Bernina Fan Club Archives
2002
Tuesday, May 28
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Date: 28 May 2002 01:09:58 -0400
From: "Kathy H
Subject: Re: Bernina's fabric feed
Which Bernina do you have? This would help us in suggesting what might be
wrong.
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:
Sent: Monday, May 27, 2002 8:49 PM
Subject: Bernina's fabric feed
> I just thought I'd address this one more time here with this group...I am
> needing to know if all berninas tend to push the top layer of fabric so
that
> you must trim 1/8" or more off the end of the seam? I know until very
> recently none of the berninas had the presser foot pressure adjustment and
it
> was evidently not a problem. I have sewn on mid-line Vikings, mid and
low-end
> Janomes, and Pfaffs that do not push the fabric out of line and while some
> had the pressure adjustment, it was never needed. Is there a work-around
for
> this and is it something that you just learn to ignore?
>
>
>
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Date: 28 May 2002 01:11:59 -0400
From: "Spanky"
Subject: Re: Bernina's fabric feed
Hi, I have not had this problem with any of my Bernina's-930,1230,170,and
180. It is possible that the tension needs to be checked. I would also make
sure the feeddogs are not damaged and are set properly. This must drive you
nuts and is not the norm in my experience. Hope you find out what is causing
it and let us all know.
Spanky
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Date: 28 May 2002 01:17:01 -0400
From: "Bonnie"
Subject: Pressure Adjustment/Fabric Feed
Personally, I would go nuts sewing with a machine with incorrect presser
foot pressure. Many people try to hold the fabric in front and in back of
the needle, stretching as they sew...this causes lots of broken needles and
nicked throat plates.
I quilt and "seam creep" causes all kinds of problems in the overall quilt.
I try to educate all my students (machine quilting) about the presser foot
pressure adjustment because it can make such a difference in the quality of
one's work AND one's opinion of the quality of a machine!
Here's the poop--the reason other machines didn't seem to need the
adjustment is because they were already adjusted within a range that worked
well for the fabrics being sewn. Even machines with no outward adjustment
mechanism have an internal adjustment, usually under the top cover, it is
different from machine to machine.
If you have a Bernina dealer nearby, take in your machine & talk with their
repair person, explain your problem, he/she should be able to tweak the
pressure on the spot to alleviate the problem. And for heavens sake, take
long strips of fabric with you of a weight you usually sew on, don't let
them adjust it using that buckram junk many shops test with...unless that's
what YOU sew!
Bonnie
Near but not inside Leavenworth
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Date: 28 May 2002 01:19:39 -0400
From: "Jeffrey S
Subject: cabbage patch dolls/airline travel and sewing needles
For Mary H and other Cabbage Patch lovers:
Check out this site for lots of information about Cabbage
Patch dolls, including how to clean them up:
www.enteract.com/~dancarol/index.htmleck
I love making doll clothes because it is a good way to use up small pieces
of fabric. For me, it is also a satisfying way to complete a piece in a few
hours while taking a break from a big project.
On another subject, has anyone taken needles on a flight recently? I'm
flying to San Francisco next month and want to take my hand quilting. I
understand that scissors and knitting needles are out, but how about
quilting needles?
I'll be flying Alaska Airlines.
Thanks-- Mary in Alaska
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 28 May 2002 08:04:55 -0400
From: JLHf
Subject: Airline travel and needles
I have flown twice recently and had no trouble taking needles aboard. I sat
and worked on an applique project on a flight in March without any problems.
