It’s good to know that even if you already are successful at what you do, you still take time to generate your knowledge and share it with people like us who are interested in learning what you teach in your videos. Thank you.
I learned to sew with my mom, when my baby brother was being born I helped make the baby kimonos and hats, after that I was hooked. Then I took class in junior high school and learned everything I could. Then I bought the Vogue sewing book and really advanced my skills. I love sewing.
I pulled out my sewing machine from high school and after all these years and it still works beautifully. I graduated in 1990 by the way. Your video is so true. Thanks for sharing.
Old machines are great One of my favourite machines is my 1920s vintage singer. I can honestly say that the stitch quality is as good as my sophisticated expensive all singing all dancing janome. Proving that even the old machines are brilliant. I’m loving your videos I am a 56 year old recently self taught dressmaker and your videos explain an awful lot of unanswered questions for me. Thank you x
Such a beautiful machine! I also have several sewing machines; my mother's 60 year old Singer (sews a perfect straight stitch), my aunt's featherweight Singer purchased to take to college in the 1950s, and my own purchase of a Singer XL6000 computerized machine. More recently, I purchased a Brother Dream Machine for the same reasons you discuss in your video. I wish you joy and delight in creating many beautiful things in the years to come with your Bernina.
Love this video. I have and still use my singer that I got for my 21st birthday. It's now 29 years old and still working well but I am thinking of an upgrade now 😊😊
Lovely chat Annika you reminded me of my sewing journey. My first machine was a treadle machine mum never used. Next was a singer that I had until my forties. I have an Elna now just for hobby sewing but love it. Thanks x
I have been watching your channel. I was trying to decide on my first machine (have been borrowing my mom's old Kenmore for a while) but nothing was grabbing me. This made me decide on a Husqvarna Viking!
I’d also like to see you doing embroidery with your new machine! Machine Embroidery is an expensive hobby. But fun.. I’m so happy that you love your Bernina. Yay for you, you deserve it...
Thank you so much for making this video. I was fascinated by your sewing machines and your reasons for buying each one. The last one blew me away! I immediately looked up the price and realized that I would have to sell my house if I wanted one like that, haha! I live in Mexico, by the way, and the Mexican peso is so devaluated now. Oh well, it's fun to dream!!
Thank you! My husband constantly tells me that it's like buying a car and I should have bought him a nice car instead. He doesn't get it! Glad you enjoyed it and I hope you get a dream machine one day! xx
I had the same problem with industrial machines, struggled with different fabrics, i now have Juki HZL DX7 and love it, it has taken everything i've thrown at it, Love your videos
Hi Aneka! What an informative post,my first sewing machine was Husqvarna Viking 6690 from 1980s I used it like 15yrs😚 I was almost on my way to buy a Singer around 1990s but i felt like I was taking goodbye to a very old friend and I couldn't do that😕 so I went on another 5yrs, until i bought my Pfaff Tiptronic 2020 about 1995 I still use that a lot, but when i turned 50 at 2011 I bought Janome Horizon 7700 and I just love it! Ok it was a "demo" ex but as new, we have very personal relationship to our machnies, I see them as my best friends
Thank you for sharing your sewing machine journey. I love hearing about the machines you have sewn with and I’m looking forward to hearing your personal story. :). I learned to sew at school - in the US, (back in the late 70’s/early ‘80’s) - everyone had Home ec and basic woodshop/drafting/ metalwork. My first purchased sewing machine was a Singer (Mom’s recommendation) in the early 80’s. I didn’t sew for decades, and have just come back to it. I started with a Singer Quantam 9960, then fell in love with vintage machines and purchased a Singer 15-91. That’s the beautiful black vintage looking machine - motor, not treadle. Notice all the Singers - Like you, it’s what I was used to. Recently, though, I have veered from Singer and have a vintage Necchi Supernova that is portable and sews like butter, and a vintage Pfaff 230 that purrs through anything. Do you use sergers? I have a New Home (Janome) serger. I think I’d like to get an embroidery machine eventually - and based on your video, I will be leaning more to Bernina. :)
Hi Debbie, Singers were amazing machines, I didn't share the Singers we have at home (or at my mum's) in this video, but she has a couple. One with a treadle and then 2 of the 15-91 perhaps (or something similar), I just never really used them because my mum upgraded to the Husqvarna I showed in this video around the time I was born, so I learned on that. Lovely to hear your story. I have a couple of Babylock Imagine overlockers that I love. Will don a story on those soon. xx
Love this video. I have and still use my singer that I got for my 21st birthday. It's now 29 years old and still working well but I am thinking of an upgrade though 😊😊
I come from a family with long torsos and short legs.. meaning I've hemmed more than my fair share of jeans and lots of broken needles. A friend loaned me her Benina after hearing my tale of woe. That machine sewed through through double jean seams like butter in July. I dropped it off at her house and went directly to the Bernina store and bought my own. that was 16 years ago and we're still in love 💗💗💗💗💗💗. BTW, still haven't made up my sloper from the class in Atlanta, but one of these days.
I too am "blessed" with a long torso and short legs. They call it a swimmer's physique - as far as I'm aware. You just delineated what I really need to look for in a new sewing machine: a great hemming function. Something I can now put at the top of the wish list...
Lovely listening to you chatting about how & why you bought your machines ❤️👌🏼 back in ‘olden times’ we had Bernina machines at school for sewing lessons, our teacher was a very posh strict old lady and didn’t let us make anything remotely wearable 😑😆 but I still pull threads to the back & tie off, if she saw you just snipping she’d go into a frenzy 😆 love your videos Aneka ❤️
My sister and I are the same as your sister and you! I have been sewing since I was little on my mum’s Bernina. I now have a Bernina, Janome and an industrial Juki (which needs a service). My Bernina350 is called Gertrude (named after a character in The Dressmaker starring Kate Winslet).
