Sunday, July 17, 2011

Call the Doctor!

I was free motion machine quilting on my Bernina and fighting a losing battle.  Thread breaking and stitch tension, just going nuts.  My friend Hilary said its the tension.  Yes, I agree, lots of tension going on.  My husband Pete suggested getting it serviced at least 3 times in the last couple weeks which is a great idea, but then I'd have to go without, yikes!  So I caved took it in to Moore's and they said it hasn't been serviced since 2008...oops.  I thought it was only a year ago, but time gets away from me.

I should be taking it in at least once a year and maybe even twice.  I bought a service contract so now I can take it in as often as I like and they'll fix everything.  Sounds like a great deal.  The Bernina is a great machine but I have run it ragged, so a little RandR for Berny and he'll be right as rain.

"Pete says why don't you just buy a long arm machine, I know you want to!"...Oh baby... sweet talker!  So now I am in the market for a long arm.  Hopefully next year, I'll be able to make that happen.

Considering the

  • Tin Lizzie18 
  • Nolting or the 
  • HQ Sweet Sixteen.  

Want to stay around the $6,000 mark.

Any suggestions?  What works what doesn't?

Hope you get to sew this weekend.
Love
Aunti Nicole





7 comments:

  1. Call Cranberry Quiltworks/Fresh Picked Fabrics in Yorba Linda. They are dealers and can maybe hook you up with a used machine.

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  2. I have had a Tin Lizzie 18 for about 3 years. I've been very happy with it. There have been some improvements to it (and to other brands) since I bought mine, so I don't have the latest and greatest. I recommend going to a big quilt show where you can see many different brands in one day and compare them. That's what I did and I found that I liked some models better than others. Send me an email if you have any questions. I'll be happy to help.

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  3. I'm 100% with Pete on this one. ;)

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  4. I'd say test drive as many as you can! I was talking to someone the other day who has a tin Lizzie and she said noise wise it really lives up to the tin name.

    Um, and I've has my bernina since about '95 and never had it serviced. Maybe I should look in to that!

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  5. I have a small Bernette as a backup for my Bernina...I hate being without. And yes, go to Gina at Cranberry she sometimes does have used machine available or knows of someone who is selling.

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  6. Yes, yes, yes! I can't wait for you to get a long arm so I can use it! I will come down and be your stunt quilter. See if they will deal on two.

    I have heard that the aaa one is top of the line, and the hq brand is. Good too, but I heard the lizzies are work horses.

    Xx mom

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  7. I have the HQ16. Ive had it about 5 years and Im looking into getting an upgrade for my tracks and software. ( which is due in august.im very excited:))
    Do you make a few quilts a year? or 3 a month?
    I don't work.. I quilt for charity a ton and I still don't know if its really worth it..
    I spent about 10K - table upgrade, thread, bobbins, accessories, backing, it gets spendy.

    all that being said, I really love it at times..I feel great pride in my "making". and I feel really happy with my decision. I went to a longarm convention to try machines and tried renting before I bought. Im glad I did my homework.
    I tried longarming for customers and learned I dont like it. I have about 5 people I quilt for but that really is just friends.

    not sure any of that was helpful... :) good luck

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