 |
| Threaded it with better thread. I already changed the needle yesterday... |
 |
| Top stitching is okay set about 4 |
 |
| Underneath stitching is okay! I fixed it by releasing the screw on the bobbin holder. Seems to have done the trick. |
Showing posts with label Bernina. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bernina. Show all posts
Bernina 1008 Better Tension Now
Shoes and Sewing Machines
I was going to buy some winter shoes, it's getting colder now...But in a moment of madness my shoe purchase ended up becoming a sewing machine purchase. The joys of getting older, I change my mind on a whim. Do I really need another sewing machine? No I don't...
In fact for my $100.00 or so sewing machine purchase could have bought me some exciting new pieces of fabric...No more stash busting, I'm really over my stash I need new fabric to keep me motivated. Buying fabric instead of shoes would have been okay. You can wear fabric but you can't wear a sewing machine...
'Just one look that's all it took' (just like the song) and any common sense I had was gone. I ended up buying a a vintage Bernina Record 730. The first sewing machine I ever owned which I traded in on a Bernettee for my daughter. My excuse for buying the Bernina 730 was that my daughter is not allowed to sew on my sewing machines. So I had to buy her an old one for her to use because she no longer has the Bernette.
Well the idea of giving it to her has now gone 'right out the window'. This Bernina Record 730 runs better than my Bernina 801 so she can't have it for now...She can have it when I'm over my Bernina 730 obsession...
Once that foot pedal goes it will be pretty much a lost cause as a working sewing machine. The sewing machine will only become an object to admire...so I might as well make the most of my time with this old Bernina.
Because the sewing machine can be changed to a slower speed, I tried to teach my my grandson to sew a seam. I must admit he was a little bit scared, but it's a good skill for him to learn. He might have to hem his own pants one day just like my dad did...
Nostalgia and total impulse buying is what swayed me to buy this sewing machine. Things from my younger days I want them all back....When my son saw it he said, "Haven't I seen this machine somewhere before?"
Yes when he was about three!
In fact for my $100.00 or so sewing machine purchase could have bought me some exciting new pieces of fabric...No more stash busting, I'm really over my stash I need new fabric to keep me motivated. Buying fabric instead of shoes would have been okay. You can wear fabric but you can't wear a sewing machine...
'Just one look that's all it took' (just like the song) and any common sense I had was gone. I ended up buying a a vintage Bernina Record 730. The first sewing machine I ever owned which I traded in on a Bernettee for my daughter. My excuse for buying the Bernina 730 was that my daughter is not allowed to sew on my sewing machines. So I had to buy her an old one for her to use because she no longer has the Bernette.
Well the idea of giving it to her has now gone 'right out the window'. This Bernina Record 730 runs better than my Bernina 801 so she can't have it for now...She can have it when I'm over my Bernina 730 obsession...
Once that foot pedal goes it will be pretty much a lost cause as a working sewing machine. The sewing machine will only become an object to admire...so I might as well make the most of my time with this old Bernina.
Because the sewing machine can be changed to a slower speed, I tried to teach my my grandson to sew a seam. I must admit he was a little bit scared, but it's a good skill for him to learn. He might have to hem his own pants one day just like my dad did...
Nostalgia and total impulse buying is what swayed me to buy this sewing machine. Things from my younger days I want them all back....When my son saw it he said, "Haven't I seen this machine somewhere before?"
Yes when he was about three!
 |
| Here he is 'Bernie the Bernina' some scratches in the front, otherwise perfect... |
 |
| Plug number: 011-1672 |
 |
| Three way plug one hole is blocked. Was it made like this? I don't know... |
 |
| The original old green foot pedal |
 |
| Number on foot pedal: Typ: FT6-2A6 110-250V |
 |
| Bernina Record 730 fancy stitches |
 |
| I made a felt circle for the cotton reel to sit on |
 |
| Threaded up ready to make table mats |
Table Mats and a Drafty Door
Sunny table mats for winter...I love yellow so I can live with it easily though I don't wear it very much...These placemats were pretty easy to make. But washing them will become a task...If they end up on the wrong washing machine cycle they will most probably fall apart. They'll all become a frayed tangled mess because of the type of fabric I've used...I'll have to be so careful!
