Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: Pitfall
Date: 05-27-2006, 03:27 PM (1 of 33)
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Had some errands to do this morning and they took me by my local Bernina dealer. I decided to make a brief stop and check to see if they had found any used machines for me and also to get more information on the kids class I'd signed my daughter up for. Quinn is 7 and has talked about nothing else since we'd visited the shop for the first time on Tuesday. Today we were "assisted" by a different "saleslady". When I explained that I'd been in before and was looking for a used machine for under $800, she actually smirked and haughtily informed me that there was NO WAY they would EVER have ANYTHING at that price! I then asked if there was any further information about the kids class and she looked pointedly at my daughter and asked how old she was. When I replied "7", I thought she was going to stroke out. She informed me that Quinn was WAY too young and that she didn't have the attention span required and that it was really necessary for her to have some experience before she took the class. (Huh?) My daughter stood there very quietly at first, but as the lady continued to rant on and on, her eyes grew shiny with tears. According to this lady, 8 is the magic age when a person has the requisite maturity to begin sewing. I "thanked" her very quickly and attempted to guide my daughter towards the door, but she wasn't finished. She didn't finish, in fact, until full-fledged tears began running down my daughter's face and she was desperately fighting to hold back sobs. About that time, the owner appeared....the person who had signed Quinn up and stoked her about the class. Now the saleslady proceeded to repeat everything she'd told me to the owner. Talk about rubbing salt in a wound. I couldn't get out of there quick enough. In the truck, Quinn asked me, "Mommy, why did that other lady sign me up if I have to be 8? Why didn't they tell us that was a rule? Why do I have to be a certain number to learn? Isn't everybody different?" Yes, they are. And, apparently, my 7 year old is way smarter about that than the saleslady, and far more sensitive. They permanently lost my business today. The funny part is when we got home, I had a check in the mail for a photograph I sold that would have covered my dream machine. I deposited it immediately and stopped by Sears and bought Quinn a little Kenmore Mini Ultra. She's overjoyed even though she has to settle for a mediocre teacher...me. I feel pretty certain that my little girl has a far better chance at learning to sew at 7 than that lady has of learning compassion EVER. I learned something too....where I definitely WON'T ever buy a machine. I'm sure it all worked out just right. Happy Memorial Day to all! Robin |
User: Pitfall
Member since: 05-21-2006 Total posts: 18 |
From: toadusew
Date: 05-27-2006, 04:34 PM (2 of 33)
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Robin, That is so rude! If I were you, I'm not sure that I would have been quite so polite, although I do see that you were a very good role model for your young daughter. I believe that I would either call or go back to that store (without daughter) and talk to the owner who originally signed up your daughter for classes. I would tell her that there is nothihg she could do to gain your business, but that you would like her to know why she lost your business--a very rude and unprofessional, not to mention snooty, employee!! That was simply uncalled for in my opinion! And when this lady saw that your daughter had been reduced to tears, she should have immediately apologized. Of course, it's obvious that she has no compassion whatsoever! I had an unpleasant experience with a dealer in Plano--other brand of machine--and because of a rude comment to me, she lost my business completely as well! These dealers need to learn that they can lose your business very quickly if they don't treat you well! |
User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: Patty22
Date: 05-27-2006, 05:00 PM (3 of 33)
 Oh Robin......thank God I do not know where the Bernina dealer you went to is located as I would be on their doorstep now giving them my piece of mind. Please, please please take the time to go to the Bernina website and write a letter of complaint about this dealer. I am serious. They shouldn't have a dealership if they don't want to sell machines. No customer deserves to be treated in the manner you and your daughter were confronted. I am further enraged in how this adult treated a young child! Seven is a wonderful age to learn how to sew and quilt. Did you know that there are guilds made up of parents and their children who quilt together? I use to bring my Bernina into my son's 1st grade class and I taught all the children how to sew on it. We made puppets and at the end of the year they had a puppet show for their parents and wrote their own script. (Okay - that was hmmmm... 