Thanks for sharing, Aneka. An interesting watch. Im tempted by an industrial for bag making but honestly not sure where we'd keep it. I upgraded and spent £1k on a sewing machine, which was a massive investment for me, and I havent looked back. You really get what you pay for with sewing machines. It looks like you did well buying your first sewing machine. I hated my first (well technically second) and couldnt wait to get rid of it.
Thanks for sharing your story Claire, yes my Husqvarna was a total lucky pick. Industrials are great but they take up the space, not even sure where it will go in my new apartment in Australia! x
Same here, Just got my mums, 1974 Singer when they where made in Italy. Like yours, it still works great. Anything made by Husky is quality kit, their chainsaws are the best in the world.
I have a Bernina 910 Electronic. I bought it in the later 80's to sew maternity jumpers to go with my bow blouses. I then got a serger. Not very many options for professional pregnant women at the time. Quality wool gabardine made a beautiful, serviceable and comfortable maternity jumper (and we all passed them around). I did buy a newer Bernina 530B last year on closeout. There are some lovely features...but even then, it is the lower end of Bernina's line. The old Bernina's are workhorse as is your Husky. My serger (Bernette 334DS made my Juki for Bernina) also still functions beautifully. I always recommend to buy the highest quality that you can afford (kitchen appliances, tools, sewing etc). It is amazing to me the high prices for even the used stuff! But quality lasts. I still have my Olfa rotary cutter and mat from way back.
Loved your sewing machines stories thank you for sharing. I have recently inherited my grandmothers Elna sewing machine. I think she bought it in the 70’s. Silly me pushed it on the shelf as it’s solid metal and heavy it cracked the connecting piece on the presser foot. I’m really hoping I can get it replaced somewhere 😞 My grandmother helped me learn to sew on this machine when I was a young teenager back in the 90’s. I just read on your last video that your moving to Darwin from the UK 😱 ☀️ 🐊 🔥 Wishing you all the very best with your move 💕
I have started with a very old Singer when younger did dresses for my daughter but that was it. Because I'm just a novice it's finding what to do and the time I have to do it. but then later in life, I bought a machine for £50 just because I wanted to correct the length of my curtains. I ended sewing a little coat for a toy bear for a friend with it for then it was too simple I gave it to a charity shop. This year I bought a new Singer the 3232 model. with it, I did bags and pouches still preparing for more bags and pouches little things like bread bags no, no napkins. but I'm in preparing myself to go further I got myself some pretty fabric for next summer since i have learnt how to install zippers but button not yet did not try yet. it will come a day when I find the fabric store that sells nice fabrics not too expensive with some project I know I can do or find the confidence to do it. you are lucky your mother and grandmother taught you what they could. I wish my mother had but she wasn't interested in or did not have the patience to. actually, I got some books to learn but didn't go to school for needlecraft and sewing. I do watch a lot of tutorials again and again and that is a great help I have watched time and time again yours with great interest. so please don't stop.
Hi Aneka, this was fascinating 😀...thank you so much and that Bernina looks and sounds amazing 👌. Funnily enough, I used to work in a South West sewing factory years ago when I left collage and used a Singer industrial sewing machine for six years. I wonder if your repair man was working in my factory 😉. I left collage a bit disheartened, wanting to get a job involving sewing and somehow ended up in a shirt factory. It wasn't exactly what I had in mind but I have to say it definitely taught me well and has probably got me to do the things I am achieving now with my domestic sewing machine. Thanks so much for this review and I think you are inspiring and giving great information to budding sewers everywhere. I hope you are very happy with your new machine and in your new exciting endeavours in Australia 😀👍😘
Hi Sally! I BET he worked in that factory, or was a technician that went to the factory, he definitely worked in the factories in the SW on Singer. What a coincidence and what an amazing experience for you. Thanks so much. xx
Great to see this, I use an old janome 9000 which still sews great but some of the features are unreliable ie I wouldn’t really use the embroidery features anymore. Yesterday I purchased a Bernina 830 record because I love vintage machines, it sews like an absolute dream and the design/build is amazing (Swiss made), the condition is amazing and it’s from 1978 I believe, just goes to show how a machine can be an investment if looked after. My issues are that I struggle to find a reliable technician, I had a very bad experience with someone recently (who managed to break my baby lock imagine and then tried to sell me one of his jaguar overlockers, I ended up replacing said imagine with a new imagine) so I dread having to get them fixed or serviced! 😳 I think I’ll need to travel further afield.
Oh my goodness that is awful to hear. So so sorry what a nightmare for you. Yes you need to look elsewhere for someone that will be good. Just a thought, you could call Bernina (their head office) and ask for anyone they can recommend in your area? I love the Bernina 830, they are amazing! I have so many people come to classes with them and they still work beautifully! xx
I learnt on my mums Singer - heavy weight metal fantastic machine. Rather than a foot pedal it was operated by a knee lever! I LOVED it but it only did straight stitches. Wish I still had it!
Interesting video, so many machines these days feature a top drop in bobbin because it’s “easier” but when I watch garment makers they all use machines with side or front “underneath” bobbin. To get a really beautiful straight seam it still seems that the best machines for garment still use the traditional bobbin, and interestingly companies like Janome now offer settings with special straight stitch plates to locate the needle in the best position for take up from the drop in bobbin... this seems to imply that drop in plus wide stitch compromises straight stitch quality and speed. Maybe that’s why I’m drawn to the Bernina as a rare beast with traditional type bobbin and wide stitch settings that can do uncompromised pro looking straight seams. Drop in is not really any easier and you can’t reload with work under the foot, so is it just easier to manufacture.... just thinking out loud really as I explore the vast array of machines available now and want the best results from a machine that’s a pleasure to use.