I have one of the little Clover medallion thread cutters, so there was no
need for scissors. A friend told me recently that she had taken her crochet
project on as a carry on, but I am surprised that she was allowed to have
the hook. As you say it may vary from one airline to the next, but at least
the sewing needles have not been a problem for me or any of my quilting
group. Have an enjoyable trip. Janet in hot Fort Worth
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Date: 28 May 2002 09:03:11 -0400
From: "Gerald & Marilyn V
Subject: Re: Bernina's fabric feed
I have an 830, and my machine always pushes the top layer of fabric longer
than the bottom. It has just always done that, so I assumed that all
machines must do it that way also. The way I get around that, is when
sewing on a pair of pants, and side seams of blouses and tops, I use the
walking foot, then my top and bottom fabric always end up the same. When I
bought my machine, I was told to NEVER TOUCH the tension dial, and I never
have.----Marilyn-----
- ----- Original Message -----
From: BFC
To:
Sent: Monday, May 27, 2002 8:49 PM
Subject: Bernina's fabric feed
> I just thought I'd address this one more time here with this group...I am
> needing to know if all berninas tend to push the top layer of fabric so
that
> you must trim 1/8" or more off the end of the seam?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 28 May 2002 09:05:34 -0400
From: Kwiltsit
Subject: Re: Pressure adjustment/Fabric Feed
In a message dated 05/28/2002 1:26:26 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
bernina@pcnet1.pcnet.com writes:
>> Many people try to hold the fabric in front and in back of
the needle, stretching as they sew...this causes lots of broken needles and
nicked throat plates. >>
Hi Bonnie, I sent you a private email. I did have one dealer tell me to do
what you described and that just really turned me off. I didn't pay that much
for a machine I had to "coax" into feeding the fabric normally. Thankfully,
they are giving me a new, boxed machine to try and have graciously agreed to
give me a refund if i have the same problem with it. And on another occasion
w/ the same machine, I turned up a 1/4" hem on the round (was covering a
lampshade). The fabric was a mid-weight tapestry. I used foot # 10 and had
the most gorgeous stitch BUT the curve rippled and waved after it was sewn. I
was told that perhaps I had pulled the fabric either from back or front.
well, of course i had not done that. Another internet correspondent who
bought a 145 after I did emailed the other day to say she was experiencing
the same problem w/ the fabric creep but in her case and for the type of
sewing she does, it didn't bother her much. I read a post on one of the other
boards where someone advised anyone considering a bernina to go w/ one of the
new models ending in 0 because they have adjustable pressure. I just am
relieved to hear it is not always a problem and that there is a fix for it !!
Thank you so much!
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Date: 28 May 2002 09:07:35 -0400
From: Kwiltsit
Subject: Re: Bernina's fabric feed
Spanky thank you for your encouragement! I know 2 of your bernies do not have
adjustable pressure so it is great to know this is not the norm!! I have been
offered a replacement (new) 145 that I will pick up today or tomorrow. The
dealer has been most gracious and accomodating--he will allow me a refund if
i have the same problem with the new machine.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 28 May 2002 09:10:00 -0400
From: Kwiltsit
Subject: Re: Bernina's fabric feed
Kathy, I have the 145 model. Do you think a straight-stitch plate helps at
all w/ the fabric creep issues? I sure don't want to have to use a walking
foot on every piece of fabric that i sew. I will ask them to check the fabric
feed thoroughly during the final "stitch out" that they do before releasing
the machines from the store.
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Date: 28 May 2002 10:15:37 -0400
From: "Albers"
Subject: RE: cabbage patch dolls/airline travel and sewing needles
Several people I know have taken needles on flights. They also took a
dental floss container to cut their threads.
San Francisco is lovely. I envy you!
Michelle in humid St. Louis
- -----Original Message-----
Subject: cabbage patch dolls/airline travel and sewing needles
For Mary H and other Cabbage Patch lovers:
Check out this site for lots of information about Cabbage
Patch dolls, including how to clean them up:
www.enteract.com/~dancarol/index.htmleck
I love making doll clothes because it is a good way to use up small pieces
of fabric. For me, it is also a satisfying way to complete a piece in a few
hours while taking a break from a big project.
On another subject, has anyone taken needles on a flight recently? I'm
flying to San Francisco next month and want to take my hand quilting. I
understand that scissors and knitting needles are out, but how about
quilting needles?
I'll be flying Alaska Airlines.
