First Project
First project on the first day of turning on the new Bernina sewing machine. This is the first upgrade of a sewing machine for me since 1968. My first township assessing check of $200 covered the cost of the Kenmore sewing machine in 1968. It still is close at hand as not too long ago it had its third motor installed.
No more reading of the manual. It was time to plug this sewing machine in and do a test drive. I felt straight seams would be a sure bet. With the first snowfall of the season today, how could I not sew up some flannel pillow cases for the kittens and cats to snuggle into? Portions of the machine’s shipping cartons were perfect for the used pillows with flannel casings to be used. There is a formed piece of hard Styrofoam in the base of these boxes for additoanal insulation. The kittens and cats visit the rafters in the garage, as evidence of the many foot prints on our vehicles. The largest box will be placed above the pickup on the rafters and the smallest box will go above the car. Dennis’ garage and porch furnace never allows the area to get colder than 40 degrees. Heat does rise, so this is our best shot of keeping the critters comfortable as winter is here.
Much to learn on this Bernina sewing, quilting and embroidery machine.
Now on to the first run on the sewing machine: the pressure foot goes down with a push of a button, the needle goes up or down with a push of a button, and the thread is cut off at the end of the seam with a button. No longer does the needle need to go down and grab the bobbin thread, it is done automatically when the machine is engaged. The bobbin winds for fills with just a push of a button and holds almost a total spool of thread. The machine will tell me when it is running low as to not be in the middle of a sewing project when the refill is needed. No longer fighting to get the bobbin case into the machine: it is under the needle. It is loaded from the side. I can manage the height of the pressure foot by a choice of three. Today was some very practical practice. I found myself reaching to lower the pressure foot from old habits. One day at a time and each setting will allow me to expand my horizons.
What this upgrade will allow for me is to continue being creative with fabrics and threads. I know I will continue piecing wall hangings and quilts, but not to the extent of times past. In the wings, I do have a request for three quilts for three great granddaughters with no time line. Sweet. What will be one of the new challenges is machine quilting some of my projects rather than visiting the Old Alley Quilt Shop for the machine quilting. I am very excited to experience the embroidery options. Wonderful projects to turn while the arthritic fingers and hands can take a break all the while watching the magic.
Not to worry, I will not neglect Dennis. Life on Stauffer just got a bit sweeter this winter.