1984 and they were six/seven year olds) I am always amazed at how adults treat children. My youngest loved books and had talked about becoming a librarian. The librarian at our local library was a beautiful, kind woman who made every child's visit special (her brother was a children's writer and illustrator). Anyway, the big day came for my daughter to get her own library card and the librarian was out and another woman assisted my daughter by yelling at Katy with a five minute diatribe on her chewing gum (and gum was something she never really had and I don't know why of all days she was chewing gum). She was reduced to tears, had gotten her card, but refused to enter the library again. I went back to talk to Fifi later about the volunteer and suggested she needed to work in another department or "retire." Complaining about this horrid woman helped as she was asked not to volunteer (ours was one of many complaints). Anyway, Quinn's a lucky girl to have you! You are a sweet mother to find her a special machine and furthermore she will know that her mother will always be there for her! Robin, let me at the Bernina dealer - I want to kick some major butt! Patty
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User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
From: paroper
Date: 05-27-2006, 05:58 PM (4 of 33)
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I'm sooo sorry. I'd teach the kid in a heartbeat. 3/4 Of being ready is being interested. I started piano when I was 5 because I was interested. I gained skill slowly partly because my hands were small but I loved being able to play. I'd call the store owner and I'd speak to no one else. The owner needs to the full story of what happened and they need to TALK TO THE LADY. Honestly, the lady owes you both an apology. A few years ago a farmer from NW Okla was here working on a car with his son in law. The son in law needed a car part, so, dressed as they were, they went to a local dealership to get the part. On the way out, the dealership had a particularly well-appointed beautiful Firebird on special display in the showroom. The guys took particular interest in the car. They were treated horribly by the sales people in the showroom. On the way out, the farmer turned to the son in law and said, "You know, you can't judge a person by the way they look. I came down here on farm business and I had enough cash money in my pocket I could have laid it down in that showroom and driven that car out. Look how they treated us. They might have just lost themselves a good sale!" pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Patty22
Date: 05-27-2006, 06:27 PM (5 of 33)
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Pam.......how true........ Around 19 years ago, a really sweet woman in town was living in the area because her husband was working on an acquisition for a company in the mid-west. When someone would ask her "what her husband did for a living" she would tell them he "was in agriculture." The women in town were so snooty they didn't pursue the conversation any further because they thought he was a farmer. In reality, her husband was a VP of the largest agribusiness in US working on acquiring a grain mill that was closing - it was extremely important because with the purchase they would acquire all the Cornell testing on genetically altered grain (remember the date here - 1987 and before most consumers knew this was happening to their food products). Bwhahahahahahaha they had more money than the dimestore millionaires in town put together. I'm still in the mood to kick some Bernina dealer butt...........Robin, yes you must talk to the owner and then mail the letter to the Bernina head office in Illinois. I love Bernina.......what has happened? Patty
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User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
From: paroper
Date: 05-27-2006, 07:33 PM (6 of 33)
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You can find snooty people in any type of business. Unfortunately, when you are excited and saving and planning for something this just really is a bad jolt. I wish we could do something to help!
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 05-27-2006, 08:26 PM (7 of 33)
Oh Robin (and daughter) I am so sorry to hear that story. It might be less time & effort for you to simply print out this thread and mail it to the dealer, cc'd to the larger company. I can see how you wouldn't want to put any more of your heart and soul into this. Nice move--moving forward with your daughter, and showing her that you are invested in her and you will support her.  This tells me that you will be a fine sewing instructor for her.