Lovely to read your thoughts Gregory, it is a hard one. I think if I asked my dealer in the UK (who is very knowledgable with machines and the mechanical parts), he would probably agree that front loading bobbins in the Bernina are the best. But he would also say that some top-loading bobbins are better than others, in terms of their sewing ability. Great to hear this is something you are considering. Aneka
Hi Susan, I know, no machines/equipment seem to be made as well as they used to be! It's sad really, how the world has changed. So pleased you have 2 fantastic machines.
I have the Viking 150 E model purchased 27 years ago for $500. It was discounted as a demo model so I don't know the regular price. I still use it today as I haven't purchased a replacement yet.
What a great video! I could watch you read the phone book for hours. :-) I went to a local shop today to buy a new machine, and the B350 has been discontinued. Okay, then I'll take the B435...or so I thought. Bernina in Germany had a special offer a few weeks ago and discounted the B435, so there is no stock anywhere and no idea when Bernina will have the B435. I had to settle for the B480. I also bought the L460 overlocker since they had it in stock. I could have saved a little money and ordered from an online vendor, but it wasn't worth it when factoring in the face to face help if needed.
Hi Mike, I am so pleased that you managed to find a machine, this is such great news. And I agree, it is nice to get it from whom you can visit if you have problems etc. I have the L460 too, I am planning some videos on it. Aneka
You sounded a little guilty when describing your new sewing machine. I'm sure it's a pleasure to use and the purchase is well worth it. Time to sell the industrial machine if it's not used unless it's a good backup. I always worry about issues with the expensive srwing/embroidery machines. Just remember we only live once and so continue doing what you love.
I was little guilty, it was an investment. The industrial actually gets a lot of use again; I brought it to Australia with me (don't ask, quite a move!). And I now have a sewing assistant that works with me and sews up 'Made in Australia' products, so the industrial is busier than my lovely Bernina!
I saw the B350 in your vids before and I thought that was fancypants... and then came the 790... MAAAN was I surprised when I saw this monster of a machine (monster in a good sense). I hope my very basic Singer Tradition 2250 will give me as much joy as the B790 gives you. (I am a beginner with a small budget :)))
I know the B790 is very fancy and overkill for most people. I wanted the embroidery functionality. The Singer you have sounds great. I used the littler Husqvarna Emerald machines for years; I have had mine for over 10 years. I only bought these fancy machines after teaching customers and seeing how good they were in my classes. It was an investment but worth it when it’s my job! Aneka
My Singer Featherweight is 65 years old. Sews a beautiful straight stitch. I would love to know whether a straight stitch can be adapted to sew stretch/ knit fabrics.
Hello, lovely to hear that. If your machine can only do a straight stitch can it do a reinforcement straight stitch? Where the stitch goes backwards and forwards over the same stitch, this will prevent the stitches from popping when stretched. The alternative is to sew the same seam a couple of times. This will help to prevent the stitches from popping when stretched, but doesn't allow the seam to stretch like a zigzag stitch. Hope this helps? Aneka x
Great review. Very useful as although I am a newbie, I am ready to upgrade from my Toyota.. By the way, you look gorgeous as usual. Could I ask what kind of material it is. Thank you.
Thanks for posting a great informative video. I love using industrial machines but it's good to know about the Bernina 790 for more versatility. Do you have any recommendations for coverstitch machines or sergers?
Hi Jacqueline, yes I did to start with, I would have stuck with Husqvarna. What sold Bernina to me and changed my mind towards Husqvarna was watching students in my classes and seeing the machines they were bringing it. Listening to them, watching the quality of their stitching, that is what sold me on Bernina. The quality of the work the customers with Bernina's were able to produce was always excellent, there is a gadget for every eventuality and issue you might have. Yes you probably would have to pay for the 'gadget' but it just made happy, easy, great quality sewing. Hope this helps! Aneka x
Hi Aneka. That was very interesting and as always, very informative. I have a Viking 400 series from the mid 1990's which I love but would like to have a machine with at least the automatic thread cutter. It always looks like such a time saver when I see someone using one. I hate to switch brands as I have a gagillion dollars in specialized feet for my machine that I wouldn't want to replace. Do you use a serger?
Hi Kathy, lovely to hear your story. I know the brands do well at tidying you in with feet! Just check that the feet are still the same on new machines, as I know a couple of customers that suck with brands because of feet and then they changed them! Yes I do use a serger, I have a couple Babylock Imagines. Love them! x
Love your videos ! Can anyone help me ? I am trying to sew a bandana for my cat and I want to attach box pleated drills to the edge and it always comes wonky. How can I change this ?
Aneka, I am currently rewatching all your videos. This been especially useful. I am thinking of buying Bernina. At this point not sure which one. Can I ask you to share how much you paid for B350 and B790? This info will really help me to make my decision. Thank you, Lena.
I have the B350 which is a lower model machine, I paid approximately £900-1000 for this, I can't quite remember as both machines are a few years old now. The B790 on the other hand is one of the top of the range machines and is very expensive. I purchased it because I wanted the embroidery function. I imagine it depends where you buy it, I believe it was approximately £5,000 but online it appears to be more than that now. I think it depends whether you purchase with the embroidery unit or not? I hope that helps?
