Akram's Ideas

Bernina 830

My mother-in-law, Miss Linda, came down to visit on Labor Day weekend and brought me my birthday present. I know it was a month early but she had already gotten it and didn’t know when she’d see us again. What she brought me was a Bernina 830 sewing machine. I had always been interested in sewing just not very good at it, this goes back to my lack of patience and not being able to cut a straight line, or so my Grandmother told me when I was sent to have her teach me how to sew; she didn’t have much of a patience for me either.

I don’t exactly know how the thought of buying me a sewing machine came about, I did mention at one time that I wish I could just sew some curtains, because I couldn’t find what I was wanting for the house. Whether ever the case, I was given this very nice sewing machine. Now it’s not new by any means, in fact it’s older than I am. It was purchased at a Bernina refurbish store in Oklahoma, and though it’s not new, it’s better. Newer sewing machines are plastic and well just not as good. I’ve seen them in stores and it’s almost like a toy. When I was a kid I played around with my Mother’s Singer Sewing machine that was also metal and good quality.

 

Bernina 830
Bernina 830

Bernina is regarded as one of the elite brands in sewing, and of all the makes and models the original 830 is still highly regarded. My Bernina came with it’s original case, manual and even ad poster.

Bernina Red Case
Bernina Red Case
Original Poster
Original Poster
Back side of the poster
Back side of the poster

Although the manual was in tact it did have some water damage, though I’m told getting one with it’s original manual is impressive none the less. 

The original manual
The original manual
Inside the manual
Inside the manual
Another page of the manual
Another page of the manual

Inside the case was a smaller case that include a variety of presser foots, bobbins, needles, oil, screw driver and duster. Everything you needed to get started sewing.

Accessory case
Accessory case
My Bernina accessories
My Bernina accessories
It came with a variety of bobbins
It came with a variety of bobbins

The only problem was that I never really sewed before. Since I already knew I was getting a sewing machine I had bought a pattern (which turned out to be slightly smaller size than I needed, I didn’t know about pattern sizes) and Miss Linda and I went shopping for some fabric. We found some lovely pink fabric at Joann’s in Joplin and came back to make the dress. The dress took about one day to sew together, leaving only a few things to wrap up like the hem and such ( I would be left to on my own to complete that part).

After a little of trial and error I really didn’t feel like it was too hard. I swiped my husbands cutting mat to use to cut the fabric using that and a ruler helped tremendously. (The mat is still in my possession if you’re wondering). In the end I felt like I could get the hang of this sewing thing. And felt really comfortable with my New-Old sewing machine.

As part of the sewing machine gift, Miss Linda also gave me this adorable sewing basket.

My sewing basket
My sewing basket
The top is made of foam board and covered in fabric
The top is made of foam board and covered in fabric
Just a basic wicker basket
Just a basic wicker basket
Added ruffles around the edge
Added ruffles around the edge

The it’s actually just a regular green basket from Michael’s I think, though she added the top by using vintage fabric from an old skirt she had. I think it worked out nicely. Unfortunately the wicker handles got caught in something and snagged, I was so worried I had ruined my lovely basket, but my hubby came to the rescue. He suggested I get some matching ribbon and glue the ribbon to the handles to keep the wicker from coming apart, it also made the basket handles a little softer as well. I’m really happy with the basket… now to get sewing.

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Akram Taghavi-Burris

designer, writer, educator, tech nerd, crafter, baker, sewer and vintage collector, who Brings Creative & Crazy Ides to Life.

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