To be honest, I haven’t felt much like sewing this week. We were supposed to have left for a trip to Ireland to visit our son, but had to cancel the trip due to health issues. We had a side trip to stay in the Cotswolds planned, as well as a jaunt to London which included a concert at Royal Albert Hall. Plus all my visits to favorite bookstores. Ahren was super disappointed, but took it well, considering. As it turns out one of my sisters and her husband are planning a trip to Ireland and Scotland this month and Ahren will be able to join them for some of their adventures, so that’s good.
The health issue that cropped up is the macular degeneration that has now developed in my right eye. I have to embark on a course of injections right away to attempt to prevent any further vision loss, and if we had gone on the trip I would have missed getting those shots. We hope to reschedule in the fall, but this was just one more thing that has occurred to lower my spirits. I know things will get better. It’s just kind of hard right now.
Enough about that. Chin up and better days ahead. I did get my fabric cut out for the four blocks for the second week of the 4th of July at Granny’s sew along, and I fully intend to make those blocks tomorrow.
Dennis dropped my tempermental Bernina 740 off at the repair place a couple of days ago when he went to the Bay Area for a medical appointment. I’ve been raving about how much I am enjoying my old Bernina 440 back up machine, and he tells me that there is a newer model of that Quilter’s Edition machine: Bernina 475. I’ve been toying with the idea of trading the 740 in for a new 475. Do any of you have that machine or know anything about it? I’d love to get some input from the people who really know!
27 Responses
I am sorry, Nicole. All those things sounded so wonderful, especially with your son. You’ve had a lot lately! At least the weather is better— yes, a new machine sounds like good medicine! Xox
I hesitate even mentioning it when things aren’t going great it my life, but it is so comforting to get such supportive comments in return. I do want this space to be a happy one, and hope that in general it is.
Weather is finally great, we will reschedule our trip, and I am so lucky to be able to afford a new sewing machine if I want one. Things are good.
This space is so inspiring….you are a prolific and inspirational quilter. It doesn’t mean that we aren’t interested in your ‘other’ non-sewing world. You see how many people can relate to the medical issues you and Dennis have had to endure the last 2 yrs. I am so disappointed for you. A trip is always fun.
So sorry you had to postpone your trip to see Ahren 😢💔what a discouragement! When health issues derail our plans, its difficult and my heart aches for your current situation! Sending a gentle hug 🫂
Yes! I think machine upgrade is a perfect pick-me-up – looking forward to your decision. And the next blocks in your 4th are Granny’s quilt. I’m plugging along on a small flag quilt but seem to be stuck in “uninspired land” 🤪
Have a good weekend!
I need to talk to the shop owner and see what he might give me in trade for the 740. The 475 supposedly has a much larger bobbin, which was my main issue with the 440. I am constantly having to stop and refill those bobbins!
boy, I agree with the bobbin issue….too small.
Differently not what you want but those treatments are important! The machine upgrade sounds like a good option to take your mind off the disappointment.
I know things will improve with my vision. I am just impatient with the waiting. It will happen.
What a shame you couldn’t get to visit your son. On the other hand a little pick-me-up is required for sure – like a new Bernina!
We have traveled to Ireland a number of times in September, so with luck, we can reschedule. My goodness, nobody ever warned me about the need to schedule your life around doctors’ appointments as a part of the aging process!
I have a 710 (older version of 740), and a 440. My 710 works great, but the reason I got it is the longer opening. I quilt all my own quilts and the extra space is nice. But I have to say that the 440 is the best machine I’ve ever had. Mine is 21 years old and still works like new. It may be worth trying the 475.
I never quilt larger pieces on my machine, so the wider opening isn’t critical for me. The thing I love about the 740 is the built in walking foot. The stitches are so even. However, even without the built in walking foot, the 440 stitches are perfect.
Oh gosh, all those beautiful plans! I am sure it was a heartbreak to cancel them. But your eyes are of first importance. I hope the shots help a lot. I’m no help in the new Bernina department. I’m using my one and only Bernina 930, purchased when I quit teaching in 1983! It has been a wonderful machine. It has a few problems now but it hasn’t been serviced in years. I don’t use it as much as I used to now that cross stitch has resurfaced in my life. But if getting a new machine brightens your outlook, I’d go for it!!!!!!
It was disappointing to have to reschedule our trip, but without these eye injections, my life would be altered terribly. I am grateful the shots are an option available to me.
I am also lucky to be able to even consider acquiring a new sewing machine!
I admire people who can cross stitch! I have tried my best at embroidery and discovered it was not in my skill set. Sadly, I fear cross stitch would be the same story.