Hi Aneka - my local Bernina agent told me that the new Berninas are really expensive to repair and their electronics don't last. She raved about the higher end Janomes which were still about half the price. I don't know if she just got a better deal with the Janomes. I was surprised she would cut a dearer sale for a cheaper one and also put down a brand that she sold! It worried me , but I still have an old mechanical B that sews great and just love Berninas. Can I ask how yours have weathered with lots of use? Have you had to replace things? There are a few 770s on sale on Gumtree near me that I'm considering x
Hi Sallie, thank you for your lovely message. Wow, that is interesting to hear. I have had my B790 now for 4 years I think. And I haven’t had to replace anything on it. And I would imagine that mine gets a lot of use, day in and day out; compared to people using them for a hobby? Being totally honest I haven’t even had it serviced in the last 3 years. Not from choice, but because there isn’t anyone Bernina certified in Darwin and I wouldn’t trust anyone to have a fiddle! So it will wait until I move somewhere else where there is some support. The only issue that I have had with mine. And this is not a Bernina fault. Is that the casing around the light at the front of the machine cracked and some of it fell off. This happened when the machine was shipped from the UK to Australia. My lovely dealer in the UK gave me a walk through of how to replace it if I wanted to and I bought a replacement but I haven’t tried! It looked quite complex and the light works fine, it is only the plastic case around a small section of it. So again I will wait to fix it! Hopefully this helps. My machine has had a bit of a journey from the UK to Australia and not much love (with the lack of servicing here), and I have no issues with it. I thought that Bernina still did huge warranties on their products. I think it’s only 8 years in the UK, but I think it’s like 20 in America? So they obviously stand by their products that much. Hopefully this helps guide you. I have a number of customers with the 770s and I haven’t heard them mention any issues either. Best, Aneka x
I actually shipped the industrial too. Luckily we aren't paying for it (my husband's job are covering the move)! I took my Bernina 350 on the plane, my Bernina 790 went via air freight (as we had a small amount of air freight) and then the rest is on a ship. Only taking the industrial because if I get people working for me again it's a great machine for them to use. And keeps my machines just for me :-)))) x
What is the best sewing machine for beginners? I want to sew like cushion covers , bathroom windows curtain and more when I learned how to sew ! .I have already started watching you bigginers course how to learn to sew .
Hi Paula, It really depends on your budget, but one thing for sure is that you do not have to spend a lot of money to have a sewing machine that does a good job. It sounds like you are mainly going to be using it for straight seams so you don't need a machine that does a lot of fancy stitches at this stage. As you will have seen in this video my mum still sews on a very old machine now! If you haven't already watched it, this is another video I created with our local sewing machine store reviewing machines under £350 ua-cam.com/video/i0ePqNFTN5E/v-deo.html Hopefully this will be helpful for you. Also you may find this one useful too ua-cam.com/video/iK2mv7avXqg/v-deo.html I hope you find what you need and enjoy your sewing journey.
Thank you Roxana. It is the Aria top and you can sign up to be notified when it launches (hopefully early next year). madetosew.com/product/aria-top-dress/ Thanks, Aneka xx
Love this video. I have and still use my singer that I got for my 21st birthday. It's now 29 years old and still working well but I am thinking of an upgrade now 😊😊
It’s good to know that even if you already are successful at what you do, you still take time to generate your knowledge and share it with people like us who are interested in learning what you teach in your videos. Thank you.
Thank you Dane. Glad I can help you on your sewing journey. Aneka
I learned to sew with my mom, when my baby brother was being born I helped make the baby kimonos and hats, after that I was hooked. Then I took class in junior high school and learned everything I could. Then I bought the Vogue sewing book and really advanced my skills. I love sewing.
Wow what a lovely story, thanks for sharing. xx
I pulled out my sewing machine from high school and after all these years and it still works beautifully. I graduated in 1990 by the way. Your video is so true. Thanks for sharing.
Glad I could help. Thank you. Aneka x
Old machines are great One of my favourite machines is my 1920s vintage singer. I can honestly say that the stitch quality is as good as my sophisticated expensive all singing all dancing janome. Proving that even the old machines are brilliant. I’m loving your videos I am a 56 year old recently self taught dressmaker and your videos explain an awful lot of unanswered questions for me. Thank you x
Thanks I really enjoyed going on this journey with you. It was very helpful and informative.
Thanks Estelle. x
Aneka, this was fun! Thanks for letting your hair down and chatting. Your classes must be a blast.
Thanks so much!
Thank you for sharing your journey. I didnt know how to look after my first 2 machines but my third one I am learning to appreciate.
Thanks Elaine, really pleased you liked it. Aneka x
Such a beautiful machine! I also have several sewing machines; my mother's 60 year old Singer (sews a perfect straight stitch), my aunt's featherweight Singer purchased to take to college in the 1950s, and my own purchase of a Singer XL6000 computerized machine. More recently, I purchased a Brother Dream Machine for the same reasons you discuss in your video. I wish you joy and delight in creating many beautiful things in the years to come with your Bernina.
Lovely to hear your story Jeannette, thanks for sharing. x
Love this video. I have and still use my singer that I got for my 21st birthday. It's now 29 years old and still working well but I am thinking of an upgrade now 😊😊
Lovely chat Annika you reminded me of my sewing journey. My first machine was a treadle machine mum never used. Next was a singer that I had until my forties. I have an Elna now just for hobby sewing but love it. Thanks x
Lovely to hear your story too. Thank you. Aneka x
I have been watching your channel. I was trying to decide on my first machine (have been borrowing my mom's old Kenmore for a while) but nothing was grabbing me. This made me decide on a Husqvarna Viking!
Thank you so much. Really pleased I could help. Love those machines, I still have 4 for teaching classes. Aneka :-))
Thank you so much for what you do! I am a beginner and I look forward to learning more from your videos.
Thank you. x
I’d also like to see you doing embroidery with your new machine! Machine Embroidery is an expensive hobby. But fun.. I’m so happy that you love your Bernina. Yay for you, you deserve it...
Thanks Loriann, YES I will plan some embroidery! x
Thank you so much for making this video. I was fascinated by your sewing machines and your reasons for buying each one. The last one blew me away! I immediately looked up the price and realized that I would have to sell my house if I wanted one like that, haha! I live in Mexico, by the way, and the Mexican peso is so devaluated now. Oh well, it's fun to dream!!
