This entry belongs to the General project. To see all related entries, click here: General
New Baby - The Sewing Kind
After a much needed afternoon at the salon (nothing like a good haircut and pampering to make a pregnant lady feel pretty), I came home and 'played' with my new machine - a Bernina Aurora 440 QE!
I know mostly what I sew is garments (with a quilt here and there) - and the aurora 440 is marketed toward quilters, however, it has all the functions (buttonholes, stretch stitches, etc.) that you would find on a 'regular' machine so I'm very excited to test them out (there are 379 stitches to chose from including 7 buttonholes). Plus, it also comes with Bernina's Stitch Regulator, free hand system, and the option to purchase an attachment to make the whole machine into an embroidery unit! I'm absolutely giddy with the idea that I will be able to finally produce free motion quiting stitches that look professional (I would really like to test this out on some pillows by doing some free motion work around the fabric design - like 'outlining' floral designs so they stand out). I think this should also help motivate me to do more of my own quilting (on smaller quilts, I'm not going to attempt a king size) instead of sending them out to have someone quilt the designs on them.
Now I'm off to play with some functions, test some stitches, try out some feet, and learn a few tricks. As I work with this machine over the next year, I'll be sure to keep you updated on what features I'm using, how I'm using them, and maybe throw in a tutorial or two!
Previous Comments
[1] On Feb-10-2008, Carolyn wrote:Congrats on the new sewing machine! I am sure that it made your day to bring it home and set it up in your new sewing room!
[2] On Feb-10-2008, Anary wrote:
YAY..Congratulation. Have fun with all those stitches....I bet you will come up with with so many beautiful ones! Cheers to a new sewing machine.
[3] On Feb-10-2008, RobinE wrote:
Congrats on your new machine! I have the 440QE, and absolutely LOVE it! I know you'll have a lot of fun getting to know it. :) Happy stitching!
[4] On Feb-10-2008, Miss Sassy wrote:
Wow - a new house, a new machine and a new baby. Fun year for you! Congratulations.
I'm embarrassed to ask - what is a stitch regulator?
[5] On Feb-10-2008, bernadette wrote:
I am so happy for you. Sounds like a fun toy! Do I sense a baby quilt happening soon?
[6] On Feb-10-2008, erica b. wrote:
Congrats on the new machine. That is a beauty!
[7] On Feb-10-2008, stacysews wrote:
Thanks so much, everyone!
The stitch regulator is a cool little attachment that you use on the machine and it keeps your free motion quilting stitches even. It's an amazing looking foot.
[8] On Feb-11-2008, lazylol wrote:
Wow - I am so envious! Lucky you!
[9] On Feb-11-2008, Blakely wrote:
Congratulations on your new machine. They are so much fun.
[10] On Feb-11-2008, christina wrote:
New machine - yay!
My Pfaff machine is kind of similar... it has a lot of functions that quilters look for (in fact it's called "Quilt Expression"!), even though I use it mostly for apparel sewing. It's nice to be able to do both.
[11] On Feb-11-2008, Kris wrote:
Fun! I didn't know you were in the market for a new machine :) I'm looking around too, so I might pick your brain a bit. Also, when you have a chance can you send me your address again? I've got something to send you. Thanks! ~ Kris
[12] On Feb-12-2008, beki wrote:
Lucky you!!
[13] On Feb-12-2008, MelissaB wrote:
A little behind in my reading, congrats on your new baby (um, I mean machine)! :-)