Table Mats:
You'll need scissors, fabric, contrast cotton, a marking pen, an old place mat for sizing and a sewing machine to make these table mats...
* Choose a heavy weight cotton fabric.
* You will need a fabric that frays easily
* Divide the fabric into rectangles
* Then mark and cut out your rectangle place mats
* Zig zag stitch 3/4 to 1" inside the rectangle on all sides
* Next unravel the weave until it reaches the stitching (frayed edge)
* Press and use...
Note:
You can turn and stitch short ends for a different look. I wish I had done this as my short ends didn't fray that well... I got four x-large placemats out of a metre of upholstery fabric.
From the left over scraps there was enough to make a draft stopper (sewn with the raw frayed edges showing). Next I filled the draft stopper with kitty litter...I hope that cat doesn't think it's a dirt box!
Table Mats:
You'll need scissors, fabric, contrast cotton, a marking pen, an old place mat for sizing and a sewing machine to make these table mats...
* Choose a heavy weight cotton fabric.
* You will need a fabric that frays easily
* Divide the fabric into rectangles
* Then mark and cut out your rectangle place mats
* Zig zag stitch 3/4 to 1" inside the rectangle on all sides
* Next unravel the weave until it reaches the stitching (frayed edge)
* Press and use...
Note:
You can turn and stitch short ends for a different look. I wish I had done this as my short ends didn't fray that well... I got four x-large placemats out of a metre of upholstery fabric.
From the left over scraps there was enough to make a draft stopper (sewn with the raw frayed edges showing). Next I filled the draft stopper with kitty litter...I hope that cat doesn't think it's a dirt box!
 |
| All sewn using a Bernina Record 730. How did I manage that? Well that's another post! |
When I Woke up...
I could hear the sewing machine buzzing away this morning....It wasn't me sewing so who was it? That cat he had his paws on the sewing machine foot, with half of his big body on top of it. The Bernina was sewing away tangling up all the thread...
Bernina 801: How to remove tangled thread around the bobbin
 |
| Looks innocent but... |
 |
| He's guilty as charged.... |
 |
| If thread tangles and bunches up when sewing you need to open up bobbin case cover... |
 |
| Most times you only have to remove the bobbin case to untangle the thread... |
 |
| Pic of bobbin cover and hook |
 |
| The thread has tangled behind the hook. I'm going to have to unclip the hook |
 |
| My Bernina needs a clean lots of lint and fluff...gosh it's dirty |
 |
| It was rather messy when I took the cover off...I don't always remove the sewing foot to do this. But it is best you do it makes it much easier... |
 |
| This pic shows you where the levers are |
 |
| Remove all the thread and clean Now it's ready to lock back together again.. |
 |
| Put the bobbin back... |
 |
| Finally snap the free-arm cover back on to the machine |
Bernina 801: Removing the Needle Holder Screw
To remove the needle holder screw you need to unscrew it with a screwdriver. It's a very easy way to change your sewing machine needle. The Bernina 801 Sewing Machine came with a little black screw driver with a wee prong in the middle especially for this purpose.
Don't worry if you have lost yours or have not got one, you can still get your sewing machine needle out. Just use a small screwdriver that fits into the top of the screw, a ordinary flat sided screwdriver will do the trick. I am unsure if you can replace or even buy the black screwdriver. It really is a real gem if you have one keep it!
Note:
If you've lost your screw (needle clamp screw) for the Bernina 801 needle holder it might be possible to replace it with one similar....A sewing repair shop may have something or hardware store. Because it is just the thread on the screw that is holding the needle in place when you tighten it. You just need something that fits..
Don't worry if you have lost yours or have not got one, you can still get your sewing machine needle out. Just use a small screwdriver that fits into the top of the screw, a ordinary flat sided screwdriver will do the trick. I am unsure if you can replace or even buy the black screwdriver. It really is a real gem if you have one keep it!