Thanks-- Mary in Alaska
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 28 May 2002 10:18:19 -0400
From: Mary K
Subject: RE: cabbage patch dolls/airline travel and sewing needles
Don't know about needles exactly, I left the box of pins at my mother in
laws, but I had to leave behind a can of 505 at the airport that came in a
'Treasure Chest' included w/ the purchase of my Bernina. :(
Mary K
- -----Original Message-----
From: BFC [mailto:bernina@pcnet1.pcnet.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 28, 2002 12:46 AM
To: BFC
Subject: cabbage patch dolls/airline travel and sewing needles
For Mary H and other Cabbage Patch lovers:
Check out this site for lots of information about Cabbage
Patch dolls, including how to clean them up:
www.enteract.com/~dancarol/index.htmleck
I love making doll clothes because it is a good way to use up small pieces
of fabric. For me, it is also a satisfying way to complete a piece in a few
hours while taking a break from a big project.
On another subject, has anyone taken needles on a flight recently? I'm
flying to San Francisco next month and want to take my hand quilting. I
understand that scissors and knitting needles are out, but how about
quilting needles?
I'll be flying Alaska Airlines.
Thanks-- Mary in Alaska
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 28 May 2002 10:59:33 -0400
From: gmae
Subject: bernina's fabric feed
I too have always had a problem with the fabric feeding evenly. When I
talked to my Bernina dealer they said that the pressure on the foot
cannot be adjusted at all. I have a 1260.
Gloria
Waukesha, WI
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Date: 28 May 2002 12:02:17 -0400
From: Bonnie P
Subject: Re: Pressure adjustment/Fabric Feed
Listen to this lady, she knows what she is talking about!
Also, I have a 160 and I can adjust my presser foot pressure with a
dial on the left side of the head. I make quilts (use a walking foot
when actually quilting) or feed dogs down when free motion quilting or
embroidering with #29.
Bonnie, in Middletown, VA
I usually just lurk here, love all the good info.
>On Mon, 27 May 2002 22:53:01 -0500:
>Personally, I would go nuts sewing with a machine with incorrect presser
>foot pressure. Many people try to hold the fabric in front and in back of
>the needle, stretching as they sew...this causes lots of broken needles and
>nicked throat plates.
>
>I quilt and "seam creep" causes all kinds of problems in the overall quilt.
>I try to educate all my students (machine quilting) about the presser foot
>pressure adjustment because it can make such a difference in the quality of
>one's work AND one's opinion of the quality of a machine!
>
>Here's the poop--the reason other machines didn't seem to need the
>adjustment is because they were already adjusted within a range that worked
>well for the fabrics being sewn. Even machines with no outward adjustment
>mechanism have an internal adjustment, usually under the top cover, it is
>different from machine to machine.
>
>If you have a Bernina dealer nearby, take in your machine & talk with their
>repair person, explain your problem, he/she should be able to tweak the
>pressure on the spot to alleviate the problem. And for heavens sake, take
>long strips of fabric with you of a weight you usually sew on, don't let
>them adjust it using that buckram junk many shops test with...unless that's
>what YOU sew!
>
>Bonnie
>Near but not inside Leavenworth
>
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 28 May 2002 13:02:40 -0400
From: "Bonnie"
Subject: Tension Article
I just read some comments relating to the presser foot pressure issue and
someone mentioned she was told to NEVER adjust the tension of her machine.
I thought I'd pass along a article I wrote for a quilt guild and that I
spend a bit of time on with my quilting students. Tension, and I'm talking
about on the upper and lower threads, is MEANT to be adjusted by the
operator.
