Nursie,

Thank your for the explanation. Is there a special way to turn on Mode 2 or is it automatic? I have always used the foot pedal but would like to try this new mode. I must confess, I passed on the demo thinking I would try the machine on my own and then go to the "learning class" at a later. However, I have not gone to this class, as I have had two incidences of stress fractures (several weeks apart) as well as another six weeks in the cast when two bones did not heal. Later, I broke another bone. -- I have learned to sew using my left foot. One cannot stay away from quilting.

Suz

Nursie,

Thank your for the explanation. Is there a special way to turn on Mode 2 or is it automatic? I have always used the foot pedal but would like to try this new mode. I must confess, I passed on the demo thinking I would try the machine on my own and then go to the "learning class" at a later. However, I have not gone to this class, as I have had two incidences of stress fractures (several weeks apart) as well as another six weeks in the cast when two bones did not heal. Later, I broke another bone. -- I have learned to sew using my left foot. One cannot stay away from quilting.

Suz

I would bring the sewing machine back to where to purchased it and have them look at it.

I have purchased two ironing board for $2.97 each at the local Goodwill. When I machine quilt, I surround myself with these two boards. What makes them nice is their height adjustment. I also keep one up along side when piecing as it holds pieces yet to be stitched and occasionally when I need an ironing surface for small items. Otherwise fold them out of the way.

Suz

When you're in Mode 1 just press the number 2 on your number pad and it'll take you into Mode 2. It'll show BSR 2 on your screen. I think the little running man comes up too. LoL Make sure your foot pedal is not plugged in though or it won't accept going in to Mode 2.

I like Guttermann thread (so does Nina). I just got some Organ Brand Needles, the special titanium coated ones for Christmas. They are supposed to stay sharp longer. I have pieced, embroidered and quilted with them and really like them. My dealer sells Bernina brand, Schmetz and Organ Titanium needles and I like them all. I do feel that it is the BSR that is sensitive rather than the machine (to the thickness) as I have seen the 440 QE sew animal fur pelts together with noooo problem. I do know that when I was doing FMQ with the BSR if my quilt basting threads got hung up on the edge of the sewing table, the weight of the quilt pulled or the quilt got backed up against the wall behind my sewing table, the BSR would make 1 stitch in the space of 2 a loooong stitch. I fixed that by moving to my large cutting table which supported most of the quilt on the back and left side and a folding TV tray on my left to hold the rest of what was in my lap. It worked like a charm. I would continue to work with this, but if it still doesn't work right, I would take it back to the dealers. I am sure they want you to be satisfied and will continue to work with you. If you can't get it 100% perhaps they will trade machines with you. An idea would be to take your quilt to the dealers and ask to use another machine on the floor like yours. If it works better on that machine then you know that there is a problem, if it does the same then it most likely is related to the quilt. Good Luck!

You are right about that! One cannot stay away from quilting! If you have a really hard time using the foot pedal due to your injuries, you can sew just by pusing the go button on your machine...it would take practice, but my teacher at the new owner class said she has several ladies in wheelchairs that can't use the pedal and only use the go button.

I've pretty much ruled that the quilt itself is a big part of the issue since I can sew like mad with the BSR on any fabric sandwich and not have a single problem. I'm kind of worried that it will have issues with all quilts though. But this quilt top, being small pinwheels, has a lot of thicker seams so maybe other quilts won't be so much an issue. What I don't understand is if the issue is the BSR's sensitivity, why the needle is still going down trying to make a stitch, but for whatever reason not connecting with the bobbin thread. Seems like the BSR is doing it's job by sending the needle down at the correct intervals. Or maybe I just don't really understand how it all is supposed to work. :P

(I really need to try some FMQ'ing without the BSR and see how it does, I just don't want to subject this quilt to anymore madness than I already have. :))

:P :)

I agree with your evaluation that the BSR seems to be doing the job as the needle is going up and down. So I guess that leaves the needle or the bobbin/bobbin hook. I wonder if fiddling with the bobbin tension would work?....hmmm...it seems to me that this is something the dealer should be able to reason out and solve. I would continue to work with them to correct this. I know what this machine costs and I believe that when one pays that much, that there is no reason to settle for "good enough if I fudge this or that". If they can't figure it out (and it seems that they are good people and will try) then email Bernina USA. I had an issue with embroidery software that the dealer couldn't resolve. I emailed Bernina USA and they were very responsive, communicated with my dealer and the problem resolved.
I have done FMQ without the BSR, but am not good at it so the BSR is my best friend. I FMQ'd a large part of a 70 X 74 quilt for my hubby for Christmas and even though it was my first attempt it turned out fairly well (my inexperience, not the machine kept it from being excellent).
Try not to get discouraged. I saw that quilt and it truly is a work of art! Love it! Good luck.

You might also try ball point needles. Fyi I think they are dif from top stitch needles. Had same trouble on my 1600 P-QC, no BSR but it is a high speed machine. Helped a bunch.