The luck of the Irish rubbed off on me today... I have been in school for my bachelors in nursing for so long and really wanted to create something other than another @#*! paper, so I decided that I would begin quilting again after a good 15 years or so. My DH found a new type of machine for me to play with... a singer 301 to go with my 221, then found one to buy on craigslist with the cabinet, chair and loads of accessories. cool.
So I go to the library to pick up my "Twist and Turn Bargello Quilts" so that I can decide if I want to buy it (of course I do) and then went to the LQS that is very nicely located around the corner from my library to look at fabrics, and find that someone had traded in their Bernina 430 for the top of the line 8 something (that costs more than my first new car), and the shop is selling the 430 for $999. It is 3-4 years old, and I was able to put it on lay-a-way for no charge. So now I am making payments on this with my (ex) smoking money that I have been using for fun money.
So, I am turning my old cigarettes into a wonderful Bernina, I have a great 221, a cool 301 in an art deco cabinet, and the Bernina on the way. And I have decided to do the Supernova quilt from the library book in deep jewel tone blues to light teals.
Today was a really great day :-)

Yes a great day for you. When will you be finished with school?

I will be done with the BSN in about 6 weeks, so far I am just practicing FMQ on my 301 and 9x12 squares in between doing homework. (and reading this board)!

That you have quit smoking was possibly the most exciting part of your post, but glad you had such fantastic luck with the machines, too! Be sure and show us the quilt when it's finished!

Congrats on your find, hoping you are able to get it soon!

Oh congrats on being so close to your graduation! That is awesome, been there, it seems like it will never end, and then suddenly it is (after tons of hard work)).

My first Bernina was a gently used 440QE. You will love your 430. What a wonderful find! ENJOY!

Hurray for you!!!!

Congratulations!

Congratulations on your new sewing machine, your ex-smoking and your BSN! I just retired after 35 years in nursing, and it's a very rewarding career!

What a great day for you ! Wish I could find a good deal on a slightly used machine.

How exciting. And you're funding it with your (ex) smoking money. Great situation all around. You'll love the 301. It's what I learned to sew on. Don't know about the Bernina but I've heard good things. Hope you can squeeze in some sewing time while you're still in school.

I'm loving your post. The luck of the Irish was with you today. Sounds like a fun day.

I'm so happy for you! That's a great deal on the 430. I recently got a used 440 and love it. I got a BSN 15 years ago, and that's working out nicely too :) My brother quit smoking a month ago, which has made me so happy. You have many successes in your near future, God willing.

Lucky you what a great find. I own a bernina and you will love yours,I only had one problem - ME - took it to the repairman, and he showed me how to clean it properly and it is just a dream to use! I didn't know that I could take off the throat plate to clean under there. So if you hear it starting to make a noise, check out the dust and lint that collects. Suggestion was to clean it every 12-15 hours of sewing...Enjoy

If I'd been on this board in nursing school, I might not have finished. You must be very disciplined!

I can only imagine how you must feel! SMUG? Does that sum it up? No, really it sounds like "just rewards". Congratulations! I got my slightly used Pfaff Expressions 3.0 for the same as you got your Bernina so I "feel" your joy!

Congrats on quitting smoking, finding a machine, graduation, quilting......just a great, super day for you. Enjoy all your riches!

One more good reason to quit smoking!
Special congrats on the quitting smoking, it is really difficult to do, I see patients struggle with this every day, folks with life threatening illnesses who can't quit. I quit several years ago, but interestingly enough, I started smoking in nursing school, those late night studying (and playing cards in the dorm).

Good for you. I'm glad you decided to give up smoking, and now you'll have an awesome machine to show for it. :thumbup:

Good for you. Hope you get to bring your new baby home real soon.

Great find! I need some Irish luck! Need a new machine can't find any good ones! I am retired RN also so good luck there too!

I hope you find time to play with your new toys (What a day!) once you put your degree to work in the nursing profession. Never mind , both are caring and comforting ways to spend your time! Congratulations on both successes!~

i am still useing my ciggy money on quilting 18 years after giving up--a guilt free spend-- congrats on your finds +compleation of course--quilting will keep you sane downtime after a stressful day enjoy

admiralable! two great goals, the smoking thing is sure a 'one day at a time' achievement, and the money saved a bonus. keep it up. xo

I am so happy for you!! How wonderful to turn your smoking into a wonderful sewing machine & to get a new one also is so much fun! Am looking forward to seeing your quilt! Congratulations on your BSN as well! So much excitement at your home! My,my,my!! :-)

Hi from Ohio and so happy that you quit smoking and you are able to enjoy buying machines and fabric. Enjoy!

Congrats. I have a Bernina 440QE and just love it.
Have lots of fun with your quilt!!!!!

Wow!!!!

Congrats! This was your lucky day!

Three sewing machines is the absolute minimun anyone should own. You are starting this faze of your life out right!

Congrats on everything!

What a wonderful day that will keep on rewarding you in life! So happy you were able to give up the smoking & turn your energies toward your career and fun time!

Congrats on BSN & Happy Quilting.

Congratulations! You're really on a roll. There seem to be so many RNs on this board. I'm always amazed everytime I see another one. I'm one too!