I posted this to my web site as an unlinked page (meaning you can't see it
from my home page...I'm too busy to update the page links).
http://www.geocities.com/sewmach10/tension.html
Bonnie
Near but not inside Leavenworth
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Date: 28 May 2002 14:53:59 -0400
From: Crbsew
Subject: Re: Bernina's fabric feed
Hi,
It was interesting to read about your problems with the fabric creeping when
sewing a seam. I have always used an even feed foot for all sewing - except
zippers because this was a problem for me. The last time I brought my 150 in
for its annual cleaning, I was pleasantly suprised to find that I can stitch
a long seam and have no creeping! Now, I can use all of the feet that came
with my machine without a problem. I never realized that this was just an
adjustment, I thought it was just the way I sewed. I can certainly
sympathize with your predicament.
Carol
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 28 May 2002 17:30:32 -0400
From: Jean H
Subject: RE: cabbage patch dolls/airline travel and sewing needles
>Check out this site for lots of information about Cabbage
>Patch dolls, including how to clean them up:
>www.enteract.com/~dancarol/index.htmleck
>
Has anyone een able to get into the above site? I get rcn chicago every
time i TRY.
Ref airline travel--they took my snub nose paper scissors I was going to
cut threads with, and left me a pair of clippers with nail file. Oh, and
they left me my needles. But my replacement knees set off the alarms and
they searched me thoroughly.
Jean
******************
Jean from Virginia
******************
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 28 May 2002 17:57:51 -0400
From: SoLoveQlt
Subject: Sewing Souls Book????
Could someone please tell me if the book "Sewing Souls" has been put on the
back burner or has it just been dropped? I hope it will be a go ...sounded
like such a great idea.
TIA
Anna
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 28 May 2002 18:00:05 -0400
From: Mary K
Subject: RE: cabbage patch dolls/airline travel and sewing needles
LOL
My mother has the same problem with her replacement knee. But I guess that
they are used to that by now.
Mary in Fort Myers
But my replacement knees set off the alarms and
they searched me thoroughly.
Jean
******************
Jean from Virginia
******************
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 28 May 2002 18:02:15 -0400
From: Shstringfellow
Subject: Re: Bernina's fabric feed
I don't remember what model you have, but I have never had a problem with the
fabric feeding evenly (I have a 125). What fabric are you sewing? Have you
had it checked by a dealer?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 28 May 2002 19:05:05 -0400
From: NLW
Subject: RE: cabbage patch dolls/airline travel and sewing needles
I tried to go to this site, and it didn't work. I then took off the
/index.htmleck and I got into the site. You can then go to other places
such as washing them.
Nancy
>Patch dolls, including how to clean them up:
>www.enteract.com/~dancarol/index.htmleck
>
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 28 May 2002 20:03:14 -0400
From: "Trish in AZ"
Subject: Re: cabbage patch dolls/airline travel and sewing needles
Hi, Click on the site http://www.enteract.com/~dancarol this took me right to it.
Trish in AZ
- ----- Original Message -----
From: "BFC"
To: "BFC"
Sent: Tuesday, May 28, 2002 1:50 PM
Subject: RE: cabbage patch dolls/airline travel and sewing needles
>
> >Check out this site for lots of information about Cabbage
> >Patch dolls, including how to clean them up:
> >www.enteract.com/~dancarol/index.htmleck
> >
>
> Has anyone een able to get into the above site? I get rcn chicago every
> time i TRY.
>
> Ref airline travel--they took my snub nose paper scissors I was going to
> cut threads with, and left me a pair of clippers with nail file. Oh, and
> they left me my needles. But my replacement knees set off the alarms and
> they searched me thoroughly.
>
> Jean
> ******************
> Jean from Virginia
> ******************
>
>
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 28 May 2002 20:25:16 -0400
From: Kwiltsit
Subject: Re: Bernina's fabric feed
In a message dated 05/28/2002 6:40:21 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
bernina@pcnet1.pcnet.com writes:
>>I don't remember what model you have, but I have never had a problem with
the fabric feeding evenly (I have a 125). What fabric are you sewing? Have you
had it checked by a dealer? >>
Yes, I had it checked and he agreed there was a problem with it. He has
ordered a new 145 for me so I'm very happy your 125 does NOT do this !! Maybe
my next one will be fine. Thank you very much for answering.
