It grieves me to say that Husky Henrietta and I have parted ways with no chance of reconciliation. She has been returned to her original home and I'm hoping that her next relationship will be happier than ours was.
I tried and I tried to fall in love with Henrietta but came to realize that even with all the bells and whistles, she and I kept on having issues that I could not get used to nor did I feel that I should have to with this caliber of machine.
I have always been a Bernina gal but never realized how wonderful a machine they are until I actually tried to sew with something else. I was not prepared to compromise features that I took for granted with my fifteen year old machine and settle for something that would not only slow down my sewing but add "unnecessary" steps to perform what I deemed as simple, ordinary tasks on my Bernina.
Please don't think that I am dissing Husqvarna machines because that is not my intention. I think that if one learned to sew on a Husqvarna...or any machine for that matter...then that would be their groundwork for a perfect marriage. I learned to sew on a Bernina and have since learned to appreciate that their product is exceptional. The shop where I purchased Henrietta gave me a full refund because they knew that I was not satisfied with it and witnessed the issues I was having with the machine first hand when I went for follow up classes at their shop.
And now for the good news. On Wednesday when I went for my bone scan (no results as yet), we had three hours to kill from the time they gave me the dye injection until the actual scan time so Mr. Painted Quilt asked me if I would like to go to the Bernina dealer to check out their machines.
Did you for one minute think I would say no? *wink*
This baby...a Bernina 550QE...will be coming home with me in two weeks or less.
The shop where we purchased it has to order one in and I was told that it would take that long because it has to be shipped from the Bernina warehouse. I would wait even longer if I had to because this is really my dream machine and I'm thrilled to bits.
I'll still use my Bernina 1080QE for my grunt-work sewing and to lug to and from guild meetings and sewing get togethers because there's not a thing wrong with it. It has never been serviced and works as well today as the day I bought it back in 1997.
Hopefully this will be my one-and-only-ever divorce because it was not a pleasant experience.
Happy Stitching!
good for you, letting go is sometimes a healing process! great you have a good dealership to work with. hope you enjoy the new relationship for years to come!
ReplyDeleteI am a Bernina girl too, as my mother is and her mother was. My parents brought me a 440 for a significant birthday and I love love love it. But be prepared - mine tells you when it needs oiling and servicing! Actually sometimes I would like it to remind me to change the needle too, as I am sometimes so focused on my sewing I forget how many hours I have racked up. Enjoy your new machine.
ReplyDeleteGlad you were able to get what you wanted and not settle....
ReplyDeleteNice they gave you a complete refund too!
That Bernina is a beauty!! I have never really had many problems with my Viking but my daughter has had many. We have a dream to purchase Bernina's someday!! Have a great weekend, hoping for the best test results for you!!
ReplyDeleteI have two betnina. The 640 and the new 780. No regrets here Kaaren, you will love it
ReplyDeleteThat is so funny! I have both a Bernina 153QE and a Viking 500, basically the Lily before they gave them flower names. I feel the same way about my Viking as you do about the Bernina. There are little things the Viking does for me that the Bernina drives me crazy because it doesn't do, and I can never get a nice 1/4" on the 'nina. I learned to sew on a Featherweight, and I've used Kenmore (25 years) and Pfaff and other machines for long periods of time, but the only one that I ever owned that would make me cry if it broke is the Viking. =) However, I know many, many people who feel as you do about the Bernina. I don't have a newer machine, don't want to trade up, and maybe that makes a difference, too.
ReplyDeleteI can so relate. I started on a Bernina and purchased a Viking when my LQS became a Viking dealer. We just never were able to bond, so I purchased a Bernina 440QE a few years back and have never been happier. The Viking was a great machine I just think it's personal preference.
ReplyDeleteI am a 'Bernina' person also...in fact I still have my first, a 930 and my present one , a 1090 QE. I don't think I'll ever switch to another brand. After all these years of using my 1090 QE I am looking at the one you just purchased. I would like to get it for machine quilting ...mainly because of the stitch regulator feature. I shall be watching your blogs to see what you think of it. I hope you post frequently about it.