Thank you! My husband constantly tells me that it's like buying a car and I should have bought him a nice car instead. He doesn't get it! Glad you enjoyed it and I hope you get a dream machine one day! xx
I had the same problem with industrial machines, struggled with different fabrics, i now have Juki HZL DX7 and love it, it has taken everything i've thrown at it,
Love your videos
Thank you! Love the Juki machines. ❤️ Glad you have a machine that works for your needs! Aneka :-)
Hi Aneka! What an informative post,my first sewing machine was Husqvarna Viking 6690 from 1980s I used it like 15yrs😚 I was almost on my way to buy a Singer around 1990s but i felt like I was taking goodbye to a very old friend and I couldn't do that😕 so I went on another 5yrs, until i bought my Pfaff Tiptronic 2020 about 1995 I still use that a lot, but when i turned 50 at 2011 I bought Janome Horizon 7700 and I just love it! Ok it was a "demo" ex
but as new, we have very personal relationship to our machnies, I see them as my best friends
This is lovely Paula, thanks for sharing your story! xx
I love your videos, you are my favorite “How To” person 😃
Thanks so much xx
Thank you for sharing your sewing machine journey. I love hearing about the machines you have sewn with and I’m looking forward to hearing your personal story. :). I learned to sew at school - in the US, (back in the late 70’s/early ‘80’s) - everyone had Home ec and basic woodshop/drafting/ metalwork. My first purchased sewing machine was a Singer (Mom’s recommendation) in the early 80’s. I didn’t sew for decades, and have just come back to it. I started with a Singer Quantam 9960, then fell in love with vintage machines and purchased a Singer 15-91. That’s the beautiful black vintage looking machine - motor, not treadle. Notice all the Singers - Like you, it’s what I was used to. Recently, though, I have veered from Singer and have a vintage Necchi Supernova that is portable and sews like butter, and a vintage Pfaff 230 that purrs through anything. Do you use sergers? I have a New Home (Janome) serger. I think I’d like to get an embroidery machine eventually - and based on your video, I will be leaning more to Bernina. :)
Hi Debbie, Singers were amazing machines, I didn't share the Singers we have at home (or at my mum's) in this video, but she has a couple. One with a treadle and then 2 of the 15-91 perhaps (or something similar), I just never really used them because my mum upgraded to the Husqvarna I showed in this video around the time I was born, so I learned on that. Lovely to hear your story. I have a couple of Babylock Imagine overlockers that I love. Will don a story on those soon. xx
Love this video. I have and still use my singer that I got for my 21st birthday. It's now 29 years old and still working well but I am thinking of an upgrade though 😊😊
I come from a family with long torsos and short legs.. meaning I've hemmed more than my fair share of jeans and lots of broken needles. A friend loaned me her Benina after hearing my tale of woe. That machine sewed through through double jean seams like butter in July. I dropped it off at her house and went directly to the Bernina store and bought my own. that was 16 years ago and we're still in love 💗💗💗💗💗💗.
BTW, still haven't made up my sloper from the class in Atlanta, but one of these days.
Such a lovely story. If you need any help re the sloper just shout! Aneka x
I too am "blessed" with a long torso and short legs. They call it a swimmer's physique - as far as I'm aware. You just delineated what I really need to look for in a new sewing machine: a great hemming function. Something I can now put at the top of the wish list...
Lovely listening to you chatting about how & why you bought your machines ❤️👌🏼 back in ‘olden times’ we had Bernina machines at school for sewing lessons, our teacher was a very posh strict old lady and didn’t let us make anything remotely wearable 😑😆 but I still pull threads to the back & tie off, if she saw you just snipping she’d go into a frenzy 😆 love your videos Aneka ❤️
Ha Ha! This is wonderful, thanks for sharing. xx
My sister and I are the same as your sister and you! I have been sewing since I was little on my mum’s Bernina. I now have a Bernina, Janome and an industrial Juki (which needs a service). My Bernina350 is called Gertrude (named after a character in The Dressmaker starring Kate Winslet).
Love that it is called Gertrude! x
Thanks for sharing, Aneka. An interesting watch. Im tempted by an industrial for bag making but honestly not sure where we'd keep it. I upgraded and spent £1k on a sewing machine, which was a massive investment for me, and I havent looked back. You really get what you pay for with sewing machines. It looks like you did well buying your first sewing machine. I hated my first (well technically second) and couldnt wait to get rid of it.
Thanks for sharing your story Claire, yes my Husqvarna was a total lucky pick. Industrials are great but they take up the space, not even sure where it will go in my new apartment in Australia! x
I found this really interesting, Thank you for sharing x
Really pleased you enjoyed it! x
Aneka thank-you so much for sharing info on your machines!
Glad you liked it.
Same here, Just got my mums, 1974 Singer when they where made in Italy. Like yours, it still works great. Anything made by Husky is quality kit, their chainsaws are the best in the world.
Amazing news! It's lovely that you have a great machine that still works!
Excellent and still very relevant. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for sharing this journey with us...
It's my pleasure
I am in the market for a new machine, and this was helpful. Thank you.
I have a Bernina 910 Electronic. I bought it in the later 80's to sew maternity jumpers to go with my bow blouses. I then got a serger. Not very many options for professional pregnant women at the time. Quality wool gabardine made a beautiful, serviceable and comfortable maternity jumper (and we all passed them around). I did buy a newer Bernina 530B last year on closeout. There are some lovely features...but even then, it is the lower end of Bernina's line. The old Bernina's are workhorse as is your Husky. My serger (Bernette 334DS made my Juki for Bernina) also still functions beautifully. I always recommend to buy the highest quality that you can afford (kitchen appliances, tools, sewing etc). It is amazing to me the high prices for even the used stuff! But quality lasts. I still have my Olfa rotary cutter and mat from way back.
