I finally bought my new machine and I am really struggling with it. I decided to get a Bernina 640 with the embroidery module and a BSR that is supposed to help with free motion quilting. Everyone said I needed to have a dealer close to help with classes but the only dealer within 100 miles of here was a Bernina Dealer. I have always used a Singer and it has a top load bobbin. Bernina is a front bobbin. I HATE THAT! :-( I do like the seperate motor so I can load a bobbin and still sew. I am interested in the embroidery features but I am feeling overwhenlmed. I put it in the closet. Can anyone out there help me see the good in my investment? I am sad and so is my dear sweet hubby. :?

Doesn't your dealer offer classes? My dealer is about 45 mins. away, but the classes are the best way to learn how to use your machine to its full potential. I just finished my 3 classes that came with my Bernina. If you hate front loading bobbin machines, why did you get it in the first place??

My dealer told me I would learn to love it because of the seperate motor that allows me to sew and rewind the bobbins at the same time. My problem is I have been unable to attend the classes due to a heart problem. I am only able to sit for an hour at a time right now.

I was very overwhelmed with my first embroidery machine...the embroidery module alone made me :shock: cringe in fear....
I finally took it out, chose a very simple design, went through the manual as I hooped, chose threads and "just went for it" After a few trial and errors, we have become friends :D:D:D

Maybe joining one of the yahoo groups geared toward your machine will give you the information and support to get you comfortable with this machine and all of it's bells and whistles :D:D:D

I have the Berninia 630 with the embroider module and the BSR plus the alking foot. I really think if you can take just one thing at a time, since you can't get to where lessons are, you will be surprised what you can do. The fabric place where I got my machines classed and while the next place is about 45 minutes from me, I basically house bound. But you may want to consider putting a small notice in your local community paper asking if there is anyone out there that could possibly help you with lessons. I have two people that taught at the shop and I stayed in touch with them over time. So even now, after almost three years with my machine, I still will call or send an e-mail for help with something. Please don't give up on it or stick it in the closet. It's a very, very worth while machine.

Blue

You definitely won't learn anything with it in the closet! Get it out and play with it!

I don't have this machine, but my advice would be as the ladies said above, read the manual, get the machine out of the closet and play! Take the manual with you as you look over your machine. One step at a time and before you know it, you'll be stitching along. I think any new machine can be overwhelming at first, especially the more complicated ones. Don't except to remember everything at once, it will take some time. By the way, don't feel bad, my aunt got a new Brother embroidery machine given to her as a birthday present. She let it sit in the box for 3 yrs before she got brave enough to get it out and use it...

Oh Momwood, you've got an awesome machine, but I understand how you would feel overwhelmed at first. I got a 440 last year and just upgraded to a 730E. The manuals are not a lot of help, but if you take it slowly, you can get it. What is overwhelming you? the regular sewing or the embroidery? If it is the embroidery, I was too! But, first acquaint yourself with the machine with regular sewing and then move on to the embroidery. I never though i would want the embroidery, but I have now done everything from towels to a messenger bag!

I joined the Yahoo group for Bernina owners and they have been a tremendous help! I suggest you try that out also.

I'll be glad to store it in my closet........

I got a new machine for Christmas, and I was also overwhelmed at first. Mine is a Pfaff, so I can't help with the Bernina, but my advice is to get very familiar with the instruction book. Mine helps me a lot. Maybe you could get a more detailed instruction book online?

The advice you have been given so far is good. Take it one small thing at a time, and conquering the bobbin may be step one.

Get it out of the closet and play with it. You can do this.