Note:
If you've lost your screw (needle clamp screw) for the Bernina 801 needle holder it might be possible to replace it with one similar....A sewing repair shop may have something or hardware store. Because it is just the thread on the screw that is holding the needle in place when you tighten it. You just need something that fits..
 |
| Ready to remove the sewing machine needle... |
 |
| The original black metal screwdriver you use to remove the needle holder screw |
 |
| Very easy to unscrew, I really like this type of needle holder...I can see it! |
 |
| Nearly there.... |
 |
| Having the prong on the screw driver makes it easier to remove and still hold onto the screw |
 |
| This is what the needle clamp screw looks like.... |
 |
| The front view of the needle holder screw |
 |
| Now you are ready to pull the needle out and replace it. Next you then place the screw back into the needle holder and re-screw tightly |
Bernina 801: Removing the Frame Cover
How do you open the top (the frame cover) of your Bernina 801 sewing machine....Even I forget and I guess I haven't done this for awhile because my button was really stuck! My poor machine is getting tired and old. I must look under there more often (perhaps it need a little oil).
 |
| The release knob... |
 |
| Press the release knob... |
 |
| The frame cover can now be removed.. Now you can look inside |
Friday Ramblings...
This is a close-up view of the Bernina Activa 220 needle threader, it's all I could think about to post today..... But I've been so busy, I bought myself an old sewing table and I've been tidying it up (well wiping it out) and then putting all my sewing things in place.
I was so happy I found my button foot for sewing on buttons for my old Bernina 801, it has been lost for ages. Funny thing it was tangled and entwined onto another Bernina sewing foot. I was really pleased to find it as the generic ones (on e-bay) are slightly different to mine and a new one for the Activa 220 is so expensive...Lucky I didn't replace it!
Oh and I've had some excitement, I have managed to get some sewing machine feet for my Juki F600 in Japan. I just can't get them in NZ. My gorgeous little girls went on a holiday to visit their family and bought them online over there for me (much cheaper than buying from the U.S.A.)....When they bring them over to my house I'll post, they are all sick at the moment....
I actually like this needle threader I can use it. I get totally muddled up when I use the Juki F600 one...in fact I think I've broken it!
I was so happy I found my button foot for sewing on buttons for my old Bernina 801, it has been lost for ages. Funny thing it was tangled and entwined onto another Bernina sewing foot. I was really pleased to find it as the generic ones (on e-bay) are slightly different to mine and a new one for the Activa 220 is so expensive...Lucky I didn't replace it!
Oh and I've had some excitement, I have managed to get some sewing machine feet for my Juki F600 in Japan. I just can't get them in NZ. My gorgeous little girls went on a holiday to visit their family and bought them online over there for me (much cheaper than buying from the U.S.A.)....When they bring them over to my house I'll post, they are all sick at the moment....
I actually like this needle threader I can use it. I get totally muddled up when I use the Juki F600 one...in fact I think I've broken it!
Twin Needle Twist
I have wanted to learn how to use a twin needles for a while. House of Pinheiro has a good post on using twin needles so I followed the instructions over there. I also looked on You Tube for a Bernina Activa to see if there were any tutorials on twin needles. Click here to view a video on using a twin needle on the Bernina Activa.
My first efforts were a total disaster 'practice makes perfect' right? I soon sorted it and all I needed to do was put both my threads through the same side of my tension disks. Once I did this my efforts were good....I think though I need to loosen the bottom tension a bit. But I'm not to sure how to do this though. More practice I think!
My first efforts were a total disaster 'practice makes perfect' right? I soon sorted it and all I needed to do was put both my threads through the same side of my tension disks. Once I did this my efforts were good....I think though I need to loosen the bottom tension a bit. But I'm not to sure how to do this though. More practice I think!
 |
| Twin needle sewing on the Bernina Activa 220 |
Bernina Activa 220
I don't really use my Bernina Activa 220....just for mending. But I've kept the sewing machine set up so I can do some sewing. They say timing is everything..... the time has been right for me to finally appreciate this machine for what it is..... I've never been that keen on my Activa because I much preferred my mechanical version (this machine was my back-up Bernina). A sales lady talked me in to buying it when I was going to buy another Bernina mechanical. But anyway I'm giving it a proper run for a change. Maybe I'll take it to a sewing class or something this year.......