ReplyDeleteYOU scared me! THANK you for clearing that up, Bless you
ReplyDeleteGoes to show....when you know a good thing, stick with it. My mum used to sell and demonstrate Berninas back in the 70's. She still has and uses her original Bernina which is just 3 years younger than me! That too has never had a service....just a dab of oil here and there on the red spots.
ReplyDeleteCath @ Bits 'n Bobs
Glad you came back into the light :)
ReplyDeleteI got a Bernina as a High School Graduation gift 40 years ago!! I gave it to my daughter so that I would have an excuse to get a new Bernina. . .still worked like a dream. And I love the new Bernina as well. Good girl!
Bernina users unite. I have a 180 with embroidery, a 200 with embroidery and a activa 220. I wouldn't trade any of them. They are my life blood. What did the 550 cost?? If I'm being too nosy I understand...
ReplyDeleteI'm a Bernina person too. I don't even want a new one (not that I could afford it) because mine does everything I want it too. Glad you got the testing out of the way. I just know the results will be good and you will be able to relax and enjoy your new toy!
ReplyDeleteCheery wave from
Bev
Well, that was funny! For a minute, I thought I had missed a blog post and wondered when you had introduced a Husky to Frankie and Ollie. Isn't it funny how the machine you start with, if it's a good one becomes the standard. Clearing out my Mom's this past week, I came across the invoice for her second machine, a 70s Singer. What made me smile was the note that her old one was to be serviced as it was being passed along to me. She was never happy with her new one and I could not have been more pleased to inherit the 1958 model. Hope you new model brings you lots of joy.
ReplyDeleteI sew on a Bernina 1080. Have had it since 1991. I would not give it up either. Love my Bernina
ReplyDeleteI'm a Bernian babe. I started with a 153QE in 2001 and then got a 440QE with a stitch regulator in 2011. I keep the 153 for a "spare" and for the grand kids to sew on when they come to visit. I would never buy another brand. Glad you are now a happy sewer.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh you scared me!!!!!! LOL!!!!! I'm glad it's just a parting of ways with your machine!!!!! hahaha. Whew! I'm a Janome girl....I used to love my Pfaff. I have never tried a Bernina or a "Husky" though. A great dealership for letting you return it and I'm happy you're getting your dream machine!!! :-)
ReplyDeleteI totally agree aboutmNernina machines being top notch. Enjoy your new baby when you get it.
ReplyDeleteI just came home from a Ricky Tims and Alex Anderson seminar and we had a Bernina dealer there the whole weekend. Just from what I saw being demonstrated by Ricky on the Bernina.....I have to say I was "impressed". So happy for you.
ReplyDeleteI have a Bernina 1080 and love it!!! Always think if I ever get another I will definitely keep my 1080! It has taught all 3 of my girls to sew and the 2 that have machines have Bernina.
ReplyDeleteI think the new relationship will be a good one :-) Sorry you had to go through the heartbreak and break up but you will love the new girl all the more! I've sewn on my favorite 1090 for about 20 years and can't part with her ( I bought a back up 1090 on Ebay!) I have been tempted by the 550 especially for that lovely blanket stitch but am holding off as I think what I have is actually good enough...sigh...it is awfully tempting though! You are in for some new love here. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting to be getting the new Bernina! Praying for good results with your tests, Kaaren.
ReplyDeleteWhew! I've been away from blog land for a while and I just signed back in and this was the first title that appeared! I just about had a fit! WHAT! So glad I kept reading and it was just a machine divorce! Although those are hard too. I had to walk away from one today too, it just had too many glitches to make me happy. I am so glad you are getting your dream machine, you deserve to have a machine that thrills you! Hope all is well
ReplyDeleteI had to read your post twice because I was not really digesting it...lol. I feel as you do about both my Berninas..
