Bernina Fan Club Archives
2002
Wednesday, May 29
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Date: 29 May 2002 18:37:00 -0400
From: "Nancy
Subject: Re: Bernina's fabric feed
Barbara
On the 180E, the present TOL, you can adjust the pressure on the presser
foot on the left side of the head of the machine. There is a large knob
clearly marked. While the tension is automatic, you can override it at any
time, accessing the tension screen to make adjustments by buttons clearly
marked "T" on the outside of the machine. I can't speak for the other
models. One of the joys of a Bernina for me (35 years ownership of
Berninas) is that you so seldom have to worry about the tension or pressure
on the presser foot. Although I did use the presser foot pressure thingie
just the other day when I found I needed less pressure on a particular
fabric to prevent sliding and pushing of the fabric. It worked very well,
and my only problem was to remember to return it to normal. Personally, I
would not want to tinker with the insides, and I suspect most don't, but
there are always the brave amongst us, and of course reasons vary for
everybody's situation. I always feel your dealer is your best asset. All
of my Bernina dealers, from Hawaii, Virginia, California and now Texas have
all been super, and I have never had to deal with an inadequate dealer;
however, obviously they do exist.
I do understand that there is a new model about to be released. You might
want to wait and take a look at this machine also. I love my 180E, it is
just a superb machine and I have had it for over 4 and 1/2 years, with
nothing other than updates and upgrades and the usual maintenance.
I quilt, garment sew, free machine, applique and of course machine
embroider. I feel I give my machine a workout, and it has never let me
down.
Nancy
Alvord, TX
- ----- Original Message -----
From: "BFC"
To: "BFC"
Sent: Tuesday, May 28, 2002 9:12 PM
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
>
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Date: 29 May 2002 18:39:29 -0400
From: Kwiltsit
Subject: Re: Bernina's fabric feed
Barbara, please don't let my experience w/ this ONE machine dissuade you from
buying one. I just happened to get that occasional lemon and you should know
my dealer took one brief look and before he even diagnosed the problem, he
told me he would not be "letting me have it back". He also told me that
there should be NO creeping and if there was any creeping, it should be only
a thread's width! Now according to the replies I have had on this list and
privately, there IS an adjustment that can be made to these machines to
eliminate the fabric creep problem if there is one. The new models starting
with the 153 and on up DO have adjustable presser foot pressure so if you're
sure you want that, you do have a choice. I've heard from some owners who
have it but never need to use it and many others who don't have it and
experience no creeping. I have heard from some, like me, who have the creeps,
and dealer fixed it. A few others say dealers told them it could not be
fixed. So the solution to the problem seems to lie with the dealer as some
know how to resolve it and some don't. Once this is fixed for me, I will have
NO complaints about bernina's quality and I too have used/owned many
different types/brands of machines. This one is close to perfection and I
love everything about it. You can probably get your dealer to show you where
it is and how to tweak it. Where are you in Texas? I'm near Ft. Worth.
Mary
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Date: 29 May 2002 18:41:59 -0400
From: "Maria"
Subject: Re: Bernina's fabric feed
> 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.
BJ,
It is simply untrue about the tension and I find it strange that a dealer
would say such a thing. In fact, the reason I bought my first Bernina - a
930 - is because I wanted to have no tension worries. I also had 4 small
children at the time, and one thing that was clearly demonstrated to me was
that they could move anything on the machine without harming it at all and
that everything, including the tension dial, is easily reset.
I just became the owner of an additional Bernina 163 and the same holds
true. The tension dial is easily changed and reset.
I have never needed to adjust the presser foot because my two machines
handle everything perfectly.
Maria S
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Date: 29 May 2002 18:44:52 -0400
From: EFI
Subject: Re: Bernina's fabric feed
Well BJ, You know... you 'know'! how I feel about my old Singer sewing
machines! And this spring I got a Bernina 180E. I did buy it
used so I did not have dealer issues, but I have played, tweaked and
messed with every button on that machine! Including the pressure, and
tension. Although the auto tension truely is pretty darn good! I
do not know what era Bernina you are interested in, but I want to know!
welcome to the list friend! Christina
BFC wrote:
>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
>
>
>
>
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Date: 29 May 2002 18:47:48 -0400
From: "Jacynda E
Subject: bernina machines
You can adjust the tension.......usually never need to however. You can
adjust the pressure as well. If you have had every other machine in the
book except a bernina, it is time to buy a bernina because you won't go
back to all your other machines ones you've gotten used to using one.
Jacynda Earl in North Florida
- -----Original Message-----
From: BFC [mailto:bernina@pcnet1.pcnet.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 28, 2002 10:13 PM
To: BFC
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
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Date: 29 May 2002 18:50:29 -0400
From: "Diane P
Subject: Flannel quilt
I just received 8 flannel fat quarters, bright and cheerful and soft and
thick (from quilt store), to make into a little flannel quilt for
grandchild.
I have never sewn flannel before. I expect to buy flannel for the backing.
Should I use a flannel binding, but would it be too thick?
Any suggestions?
Prewash?
Could I piece with a 4 thread serger?
I'd like to make up this little quilt this weekend, if only I knew what I
was doing!
Thanks so much!
Diane in PA!
