Memories of a Bernina

When I was 6 years old, my father bought my mother a wonderful gift for Christmas - a Bernina Sewing Machine.  My mother loved to sew and prior to her Bernina, she had a trusty black Singer sewing machine that she used often.

My father knew that she would enjoy a top-of-the-line machine and they both went shopping for just the right one.  For Christmas that year, he bought the best of the best - a Bernina 730 Record.  It was the first of its kind to do embroidery and had over 20 stitches as well. 

It came with an attached organizer for thread, bobbins, presser feet, and other tools.

It came in a nice hard case too.  It was my mother's dream machine.

  

For over 30 years, my mother enjoyed the many hours sewing on her Bernina.  She made clothes, drapes, linens, dolls, gifts, and more. 

My memories of my mother sitting at her Bernina sewing are numerous.  I used to pull up a chair beside her when she sewed, and watch as she worked with the fabric and patterns, and made me dresses and tops and pants. 

Most importantly, I recall with great clarity the look on my mother's face during those hours of sewing.  She was focused and happy and seemed to be in her element.

My grandmother, Margaret (My mother's mother) was also very creative.  She made quilts and clothes for my mother and my mother's sister, Helen.  She also had her own brick and mortar milliner's shop where she made and sold hats.  She was quite the entrepreneur for her time!

Well, about 7 years ago, my mother sold her Bernina to my brother's wife, Marsha, and Marsha has been enjoying this amazing machine ever since.  The Bernina 730 Record is a workhorse.

For the past 5 years or so, I have occasionally stopped by eBay and Craig's list looking for a Bernina 730 Record (1965) in as nice condition as my mother's machine, and I occasionally came across a machine like hers, only they weren't working or very worn and almost damaged.

As luck would have it, I popped over to eBay about 2 weeks ago and came across a Bernina 730 Record from 1965 in beautiful condition.  It was missing the original foot pedal and the knee control lever, but the presser feet were there.  The seller had a foot pedal with the machine but it was broken, unfortunately.

The case was in excellent condition as well.  I was hooked.  I talked to my mother about it and she agreed that we would share in the cost and bring this baby home.  We won that auction and yesterday I received my vintage gem.

It is about 40 lbs so I had Big Bear set it up in my sewing room.  I love the color of it!  That creamy-olive tone that looks so nice.  It is in excellent condition.

The model # confirmed that it was one of the rare versions manufactured in 1965.  The same year as my mother's Bernina.

I have her set up in my sewing room.  She looks so pretty.  I can't wait to hear her hum.  She needs a name, don't you think?  Well, and a working foot control too.  I can't think of a name for her and would like your help. 

What name should I give this wonderful Bernina lady from 1965?