ReplyDeleteMy husband gifted me with my first one a 930 back in1985.
That machine has been a workhorse believe me and in 2001 I purchased a Quilter's edition 153 which I love as well. Also purchased one for each of my daughters. They treasure them..you will love your new one I am sure..continued prayers and good thoughts for good test results.
I love the way my Berninas guide the fabric through for a beautiful 1/4" seam. Glad you got a full refund on the other machine. I tried one of those when I was first looking and the buttons made this "popping" sound that I knew would drive me crazy! Praying for your tests to come back with great results!
ReplyDeleteYou had me going there for a minute--glad you traded in the machine and not Mr PQ!
ReplyDeleteMy Grandmother would have said "stick with what works" and your Bernina sounds like it has been faithful for many years.
Keeping positive thoughts for your medical
Sounds like the Husky dealer is an excellent retailer, so glad this worked out for you. Enjoy your new machine.
ReplyDeleteI have 2 Pfaff's and feel the same way about them-they work, I know them; if something ever happened to them both (gasp) I have thought I would try a Bernina. Sorry about that divorce-- you've rebounded nicely though it would appear! Shocking! (wink-wink)-- may the honeymoon never end!
ReplyDeleteOk I'm done now!
I was helping my friend sew a few blocks for an upcoming deadline using her Pfaff. I so missed my Bernina 1130. I also have a 930 to fall back on and a 440. Oh my gosh am I grateful to my sister who made me realize that this is the machine to go with. Enjoy your 550.
ReplyDeleteThank goodness it all worked out...I'm sure you will be more than happy with your new machine. Here's to a lasting relationship!
ReplyDeleteI have a Bernina 153, which replaced my 30 year old 830. I never even looked at another machine since I was so happy with the original so I understand perfectly where you are coming from.
ReplyDeleteAdrienne
I am a pfaff girl myself and also tried to find some comfort with a Husquavarna a few years back but Itoo had to go back to what I was comfortable with ..I totally understand as I worked at a shop that sold Husq.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit, my machine is a Husqvarna, but without the bells and whistles. I have had it for many years. If I couldn't have a Husqvarna, I would prefer Bernina, but if having to choose out of the too, THAT would be hard to do!! Good luck with the new one, and the test results :) Best wishes, and happy crafting, Jenny x
ReplyDeleteI really advise you to get your old machine serviced. It is amazing how much longer it will last. I have three so if one is in the shop getting a new filter, tires switched, air conditioner checked...oops wrong machine. Still it is a good idea to get our machines checked and clean every so often.
ReplyDeleteMr. PQ is sure good to you! It's good that the dealer worked with you and gave you the refund.
ReplyDeleteYou're in my thoughts and prayers!
I learned to sew on a Singer that I bought when I graduated from High School. Almost from day one, that machine gave me nothing but problems. I was young and did not know enough about machines to return it. So I struggled with it for years until a friend gave me a Kenmore she was getting rid of. It was my work horse until the Christmas my SWEET hubby gave me my Bernina!! And since then I have been IN LOVE! I would buy another one in a heartbeat. Among my sewing buddies, I am the only one who sews on a Bernina. But nothing sews like a Bernina.......nothing !
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your Bernina purchase!
ReplyDeleteHi Kaaren,
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about your woes with you machine, I got my first electric not electronic husky in the mid eighties and loved it until I broke a needle in some extra dense fake fur and when I unjammed it my straight stitch had a drunkards oath to it?
I've since bought two others and love them, but before buying the second one I bought a Pffaff. My idea was as I was having issues with my hands and I had several friends who loved their built in walking foot I would get one and learn how to machine quilt.
I've hardly used it, I find it backwards for threading and have to get my manual out each time. I'm going to sell it as my dealer went out of business. But I love my two huskys and understand your loyalty to your Bernie.
Many years if enjoyment with your new machine because we know you will have good news, kudos to Mr. PG!
how lucky are you !!!! I think once your a Bernina owner you always will be! That was so nice they gave you a complete refund. So start planning what will your first project be using her!