Hi Leisa, such a lovely story of your machines, thank you for sharing. I completely agree, buy quality and it will last! 💖
Brilliant as usual. Love your videos. 😊
Thank you.
Loved your sewing machines stories thank you for sharing. I have recently inherited my grandmothers Elna sewing machine. I think she bought it in the 70’s. Silly me pushed it on the shelf as it’s solid metal and heavy it cracked the connecting piece on the presser foot. I’m really hoping I can get it replaced somewhere 😞 My grandmother helped me learn to sew on this machine when I was a young teenager back in the 90’s. I just read on your last video that your moving to Darwin from the UK 😱 ☀️ 🐊 🔥 Wishing you all the very best with your move 💕
Thank you for your lovely message. Such a lovely story to hear about your grandmother Elna. I do hope you managed to get it replaced. x
I have started with a very old Singer when younger did dresses for my daughter but that was it. Because I'm just a novice it's finding what to do and the time I have to do it. but then later in life, I bought a machine for £50 just because I wanted to correct the length of my curtains. I ended sewing a little coat for a toy bear for a friend with it for then it was too simple I gave it to a charity shop. This year I bought a new Singer the 3232 model. with it, I did bags and pouches still preparing for more bags and pouches little things like bread bags no, no napkins. but I'm in preparing myself to go further I got myself some pretty fabric for next summer since i have learnt how to install zippers but button not yet did not try yet. it will come a day when I find the fabric store that sells nice fabrics not too expensive with some project I know I can do or find the confidence to do it. you are lucky your mother and grandmother taught you what they could. I wish my mother had but she wasn't interested in or did not have the patience to. actually, I got some books to learn but didn't go to school for needlecraft and sewing. I do watch a lot of tutorials again and again and that is a great help I have watched time and time again yours with great interest. so please don't stop.
Thank you for your lovely detailed message. Lovely to hear your story. Aneka
Thank you so so much for your very interesting and highly informative video
Thank you Stella. :-))
Hi Aneka, this was fascinating 😀...thank you so much and that Bernina looks and sounds amazing 👌. Funnily enough, I used to work in a South West sewing factory years ago when I left collage and used a Singer industrial sewing machine for six years. I wonder if your repair man was working in my factory 😉. I left collage a bit disheartened, wanting to get a job involving sewing and somehow ended up in a shirt factory. It wasn't exactly what I had in mind but I have to say it definitely taught me well and has probably got me to do the things I am achieving now with my domestic sewing machine. Thanks so much for this review and I think you are inspiring and giving great information to budding sewers everywhere. I hope you are very happy with your new machine and in your new exciting endeavours in Australia 😀👍😘
Hi Sally! I BET he worked in that factory, or was a technician that went to the factory, he definitely worked in the factories in the SW on Singer. What a coincidence and what an amazing experience for you. Thanks so much. xx
Lovely to hear your story.
Thanks James.
Great to see this, I use an old janome 9000 which still sews great but some of the features are unreliable ie I wouldn’t really use the embroidery features anymore. Yesterday I purchased a Bernina 830 record because I love vintage machines, it sews like an absolute dream and the design/build is amazing (Swiss made), the condition is amazing and it’s from 1978 I believe, just goes to show how a machine can be an investment if looked after. My issues are that I struggle to find a reliable technician, I had a very bad experience with someone recently (who managed to break my baby lock imagine and then tried to sell me one of his jaguar overlockers, I ended up replacing said imagine with a new imagine) so I dread having to get them fixed or serviced! 😳 I think I’ll need to travel further afield.
Oh my goodness that is awful to hear. So so sorry what a nightmare for you. Yes you need to look elsewhere for someone that will be good. Just a thought, you could call Bernina (their head office) and ask for anyone they can recommend in your area? I love the Bernina 830, they are amazing! I have so many people come to classes with them and they still work beautifully! xx
I learnt on my mums Singer - heavy weight metal fantastic machine. Rather than a foot pedal it was operated by a knee lever! I LOVED it but it only did straight stitches. Wish I still had it!
How wonderful to have such lovely memories.
Interesting video, so many machines these days feature a top drop in bobbin because it’s “easier” but when I watch garment makers they all use machines with side or front “underneath” bobbin. To get a really beautiful straight seam it still seems that the best machines for garment still use the traditional bobbin, and interestingly companies like Janome now offer settings with special straight stitch plates to locate the needle in the best position for take up from the drop in bobbin... this seems to imply that drop in plus wide stitch compromises straight stitch quality and speed. Maybe that’s why I’m drawn to the Bernina as a rare beast with traditional type bobbin and wide stitch settings that can do uncompromised pro looking straight seams. Drop in is not really any easier and you can’t reload with work under the foot, so is it just easier to manufacture.... just thinking out loud really as I explore the vast array of machines available now and want the best results from a machine that’s a pleasure to use.
Lovely to read your thoughts Gregory, it is a hard one. I think if I asked my dealer in the UK (who is very knowledgable with machines and the mechanical parts), he would probably agree that front loading bobbins in the Bernina are the best. But he would also say that some top-loading bobbins are better than others, in terms of their sewing ability. Great to hear this is something you are considering. Aneka
I own a forty year old Bernina, which is even smoother than my new, awesome Bernina 335.
Hi Susan, I know, no machines/equipment seem to be made as well as they used to be! It's sad really, how the world has changed. So pleased you have 2 fantastic machines.
Love my Bernina!
❤️🙏
I have the Viking 150 E model purchased 27 years ago for $500. It was discounted as a demo model so I don't know the regular price. I still use it today as I haven't purchased a replacement yet.
