I've had my Bernina 740 (which I call "my desktop" or even "the behometh") for three years but only recently did I finally make a stitch book. I just really wanted to better know/appreciate my machine. I saw a good tutorial here on Bernina's We All Sew blog, and I did something very similar - just simpler.
It was the kind of busy work that I actually find quite satisfying and relaxing. Just stitch after stitch, methodically trying them all out and arranging them into a binder. I was the kid who would rewrite my notes after school, so, ya.
I used a lightweight stabilizer, and sheet protectors designed for playing cards - I like the vertical layout. I inserted between the back-to-back samples, to eliminate show-through. This way, I could put 18 samples in each sheet protector.
I cut the stabilizer and the cardstock 3.5x2.5 inches. I cut the fabric pieces narrower, so that some stabilizer was visible. I used 40 weight thread, and just whatever solids I had around.
I wrote the stitch numbers directly onto the stabilizer.
BERNINA LOVERS aside: My machine (740) is the base model of the 7 series - so I don't have as many stitches as the 770QE or 790, but, this is plenty machine for me, and I didn't pay for features I don't want (I have no interest in the embroidery module, and don't need the stitch regulator, having learned free motion quilting back in the 90's, the old days.) Do I like the 9mm? Sure. However, I will get birds' nests if I'm not careful to use a leader, or hold my threads, and this is something I never ever had to worry about with my 5 mm 153QE. I would just pick up and sew and didn't even know the concept of a "leader" or "holding threads." So I'm not crazy about piecing on the 9mm (even with the 97D foot, it bugs me that part of the feed dogs aren't engaged - and yet, on the other hand, isn't the dual feed wonderful?)... pros and cons. On balance this is such a gorgeous workhorse and I love it. It's a dream for machine quilting, for sure, with the large harp space. I am saving my $ to buy a second, small, portable machine, because this thing is a beast. Maybe a 330, or one of the new 4 series coming out soon. I have my grandma's 830 Record which is a thing of beauty... and I will piece on it sometimes, but I'd love a little 3 series for portability. OK, end of aside! I could talk Bernina all day long, ha ha.
Anyway, stitch book finished and I highly recommend this exercise!
And, I used some of these awesome decorative stitches to mend a pair of my brother's jeans. He's a carpenter and hard on his jeans.
Talk about fun and fast!
A stitch book on denim!
I used a pair of my own old jeans for the patches.
And how often does this happen??? Finished just under the wire - weirdly satisfying:
x
Cynthia
It scares me sometimes how much we are alike! I too used to re-write my notes. I seem to retain information better if it is neatly written out. I also find great satisfaction from finding I finished my project seconds before the spool was empty. Strange to some, but I get it! However, the note to Bernina lovers is a bit above my comprehension. It was sort of like reading Greek. Lovely language but I'm not going to take the time to learn it right now. Glad you had fun and now you have a great reference guide.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful reference for all those stitches. It's nice to be able to use a few especially on some of your lovely mending. I hope your brother thinks it neat. Ok, I'll admit I was a note copier too and finishing a seam or a project just when the thread or bobbin runs out makes me feel like it's my lucky day! You've got to embrace the simple joys.
ReplyDeleteI have three Berninas. My original s180 which I bought in the 1980's and use to take to retreats because it is relatively light weight. A heave all metal mechanical 1635 and a QE 550. I gave my daughter my original first computer model with the ball mouse and she loves it. I love them all but none have the dual feed, which I think I would like to use with the 10 foot sometimes when I'm edge stitching. I have the walking foot of course and also the stitch regulator. I would never sew with anything else, except my feather weight. I love your stitch book but I don't know that I will ever take the time to make one. It has always looked confusing especially if I had to do samples of each stitch at different lengths and widths. Kudos to you for doing it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I've never had a Bernina but my Viking does all those fancy stitches. Maybe some day I'll figure out how to do them all lol! Anyway, I like my notes to be re-written, too. And I love the way you mended your brother's jeans :)
ReplyDeleteI am so impressed you completed the entire stitch book! I recently got my first Bernina (B770). I lucked into a gently used machine at a great price! I have spent some time playing with the different stitches, but I don't have the discipline for a stitch book - my hat is off to you. I've been using an even-feed/dual feed sewing machine (Pfaff) for years, and I wouldn't have become a Bernina owner if they didn't have it. Like you, I get annoyed with the thread nests when starting a line of stitching. I've been using leader-enders for years, but there are still times when that isn't appropriate for what I'm stitching and I have to remember to hold the threads - grrr! I figure it's a small inconvenience, because I love so many of the machine's other features!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love this idea. That is the kind of thing I would really enjoy doing. However, my Bernina is almost 70 years old and would not have enough stitches for a page, let alone a book. My other two vintage machines are not much better. And my Pfaff might fill a page, but I never use the decorative stitches, so what is the point? If I had that many stitches to play with, I would definitely have some fun. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat classy looking jeans for a carpenter.
so clever and good for you for taking the time! Love your brothers jean mending.
ReplyDelete