VERY user friendly machine
#21
Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 46
I agree.. a lot of skills transfer from one machine to another, and if your machine isn't working for you after you've taken a class to learn how to use it, there's really nothing wrong with trying another. Understanding how top thread and bobbin tension work together as well as understanding how a variety of stitches work for a variety of sewing tasks is really the basis of basic sewing skills, and it shouldn't be a frustrating process.
#23
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,255
How about trading in your Bernina and getting a Viking? Seems like you bonded well with it. A sewing machine is like a car - you have to drive it to know if you like it. And what works for one just doesn't work for another.
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: South East Michigan...at the bottom of the thumb!
Posts: 730
I have the viking diamond. It is easy to use...but I leave it for 1/2 of the year. So the learning begins anew each spring!! The people at the store where I bought it are so helpful. If I get stuck on something they walk me through it on the phone. The actual machine is easy...the software for embroidery is what I have trouble with . I do love this machine!!
#25
Super Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Central Wisconsin
Posts: 4,391
I don't understand having to go to a class to learn how to use a sewing machine. After you have threaded one, there seems to be little difference in any other machine. At least not the ones I have tried. The different bobbin positions might cause a little angst, but you could learn that quickly from the person who gives you possession of the machine. (Or a friend.)
Having said that, I find that the Bernina manual is the thing that is less than user friendly. I usually am able to pick up things by reading, but in that manual, what I want is hard to find. I have my index all marked up so I can find things that are not listed separately in the index.
I still love my Bernina 440, and have been taking it to classes. I'm still able to lift and carry it....yet.
TODAY I'm on my way to pick up my 1951 anniversary Featherweight! ! ! ! !
Having said that, I find that the Bernina manual is the thing that is less than user friendly. I usually am able to pick up things by reading, but in that manual, what I want is hard to find. I have my index all marked up so I can find things that are not listed separately in the index.
I still love my Bernina 440, and have been taking it to classes. I'm still able to lift and carry it....yet.
TODAY I'm on my way to pick up my 1951 anniversary Featherweight! ! ! ! !
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: southern NJ
Posts: 567
i have two Vikings, an older 350 and a tribute 140c (which is a red sapphire...). before i bought the 140c, i was pursuing a bernina like crazy. had one on layaway...that dream went south due to the dealer. but i had taken a class at the dealers and while i really like the bernina 440....once i realized i was not getting the layaway, i bought the Viking. to me, the Viking is very easy and intuitive to use. i do think that different machines work for different people.
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 374
My machine is a Bernia 1630 - oldish one. I bought it used but the quilter who owned it was meticulous and kept everything that came with the new machine - including the manual. The dealers in my area looked at me with disbelief on their faces when I asked for help. They said they knew nothing about it and washed their hands of me.
So, I dug out the manual and worked through it page by page, keeping my samples in the book. It is my manual so I taped the important ones to the applicable pages along with any of my written comments. I am beginning to like my 1630. And I am beginning to like what it sews for me.
Good luck. I hope you end up liking yours too.
Pat
So, I dug out the manual and worked through it page by page, keeping my samples in the book. It is my manual so I taped the important ones to the applicable pages along with any of my written comments. I am beginning to like my 1630. And I am beginning to like what it sews for me.
Good luck. I hope you end up liking yours too.
Pat
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11-08-2011 12:23 PM