What I like about the Bernina Actva 200:
It's a not that much different from a Bernina mechanical machine. It has the same threading as my 801 and I can use the Bernina Activa's 220 bobbins in the 801.
I like that it's not a heavy sewing machine like the mechanical one.
I love the needle threader ( I still haven't got my head around the Juki needle threader).
I do love Bernina bobbin winders, very simple (My mechanical one is the best though, it cuts the thread while winding this one doesn't).
I do like that that the sewing machine has a handle and is portable, very easy to take to sewing lessons.
You wind the electrical foot chord underneath the foot pedal, very convenient.
I also like the simplicity of this machine it's pretty basic and robust.......
The machine has a needle up and down feature.
I like the bobbin is in the front underneath. I prefer bobbins this way (just my preference).
It has temporary stitch memory which is good too.
What I don't like is:
You only get five feet!
That it's computerized (just joking)
Nothing really I'm a Bernina fan......
It was quite expensive machine for minimal options when compared to sewing other machines....Bernina is always expensive!
How good the machine is for quilting as I'm not a quilter. For constructing a garments it is perfect and easy to use, especially for a beginner sewer.
Tips:
A good place to find Bernina bobbins is on e-bay or sometimes Trade-me as well. Generic feet can be bought on e-bay. I have the all in one Bernina feet which I got when I bought the sewing machine. I thought it was easier for me )i might lose the clip on feet)...But lately I have been thinking they might be a good idea too! If you want to personalise the facade of your Bernina Activia 220 you can buy skins for your Bernina here.
What I like about the Bernina Actva 200:
It's a not that much different from a Bernina mechanical machine. It has the same threading as my 801 and I can use the Bernina Activa's 220 bobbins in the 801.
I like that it's not a heavy sewing machine like the mechanical one.
I love the needle threader ( I still haven't got my head around the Juki needle threader).
I do love Bernina bobbin winders, very simple (My mechanical one is the best though, it cuts the thread while winding this one doesn't).
I do like that that the sewing machine has a handle and is portable, very easy to take to sewing lessons.
You wind the electrical foot chord underneath the foot pedal, very convenient.
I also like the simplicity of this machine it's pretty basic and robust.......
The machine has a needle up and down feature.
I like the bobbin is in the front underneath. I prefer bobbins this way (just my preference).
It has temporary stitch memory which is good too.
What I don't like is:
You only get five feet!
That it's computerized (just joking)
Nothing really I'm a Bernina fan......
It was quite expensive machine for minimal options when compared to sewing other machines....Bernina is always expensive!
It doesn't have an automatic buttonhole it is manual....
There is no table (this is an extra and it's clear plastic).
What I can't comment on is:How good the machine is for quilting as I'm not a quilter. For constructing a garments it is perfect and easy to use, especially for a beginner sewer.
What would I like to get for this machine:
A magnifying set for better viewing when sewing.
A sew on button foot and the optional buttonhole foot in the manual.
Change the light for something much brighter.
Tips:
A good place to find Bernina bobbins is on e-bay or sometimes Trade-me as well. Generic feet can be bought on e-bay. I have the all in one Bernina feet which I got when I bought the sewing machine. I thought it was easier for me )i might lose the clip on feet)...But lately I have been thinking they might be a good idea too! If you want to personalise the facade of your Bernina Activia 220 you can buy skins for your Bernina here.
