The serger crapped out, and I'm pissed

[chowmama]

Something slipped while I was still in the testing phase and a part got bent inside - can't even tell what happened. The repair people told me it wasn't exactly designed to be fixed; that's reserved for the more expensive professional models. I didn't even get a garment out of it. I hadn't saved the receipt, since the early tests had gone so well, so I can't return or exchange it.

However, having played with it a while, I've come to the conclusion that I don't really need one. I can still do everything old-school on the old 50 pound Bernina. And I've got too many projects to mope.

First, DH has 2 pairs of new sweatpants that are too long. That should take an evening, once I get one free. Work is currently insane and my days off are usually used on other things and over before I can get to the sewing. But once the pants are done, I want to do a Halloween scrub top from on-sale fabric I got - leafless trees, bats, ravens and full moons. Very spooky. I considered using some Green Man fabric I already have, which is very nice, but it's too pretty for that - I want to use it for an everyday blouse. Should be fun to see if anybody notices the pattern.

At the same time, I got some bolt-end wool/synthetic blend plaid which is nice. Cream, amber and chestnut colors. I tried to felt it, but the synthetic component just made it a little fuzzier, not denser. So I'll have to decide what it wants to be. If I base a shirt on a Japanese hippari, add a triangle to make a left overlap to the right side, fastening with a button, patch pocket on the left side and deep cuffs on the sleeves that each contain a card-sized pocket on the inside wrist (bus card, ID, bank card, work entry card), and a band to wrap all around the front opening and neck...I probably don't have enough to match the plaids. We'll see. 

I really didn't need to add to my stash. I'm so far into SABLE, I can't see my way out. (That's Stash Acquired Beyond Life Expectancy.)

[vanlassie]

1. Can't go wrong with a Bernina.

Which model?

[chowmama]

2. Bernina Record

I think it's an 830. It has the red case. Early 60s, maybe? Thing's a dinosaur, but it's really solid.

[vanlassie]

3. Red case means 830. People fight over whether the 830 or the 930 Record is the best

Bernina ever made- meaning the best Sewing Machine ever made. You have stitches that can work instead of serging Just keep it oiled and clean! And only allow certified vintage Bernina folks to adjust or repair it. I have an 830 and a 930. And a 217-N. There’s a Vintage Bernina Facebook page if you ever need help.

[Ziggysmom]

4. I look forward to sewing more as I get closer to retirement. Will be buying a sewing

machine. Good to hear Bernina performs well. I gave my old Singer Featherweight to my daughter years ago, and she loves it. I only do quilting, so I don't need fancy stitches, just a dependable and portable machine.