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Date: 29 May 2002 18:53:55 -0400
From: Lori P
Subject: Rolled Hems
Hi everyone,
I would like to hem some veils (I'm a bellydancer) and have never used my
rolled hem (or shell edger) foot.
Could someone tell me step by step how to do this? Everytime I try out of
my book (I have an 830 Record) something gets screwed up.
Any help appreciated!
Lori P
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Date: 29 May 2002 18:57:28 -0400
From: "Spanky"
Subject: Re: Bernina's fabric feed
Barbara, I don't know where you got the notion that you can't change tension
etc. on the Bernina. In fact there are many classes taught by Bernina
teachers showing what you can do by changing the tension. I go waaay back
with Bernina machines and no one has ever told me not to change top or
bottom tension. I would go for a demo if I were you and let them show you
the way to change tension on the different machines.
I do a lot of bobbin work and stitch manipulation so am always making
changes. Please check this out, I think you have been misinformed.
Spanky
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Date: 29 May 2002 19:00:07 -0400
From: Roberta J
Subject: Embroidered Appliques
I would like to embroider some designs that a friend wants to "fuse" onto
jeans. Is there a way to embroider this directly onto a fusible stabilizer
(tear away would work better) so person could take as is and directly iron
onto jeans?. I was thinking of doing with solvy and a fusible stabilizer,
but then realized I'd need to remove Solvy in cold water and "press", which
would NOT work with the fusible stabilizer on it unless it was pressed
directly onto pants next! Person does not sew and doesn't feel confident
in being able to trim wonder under or similar type of fusible close to the
embroidery and then iron onto pants! (Or to embroider onto solvey with
organza type material than could be "burned" close to embroidered edges).
Any advice is appreciated!
Roberta J
San Diego, CA
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Date: 29 May 2002 19:04:05 -0400
From: "Karen S
Subject: Re: Bernina's fabric feed
"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. Is this brand of machine so exotic that
the user cannot make normal adjustments?"
I think we need to clarify the tension issue here. The original question
was about the tension on the presser foot and also why her top fabric
creeped forward during sewing.
I have had an 830 for 25 years and never had this problem. I only use my
walking foot for quilting where there are layers of fabric, batting, etc. I
have had a 153QE for a year and works great, too. The 153QE does have a
lever to adjust the presser foot tension although I have not had to change
it yet. Both Berninas are quite capable of any kind of tension adjustment
on top or in the bobbin and I have done both when using various threads.
Hope this helps to clarify the issue of tension.
Karen from Utah
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 30 May 2002 00:58:54 -0400
From: EFI
Subject: Re: bernina machines
Sure you will! I did not get rid of my old singers just because I
got a Bernina! I do really really like the bernina, but my singers have
features they do not have so I still use them all the time.
Christina
BFC wrote:
>You can adjust the tension.......usually never need to however. You can
>adjust the pressure as well. If you have had every other machine in the
>book except a bernina, it is time to buy a bernina because you won't go
>back to all your other machines ones you've gotten used to using one.
>Jacynda Earl in North Florida
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: BFC [mailto:bernina@pcnet1.pcnet.com]
>Sent: Tuesday, May 28, 2002 10:13 PM
>To: BFC
>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: 30 May 2002 01:01:51 -0400
From: EFI
Subject: Re: Rolled Hems
Lori,
Hi! How are you??? remember me?? anyway.... it is
going to be easier if you practice on light weight cotton or poly cotton
blend. then go slow. That really is the trick! I find needle
down to be helpful, and taking the time to go slowly and keep it feeding
smoothly. The book fine machine sewing by Carol Ahles has
pictures of this that are the most helpful. You should be able to get it
from the library. Or Threads ran an article by her also with pictures!
HTH Christina
BFC wrote:
>Hi everyone,
>
>I would like to hem some veils (I'm a bellydancer) and have never used my
>rolled hem (or shell edger) foot.
>
>Could someone tell me step by step how to do this? Everytime I try out of
>my book (I have an 830 Record) something gets screwed up.
>
>Any help appreciated!
>
>Lori Peters
>
>
>
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 30 May 2002 01:08:38 -0400
From: m.hodge
Subject: Thanks for CPK advice
Dear Kelly,
Thanks for the advice about washing Cabbage Patch dolls. And for
searching for patterns on Ebay.
I just won an auction for a group of 5 Cabbage Patch patterns, so I hope
to start sewing as soon as they arrive in the mail. It's a good variety,
so they ought to keep me busy for a while. Though I'm still sorry that I
was outbid in a different auction for some patterns for fairy-tale
outfits (#5115). Oh, well, maybe that pattern will turn up again. I
think it would be fun to dress my girl kid as Snow White or Little Red
Riding Hood. (I think costumes are always more fun than regular
clothes.)
About 25 years ago I made a pair of hobbit dolls, adapting a regular
cloth doll pattern. I used a curly fake fur to make their hair and the
tops of their feet. I remember that the boy had a little waistcoat and
that the girl had a laced bodice over a peasanty blouse and skirt. But I
haven't really done anything with dolls since then. (I don't have them
any more because I auctioned them at the Mythcon art show that year.)
(Hmmmm. Maybe while I'm waiting for the patterns to arrive I should make
my new dolls their own quilts. )
- --Mary H , who is still mainly a quilter...
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