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: plrlegal
Date: 05-27-2006, 09:38 PM (8 of 33)
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Robin what happened to you is one of the major reasons I don't and won't own a Bernina. My DH went to a Bernina dealer here in OKC to look at a machine for me. He was treated so rudely by the women in that store that he wouldn't even let me go look at a Bernina. Also, I belong to a local quilt guild and some of the women that own Berninas are so rude and condescending to women who own other machines that they feel are far too inferior to their Berninas that they would never lower themselves to sew on such garbage. A lot of women that have joined the guild have since left and refused to participate in the sewing camps, charity sewing days, etc. because their machines were openly made fun of by some of the women who own Berninas. I personally think they go on with a lot of nonsense about the Bernina machines because I have yet to see anything stitched on a Bernina that looks any better than things sewn on other machines, in fact, some of the quilt blocks that I've ended up with in doing block swaps that were sewn by some of the Bernina owners are quite inferior looking to the blocks I've sewn on my Pfaff and/or my Singers. If you want to sew, you can sew on a Kenmore, a Janome, a Necchi, a Brother, a Pfaff, a Singer or any other sewing machine. In fact, some of the most talented seamstresses I've known have used machines that are 15 to 20 years old and still sewing strong. By the way, the lady that owns the Singer store where I take my machines for service does some of the most beautiful sewing/embroidery you would ever want to see and she's never sewn on any machine but a Singer. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: paroper
Date: 05-27-2006, 10:26 PM (9 of 33)
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I'm pretty crazy about my Bernina. However, there are plenty of people out there who are just as crazy about their own machines. Matter of fact, if you polled most of the forum members and we were honest, probably at least 70% or higher would have nothing but the brand of machine we have. Of the rest, the majority have a strong feeling about one brand or another they would prefer. I am a seamstress first and I am rough on my machines. One of the reasons I like my machine is not only it's great stitch but because it has held up under some pretty rough sewing and I've never had a problem with it and it sews faster than most (my old 1530, that is). One brand that I owned came with so many cautions from the dealer that I never was comfortable with it because most of them, like sewing over pins, are at the mainstay of the type of sewing I do (ok, don't everyone faint at once). There are certain brands that are famous for their quilting. Pfaff has the most beautiful built in embellishments of any machine I've ever known but Patsy tells me that she prefers her Singer for embroidery. We all have our preferences and we all have our reasons. I can tell what is good about my brand but I can't tell you about other brands. That is why I wanted you to get good feedback from different machine owners on the forum. There are a number of great machines out there. It isn't what machines are great, what you need to know is what models are not...I have no doubt whatsoever that you are going to find a perfect machine. We just need to give you solid ideas about what models are the best and worst! It isn't about snobbery, it is about all of us enjoying our hobby. Think how miserable those people are that they can't enjoy other seamstresses around them. What horrid people! I really enjoy seeing samples of work that people do on other machines, how they stitch, etc. (Patsy will tell you I like to peek at both sides...I know it isn't nice but I think it is interesting to see how each brand makes its stitches). Each brand has its own look, esp in embroidery and embellishments. I think it is cool because it is almost like a personal signature! Patsy...10 to 1 I can guess which shop that is. I agree! pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: KATMOM
Date: 05-27-2006, 10:42 PM (10 of 33)
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Dear Pitfall: You really conducted yourself well........this behavior by the salesperson is simply unacceptable and the owner (in my opinion) would want to know about this type of attitude and treatment of you and your daughter. I must also praise you for your attention to your daughter's desire to learn to sew....you are so right to get her going now....and it sounds like she scored a great teacher! Later, KatMom... |
User: KATMOM
Member since: 11-30-2005 Total posts: 27 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 05-27-2006, 11:35 PM (11 of 33)
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I think it's great for ANY kid to learn to sew, boys or girls of ANY age. If they have the desire and the willingness then age should not be a factor. I'd have let the store owner AND the sales person have a piece of my mind. I've seen snotty people who sell all types of machines, they NEVER get my return business. Those who make you feel welcome in the store no matter WHAT you sew/embroider/serge on, are priceless as business owners. I'm also the type who will TELL others how I feel about certain business's. In a military town, one remark goes a l o n g way in making or breaking a business. I spread my dealers name far and wide.... 
