If you take your machine in, take a sample of what you are trying to quilt and a sample of regular 2 pieces that you would be piecing and make them fix it to that standard. I just can't imagine anything with Bernina name on it not being top notch for stitching. The Janome is a good stitching machine also and the Brother. Both of them do lovely Embroidery, but the Bernina does the best stitching especially your Mothers model.

Good Luck,

Peg-TX
Innova 18" :lol:

I have a question about using spray starch on the top, if I want to use a quilting pencil or quilting marker, would I be correct to spray the quilt with starch first then use the marker or pencil, or would the pencil or marker be easily removed if sprayed with starch before or after? I have never thought of using spray starch a great idea. I really have a problem with this quilting forum, I love it but I seem to spend so much time reading all of the great stories, idas and hints that I can't seem to find time in the evenings I need to for my quilting, sorry just joking I love this site and I am so glad I stumbled onto it. Everyone is so helpful and gives such great ideas of their trials and troubles that help all of us with problems. Thanks for everyone sharing your ideas. Gerbie

Suzy, after following all the suggestions above, putting those cute teflon "Os" in the bobbin case works wonderfully. The bobbin spins in the case and voila, no nasty back stitching.

Try looking for one on Craigslist, freecycle (local), or one of the other sites before you give up on the walking foot!!!

Hi, what do you mean by "cute bobbin "0's"?

Since you have only had it a year it should be in warranty. Take it back to your dealer.

Bernette is not a real Bernina...it is made in the Far East not in Europe. A low quality machine compared to the real thing. Sorry you are having problems with it .....

The cute O's are teflon circles that look like notebook reinforcers. They are offered by Nancy's Notions and Clothilde[I think] and are called Magic Bobbin Washers by Little Genie. I had the spiderweb effect problem on the back of the machine quilting even after adjusting the tension. It seemed that as long as I quilted in straight lines and slowly there was no problem but when I tried to do circular patterns with any speed the problem was awful. I asked the local LQS Husqvarna [viking] to do a sample and she had the same problem. I keep one in the bobbin case all the time now.

Thanks, will try your idea!

I had a Bernette and I hated it. I now have a good Janome.

I don't mark with pencil but, if I did, I would spray starch first to help the pencil marks wash out easily later.

If you are using something that erases easily, like chalk, then I would probably spray after marking to keep it in place longer.

look in the bottom of your bobbin case...does it have an extra little metal piece that isn't exactly flat but kinda kinked (not a good description). That is what keeps the bobbin from spinning. The little teflon circles do a better job when FMQ. think about how hard the bobbin thread is pulled thru the machine when sewing. Its kinda a backlash problem but they work really good.

Berninas and Bernettes are like chalk and cheese. I have a Bernina that is nearly 30 years old and works perfectly. My mum has a Bernette which has a tinny sound and clunks badly. I have only used it once, that was enough. Don't feel bad about using your mom's machine,I'm sure she would be pleased to know her machine has helped you out. I always tell my girls you can always count on your mom.

I use bobbin genies in all my bobbins, piecing and quilting. It stops static electricity build up which does something weird to the bobbin.

Thanks Prisim 99 for the information about the starch and marking equipment. I am definitely going to try the starch. I live in an area where I am limited for getting quilting supplies, nearest LQS in 2 directions is 100 miles away and in one direction over 200, so I have to use what is available, also our local WalMart is in the process of closing the fabric dept. so now we have no fabric store in town. I live in the boondocks definitely. Thanks for the help. Gerbie

Can't help with this quilt but one thing you can do take the quilt in to the dealer and show them what is happening to you. I recently bought a new Pfaff and was told that machines can be finicky and the thread you've been using for years won't work in it. Sometimes you have to try several different brands before finding one that will work well and the sad thing is, a brand may work on one machine of the same brand and not on another. I was also so told that I MUST put in a brand new needle before beginnng to machine quilt a quilt as you need good sharp needle. I always bought an all purpose thread for my first Pfaff and had no problems but on this one, I do now buy machine sewing thread. Good luck. I'm just beginning to learn how to machine quilt but I ran into your frustrations 46+ years ago when I first started quilting and tried machine quilting. At least you know you can do it if you have a sewing machine that can do it. When I took my new Pfaff in for a free class, it was awesome watching how the machine performed for her and it's doing wonderfully for me now too. A good sewer/quilter/seamstress should be able to sit down and any machine and have success without the annoying frustrations. My new one is more computerized than my first one and I do love it but it has taken me a while and some practice to get where I can do things with ease.
Patty

I have a Bernina 180 and it is very good. Really enjoyed it. I upgraded to the Bernina 730 but kept my 180 for a back up. It is a very good machine.

Feel very honored and proud that you have your Mother's machine. Enjoy using it. Maybe she will send you a "sign" of how happy she is for you.

I forget; What is a bobbin genie?

Your mother would love it that you are using her machine. I have a Bernina Artista and love it, I also have many other machines. I think Berninas are my favorite ..I got the 830 for Christmas and need to learn to use it lol

Margie

Margie,

WOW!! You are one LUCKY person to have the 830.

Have seen them but the price tag is high.

Enjoy and learn to use its many features.

Lois

I think it would be an honor to get to inherit a Bernina and be able to use it. Your dad blessed you with something that you will be able to cherish as you use it.

I can guarantee your mom would not want the machine sitting in a closet somewhere collecting dust. Use it as your main machine and then have the Bernette as a backup in times of the Bernina being "serviced for maintenance".