 |
| Small machine compact and sturdy, but I think the Bernina Activa 220 has been discontinued |
 |
| Measurement on the front and my favourite place to put pins.... |
 |
| Handle makes the machine easily portable |
 |
| Straight stitch foot...... soft red pouch for sewing feet and accessories in background.... |
 |
| Same bobbin system and race as the Bernina 801 |
 |
| Push button for changing of stitches and buttonholes |
 |
| Easy manual to read but finding the info you want can be a little bit confusing... but you get there in the end! |
 |
| Extra fancy stitches with clip on viewer Red soft cover case behind..... |
 |
| And one nosey kitten......whose tail will be sewn if he's not careful! |
Wonky Stitches
Oh no my Bernina 801 is sewing wonky stitches.......She never sews wonky straight stitches! Must be the three major earthquakes she survived, she just sat on the table rocking away....... Now I'll have to take her in to be fixed.......what will I do if they say she's stuffed? I couldn't live without a mechanical machine.....just like I have to have a manual car, I like the control.....I know I have the Juki but I'm still learning to use it!
I've sewn a whole skirt for my daughter skirt with wonky stitches (and she'll notice!).......I need not have worried though because all she said was, "It reminds her of an apron" (now it reminds me of an apron too). The fabric I used was an inexpensive striped black/blue denim with no stretch.......The pattern I used was New Look 6789, a great pattern I have used many times.......I changed it slightly and just added some length to the hem and I also made a waistband and patch pockets. The fabric is fairly stiff so washing the skirt a few times will hopefully soften it........
I've sewn a whole skirt for my daughter skirt with wonky stitches (and she'll notice!).......I need not have worried though because all she said was, "It reminds her of an apron" (now it reminds me of an apron too). The fabric I used was an inexpensive striped black/blue denim with no stretch.......The pattern I used was New Look 6789, a great pattern I have used many times.......I changed it slightly and just added some length to the hem and I also made a waistband and patch pockets. The fabric is fairly stiff so washing the skirt a few times will hopefully soften it........
 |
| The wonky Bernina 801straight stitch.....Grrrrrrr! |
 |
| The apron like skirt....dark/black blue and cream fabric.... I'm not sure about those pockets...too late to unpick now! |
Magnets & Pins
I can't live with out my magnetics when sewing.....Too many of my pins end up on the floor. When I was about fourteen my father bought a brand new Bernina 730 Record to hem his overalls........I can't remember how I started to sew........I've always had a curious mind and it's my guess I just had to try it out this new sewing machine.......I think I take after my Granny and sewing just came naturally to me.
I would always make the mistake of leaving my pins everywhere........My father always complained that I was always dropping pins and someone would step on them (I used to sew on the kitchen table)....... He'd pick up a pin, peer at me and tell me off in his broad foreign accent. Being young I never took much notice and kept on dropping pins.......I was always engrossed in my latest project. If only I had a magnet to pick up my pins back then......But the best part was my father let me take the sewing machine with me when I married and then it became me who hemmed his overalls for him.......
My big blue magnet I give to the button thief and he runs around and picking up my pins off the floor.......The yellow magnetic pin holder I keep by the sewing machine and if I drop a tin of pins I just magnet them all up!
I found a good blog site for making your own magnetic pin holders.......Why didn't I think of that? Such a good idea and good way to use up old dishes, etc. Click here.
I would always make the mistake of leaving my pins everywhere........My father always complained that I was always dropping pins and someone would step on them (I used to sew on the kitchen table)....... He'd pick up a pin, peer at me and tell me off in his broad foreign accent. Being young I never took much notice and kept on dropping pins.......I was always engrossed in my latest project. If only I had a magnet to pick up my pins back then......But the best part was my father let me take the sewing machine with me when I married and then it became me who hemmed his overalls for him.......
My big blue magnet I give to the button thief and he runs around and picking up my pins off the floor.......The yellow magnetic pin holder I keep by the sewing machine and if I drop a tin of pins I just magnet them all up!
I found a good blog site for making your own magnetic pin holders.......Why didn't I think of that? Such a good idea and good way to use up old dishes, etc. Click here.
 |
| I've had the magnetic pin holder for years......... |
 |
| My first sewing machine Bernina 730 Record...... A very heavy sturdy sewing machine that my father liked to over oil.....I ended up with oil spots all over my sewing....... |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
