My Dream Machine

I can hardly believe it's a week since I posted.  So much has happened, not to mention a radical change in the weather.  From glorious Spring we have been plunged into the depths of winter once more, and us little Channel Islands have even been making headline news and breaking all kinds of records with the amount of snow we've had over the last few days.  Here is my daughter in our garden this lunchtime helping daddy clear our car.

 

 

It's been snowing continuously for over 24 hours and while it does finally appear to have stopped, I think it's going to be around for some time yet, and it's another snow day for my daughter tomorrow.  I'll have to get my thinking cap on for more indoor activities.  (We've already made cupcakes, made pizza, been shape hunting, made paintings, done puzzles...)

 

Anyhow, onto other, very exciting news...I have a new sewing machine!  (You can tell I didn't take that picture this week).

 

 

 

It is no less than the Bernina 550QE and although I chose it, I didn't know I was getting it so soon; my husband surprised me and ordered it in time for Mother's Day.  I can't tell you how grateful I am to him, it's such a wonderful and generous gift.

 

 

 

And I all I can say is, it sews like a dream. 

 

It has more features and functions than I know what to do with, and I can't wait to try them all out.

After studying the manual for hours, stroking all the accessories and watching the instructional DVD, I overcame my trepidation and took the plunge.   So far I have made some bunting for an order, tested out the alphabet stitches, and marvelled at the ease in which I could change the feet, stitch type, the length, everything. 

 

I am loving the knee lever that allows you to work hands free, and it just quietly hums, almost purrs, as you work.  I also love the rhythmic and controlled stitching and winding a bobbin is a breeze and done in seconds. 

It also comes with many accessories; feet, extension table, threads, bobbins, you name it.  And look at this gorgeous case to keep all those bits and bobs safe. 

 

The major feature that comes with this machine is what's called the Bernina Stitch Regulator (BSR) which ensures absoloute consistency in stitch length when FMQ. 

 

 

 

I have it on excellent authority from my dear quilting friend ChrissieD (who has an excellent blog which you simply must check out) that the BSR is amazing and life changing in equal measure, and an absoloute must have. So I can't wait to give it a go. 

 

Sewing has never been so much fun :-)

 

Sarah x