
Inspired by this experience I finally put together my own Project Linus
quilt top - something I've been intending to do for a long time. I had six
co-ordinating fabrics of Joanne's quality (rather than top-of-the-line quilt
shop quality) that I remember buying at a buy 1 get 2 free sale a decade
ago. In other words this was *cheap* fabric! It is also of a style and
colourway that I am unlikely to use in my own work anytime soon. So I cut a
bunch of 5" square and just randomly put them together. For me "random" is
a foreign concept so this was a big challenge! I cut up a piece of paper,
labeled each piece to correspond to a fabric and drew the pieces from a cup.
I figured that if I was drawing the actual fabric squares from a basket I
would peek and cheat. I know myself too well LOL. This was such a simple
project, but I am quite pleased with the results. So much so that I know it
won't be my last. Again, what fun and such a good cause.
Today once I get a few business items off my to-do list I have a few
projects to choose from. I could finish the quilting on my stained glass
cat (unlikely), work on piecing the mystery quilt from the last three issues
of Quiltmaker magazine (in the home stretch now), start on the cat blocks
for a swap I joined yesterday (a new project, now that is tempting), cut
fabric for another Project Linus (nah, I'll wait for another day that I need
a simple project), go shopping for the binding for my sushi and jewel box
quilts (don't have the fabrics I want at the shop I work at) and backing for
the Project Linus quilts (heading for the cheaper fabric store flannel) (but
is supposed to be very rainy, and that is such a drag when waiting for the
streetcars). Oh decisions, decisions...
Kelly.
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Date: 4 Jun 2002 11:21:26 -0400
From: WoodrowTulip
Subject: Re: bernina lemon
Dear Barbara, No matter what machine you decide on, it is the dealer you
need to investigate, I think. Of course, I love my Berninas but I have a
wonderful dealer . Any product will have a lemon once in awhile so ckeck
your dealer. Ask what they do in case something goes wrong. Material stores
or sewing and quilt clubs are good places to ask re; your dealer. I know
this sounds like a lot of trouble but it works. 4-h clubs in my area are
also a good place to ask. I had a normal minor problem with mine once and it
was fixed right away and I was even offered a machine to use while it was
being fixed. Have a good day. Ellen
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Date: 4 Jun 2002 13:00:03 -0400
From: Renee A
Subject: Bernina lemon
If I was not happy with the response from my local dealer, I think I would
try contacting Bernina USA before filing complaints with state agencies.
Give them a chance to make things right. If things are not corrected, or the
local dealer continues to be uncooperative,by all means file the complaints.
Bernina dropped our local dealer due to too many complaints so they do pay
attention to unhappy customers. Now we have a great Bernina dealer.
Renee
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Date: 4 Jun 2002 14:54:12 -0400
From: "Fran R
Subject: Re: what's everybody's favorite MUST-HAVE foot?
I LOVE the 1/4" foot.
Fran
- ----- Original Message -----
From: BFC
To:
Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2002 7:38 AM
Subject: what's everybody's favorite MUST-HAVE foot?
> Hello friends! Just would love to discuss feet for awhile. I have
#20
> edge-stitching foot which is my fave and the #10 open-toe foot. I'd
like to
> add some others especially ones that are as cool as the #20. The
ruffler
> looks intimidating and I think i read somewhere that sergers do a
better job
> of ruffling anyway. true? I do notice w/ the open-toe foot, the
satin stitch
> applique looks much better vs. using the regular zig-zag foot that
comes w/
> the machine. I have a pin-tuck foot also which is a staple, really.
Just
> wanted to generate some good discussion here on feet and accessories
to go w/
> these great machines!
>
>
>
>
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Date: 4 Jun 2002 21:26:25 -0400
From:
Subject: RE: bernina lemon
BJ,
I know that the Bernina Educators that travel around the country DO monitor
these lists. (This one and the Artisa one). I just wonder why they don't
pipe up and answer questions. It would be nice to hear from them once in a
while.
Starr in MN
- -----Original Message-----
All this Bernina lemon talk is really making me reconsider buying a new
machine, but what I think should really happen here, is for Bernina to
start reading this list!!
BJ (Barbara) in almost Deep East Texas
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Date: 4 Jun 2002 21:29:51 -0400
From: "Maria"
Subject: Re: what's everybody's favorite MUST-HAVE foot?
> I LOVE the 1/4" foot.
Me too, Fran - and the open toed embroidery foot. I use both of them a lot!
Maria S
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BerninaThirtySomethings/
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Date: 4 Jun 2002 21:36:24 -0400
From: Awoika
Subject: Re: what's everybody's favorite MUST-HAVE foot?
The 1/4" foot (#37) and edge stitch foot (#10). Can't sew without them!!
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