At the last quilt retreat my older sewing machine was giving me some trouble. It’s been having issues for a while and I keep struggling along. My friend Cathy told me I really needed a new machine and that thought started to percolate. A while later I told Mike about my machine issues and he responded “get a new one”. Now what quilter would let that suggestion go unfulfilled??? So I called Wendy at Sew Much More in Waukesha and that afternoon we had a new member of the family! Wendy recommended the Bernina 770 Quilters Edition, and that’s what Cathy had recommended also. My friends know me well 😊.
I’d like to say it dropped into my Tracey’s Table and I was ready to sew, but that wasn’t what happened. The machine was less than 1/4″ too wide to fit into the well on my table. My dear husband was able to enlarge the opening to fit and I was so grateful (even though it delayed my using the machine for 2 days). It was worth the wait.
Since I’d finished my most recent challenge quilt, I was between projects. But I really wanted to sew! So I pulled a stack of scrappy blocks out of my UFO bin (click here for the post about these blocks) and laid them out on the floor. Last week we had Barb Eckmeier do a Zoom lecture on Sashings and Cornerstones at Patched Lives quilt guild, which inspired me to do more than just sew the blocks to one another. I chose my sashing fabrics, cut some strips and squares,
and I was finally sewing.
I’m loving this new machine. It hums along quietly and the lighting is excellent. It has an 11″ opening, a built in “walking foot” (even feed), and the extra large bobbins are icing on the cake.
All this and my specialty feet from my old Bernina actually fit this new one. Hooray! I especially love the simplicity of the face panel.
The basics are all there without having to go into the computer screen: stitch width and length knobs, needle position, needle up/needle down, etc., all there and easy to find. I am getting used to the computer options – and I’m looking forward to my first class!
And did I mention it has a stitch regulator? I didn’t think I wanted it, and I’m not very good at it, but I’m keeping an open mind. I’ll let you know how that goes 😄.
My machine is calling, so it’s time to go and sew. See you next week!
Debbie Yates says
Congratulations! I know you will love it.
Mickey Donahue says
I have the exact same machine and love it!!!!
Shellie says
Chris.
Congratulations on the new machine!
I love the blocks you made and so, I clicked on your block information. Much to my surprise, you had terrific instructions on partial seams. You see, I’m working on a Block of the Month project published in Love of Quilting (they’re up to part two but I’ve completed all six, thanks to their website). I’ve got all the parts made — but until yesterday, I couldn’t figure out how to do partial seams to join parts 1 and 2. I watched a YouTube video and finally understood it. And then you published your terrific instructions. So, now I’m armed with great information and I can put my quilt together. Thanks!
Have fun with your new machine!!
Jodi Grzeczka says
So heartwarming that your spouse understands! Congrats on the new machine! I do like your choice of colors and the look of your blocks with the new sashing and cornerstones! Enjoy!
Cathy Borneman says
Enjoy dear friend!!
Karen L says
Great machine! Love mine! Love the dual feed, but you may want to invest in the walking foot as well. Purchased one in December, so helpful for binding quilts!😊
Jackie Iannarelli says
What is a Tracy table? Like the idea of sinking the machine into the table
clkquilt says
Tracey’s Tables is a company owned by the son of a quilting friend of mine. Their website is https://traceystables.com/
They are based in Wisconsin, but vend at many of the big quilt shows. They are available through Sew Much More also. I highly recommend their products!
Nancy Pederson says
Congrats on your new toy!!!! It’s always fun to get a new sewing machine!!
Nancy
Marie Lenda says
I’m so happy for you and your new addition! Sounds like you’re already enjoying it!
Janet says
Congrats on your new 770QE! I’ve had one for over 2 years and absolutely LOVE it. Enjoy!
Ardene Brown says
Congrats on your new Bernina! I also love my Tracey Table. When I purchased a new machine a number of years ago, I called the company and they came and made the adjustment. Recommend it highly.
Lisa Giesfeldt says
I love mine, Chris. Had it for almost 10 years now. The larger area in the neck allows for a bigger quilt without any struggles. And the lighting is great.
Thanks for sharing.
Vicki Voskuil says
I have the same machine, which I bought in 2018, Bernina’s 125th anniversary year. Mine is the limited edition gold model with 125th embroidered on the cover accessory. I love it for all your reasons and the satisfaction that I finally have the machine of my dreams.