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: Pitfall
Date: 05-28-2006, 01:14 AM (12 of 33)
The more I thought about it, the more angry I became. I did write a detailed letter to Bernina just to get it off my chest and after reading your posts, have decided that I will return ONE LAST TIME to the dealer to "express" my displeasure at my little girl's treatment. Maybe things are different in other parts of the country, but here in Florida there aren't very many "experienced" 8 year old sewing kids...or 18 or 28, ect. The high school here, with 3500 students enrolled, doesn't even offer any types  of sewing classes. And after sending 6 older children "through the system", I would know. It seems as though homemaking skills are just not considered valuable in today's society. Everyone is so dismayed about the values of our young people, yet no one ever correlates any of it with the disappearance of a full-time caretaker, male or female, from the home. (And please don't think I'm dissing the working mother....I slaved 25 years on 12 hour night shifts as an RN in a bust-ass emergency department. Declan's arrival changed all that.) I just hate it that these days it takes two incomes to afford the things that not so long ago one bread winner could provide. Like a new Bernina SM, for example...lol!We spent the afternoon going over the parts of her rugged little Kenmore and learning about "sewing equipment"....my 5 year old son, Ian, is not going to let his gender stand in the way of learning to operate any potentially dangerous machine...and after he fell asleep, we had a "girl's night out" at Walmart. We picked out some inexpensive remnants for "projects", a pattern for a very simple shift dress, and enough yellow cotton fabric with pink butterflies to sew it. She's wide awake right now stuffing pins in her very own tomato and eating our secret stash of plain M & M's. And she couldn't be happier. If anything, the experience this morning has only made her more determined to sew, and no matter how awful her little dress turns out, it will be the most beautiful garment in the world to me. I could not be more proud. Despite the enormous disappointment this morning, she's held her head high and will not accept defeat. She believes in herself and isn't that half the battle? Time to call it a night...I have a feeling "sewing lessons" will start VERY early tomorrow morning. Many thanks to all of you for your supportive comments. And I promise to post a picture of the dress in all its lop-sided, scraggly glory in the near future. Who knew that sewing could be such an emotionally-charged, drama-intensive adventure? I REALLY, REALLY better get to bed...I'm too old for all this tension! All the Best, Robin
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User: Pitfall
Member since: 05-21-2006 Total posts: 18 |
From: glamma1940
Date: 05-28-2006, 01:46 AM (13 of 33)
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Well, pardon me--but what a turd!!! I worked in a Bernina dealership for a few years (retired last year) & believe me, we would have never treated a customer that way. We had sewing classes for children who were 6 & 7 & they were so cute & so eager to learn. When a child wants to learn & expresses an interest in learning something, is when they are ready to learn. Please don't judge all Bernina dealerships by that one. Also I agree with those who said you should write to the Bernina headquarters. They should know what is going on in their company. The Bernina 220 is a wonderful sewing machine & has been on sale a few times for under $700.00, & there are many used machines for less than that. She doesn't know her business if she says otherwise. I am sorry you had such a bad experience. I'm sure her Kenmore will be just fine for her. That is the machine I started with & my daughter used it & now her daughter is using it & it is still sewing fine. Good Luck, Linda |
User: glamma1940
Member since: 08-11-2005 Total posts: 21 |
From: MartySews
Date: 05-28-2006, 01:48 AM (14 of 33)
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Hi Robin, Your experience with the rude sales clerk reminded me of a similar experience in buying sewing lessons for my DD when she was 10. The class had my DD and another child who came with her Grandma and Grandma's very expensive Viking machine. My DD had received a little White 935 for Christmas from my mom. I wanted her to learn from someone else and I would help fill in info as needed. With her little White machine, my DD made a tie-dyed velour top with mandarin collar, set in sleeves and inset zipper with very little help from the instructor. The instructor was dismayed that we didn't have a TOL machine and basically ignored my DD while fawning over the little girl with the Viking. I kept quiet during the lessons but did speak to the owner of the dealership afterwards. That was the last time that instructor was allowed to teach a class in that store. My DD wore her top to school and everyone in her classroom (even the teacher) could not believe that she had made the top herself. The greatest compliment that my DD gave me was "Mom, you would have made a better sewing teacher". My DD is now almost 18 and sews her own clothing with a little info from Mom. Your investment in your child will always instill a love of sewing in her. Also, Kenmore machines are made by the Janome Corp. Viking, Pfaff, White & Singer are all owned by the same corporation. Go buy yourself the Singer machine that you mentioned in your other post and enjoy. Besides, on this website, there are FREE sewing lessons and you can post your questions. Happy Stitching! Marty
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 05-28-2006, 08:33 AM (15 of 33)