I generally lurk, but I read every post. Partly for the quilting inspiration, partly because as a Grammar Demon, according to one of my sons, I find your writing and grammar and punctuation and spelling absolutely delightful 🤣
I want you to know that I empathize; I, too, get injections in my eyes about every month. And for the past year or so, my 40-year-old son has had to as well. It is definitely life-changing to have to schedule one’s life around medical appointments. I watched my mother go essentially blind; she had very little meaningful vision for several years before she passed away. Our vision problems are all from diabetes. So I’m grateful that I’m able to retain my vision reasonably well, but I truly understand how discouraging it is to go through what you’re experiencing.
But it will get better, and there are a lot of people here who are very supportive of you and your family. I love your posts, I love your book reviews – I’ve read some books based on them – and I really look forward to the time when you feel like you can get back to regular quilting/piecing. In the meantime, I think we’re all pulling for you here. ::hugs::
Thank you so much Louise!
I’m sorry you have to delay your plans with Ahren, but you do want to take care of your precious eyes! I don’t have a Bernina 475 but I have the 570 snd the 770, both of which have the built in dual feed.
That dual feed feature may be what makes me hang onto the 740.
I have the newer version of the Bernina 570. (They re-used the number of an older model for some reason.) It has the jumbo bobbin which I love! I do clean & oil when I use one up as they recommend. The dual feed a/k/a built-in walking foot is the reason I bought the machine & it’s a great feature. I have to go read about the 475, but looking at it can’t hurt if you decide to stop by the store!
Please don’t hesitate to share your ‘real life’ happenings! It makes reading your blog relatable. My husband has had Macular Degeneration for 10 years. First, just one eye, but now both. Planning around shots has become second nature & I promise you it gets easier as time goes on.
Your husband is so sweet saying get a new sewing machine!!
I’m so sorry you had to cancel your plans. We had the same thing happen earlier this year – long planned family vacation cruise that due to my husband’s unexpected health issues had to be postponed (and fingers crossed we’ll be able to go later!) I certainly understand how you feel. I purchased the Bernina 475 a few years ago and really like it. It’s nice to have the larger bobbin and it sews beautifully. I have a Bernina Virtuosa 160 that is almost 30 years old and I wanted one more new Bernina in my life and my LQS was having a super sale so I got a great deal. So glad I did. I think you will like the 475 if you go ahead with it. Best of luck to you with your eye issues!
As far as I know, the 475 does not have dual feed. The people who have it really like it however! I have a 590 and 990 and had an 880, all with dual feed. I absolutely love the dual feed feature and would surely miss it.
*If you do not need/want a larger machine, look at the 5 series as they come with the dual feed. I am completely captivated with my 590. Its throat space is larger than your 440, but not as big as your 740. You may find that you miss the larger throat space.
*Do you embroider? I use the embroidery feature on my machines a lot, for quilting, embroidery, and card making, but not everyone likes to embroider. Hoop size is critical in my opinion.
Good luck with your search. I hope you find a perfect match for you!
I am so glad too that you can get those shots now. I’m getting cataracts done 2 separate days in May plus other appts before and after. I also have an update with my primary about a medical reaction I had two weeks ago. Yes, it seems I am planning everything else around this!!
Getting the Grannys cut out is a step in the right direction. Just do what you can.
So sorry about the trip. My medical reaction almost made us have to cancel our trip to Florence, Italy, but we went. I had another reaction there, but very mild.
I LOVE my QE475. I’ve had it for two years now and every day think how glad I am that I got it! Highly recommend!
So sorry that you had to cancel your trip to see your son. The other adventures you had planned sound wonderful. Once you will get the necessary treatment regimen completed you will be able to reschedule your trip to Ireland. 🤞🏻 I would say a new Bernina might be the perfect diversion right now. I look forward to seeing your next 4 blocks.
I’m so sorry Nicole about your unfortunate health detour! Thank goodness you and your Dr. are dealing with it quickly. You are handling this curve ball with grace but I hope you take a moment and maybe scream into your pillow!!! Ireland will be beautiful in the fall! Hope you had a peaceful wknd and I agree with other commenters….. you deserve a new Bernina!
I’m so sorry Nicole about your unfortunate health detour! Thank goodness you and your Dr. are dealing with it quickly. You are handling this curve ball with grace but I hope you take a moment and maybe scream into your pillow!!! Ireland will be beautiful in the fall! Hope you had a peaceful wknd and I agree with other commenters….. you deserve a new machine!