Meet Beatrice, My New Bernina

I am now a Bernina Biddie. Or do you call yourselves Bernina Bitches? Babes? HELP ME, I'M NEW HERE. At any rate, I'd like to introduce you to my new Bernina 560, Beatrice.

The day that I purchased Beatrice was completely glorious. I just started a new job, and I decided a new sewing machine was just the ticket to celebrate. Flush with excitement and a bit of extra cash, I trotted over to Sew Much More, my local Bernina dealer, to test drive machines. I had done a bit of research in advance, and was thinking about the 350 PE, but had budgeted for something in the 5 series if it struck my fancy. The 5 series, you see, has an automatic thread cutter. I've used that on a different brand, and it is delightful.

I had never sewn on a Bernina before that very moment, and the instant I set down to test drive the 350 PE I knew there was no turning back. THAT STITCH. It's so beautiful and consistent! It felt so wonderful to sew on, like driving a luxury car. The saleswoman could see the crazed look in my eyes, and suggested I try one of the higher end models. Well, ok then.

The saleswoman, Cynthia (we had become quite close by this point), showed me all the features of the 560, including the sensational automatic thread cutter. It also has a series of screens that will show you recommended needle sizes, foot pressure, and tension based on your fabric type. Pretty neat, huh?

It comes with an extension table, which I would recommend to anyone if you can find it for your machine. I took the Sew Better, Sew Faster Craftsy class, which teaches you how to sew more precisely and without pins (it's called the Islander system if you want to look it up). One of the first things she suggests is to buy an extension table, and now I understand why. You have much more control over your fabric, which will allow you to get a more consistent seam allowance and overall cleaner stitch.

It also includes this fancy little accessory case for all your feet and stuff.

Cynthia then proceeds to show me the button sensor screen for the buttonhole stitch. You place your button up to the screen, and adjust the size of the square on it until your button fits into it nicely. This will automatically set your buttonhole length to the correct amount. I stared at her, mouth agape. "Uh uh. That's magic."

So, in the end, I went with the 560, and I just adore it. As I left the store, all the saleswomen and store patrons congratulated me as I wheeled it out to my car on a little trolley, waving goodbye and smiling stupidly.

And that's the story of how I became a Bernina Biddie. Let's just make that one stick; what do you think?