On the Perks of Working in a Sewing Shop: The Bernina 1005

The perks of working in a sewing shop are endless: sewing machines, fabric and haberdashery as far as the eye can see, working with and meeting wonderfully creative people on a daily basis, being able to speak about sewing machines and intricate sewing problems all day without anybody thinking you are weird (which happens in most other social situations) ..... and....getting first dibs on second-hand machines. This is how me and my Bernina met.

I spotted the Bernina 1005 in the refurbished second-hand pile in our sewing shop and immediately fell for it: the sturdy metal shell, the practical free arm and the great durability and work-horse-ishness of these old Bernina machines is just swoon-worthy. I wanted it! So, I bought it for a more than reasonable staff discount and took it home the same day. I live only a short walk from work, but let me tell you, it was not easy to carry this beast home. It is so heavy!

I have been experimenting with my Bernina all weekend and absolutely love it. It is a joy to work on this machine. No matter how fast you go, it doesn't move a millimeter on the table because it's solid like a rock. There are not a lot of stitch options on this machine but in dressmaking you don't need a lot of fancy stitches so this machine does just fine.

Above all I love the combined ankle-and-foot feet that Bernina machines are known for. I have tried out all the ones in the accessory box over the weekend.

I particularly love the stitch-in-the-ditch foot. I have never owned one before but it is quite useful for topstitching, edgestitching, hemming and even when understitching facings. The foot helps you to keep a nice even distance to your edge.

I have already completed a new blouse on this machine over the weekend, and wonder if I'll ever go back to using my other machine. I'm already looking forward to my next sewing project and more hours spent with my Bernina! In the meantime I'll just go and hug it for a little while. :)

I have tried to date this machine. I think it must have been made in the 80s - mid 80s would be my guess. Does anyone know how old the 1005 is? Do you have an old Bernina at home? Do you like working with it? How often do you hug it? :)