Tired of the Bernina Machine Obsession

[Hannelore N.]

First I want to state that I have the greatest respect for the Bernina brand sewing machines. However, with that said, I am truly tired of every single video quilting demonstration and instructional referrals talking about the wiz-bang function on their Berninas. What ever happened to JUST QUILTING? I have a wonderful Janome that has many functions and is a great machine, yet somehow in the quilting world I'm made to feel inferior because I do not own a Bernina. I personally cannot justify the price of a Bernina machine when my Janome can do just as much. I'm comfortable with my decision until I see every demonstration being done with a Bernina. Obviously Bernina is the 'big boy' on the block and they can afford to sponsor and promote their products. However, it would be greatly appreciated by many of us if our machines were represented or at least be considered when demonstrations are given so that general instructions can be discussed instead of specific functions pertaining to a specific brand of machine.

[Sharon E.]

I understand how you feel, but when they are a sponsor for TQS it is expected. I make drapery and window treatments for a living and have been through 2 Berninas - the 1st lasted 10 years and then traded it in -- I didn't like the 2nd one as well, but it also lasted 10 years and then burned the motor out on it.

I also couldn't afford a new Bernina and looked at the Janome model 6500 and LOVE IT! Affordable and really like sewing on it. Have had it about 3 years.

Sharon in windy Colorado

[Cheryl K.]

Bernina is an original sponsor. It would be silly to spend $$$$ on sponsorship and then not promote their product. Thanks to Bernina, TQS was able to get started! You don't have to own a Bernina but at least be thankful that their sponsorship helps to bring a great subscription to so many.

And be honest, the TQS shows, articles and challenges ARE all about quilting! The techniques, news and other info are applicable to ALL machine brands.

I would suggest concentrating on something else. :roll:

[Cheryl K.]

I'm just curious, why are you made to feel inferior? When I don't have something that is portrayed as the "best" it doesn't make me feel inferior.

Only you can make yourself feel that way. Enjoy your quilting and your machine, whatever it is! It's all about having fun and being creative. You can do that with a TOL Bernina or your fingers and a needle and thread.

Have you "Tinkled" today?

[Cheryl K.]

Here! Here! CJ!
TQS is Bernina sponsored, other shows and sites are sponsored by other brands. They tend to much more brand specific that I have seen.
I think TQS does a good job of using the brands that they are comfortable with (both Alex and Ricky are Bernina owners from way back) and recognizing that not everyone has that machine. They do tell everyone to check their machine for specifics.
My original machines only had the straight stitch, all I ever felt was envy for those that had a machine that could do a zig zag. :wink:
Alex and Ricky, to my knowledge, have never appeared on TQS and tried to sell Bernina machines.

Jean in a slippery Windsor, ON

[Cheryl K.]

Marketing and product placement is key to survival. My only Bernina envy is the double blanket stitch that Ricky uses for his machine applique. Janome doesn't have it, though a similar one. Having said that, I love my Janomes (have 4) and would only get a Bernina for that double blanket stitch if I could find a good deal on a used one (my LQS owner got one at a garage sale for $150, can you imagine, and it works!).

Maggie in E. Central Illinois

[Teri L.]

I'm just wondering how the instructions/directions can be modified to incorporate other machines? From the standpoint of a Bernina owner who will be instructing others who own a variety of different machines this kind of feedback would be very helpful.

Thanks,
Teri

[Teri L.]