Mary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 28 May 2002 20:27:34 -0400
From: Kwiltsit
Subject: Re: Bernina's fabric feed
In a message dated 05/28/2002 3:15:36 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
bernina@pcnet1.pcnet.com writes:
>> The last time I brought my 150 in
for its annual cleaning, I was pleasantly suprised to find that I can stitch
a long seam and have no creeping! Now, I can use all of the feet that came
with my machine without a problem. I never realized that this was just an
adjustment, I thought it was just the way I sewed. I can certainly
sympathize with your predicament. >>
Carol, I'm so glad you took it in when you did! You absolutely should not
have to strap a walking foot on for normal sewing. I've received many emails
and some say there IS an adjustment for this and others say there is not. I
believe some of the dealers may not be as knowlegeable as they could/should
be w/ regard to this pressure foot adjustment problem on some of the
machines. I'm glad yours now is performing as it should! Thanks for you
help. I do appreciate it .
Mary
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 29 May 2002 01:37:48 -0400
From: Jean Hu
Subject: RE: cabbage patch dolls/airline travel and sewing needles
Thanks Nancy, I got in that way.
Jean
>
>>Patch dolls, including how to clean them up:
>>www.enteract.com/~dancarol/index.htmleck
>
******************
Jean from Virginia
******************
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 29 May 2002 01:41:10 -0400
From: "Barbara Lee G
Subject: Re: Bernina's fabric feed
Hi all....
I have been reading this list because I am considering buying a new
Bernina .... now this is a major step because I am a vintage machine
user/collector.... and the idea that I can never touch the tension on
the Bernina or that the pressure on the presser foot cannot be adjusted
is absolutely unacceptable to me. I can dismantle, fix and put back
together most machines that have come in and out my doors (and I can't
tell you how many that is) Is this brand of machine so exotic that the
user cannot make normal adjustments? Perhaps it is. I took a class
from Hollis Chatelain several years ago and she talked of buying her
Bernina to take to Africa only on the condition that they would let her
go through a training session in New York to disassemble and repair
anything that happened to it. Bernina didn't want to. But she wouldn't
buy unless they did, and I guess they probably realized this was a world
class quilter personage to be reckoned with. I notice that she is now
in one of their national advertisements.
Or perhaps the Bernina dealer is so insulated that the average user must
run to them for every little thing.... Hmmmm.
BJ (Barbara) in almost Deep East Texas
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 29 May 2002 01:43:45 -0400
From: "Liz P
Subject: Men's Clothes
Dorothy,
David Coffin, who is an Editor at THREADS magazine, has written THE
DEFINATIVE BOOK on making men's shirts. You can see it on-line at Taunton
Press: http://www.taunton.com/store/pages/070156.asp
As for patterns, I have made men's clothes from BURDA patterns and been very
pleased with the cut and the fit, and the style: not traditional North
American.
There are also some smaller companies producing patterns, try looking in the
small ads in the back pages of Threads Magazine for them. Also try places
that sell "Historic Costume" patterns, you may find what you want there.
As for fabric, http://www.srfabrics.com/info.htm seems to have a good
selection of fine fabrics that would work, Silk Noil makes handsome
trousers. Classier than Denims or Khakis but not as formal as Cool Wool,
plus not the creasing problems that you get with Linen.
Hope this helps,
Liz and her 730
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Date: 29 May 2002 16:20:15 -0400
From: "Spanky"
Subject: Re: Bernina's fabric feed
Good, I hope your new 145 will be perfect.
I have always found Bernina's the most for your money machine and hope this
will be true for you. I do not believe you should have to use a walking foot
for basic sewing. Ask your dealer(sounds like a really good one) to check
all settings with gauges before you take it home.
Good sewing, Spanky
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 29 May 2002 16:26:55 -0400
From: "Pat H
Subject: Re: cabbage patch dolls/airline travel and sewing needles
That is so funny. I can relate as I have two shoulder prosthesis and this
happens with me when I travel....
Pat H
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