2009 April 28 — Patchwork Times by Judy Laquidara

About the Sewing Machine

April 28, 2009 · by JudyL

I read all the comments and emails about the sewing machine. There were too many to respond individually so I hope I’ll try to do it here.

The biggest problem with the 1230 is that it needs a new circuit board and Bernina is no longer making them for machines that old. Rebuilt ones can be gotten but not on demand. Seems like you kinda have to get on a waiting list. I truly don’t blame the repairman. He pretty much knows what’s wrong with it from the age and my description. I had asked him to clean and oil it but there’s no use cleaning and oiling it if the circuit board can’t be replaced. He’s been very nice and apologetic about the amount of time it’s taking and as much as I want my machine back fixed, it just isn’t going to happen in my time frame.

I seriously can buy the 430 and keep Chad in college. The decision for me is . . I don’t want a new machine; I want my 1230 back fixed like new. There’s not a single thing a new machine is going to do, on any feature that I would use, any better than my 1230 I’m one of those people who can keep the same car, machine, stove . . whatever . . forever and a day if it’s working. I don’t care too much about newer, prettier, shiny models. It’s really hard to replace anything you love so dearly and I do dearly love that 1230. I’m not sure any new machine would measure up to it. That 1230 has worked at least 19 years and this is the first time it’s been in the shop for anything .. cleaning, oiling . . nothing! I doubt there’s a new machine on the market that can hold up to that abuse. I just want my 1230 back . . fixed! But, I’m truly not blaming the guy who has it. They are a Bernina dealer and have given me a price real close to what was offered at Paducah (though I didn’t tell them I had looked at Paducah because I was pretty sure I’d buy from my local dealer).

The price on the Janome 6600 at Paducah was about 1/3 less than the Bernina and it is a very, very nice machine. But, if I end up getting a machine, my heart tells me it will be the Bernina.

· Filed Under: Quilting · 14 Comments

The Great Sewing Machine Dilemma

April 28, 2009 · by JudyL

Who knew I was looking for a sewing machine? Not me! Just a little over a month ago, I wrote about giving the Baby Lock a second chance.

My old Bernina has been in the shop now for over two months and I’m not real sure it’s been looked at. Hopefully next week I’ll have a spare day when I can go to Kansas City and bring it back home . . still not fixed I suppose.

Thursday when Mom, Dad and I entered the quilt show, we decided to walk over to the far right wall and begin the show there. The second booth I stopped in was the Bernina booth. It was like a big magnet just drew me in there . . wouldn’t allow me to leave before talking to the Bernina folks. I suddenly found myself wanting a new sewing machine. After a few minutes with the nice Bernina lady, we decided the 430 was the perfect machine for me. Then I decided it was college for Chad or a new sewing machine for me and I walked away without a new sewing machine.

On the next to last row of that same room, there was the Janome booth. The nice Janome lady showed me all the features. We decided the Janome 6600 was the perfect machine for me. Then I decided it was college for Chad or a new sewing machine for me and I walked away without a new sewing machine.

I spent the remainder of the day debating. 33.3% of the time, I decided I didn’t need a new machine. 33.3% of the time, I decided I needed a new Bernina and 33.3% of the time, I decided I needed a new Janome machine.

What on earth do you do when you absolutely cannot make a decision? I found my friend who was a former Bernina dealer. I figured if anyone could talk me out of wanting a new Bernina, it should be a former Bernina dealer, right? Wrong! She told me she loved the 430 and thought it was a great machine. Dang it.

Then I needed to talk to Vicky. She has a similar Bernina. But, I didn’t have internet access and I didn’t have her number at work. I called Chad and asked if really wanted to finish college? Or . . would he prefer that his mom get a new sewing machine. (I really didn’t ask him that!) I did ask him to send Vicky an email and ask her to call me please. Tell her it isn’t an emergency! Here’s the email Chad sent her:

On behalf of my mother, I am passing upon the request that you call her concerning a specific sewing machine. If you find the time could you please call her.

Isn’t that funny? Talked to Vicky and she highly recommended the 440 . . but I don’t need the BSR so it would be the 430 for me.

My friends had to be sick of hearing about it by now .. What should I do? Bernina? Janome? College for Chad?

In the end, college for Chad won out. I came home without a machine. Doesn’t mean I’m no longer debating about what to get. I pretty much think I want the Bernina 430. The Janome is a great machine and most everyone I’ve talked to who has it loves it, but as Vicky said, I’m a Bernina girl and it’s really hard to think about loving another machine after having loved my Bernina 1230 so much for so many years. I’m probably too busy in thenext few months to even think about learning to use a new machine so for now . . the sewing machine dilemma in Paducah kept me from making other purchases and for that, I guess I should be happy.

Seriously, if I get a new sewing machine, Chad can still finish college. Please don’t think I’m that kind of mother.

I’m headed south to teach and wouldn’t you know it . . there’s not a Bernina dealer anywhere that I’m going to be so no decision can be made til next week.