Bernina is the Sponcers for TQS so I understand this completely.
I own a Janome 9500,Janome 1600, I love both machines,actually own several different machines,I can put alot of thier advertisements to my machines,such as my machine "sews like a dream". Like any bernia owner not wanting to own any other brand,well I also Love the brand I have and wouldn't change brands because I Love my janome machines. Though I'm sure I could love another brand I'm just very happy with what I have,I also love Singer machines. I wouldn't buy any other brand then Hines ketchup either. It is what ever each person is happy with I think. I know berninias are good machines same as the Janomes,one might have afew different features then the other,I'm very happy with features I have, Depends on each person wants,needs,taste.
Bernina has been great to share a sponcership with TQS. and there advertisements are great,same as the gammils advertisements. Now,I sure would like to get my hands on one of them!!! I'm not thrown off by any advertisements because I know my wants,needs,desires. I was once leary to mention my janome here on TQS because I didn't want to offend the Bernia owners or the sponcers. I will not say I will never own a Bernina because you never know,I'm saying I'm a pretty happy camper.
I Love all sewing machines,Kathy

[Paula D.]

Yea, Katzzz is BACK! Also, I don't see any indication that Sewingroomwindow has signed on as a paying member...... da noive! :shock:

[Donna N.]

I can't stay quiet any longer either! My primary machine is a $159 Brother from Wal-Mart and was purchased to replace another similar machine years ago. It has done everything I've asked it to do, but like some of the rest of you, am envious of those who are fortunate enough to own one of the top-of-the-line, all the bells and whistles, machines (whether Viking, Janome, Bernina or something else.)

What I enjoy about this community of quilters (and my local quilt guild) is that everyone produces such wonderful quilts. And I've never had anyone ask me, or anyone else, what machine was used to finish the piecing. I say, "Whatever works!"

Special thanks to Bernina, Gammill and all the other advertisers who help make TQS possible.

[Pam D.]

I agree with kmouse, if Bernina hadn't come forward as a major sponsor at the beginning, TQS might not exist. We should be very grateful to them. No one is forcing anyone to buy one fo their machines. I am here for the quilting and community. Many thanks to ARJJ, staff and all our sponsors. Pam

[Hannelore N.]

I very proudly turn up at workshops with my little Frister & Rossman Cub 4, and get more comments from other quilters than if I would take a better known or 'posher' machine.

There is of course a super way to get your hands on a top notch Bernina: Make sure your profile picture slots are full of quilts so you will eventually get entered into that draw for a Bernina machine.

Lorchen (very happy owner of that Cub 4, a Husqvarna Interlude, and a 1907 Singer hand crank)

[Judy M.]

Lorchen, you are SO RIGHT--put those quilts on your profile, people!!! :wink: I understand what Sewingroomwindow is saying, but without Bernina as a sponsor, our memberships would skyrocket--THANK YOU, BERNINA!!! I have a Bernina 435--not the most expensive model, but it has everything I will ever need. I also have two Featherweights and absolutely LOVE them! My little "Rosie" (named after my great aunt that originally owned the machine) goes with me to every class. I really enjoyed Ricky's demo of the double blanket stitch--I think the demo is useful to anyone that has any machine with a similar stitch. Many of the guests on TQS have different specialties that require fancy machines and it's been fun for me just to see how they accomplish such beautiful work. Judy in Torrance

[Joan J.]

I love TQS and am grateful for the sponsorship. I have a Janome which was given to me by my husband and his family when I turned 50. (only 5 years ago!) up till then I used a Kenmore for everything and it was just fine. Just sew my dear, just sew!
Joan

[Joan J.]

I haven't read all posts here in detail (hey, time is quilting,lol) but here is my take. Bernia is a sponsor, and without sponsers this enterprise would have been doomed to failure from the start. For me the demo's are not really a problem - in fact they kind of challenge me to figure out the functions on the machine I have, which is a computerized Kenmore purchased last year. I have been delighted to discover that many of the same features ARE on my machine, including the double blanket stitch, and I would have never even looked for them had they not been demonstrated on the show. Now would I like to have a Bernina some day?? HECK YEAH!!! But for now I cannot afford one. Do I feel inferior as a quilter because I don't - HECK NO!!! I just have to work a smidge harder for some things (Do wish I had that knee lift, lol) . Like I said though, all the Bernina videos and the demos are useful to me as when I look into it I find my machine has the ability or available attachments to do many of the same things, and I would never have looked for them otherwise.