There has been some happiness around here lately :-). First I finally managed to get, after years of faithful eBay watching, a Bernina 930. My first Bernina! Not only is it working okay (after some cleaning and oiling of the parts I understand), but it has turned out to be the kind that has the precious and elusive needle-down feature! Of course I can take it in for servicing, but if anybody can tell me how to clean/oil the area you see when you take the top off, do please email me. The handwheel is too hard to turn and I would like to see if cleaning that area helps at all. I don't want to fiddle too much for fear of harming that precious needle-down feature. But the handwheel is far too tight:
Next happy thing happened yesterday as I browsed through the latest Quilt Sampler. Oh! Ye Olde Schoolhouse is featured. They have bought my patterns!
I peered at the pictures hoping to catch a glimpse of one of my patterns. And here it is! Homestead Toile along with a shop sample they made up:
See how I cleverly have directed your eye to my little pattern lol?
15 comments:
Karen, I am concerned about your comment about the needle down feature of your new 930. The only way the machine has a needle down is if you press the foot pedal with your heel to drop that needle. It shouldn't be stopping with the needle down otherwise. I would suggest you take it to a Bernina dealer before you use it. It's a wonderful machine! Maybe the timing is off.
When I oil my 930, I take the top off and on the far right there is a little black lever with a hook on it. I hold that up to disengage it so I can run the machine to see what's moving to see what needs to be oiled. But if the hand wheel is too hard to turn I'm afraid there might be something too wrong for you to use my advice. Please seek a professional! ;c) I tried to "fix" my foot pedal one time... I ended up buying a new one (and it wasn't cheap!). ~Cherie
congrats on the 930 .... I have found this yahoo group very helpful
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BerninaThirtySomethings/
Woo-Hoo! Congrats on the new-to-you machine and the patterns!!
I would really recommend taking the machine in and having it serviced. That is the most reliable way to get things moving smoothly.
Hi, Cherie! You are on "no reply" so I cannot reply directly. That is correct, I make the needle go down when I tap the pedal with my heel. Yes, I am just a bit concerned about the heaviness of the handwheel but we have a very good Bernina person in Marietta (GA) so I will get it to him eventually. It's just tough to find the opportunity when the shop is open.
Oh, good! (about the needle down thing).
I changed the email thing...
Glad you have a Bernina dealer close. I think a good cleaning will probably do wonders. My 930 recently completely froze up (kept thinking I would finish just one more thing and give it a good cleaning/oiling)... Lesson learned. It still doesn't seem completely happy, but it's getting cleaned and oiled much more often!
Taking it to a dealer first is a good idea. That said, many years ago, I worked for Pfaff and what they told us was to oil each area that came in contact with a moving part but not if it was an electronic model - I'm not familiar with this particular Bernina. The idea is reduce friction and wear. If it doesn't move, it doesn't have to be oiled. It's kind of hard to explain because you have to turn the hand wheel and look at what moves. And there are often some holes that get oil dropped into them. You may be able to find a manual on-line and that would have the diagram. (If it's not available on-line, I'd order one from the dealer.) If this is a mechanical and not an electronic model, there's no reason you can't clean and oil it yourself and have it good as new. Also, and I'm sure you already know this, clean the area around and under the feed dogs really well and really often. I froze a machine once because I forgot. BAD me! For trouble with the hand wheel, also check the belt. Disclaimer - I am NOT a professional!
The 930 is a great machine, and I am sure that you will love it.
Micki
congrats on the new machine - may you be happy together for a long time :)
Happy, happy sewing on your new machine.
Isn't it exciting about Ye Olde Schoolhouse? That is one of the few things I miss about Wisconsin. The ladies there are so very wonderful and they have several of your patterns made up and on display. Jeannie sent me an autographed copy of the magazine. LOL I am also part of Aunt Grace's BOM they are offering, just so I still feel connected.
Hey - I am going to explore a few quilt stores this week. Where should I go? Which one are you active in? Tiny Stitches? I need to sign up for a couple of classes just to get out and meet people.
How exciting to spot your pattern made up in the magazine!!! You clever woman!
What great info for your Bernina. I use my heel for the needle down all the time. It is a wonderful feature. Plus the knee lift. Did you get the lift lever?
How cool to have your quilt featured so prominently!
I use needle down all the time (that is when I actually sew...)
I can offer no help on the subject of Bernina except congrats on the new addition *s*
But better still CONGRATS for being published in a major magazine! Yeah for you . . . . and me, too. Feels like a near brush with fame.
I share your joy in finding your Bernina. I bid for a similar one 2 years ago on Ebay, and it has been a delight every day since it arrived. Better than therapy. I wish you many wonderful days sewing with it. You do beautiful work.
This is THE BEST Bernina! I bought it new in 1986 and then sold it when I upgraded. One of the worst mistakes I have ever made...regretted it immediately! I was finally able to purchase another one about 3 years ago from my Bernina salesman.
Yep, it is THE BEST!
Congratulations on your purchase, you won't regret it at all!
Hugs,
Elaine in SLO, Ca
Have you gotten the machine checked out yet? And is it working beautifully? I hope you're having fun with it.
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