And, because of this, I get invited to a lot of events ~ like the one I attended last Saturday where I met Mr. Hanspeter Ueltschi {that’s H.P. to his friends} who is the 4th generation owner of Bernina.
Never one to shy away from a really awesome opportunity, I loaded up my Bernina 640 {me and about 100 other crazy Bernina owners} and lugged it to the store.
And why would I do this? To have Mr. Ueltschi sign my sewing machine.
I was not alone in my insanity. Almost everyone there had their Bernina’s ~ some even brought in the enormous, 50 lb., super-fancy 830 machines.
Bernina fanatics were wheeling around their machines while waiting their turn. I didn’t have a trolley and my back still hurts from toting my machine.
If I wanted to look at thread ~ you guessed it ~ I carried my machine with me.
The best part was seeing all of the older Bernina’s that still work great. One couple, clearly in their mid to late 80’s, brought in a 50+ year old machine that is still in use. They had purchased it new years ago and still had the original case.
And, I didn’t go away empty handed. Check out this cool tote bag.
Filled with these cool items ~ Including 20 spools of Madiera Rayon Thread ~ Awesome!
I learned some pretty interesting facts about Bernina.
1. 95% of all machines made are still operating today. That’s pretty impressive in my book.
2. Bernina is a family-owned business. Because they don’t answer to shareholders they have the freedom to listen to their customers.
I’ve always suspected that Bernina made quality a priority; but it really sinks in when the owner of the company tells you this is one of their highest priorities.
While I know that new Bernina’s are priced out range for many of you; keep in mind that used Bernina’s can be a great bargain.
So, here it is ~ straight from Bernina to you.
When you watch the video, you will notice Vanessa Christenson from V and Co. She was teaching a class in the background and makes an appearance at the end.
{Also, please forgive my non-existent video skills. I’ll try to do better next time.}
And, now you know where the name Bernina comes from.
3 comments:
Leslie that is hardcore!! Bringing your sewing machine to have it signed by the owner of Bernina. HARDCORE.
When my mother passed away 2 years ago, she left me a small amount of money. I bought a Bernina. On the screen, I have a little message that pops up when I turn it on. It simply says "Thanks Mama." I love my Bernina. I especially wanted one that made great buttonholes. Got it with my Bernina. I have not yet mastered the embroidery but will be soon.
Such an interesting post! I had no idea that Bernina was so interesting. (And frankly, I am not knowledgeable about the different brands. I tend to think all machines are pretty much alike. I know, I know, don't hate me!) But now, I will take notice when a second-hand Bernina crosses my path. (lately a lot of second-hand machines have crossed my path and I really don't know what to do with my "collection".)
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