Amazing to her, thanks for sharing. x
What a great video! I could watch you read the phone book for hours. :-) I went to a local shop today to buy a new machine, and the B350 has been discontinued. Okay, then I'll take the B435...or so I thought. Bernina in Germany had a special offer a few weeks ago and discounted the B435, so there is no stock anywhere and no idea when Bernina will have the B435. I had to settle for the B480. I also bought the L460 overlocker since they had it in stock. I could have saved a little money and ordered from an online vendor, but it wasn't worth it when factoring in the face to face help if needed.
Hi Mike, I am so pleased that you managed to find a machine, this is such great news. And I agree, it is nice to get it from whom you can visit if you have problems etc. I have the L460 too, I am planning some videos on it. Aneka
Would you cover sergers next?
Im no where near Anekas level but i recently talked through my serger history on my channel :-))
xYes of course I can! x
Don't be silly Claire, you are awesome! Amazing, will go and take a look! x
@@MadetoSew Thank you - Ive just sent you an email via FB :-)x
I love your Machines particularly your vintage Husqvarna Viking 💕love Glenn in Australia 💕
Hi Aneka i am learning to sew from my mum im on my second sewing machine my first one was a Brother Bm2600 my second one is a Bernette saw n go 5
That Bernina 790! 😍💕
Beauty isn’t she! 😘❤️
The Bernina 790 is huge !!! Love Glenn in Australia 💕
Hi Glenn, it's it just! A beast of a machine! :-))
Made to Sew i love it ! I have a vintage Bernina 807 from the 70’s and it is 10 times the size !!!
Made to Sew and also love your vintage Husqvarna you first used !
@@gip068 Fantastic machine though Bernina 807. :-))
Made to Sew yes they go forever ! Also have an Elna Jubilee Air Electronic
You sounded a little guilty when describing your new sewing machine. I'm sure it's a pleasure to use and the purchase is well worth it. Time to sell the industrial machine if it's not used unless it's a good backup. I always worry about issues with the expensive srwing/embroidery machines. Just remember we only live once and so continue doing what you love.
I was little guilty, it was an investment. The industrial actually gets a lot of use again; I brought it to Australia with me (don't ask, quite a move!). And I now have a sewing assistant that works with me and sews up 'Made in Australia' products, so the industrial is busier than my lovely Bernina!
Thank you, Ma'am
Pleasure.
I saw the B350 in your vids before and I thought that was fancypants... and then came the 790... MAAAN was I surprised when I saw this monster of a machine (monster in a good sense). I hope my very basic Singer Tradition 2250 will give me as much joy as the B790 gives you. (I am a beginner with a small budget :)))
I know the B790 is very fancy and overkill for most people. I wanted the embroidery functionality.
The Singer you have sounds great. I used the littler Husqvarna Emerald machines for years; I have had mine for over 10 years. I only bought these fancy machines after teaching customers and seeing how good they were in my classes. It was an investment but worth it when it’s my job!
Aneka
I have only ever used vintage singers and treadle machines
My mother has both of those in her home! Lovely machines.
Thanks for sharing 🙏
Thanks for visiting. 😃
My Singer Featherweight is 65 years old. Sews a beautiful straight stitch. I would love to know whether a straight stitch can be adapted to sew stretch/ knit fabrics.
Hello, lovely to hear that. If your machine can only do a straight stitch can it do a reinforcement straight stitch? Where the stitch goes backwards and forwards over the same stitch, this will prevent the stitches from popping when stretched. The alternative is to sew the same seam a couple of times. This will help to prevent the stitches from popping when stretched, but doesn't allow the seam to stretch like a zigzag stitch. Hope this helps? Aneka x
Made To Sew - Top Gear Edition
Ha Ha!
Great review. Very useful as although I am a newbie, I am ready to upgrade from my Toyota.. By the way, you look gorgeous as usual. Could I ask what kind of material it is. Thank you.
Thanks for your lovely message. Glad I could help and good luck with the upgrade. Do you mean my top? It is a polyester crepe fabric. 😊
Thanks for posting a great informative video. I love using industrial machines but it's good to know about the Bernina 790 for more versatility. Do you have any recommendations for coverstitch machines or sergers?
I personally use Babylock for sergers (Babylock Imagine) and coverstitch machines. I will plan a video on this too :-))
Did you consider getting a top of the range Husqvarna instead of the Bernina 790, and if not, why not? I would be interested to know.
Hi Jacqueline, yes I did to start with, I would have stuck with Husqvarna. What sold Bernina to me and changed my mind towards Husqvarna was watching students in my classes and seeing the machines they were bringing it. Listening to them, watching the quality of their stitching, that is what sold me on Bernina. The quality of the work the customers with Bernina's were able to produce was always excellent, there is a gadget for every eventuality and issue you might have. Yes you probably would have to pay for the 'gadget' but it just made happy, easy, great quality sewing. Hope this helps! Aneka x
can the Viking emerald sew through thick denim?
Yes it can, just make sure to use a denim needle and good quality thread.
I have the Emerald 118 and I love it.
Yes it can, as Aura said below. I have had students use it to sew leather bags and jackets in my classes. Great machine.
great video
Thank you.
Hi Aneka. That was very interesting and as always, very informative. I have a Viking 400 series from the mid 1990's which I love but would like to have a machine with at least the automatic thread cutter. It always looks like such a time saver when I see someone using one. I hate to switch brands as I have a gagillion dollars in specialized feet for my machine that I wouldn't want to replace. Do you use a serger?
Hi Kathy, lovely to hear your story. I know the brands do well at tidying you in with feet! Just check that the feet are still the same on new machines, as I know a couple of customers that suck with brands because of feet and then they changed them! Yes I do use a serger, I have a couple Babylock Imagines. Love them! x
Love your videos ! Can anyone help me ? I am trying to sew a bandana for my cat and I want to attach box pleated drills to the edge and it always comes wonky. How can I change this ?