ReplyDeleteKathie
Mum had a Singer (we are in England). My first was a hand crank. Then I bought a Frister Rossman, that was a lovely machine. Then I got a Bernina 1080. It was a superb stitch. The cupboard fell on it while we were on holiday. If I had been sewing I would have died!!!! Then I had a Pfaff which is good, but last year my DH said I could treat myself to a Janome for the large space to get the quilt through. It's lovely. I still use my feather weight to class for simple things, and the Pfaff too as they are light, and the Janome weighs a ton. Hope you enjoy your new baby. Bev in sunny Britain.
ReplyDeleteMr. PQ is so fabulous with you! He's certainly a keeper. I'm praying for good news on that bone scan too!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Kaaren , lucky you , I am a Bernina gal too, fell in love with them when visiting friends in Seattle and there was no turning back, as the saying goes " Nothing sews like a Bernina ,nothing" . I own the Bernina 440 QE and love it !
ReplyDeleteHi Kaaren.....you're a lucky lady!!
ReplyDeleteYears ago - like in another century I purchased a Husqvarna machine - then known as a "Viking" -- that machine and I did nothing but fight with each other...it was such a frustration and yet, my girlfriend had the same machine and loved it.
One day I went to a Bernina dealer who also had the Viking machine there and I asked him to show me what the Bernina would do that the Viking wouldn't....I was amazed.. and then began saving all my pennied until I could afford my "dream machine" - another friend teased me as I would carry the brochure around in my purse as inspiration to save money.. I have never looked back and have never considered anything other than a Bernina over these past 25 years!
Happy sewing!
Oh my goodness! Congrats on your impending honeymoon with your new Bernina! :-) I'm still machine shopping too...
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like we all understand what you are going through. I bought my Pfaff high end machine in '06, and when the computer dies on it (God forbid!) I will be searching for another. I've owned several types of machines, and alot of Featherweights currently, but my fav to go to machine is my Pfaff. When I bought it, I loved the sound of it running.... makes you wonder doesn't it.
ReplyDeleteGood for you and not just trying to make it work - that would frustrate you every time you sat down to sew. In this case divorce is a good thing lol - you have a great sense of humor. Those 2 weeks will fly by and pretty soon you'll have the start of a beautiful relationship :).
ReplyDeleteHugs - karen
I don't have a Bernina but I totally understand you. I'm glad you got a full refund in order to buy a new Bernina for you.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week.
Hugs,
Teresa
Kaaren I know exactly how you feel. I too have a Bernina 1080QE purchased about the same time frame, never serviced, works like a charm. I have never thought about replacing her. Hope your new Bernina is all you hope for and I will be looking forward to hearing how that goes.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so sad that you divorced your Viking! I love mine so much, and would not give it up for anything! Hope you find a new love!
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel and I can relate to the divorce. Unlike you I learnt to sew for the first computerized on a Husqvarna and hated it so much I stopped sewing for a long time. But I did not learn with the first machine so I bought another one. Things were no better with the upgrade so I bought a Bernina and I was in heaven...The previous Bernina dealer was a great gal and called all her customers "her" Bernina girls. I am sad to say I was the last of her Bernina girls as she passed away soon after my purchase. So Kaaren, in Jeannne's name welcome Bernina Girl to the Bernina family again♥ I had a feeling you would be back!
ReplyDeleteAwesome!! Congrats! on your new machine. Sounds like you use an awesome sewing machine shop.
ReplyDeleteI cross my fingers and hope, hope, hope that your bone scan went well.
ReplyDeleteMe I'm a die hard Janome girl nowadays :-)
Whew, I'm glad it's just a divorce from HH! Mr. PQ must have sweated that title for sure ;>) How wonderful that the shop gave you a full refund and I'm totally tickled that you're getting your dream Bernina, Kaaren! We were at a quilt show yesterday where we were told Bernina has all metal parts and will last forever - NOT by a Bernina dealer! I hope you fall in love forever with the new love of your life!
