I bought a new sewing machine but
 

still haven’t used it or told anyone. Got it over a week ago. I got it out of the box and setup on a table next to my sewing cabinet. Am reading the manual, finding things but still using my 440QE. I think it’s because of all the hardship caused by the virus and I live between Midland and Sanford Michigan, and two dams were breached causing massive damage. It looks like a tidal wave went through. Light poles snapped off several feet up, building moved off foundations and some just smashed. In our family, only my youngest son and wife have been affected, we are so lucky. They live by one of the dams but it’s high so their house is fine, no power yet.

Anyway, I bought a Bernina 590. Have been looking at the newer Berninas for a couple of years. Wanted the better lighting, bigger bobbins, etc. At first only the 700 and 800 machines had what I wanted but didn’t need a sewing machine that big and didn’t want to spend that much money. I have a longarm. Was happy when they 500’s came out with everything I wanted. What pushed me finally was the sale Bernina is having. DH and I picked it up last weekend at the shop by the cottage – curbside service. It’s where I bought my longarm, taken classes, etc. Only stayed at the cottage for 24 hours and are staying home now even though we can go to second homes up north. Anyway, I’m sure at some point I’ll start using and enjoy it.

A new machine is exciting. Put some fabric under the needle and start sewing. You will be motivated to try out all the features and stitches.

Congrats on the new machine, it's hard to beat a 440QE!

Congratulations on your new machine! You should enjoy your blessing. Buying a sewing machine does not detract from the tragedy of the flooding or cause injury to anyone, and you have every reason to be happy and excited about learning your new "baby"!

What a marvelous adventure starting with a brand new sewing machine! I was given a new-to-me modern Bernina a little over a year ago and had to decide whether to use its features or just treat it like the vintage one before it. I've decided to use it and I do love the bells and whistles. It needed a repair and I just got it back and did a tiny amount of sewing yesterday. It felt good.

My thoughts are with you all, hubby's family is from Michigan (mostly Grand Rapids area) and we've been watching the news and chatting with the families.

Sometimes it takes a bit to clear our heads from the world around us. I know that I've been feeling mentally scattered here with "just" Covid and to add flooding and such things to it might be more than I can handle. So just give yourself some time to process and then throw yourself into learning the new machine! Don't force yourself, it will be joyful when the time is right.

PS: I've found my manual not the most helpful, but their official Videos on the site are great!

Go play and remember the good times...don't worry, be happy

First of all, are you safe where you are, I just heard a short bit ago another dam is close to being breached. It is so exciting to get a new machine. It has been a number of years since I had a brand new machine and nothing like a Bernina 590! I live down state from you. Maybe putting some thread and then some fabric under the presser foot will help to get your mind off all that is going on around. you.

Congratulations! Hope you enjoy tons of sewing time on your new baby. I did see the dams in Michigan break as I was watching TV news. I thought people are going thru tough times as it is and then this tragedy hits. Glad to hear your family is doing well and hopefully your son and daughter-in-law get their power back soon.

Those 500 series machines are so nice!
I bought a 770QE because I don't have a longarm. You're right- it's big! It was an upgrade from a 150QE that I'll never part with. Almost 20 years and never had a repair. Still running well. Maybe someday I'll give it to my granddaughter if she starts sewing but until then it stays with me.
Enjoy your new machine!!!

Goodness, Cam's Gram--you have a lot going on! We have friends that live in Midland and luckily they didn't have water in their house--but such a mess for all those folks. glad your daughter's family not out of their house. New machine is fun but can be a little overwhelming--grab some fabric and play! Will take your mind off of the other stuff i your life.

Congratulations on your new machine. It is always fun to get a new machine, and figure it out and learn about all the bells and whistles. Enjoy your new machine. https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/cool.png

congratulations on your new machine.....I had a 440....but I did not bond with her so I traded her in for a 630 which I loved...but then I traded her for a 570...glad you kept the 440.....the 500 series is neat....and those machines are so smart....but there is a learning curve and I was frustrated for the first few weeks.....but my 570 does a lot of nice things....just that it takes a while to learn them all and because there are so many features....well...sometimes I could not figure out why the machine would not sew....and it was because of things like I had not selected the proper foot for the stitch I selected and the machine knew that....tee hee....you will get to know what I am talking about....have fun....be patient....you will get to know and love your 590

I got a new Bernina 590 about 3 weeks ago. I it!!! But I haven't tried the embroidery part yet.

I hadn't heard about the Michigan flooding. That's so awful when things like that happen. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Hope you get your power back soon...a new machine is always so much fun to play with. I hope it’s everything you need to complete your quilts projects. Congratulations

I'm a teacher and I often tell people the most intimidating thing in the world is a blank piece of paper. Often you don't know where to start. I get that vibe from you and new machine. Just stick some scrap fabric or loose FQ under there and start sewing. Make some 4 patches. 9 patches. A flying goose or 4. Applique some circles. Do some strip sets and 60 degree triangles. All these fundamental blocks that you how to do. Just play.

Use your machine and learn all its wornderful features. I bought a Babylock Aria last year, and love having all the auto features. We lived in Midland, Michigan 50 years ago and my DD was born there. We lived within the city limits, my DH was installing the computer system at Dow Chemical. We lived there just a year, but loved the nice town and friendly people. Devastating to know that has all been washed away.

You will eventually enjoy that machine, I'm sure. Right now, seems like we are living in a dystopia, and nothing feels right. Take your time getting into your new machine.

My friend finally bought one of those "small footprint" longarm machines and let it sit collecting dust for over 6 months before she touched it. For some people, it's a big hurdle to learn a new machine and a new system. Just take your time!

Enjoy your new machine! About two years I upgraded and it was hard for me to start on the newer machine -- I felt like I was cheating on my first love!