blisterful

I just posted yesterday an issue with the timing on my Bernina. It has gone out twice in 3 weeks. I am grateful to receive so many responses from all of you who have replied and offered suggestions and glad that so many of the Bernina owners love their machines.

I did get my machine back from dealer after 2nd timing issue, and plugged in machine at home and now the sewing light will not come on. This light isn't like the light show in my Bernina manual as this one is like a flourescent u-shaped tube that lights up a larger area. I called dealer who told me to bring back machine Saturday and he'll look at it. The light was working when I took machine in for repair so I guess it will be his word against mine. I feel like a got a lemon Bernina.

I did get a very nice response from a quilter who actually lives about a half hour from me who also has a Bernina, model 185, which is almost the same machine. It was a nice surprise to be able to communicate with someone with a machine like mine. Turns out, her timing has gone out 3 times since May 2010 (I guess I should count my blessings). In fact she took her machine to the same dealer as I for her repairs and has not been very pleased. So, I'm getting a little apprehensive about our dealer here in town.

If I do have to replace the light bulb out of my pocket, I hope it's not a $50 bulb.

I love this site and all your help!!!!! Thank you all!!!!

Prism99

I don't know. Sounds like you may well have a lemon dealer, regardless of whether or not you have a lemon machine.

To be perfectly honest, no sewing machine should have its timing go out twice in a year. There's something wrong -- with the machine, with the way it is being fixed, or both.

Candace

I agree! I don't think it's your machines-it's likely your repair man!

butterflywing

somewhere there should be a bernina REP. do you ever get to shows? or browse the web. this guy is not the only game in town. there is a county or state rep that you can communicate with and considering the cost of machines maybe you should find him. since you now have another sewer to back you up it's no longer his word against yours.

sueisallaboutquilts

I hope you get it worked out. Berninas are fantastic machines.

blisterful

Thank you for your encouragement. I have had many sewing machines over the years and never had problems. This whole experience makes me feel like the ugly sewing duckling and very stupid. I want to be nice and get along with everyone which includes my Bernina dealer.

blisterful

I am so grateful to have found this site and to read such encouragement as yours. I will see what transpires tomorrow when I take my machine in once again. He will probably say the bulb was broken during transporting to shop or back home.
I'm beginning to think the problem lies with dealer and I'm going to have to be strong and speak my mind.

Thanks for your comments.

blisterful

I agree with you. I'll see what happens tomorrow, Saturday.
Bernina's are not cheap by any means. I didn't expect this issues when I forked over the cash. I'm close to just looking on Craigslist for an older model of machine that does straight stitch and zigzag and call it a day.

Thank you for your comments. I appreciate the support.

blisterful

Yes, I thought Bernina's were fantastic also, but when you sit at home with your machine in the shop there is a yearning and missing your sewing machine. It's almost like your security blanket is gone and you feel empty.

blisterful

You have a valid point....thank you. I will check out a rep. This is a small town and the dealer/repairman is up in the years, close to retirement. I don't want to hurt him or his financial well being, just want what is fair.

Thank you and I'll try to find a rep. Good idea.