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Robin-- If you haven't already mailed your letter to Bernina you might want to direct their attention to this thread on this board. The home company is not going to like the reputation they seem to have nation wide and may do something to correct their behaviour and image. Patty -- No one else here would really understand your Skaneateles "husband in agriculture" story -- but I do. I worked for Eagle Papers covering Skaneateles government for a while. I've covered small towns in Cayuga County for nearly two decades and other towns near you but Skaneateles is a little different, to say the least. We need to meet for a fish sandwich lunch at the picnic tables some day. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: lorna
Date: 05-28-2006, 01:16 PM (16 of 33)
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bought Quinn a little Kenmore Mini Ultra. She's overjoyed even though she has to settle for a mediocre teacher...me. I feel pretty certain that my little girl has a far better chance at learning to sew at 7 than that lady has of learning compassion EVER. I learned something too....where I definitely WON'T ever buy a machine. I'm sure it all worked out just right. Robin ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dear Robin, You will be a perfectly fine teacher for Quinn. What she has to learn does not require a rocket scientist but it does need a sensitive and helpful teacher. Take her fabric shopping with you so that she knows the feel and weight and qualities of them all. Teach her how to do straight and zigzag stitch. If you have a dog, do as I did and have her 'sew" a bandanna for it -- just a triangle with the edges turned and stitched.  Teach her how to use a zipper foot to sew a zipper to join two pieces of fabric -- doesn't have to be a blouse. Yesterday I bought THE NEW COMPLETE BOOK OF SEWING by the publishers of Readers Digest. (I already had POWER SEWING by Sandra Betzina, which seems to be a slight step up.) The NEW COMPLETE BOOK OF SEWING has small projects interspersed throughout the book, probably to utilize the sewing lessons leading up to them. If you aren't sure where to start, use the progressive lessons in that NCBS book above. I was told that some colleges use that book in their sewing classes. Or: Here's a thought: SEWING FOR DUMMIES. I have read that they presume no expertise or familiarity on your part; they teach every step and don't skip anything. (Tell Quinn not to feel insulted by the title!) The year will go by fast and when Quinn is 8 she will probably be beyond what that store teaches! So many women say that they learned sewing at their mother's or grandmother's side; Quinn can be one of those, and I suspect that the memory will be a lot sweeter. Good luck to you and to Quinn. -Lorna Lorna in Southern California Picking up (spring '06) after decades of not sewing.
Baby Lock Decorators' Choice, purchased April '06 |
User: lorna
Member since: 04-13-2006 Total posts: 8 
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From: Patty22
Date: 05-28-2006, 04:03 PM (17 of 33)
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It is too bad that Bernina is getting such a "snooty" reputation. My machines (900 [which I sold after 13 years of wear and tear], 801 Sport and 1230) have been real workhorses. In addition they have great resale value making it another good reason to invest in a good machine. As I have said before, I have never had a tension problem and the ease of sewing from several layers of denim to chiffon and then to machine quilting has never been a problem. I have been chuckling to myself all day - come on let's think about it - as if a sewing machine is something to have someone tie their panties in knots about and think they're better than someone else? Too funny. Robin, I can't wait to see a picture of Quinn's sewing project. I am excited for her. Dorothy....yes, we must meet sometime and have some good laughs together
Patty
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User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
From: Pitfall
Date: 05-28-2006, 10:34 PM (18 of 33)
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I got up REAL early today so that I could have a try at threading the Mini Ultra and inserting the front-load bobbin....something I was completely unfamiliar with having been exposed exclusively to Singer's top-loading ones. The manual, thank goodness, is very well written, and I managed to get 'er up and running on my first attempt. Both the straight stitch and zig-zag are surprisingly nice--rather amazing, in fact, considering the tiny investment. It's no speed demon, but that's perfect too. About the only thing I considered inadequate was the very tiny 5/8th marking on only the back of the plate. I admit my vision is heading downhill only slightly slower than my butt....but it is REALLY small and hard to see. I solved that with a strategically placed piece of masking tape. I even found a few little stickers to "decorate" the tape with so it looks kind of festive. The kids set a new house record for breakfast this morning and I was extra glad that I'd gotten up early to do my housework and give Declan his AM therapy. We gathered around the little machine like it was some kind of shrine. (Despite being a "guy" and three years shy of that magic age of eight, there was NO WAY in the world that Ian was going to miss out of this!) We went over the main parts of the machine--thankfully few--and I did my best to explain what everything does. Then I gave them a little quiz by pointing to different parts and having them shout out the names. There is something very precious about hearing a little boy call out "Stitch Selector" with stars in his eyes! They were both simply awestruck when I sewed a little line on a piece of computer paper and showed them the tiny perforations the needle made. Then I let each of them have turns sewing lines on a lined piece of paper. I only had to show them a few times how to lower the pressure foot and the needle. Within five minutes