Thank you Haritha. What do you mean by it comes out wonky? Which bit the box pleats? Are you pressing and sewing everything accurately?
Aneka, I am currently rewatching all your videos. This been especially useful. I am thinking of buying Bernina. At this point not sure which one. Can I ask you to share how much you paid for B350 and B790? This info will really help me to make my decision. Thank you, Lena.
I have the B350 which is a lower model machine, I paid approximately £900-1000 for this, I can't quite remember as both machines are a few years old now. The B790 on the other hand is one of the top of the range machines and is very expensive. I purchased it because I wanted the embroidery function. I imagine it depends where you buy it, I believe it was approximately £5,000 but online it appears to be more than that now. I think it depends whether you purchase with the embroidery unit or not? I hope that helps?
Hi Aneka - my local Bernina agent told me that the new Berninas are really expensive to repair and their electronics don't last. She raved about the higher end Janomes which were still about half the price. I don't know if she just got a better deal with the Janomes. I was surprised she would cut a dearer sale for a cheaper one and also put down a brand that she sold! It worried me , but I still have an old mechanical B that sews great and just love Berninas. Can I ask how yours have weathered with lots of use? Have you had to replace things? There are a few 770s on sale on Gumtree near me that I'm considering x
Hi Sallie, thank you for your lovely message. Wow, that is interesting to hear.
I have had my B790 now for 4 years I think. And I haven’t had to replace anything on it. And I would imagine that mine gets a lot of use, day in and day out; compared to people using them for a hobby?
Being totally honest I haven’t even had it serviced in the last 3 years. Not from choice, but because there isn’t anyone Bernina certified in Darwin and I wouldn’t trust anyone to have a fiddle! So it will wait until I move somewhere else where there is some support.
The only issue that I have had with mine. And this is not a Bernina fault. Is that the casing around the light at the front of the machine cracked and some of it fell off. This happened when the machine was shipped from the UK to Australia. My lovely dealer in the UK gave me a walk through of how to replace it if I wanted to and I bought a replacement but I haven’t tried! It looked quite complex and the light works fine, it is only the plastic case around a small section of it. So again I will wait to fix it!
Hopefully this helps. My machine has had a bit of a journey from the UK to Australia and not much love (with the lack of servicing here), and I have no issues with it.
I thought that Bernina still did huge warranties on their products. I think it’s only 8 years in the UK, but I think it’s like 20 in America? So they obviously stand by their products that much.
Hopefully this helps guide you. I have a number of customers with the 770s and I haven’t heard them mention any issues either.
Best, Aneka x
Show us the wedding dress pleeeease! :)))
Ok I will do that! 🙏🥰
Will you be shipping all your machines to Australia? Probably not the industrial, since you say you haven't used it in a long time.
I actually shipped the industrial too. Luckily we aren't paying for it (my husband's job are covering the move)! I took my Bernina 350 on the plane, my Bernina 790 went via air freight (as we had a small amount of air freight) and then the rest is on a ship. Only taking the industrial because if I get people working for me again it's a great machine for them to use. And keeps my machines just for me :-)))) x
What is the best sewing machine for beginners? I want to sew like cushion covers , bathroom windows curtain and more when I learned how to sew ! .I have already started watching you bigginers course how to learn to sew .
Hi Paula, It really depends on your budget, but one thing for sure is that you do not have to spend a lot of money to have a sewing machine that does a good job. It sounds like you are mainly going to be using it for straight seams so you don't need a machine that does a lot of fancy stitches at this stage. As you will have seen in this video my mum still sews on a very old machine now!
If you haven't already watched it, this is another video I created with our local sewing machine store reviewing machines under £350
ua-cam.com/video/i0ePqNFTN5E/v-deo.html
Hopefully this will be helpful for you.
Also you may find this one useful too ua-cam.com/video/iK2mv7avXqg/v-deo.html
I hope you find what you need and enjoy your sewing journey.
@@MadetoSew Thank you
wow look at that Bernina
I know, isn't she a beauty! x
You are the best
Thanks Paula. 🙏
I’m curious. Did you consider the Bernina 880?
Hi Susie, I did look at the 880. If I remember I think there were more features than I needed, so I couldn't warrant the extra price.
Off topic question. The top/dress you are wearing has an intriguing neckline. Is this something that you designed yourself?
Yes it is, it is a pattern called Aria, it will launch soon. www.madetosew.com/product/aria-top-dress/
Hi Aneka, I love your top, did you design the pattern yourself? Any chance that it would become available to us? Thank you x
Thank you Roxana. It is the Aria top and you can sign up to be notified when it launches (hopefully early next year). madetosew.com/product/aria-top-dress/ Thanks, Aneka xx
I have a 1973 singer that I use for heavier fabrics than my singer talent 3323s. I would prefer a Husqvana Viking but that’s out of my range lol
Great to hear what you are using.
Are you going to take the industrial machine to Australia or get rid of it?
Hi Jane, it is currently on route to Australia! In a container ship somewhere!
Will you be showing us what kind of embroidery you would do on a wearable garment? Or something you have already done
Of course I can. I will plan something x
Mam how to reduce crotch length
Ok, I can do a video on this.
@@MadetoSew thanks mam I request if possible make on any gents trousers or trackpants
Of course
@@MadetoSew thank you so much mam
👍✌️🙏❤️
💜
You are so beautifull.
Thank you.
Don't get the need to wear clown make up. It is ugly and unnecessary
Oh no! Sorry! Aneka x
Don’t be so rude. She looks lovely. Your comment Darling Stuff is Unnecessary!
Love this video. I have and still use my singer that I got for my 21st birthday. It's now 29 years old and still working well but I am thinking of an upgrade now 😊😊
Thank you. xx