I regularly receive emails inquiring as to what sewing machine I use. For the past 12 months I have used the Bernina 440QE for all of my sewing and quilting endeavors and I have truly loved getting to know it. This machine is very capable of all of the things I have asked of it, quilting small and larger quilts made from light and heavier weight fabrics. It is a sturdy machine, easy to use and makes general sewing effortless. Absolutely no regrets.
However countless hours of sewing and many thousands of stitches have meant I can afford to upgrade my current sewing machine to the Bernina 820. It is a dream come true.
The Bernina 820 is a large machine, with a 12 inch throat space as its main attraction for my use. It will make quilting larger quilts easier to manage, and the quilting stitches more consistent. This machine also features automatic needle threader, stitch regulator, separate bobbin winder, knee lift and did I mention the 12 inch extended arm? There is a lot to learn and I am sure it will prove to be a challenge at times, but at the same time I feel very privileged to own this machine.
It was with a sigh of relief that I managed to lower the new machine into my Horn Sewing Cabinet. It was a tight squeeze, but it fits and is ready for action. As you can see (pictured above) the Bernina 820 dwarfs the Bernina 440, however I am not ready to give up my "old" Bernina.
I am looking forward to spending many more happy hours sewing.
Congrats! Hope you get on well with your new baby :)
ReplyDeleteShe's Gorgeous...have Fun learning all the bits & bobs.
ReplyDeletecheers
Congratulations, it's great to have an upgrade, isn't it? My new janome also 'just' fit into the Horn cabinet, but I found it too low :( Still love my cabinet, though. And my 'old' machine.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on a new machine!! It is always fun to have new sewing toys!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I hope you post regularly on your experiences with this machine.
ReplyDeleteLucky chook. Now all you need to do is work on the simultaneous ambidextrous thing. If anyone could see two quilts at once it'd be you!
ReplyDeleteI was going to say I hope you didn't get rid of the 440. I upgraded to the 440 and few years ago and still regret getting rid of the my previous bernina. If I ever am lucky to get the 820 I will not be getting rid of the 440 I have learnt my lesson well.
ReplyDeleteCongrats and have fun with it!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations - it looks like a wonderful addition to your sewing room!
ReplyDeleteI too have the 440 and love it, but I also have a long arm and can understand you getting the 820, I hope it gives you as much pleasure as the 440, have fun
ReplyDeleteChristine
A well deserved upgrade! Enjoy your new machine Rita x
ReplyDeleteWow...a 12'throat!! I'm curious...why do people want to keep their old machines? Is this just as a backup because I can understand that or is there something the older ones do that the newer ones don't?
ReplyDeleteI work at a Bernina dealership and LOVE that machine. I still need to upgrade from my 10 year old 180 and I've waffled between the 440, 640 and 820/830. ALL great machines.
ReplyDeleteDeeRoo, for most people it is to have a backup machine if your new own has to go in for service. Or if you have an embroidery machine you can do embroidery on one machine while sewing on the other. Or if you get a big one like the 820 and take classes the older, smaller machine is easier to take along to class or a retreat.
wow!! that throat is huge!!! and all those fancy bells and whistles...it is amazing. lucky you
ReplyDeleteI also got a Bernina 820 about a month ago and absolutely love it! I know you will too! Enjoy!!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful, congratulations!
ReplyDeletehope you love your new machine and find it easy to use.
ReplyDeleteKaren
http://karensquilting.com/blog/
Lots of people have two machines. To me it's backup in case one goes to the hospital.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I just myself a Brother Quilt Club and love it. Now to get ourselves around the learning curve, right? But what fun!
ReplyDeleteOops! Typo back there - I just "bought" myself... (no edit function)
ReplyDeleteI have an 820 too, and I totally LOVE it! It is such a thrill to sew with. Have fun getting to know your new machine!
ReplyDeleteMake new friends but keep the old,
ReplyDeleteone is silver and the other's gold.
Sorry. Girl Scout moment...
They will both be used, I'm betting, both are great!
I'm happy for your new friendship, that 820 looks like a dream!!
Congratulations!!! You are going to adore your new baby. I have the 830 and LOVE it. I also have the 440 and I could never part with her.
ReplyDeleteCongrats! Can't wait to hear what you think of it!
ReplyDeleteThank you for all your comments, I promise to keep you up to date with how the 820 performs.
ReplyDeleteI just couldn't part with the Bernina 440; it is my security blanket.