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Hi Kaaren. I tried to sew on one of those "huskys" one time and I said never again. I just hated it. I am PFAFF girl all the way, but I do like my Featherweight.
ReplyDeleteHope this love lasts longer than the last!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your new machine when it arrives.
Prim Blessings
Robin
I've had a husquvarna machine in between berninas. I went back. I traded it in and went back. My mom was a bernina gal and I can't kick it. I'm jealous of your new one. Good luck with the scan.
ReplyDeleteSorry to read that your Huski adventure did not turn out well!!! I have one Bernina, the 440 with BSR and find it quite a workable machine, it doesn't get much attention however, as I tend to stick with my old vintage Singers for piecing and Janome 4800 for quilting! We all have a particulr way of working and we get used to certain machines' personalities, so when this harmonious arrangement gets upended, well......you get divorced LOL!!!!!! All the very best with your new Bernina, they really are very good quality machines!!!!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about the break up but sometimes it's for the best. And if it lead to your soon to be blossoming relationship with the new Bernina, than I say "BRAVO!"
ReplyDeleteI had a similar experience; when it's over, it's over! I totally understand the need for a second machine - or is this your third. Don't I remember you also have a Featherweight?!? Take care; good luck!
ReplyDeleteBernina is the best!!
ReplyDeleteOh Kaaren, you make me giggle. I'm truly happy for you and your new partner in life. LOL
ReplyDeleteAs you know, I'm a Bernina girl - down to the bone (hoping you get good news on your scan).
I understand your love and attacment to the Bernina.
Sending you hugs.
You had me worried there for a minute. I am glad you kept MrPQ and didnt trade him away for a new sewing machine. ;) I am happy you found a machine you know you will be happy with. GL!
ReplyDeleteJust discovered your blog and am so happy to have done so. Thanks for the spring quilt patterns and also for the warm and lovely conversations. As I sit here this morning catching up on your blog, I am thinking of you and wishing you well in all your tests and test results. My dear friend's daughter, 11 years old, has been diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma and has begun her journey to recovery with 2 surgeries, and now a year or more of Chemo. Keep busy and holler for help if you need it...seems like there are many of us out here along side you.
ReplyDeleteJust discovered your blog and am so happy to have done so. Thanks for the spring quilt patterns and also for the warm and lovely conversations. As I sit here this morning catching up on your blog, I am thinking of you and wishing you well in all your tests and test results. My dear friend's daughter, 11 years old, has been diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma and has begun her journey to recovery with 2 surgeries, and now a year or more of Chemo. Keep busy and holler for help if you need it...seems like there are many of us out here along side you.
ReplyDeleteI'm relieved to read that it was only a sewing machine getting the boot. I'm also a Bernina lover. I got my 1230 20 years ago when my parents gave me some 'mad money' and said to spend it on something extravagant. This year I did something extravagant again. I was at the AQS Paducah show last month and looked at the Bernina 750QE. My local dealer agreed to match the show price, and my husband agreed that I deserved (not needed) an upgrade. Lucky me and lucky you. May we have many happy years ahead sewing up a storm.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes this spring, Kathie L in Allentown
Congratulations on your 550! I'm a Bernina girl too. I have big hands and love how easy it is to change their feet. Silly really, but it makes a HUGE difference to me. Glad you're back in a happy relationship! :)
ReplyDeleteWow...you were lucky to have such good customer service taking it back and all! Makes sense though if you weren't getting on with the other machine to stick with the company and brand you love...
ReplyDeleteYou had me with this one! I read that part of "Tried to fall in love" and I thought, "why did you marry if you weren't in love to begin with?"
ReplyDeleteEntertaining blog, beautiful work, truly.
I used to be a quilter of about 5 years. A real divorce and change in life has transitioned me to where I now crochet! I'll be following you! Hope to see you around my 'neck' of the woods!