they were easily starting and ending their "lines" like pros. Their brows would furrow in concentration as they steered their papers along the masking tape edge. Ian became a little frustrated when one of his attempts wobbled more than he liked. "Don't worry, " Quinn told him, "Just try it again. I can wait longer for my turn." "You're doing AWESOME," he told her, "That one is straight as a ruler!" It was totally amazing how cooperative and supportive of each other they were! For the grand finale, I let each of them sew up two sides of a little square leaving a small opening at one corner to fill it with beans. Well, we actually had to substitute rice, but it was just as good. I zig-zagged the corner shut and continued around all four sides just for insurance. "You sew good, Mama!" Quinn told me. "And FANCY!" Ian exclaimed. We put their practice papers in a little folder with their names and the date. As for the little "rice bag", well, it saw ALOT of action today! Both of the kids are eagerly looking forward to tomorrow's "sewing lesson" and gave my husband a "stich-by-stitch" review at dinner. They proudly showed him their folders and gave a live rice bag demo right after. Best of all, I get to be known as "Mistress of the Rice Bag" and the BEST SEWING TEACHER EVER! Not that my students are biased or anything  ! And it's all thanks to that awful saleslady! Robin
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User: Pitfall
Member since: 05-21-2006 Total posts: 18 |
From: paroper
Date: 05-28-2006, 10:41 PM (19 of 33)
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What a wonderful day!!!! Congratulations!!!! Your children will NEVER forget!
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: MartySews
Date: 05-28-2006, 10:42 PM (20 of 33)
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Robin, From your story today, I do believe you have the "magic touch" and will continue to turn negatives into positives. Best of luck to you and your children. Happy Stitching! Marty
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504
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From: lorna
Date: 05-28-2006, 11:50 PM (21 of 33)
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Sun, May 28, 2006 8:43 PM PST Robin, you know what? I'm GLAD that those Bernina people didn't take Quinn for sewing lessons! She and Ian sound like such cooperative, supportive little partners...... and they are enjoying the lessons and adoring their mom. What could be better? And I like the way you used paper to show them how the stitches look. I would not have thought of that. So creative. And so good night, and thanks for such an uplifting report. Carry on!  -Lorna Lorna in Southern California Picking up (spring '06) after decades of not sewing.
Baby Lock Decorators' Choice, purchased April '06 |
User: lorna
Member since: 04-13-2006 Total posts: 8
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From: Patty22
Date: 05-29-2006, 09:42 AM (22 of 33)
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Their brows would furrow in concentration as they steered their papers along the masking tape edge. Robin.....what a wonderful experience for Quinn and Ian; thanks for writing about their lesson. Your little ones sound like beautiful little souls. Patty
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User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
From: MaryW
Date: 05-29-2006, 10:44 AM (23 of 33)
Robin, that sounds like a great lesson. They have a super Mom. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: bluebirdie
Date: 05-29-2006, 05:03 PM (24 of 33)
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Hi Robin, I am so glad to hear that you took your business elsewhere. That dealer does not deserve your business nor your kids. Now that you let them how you feel, put it behind you. Your kids are very lucky that they can share the experience of learning sewing with you. And that's something they'll treasure for ever, not a fancy namebrand machine. - Robin
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User: bluebirdie
Member since: 03-12-2006 Total posts: 139 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 05-29-2006, 08:21 PM (25 of 33)
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Robin, good for you!!! Your children have a wonderful sewing teacher and you know what, their first little project can be very useful. They can make a bunch of them for you to use as pattern weights when you cut a pattern with your rotary cutter. I think small rice bags will make great pattern weights. In fact, I'm thinking of trying some for myself. I have actual pattern weights, but never seem to have enough of them so I'm going to try the small rice bag idea. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: Pitfall
Date: 05-29-2006, 10:48 PM (26 of 33)
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The rice bag/pattern weight idea is excellent! Plus, I can chuck them at whoever's bothering me when I'm trying to sew! I better get them to sew a BUNCH!!!! Robin
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User: Pitfall
Member since: 05-21-2006 Total posts: 18 |
From: mommydionne
Date: 05-30-2006, 05:17 PM (27 of 33)
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wow that sounds like a wild ride emotionally you've had in the past couple of days. I used to have a tiny orange plastic chain machine when I was little, I LOVED it. You know the machine you sew on doesn't really matter (I do love my bernina but the dealer in Ohio where I bought it was a bit stuck up too, go figure, I have stories to tell about that place but later...). I still like my ancient wooden case singer for stuff that needs a serious heavy straight stitch. Your sewing lesson sounds great I may steal your idea for my kiddies (although they really aren't that interested, at times) have fun with all the bags flying through the air!!
Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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From: sabrinatf
Date: 06-01-2006, 10:30 AM (28 of 33)
| I've thought about your experience alot in the last few days. At first I was filled w/ rage for the insensitivity that lady showed toward your daughter, but now I'm so happy of the joy you guys are having learning to sew together. I can't wait until I can teach my dd to sew! |
User: sabrinatf
Member since: 05-29-2006 Total posts: 3 |
From: Pitfall
Date: 06-01-2006, 12:24 PM (29 of 33)
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Both my nearest Pfaff dealer and the infamous Bernina one were way off on their pricing. I contacted a very helpful dealership in Jacksonville and they were all too happy to give me prices on the models I'm interested in. They also carry both Pfaff and Bernina. Now Jacksonville is almost an hour away, but it's an easy drive. Straight up the interstate and BAM. I decided to give the locals one more shot. It seems that the reason their machines are 30% more is because of their awesome 5 lessons. I guess the unlimited lessons I would get in Jax are not as high a caliber. Not only that, but think of all the gas I'm going to burn driving my machine to and fro for repairs! Silly me. Here I was hoping that was going to be something that happened fairly infrequently. The real deal buster was finding out that the person providing the lessons was none other than the person who'd devastated my little girl. Tomorrow I'm going to make that drive to Jacksonville and I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that it's a trip I won't need to make ALL the time. It's not that bad, anyways. I would almost certainly have gone with the Kenmore had I not had such bad experiences with their service department in the past. I don't think you can beat the price and the number of features. I really want the personal support a dealer can offer, though. I've decided on the Pfaff 2036 or 2046....I just fell in love with the IDT and the way it sewed on sheers and lightweight knits. No slipperly sliding around. Here in FL, we live in light stuff like that most of the year so that's what I'll be sewing. (Well, that's the plan, anyways.) Barring catastrophe (which is always looming in a household the size of mine), I'm going to get my machine tomorrow. Thank you to everyone who has offered their insights and advice. I almost feel as though I should pass out cigars or something. Maybe seam rippers. All the best to you and yours. Robin |
User: Pitfall
Member since: 05-21-2006 Total posts: 18 |
From: MartySews
Date: 06-01-2006, 03:59 PM (30 of 33)
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Congratulations!!! Marty
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504
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From: mommydionne
Date: 06-01-2006, 08:07 PM (31 of 33)
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Yippee a new sewing machine, enjoy!
Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838
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From: mozeyrn
Date: 06-01-2006, 11:56 PM (32 of 33)
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I've always been a firm believer of Just Desserts - if someone does something wrong to another it'll come back two-fold to them. I may not be the one who gives it back, I may not even see it happen but I know that somewhere, somehow, they'll get theirs. I'm suprised when the Bernina saleslady informed the owner of the dealership what transpired that she didn't say anything. Your little girl is definitely ahead of her age - imagine her teaching her kids and relating how her momma taught her and their Uncle Ian. There is a book (I think it's by Simplicity) that is specifically geared towards kids (they even have lines on paper to sew that get more and more difficult - goes from straight to curvy to squiggly) and have basic projects. I'm sure your dd will remember the last couple of days for a long time and that her Momma was her hero! - Maureen.
Learning something new with every stitch!! Kenmore 16231000 |
User: mozeyrn
Member since: 11-29-2005 Total posts: 349 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 06-02-2006, 11:02 PM (33 of 33)
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Wow, I haven't been at the computer for a bit and this was a long but awesome thread! I am really glad that you took it upon yourself to write a letter to the company. I can't believe someone would be so unsensitive to bring a little girl to tears and in front of her mother! Good for you for not slapping her right across the face and being such an excellent example for your daughter. Your lesson sounded terrific and you sound like a wonderful mom, your children are lucky to have you for a sewing teacher AND as a mom! I'll be interested to hear if the company bothers to write you back. And happy shopping. I have a Pfaff and totally love it to pieces.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
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