I am however seriously considering selling my Janome 6600P, which was my previous back-up machine. It is in excellent condition. It comes with all it's bits and pieces, including instruction manual. If you are interested and are local, feel free to email me.
Rita
Oooooh, my!! I hadn't really thought of the fact that it would be POSSIBLE to upgrade from my 440QE. I mean, it's taking me two years to pay off. :/ I can only imagine how long the 820 would take to pay for! I do see the advantages. The 440 is far from perfect...but I love it. Maybe someday when I'm old and retired I will spend my social security checks on Bernina payments... :)
ReplyDeleteNICE! I am jealous. I'm saving up for a new machine too -- the same one actually. Are you going use it at all with a quilting frame?
ReplyDeletewow! i saw this machine at my quilt shop the other day. i drooled over it. such an incredibly awesome machine. :)
ReplyDeletecongrats on your new baby. ARe you going to give her a name.
ReplyDeleteNow that's what I call an upgrade.
ReplyDeleteI've had my 440 for only about three months and find it is a work horse. Though it has a few stitch patterns less than my Viking Lily 555 I find that needle threader and knee lift outweigh the lack of a few stitch patterns. Oh, did I say I LOVE THE BSR ?!?!?!
Congrats on the upgrade to the 820, oh, do you love the 12" throat space??? :^)
I just barely upgraded from a singer touch and sew to a bernina 440 QE. Big upgrade, I know! I think multiple decades would have to pass before my husband lets me buy another. But, it is good to know that the 440 was a good choice. Here's to many years with your 820!
ReplyDeleteThat's so exciting! I love my little 220. I can only imagine the possibilities with your 820. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteI'm trying really hard not to be envious. :) Enjoy your machines!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your new machine. i bought the 820 last October and have NEVER regretted it! I LOVE MY 820! Hope you have as much fin with yours and I have had with mine...HAPPY SEWING :)
ReplyDeleteI'm really happy with my Elna, which has a large throat (not as big as the 820, though). I would love a stitch regulator. And my backup machine? my beloved little green Singer Featherweight. I REALLY love that little machine!
ReplyDeletewow looks like a great machine. Have fun.
ReplyDeleteCongrats - you deserve it!
ReplyDeleteOh, you are lucky indeedy!! A few of my friends have that machine and I try v. hard not to drool when I see it!
ReplyDeleteLucky you! I have the 440QE and I absolutely love it. I've wondered about upgrading, and I've hesitated because the new machine is just so danged BIG! I'm afraid I'd have to trade up, and so I wouldn't be happy giving up my smaller machine. Also, I have the embroidery module for the 440QE. I wonder if it works on the new machine.
ReplyDeleteAnyway . . . good for you. I hope you have many happy hours of sewing on your new machine.
If anyone deserves a heavenly machine like that it's you!!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy Enjoy!!
Andi x
Congratulations! I have a 440QE, too, and really love it, but I've considered trading it for the 820 for the same reason. I'm anxious to hear how it works for you.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Maybe you be very happy together! I too upgraded from my 440 to an 820 and I love it, although I did have to get used to it at first. I also kept my 440 (and I also still have a 1650; I can't get rid of machines, they are like my children ;). I would recommend to everyone who buys a 820 or 830 to keep a smaller machine to go to workshops etc. Happy sewing!
ReplyDeleteI have had a Bernina 440QE since July. I'm very new at freemotion quilting so I am really just learning tons. I didn't get the embroidery module because that's not my big interest. My husband was surprised I didn't go for the 830. I can trade in up until the first of January, but I'm still thinking that is too much machine for me. I sew every day, quilting...piecing -- the knee lift is invaluable.
ReplyDeleteI selected you for a Sunshine Award...I love your blog...check out mine...
ReplyDeleteOooh how exciting! A new machine, I can't wait to see what you are going to make with it!
ReplyDeleteDoes it have a thread cutter...I love my 440, but after making 93 6inch paper pieced blocks I really would like a thread cutter...
ReplyDeleteI love Bernina! But then, what's not to love?
ReplyDeleteOOh! I'm thinking of making the 820 or 830 plunge before the end of the year. Right now I have the 440QE & a lovely old Bernina 180 which sews like a dream. The 180 rides around in the back of my car. I go to two different quilty groups every other week, so I don't have to lug one in and out of the house. I'm still not sure I'd turn either one in if I do make the plunge... Sewing Machine Hoarder.
ReplyDelete