Image from Bernina USA
The work space is about to get very cozy. A new machine is on the way. The old machine will still be my work horse. But she's almost 20 years old--a mechanical Bernina with no decorative stitches or many of the cool features on this machine. I'll soon be able to do automatic buttonholes! (Not that I love buttonholes that much, but I certainly won't miss the "old" Bernina way at all.) And free motion quilting. And cool decorative stitch stuff. There are many bigger and better Bernina models than this one. But the 350PE has all that I'm looking for in an upgrade plus some more besides.
You may be using a machine that is not your dream machine. You may covet crazy high end machines. And sometimes you may make excuses that rely heavily on your machine as a scapegoat. While having a decent, reliable machine is important, having an expensive machine is not in any way equated with creativity or productivity. I learned to sew on an industrial Bernina that was already old at the time. After high school, my grandmother gave me her old Kenmore with its cabinet. Originally purchased in the 60's, this was a heavy metal machine that you could service yourself. After sewing for hire, I was able to buy my very own Bernina, my excellent work horse machine. And I have used that machine to make all kinds, and I do mean ALL kinds, of items over the years.
So if you aren't at the point where you can have your dream machine, or even that next step up machine, that's okay. Because it isn't about the machine as much as it is about you. Keep sewing. Keep creating.
You may be using a machine that is not your dream machine. You may covet crazy high end machines. And sometimes you may make excuses that rely heavily on your machine as a scapegoat. While having a decent, reliable machine is important, having an expensive machine is not in any way equated with creativity or productivity. I learned to sew on an industrial Bernina that was already old at the time. After high school, my grandmother gave me her old Kenmore with its cabinet. Originally purchased in the 60's, this was a heavy metal machine that you could service yourself. After sewing for hire, I was able to buy my very own Bernina, my excellent work horse machine. And I have used that machine to make all kinds, and I do mean ALL kinds, of items over the years.
So if you aren't at the point where you can have your dream machine, or even that next step up machine, that's okay. Because it isn't about the machine as much as it is about you. Keep sewing. Keep creating.
It's so exciting getting a new sewing machine!! After using a 60 year old Bernina I upgraded to a Pfaff at the end of last year and I just love it!!
ReplyDeleteI inherited my mother's Elna and so I know all too well your position of workhorse vs. 'wonderhorse". I think that there is space in our lives for both. For you especially since you have mad, crazy sewing skills. I think you bought the right one. It is easy to get tempted with the most expensive anything, but we all know that if the fit isn't right all those extra bells and whistles will go unheard. I am on the fence as to wether I should get a new machine or a "real" dress form. Let me know how happy (or unhappy) you are with the Bernina. Carolina and if you have a dress form, which one did you get?
ReplyDeleteobviously I was saying good-by with "Carolina" and then had to add one more thought. I should have proof read my comment. Is is 6 AM, perhaps 2 cups of coffee would help me out. Carolina
ReplyDeleteCarolina, I'm so impressed that you were doing all that commenting without any coffee!! I would not be so coherent.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping for the new machine by the weekend. I will definitely be gushing about the experience.
I do have a dress form. I got one from www.manne-king.com. It isn't an exact fit--really needs quite a bit more "padding" in the hips to be accurate. But it works well enough. Better than trying to find someone to wrap me up in duct tape for a DIY project. :)