Bernina 1008

by J L Varner
(Texas)

My Bernina 1008 replaced a machine that I had deemed to be a 'hanger queen', in the repair shop more often than not, manufactured by a different company.

My husband recognized how frustrating a bad machine was to work with and essentially put me out of my misery by taking me to the local Bernina store. We had actually researched a bit before going out looking and actually had intended to check several possibilities.

We walked into the store, I told the shop keeper that I needed a good, reliable workhorse (I sew a great deal). She asked several probing questions about my sewing needs and suggested I try three different machines.

I admit the Artista was sweet....but I did not need the type of functions it offered. The 1008 was perfect, and remains so. I played with it, ran it through several different types of fabric, techniques etc. and it was a dream come true, especially in comparison to my former machine.

In addition to being able for the types of sewing I do, the Bernina 1008 sewing machine is also a breeze to maintain. The ease with which the throat plate can be removed for cleaning the bobbin chamber, together with being able to disassemble the bobbin casing area quickly and easily is a real advantage.

I still have it serviced regularly and can usually tell when it needs a visit to the tech. My description is that if it were a car it's 'clutch' is slipping....just a bit. In other words it gives warning that it needs serviced without breaking down. You have no idea what a relief that is!

My back up machine is a 1921 Singer treadle that works quite nicely... but it simply is not as sweet to work with as the Bernina. (I admit, you do get a workout on a treadle *: )

This allows me to finish a project, turn the Bernina in for servicing and tackle the next project without missing my deadline. Bless the folks at Bernina for making such a good piece of equipment.