So sorry to hear that Sarah, can you not get a loan machine whilst yours is being repaired? If I'd live closer to you I'd loan you one of mine. Is there someone close by in the South African Cuties who could help you out? Good luck with it all. Love Chris

Sorry to hear this, Sarah...I would think that your dealer should be able to lend you one until yours is back...worth a try if you already haven't asked...

I agree that the dealer should be able to help you out. At the very least, you should be able to stitch those bags out on a machine in the shop. Ask, it can't hurt and the worst is they say no. And that would be a very poor business practice I think to say no. My heart goes out to you for this and the coming weeks.

Sorry to hear that I know how frustrating it is to have no machine and projects to finish. Good idea on the painted bags too. Suzanne

Oh my. Such a shame. I agree that the dealer should help you. As Karen said, he worst he can say is no. Tell him all you want to do is stitch the design, doing the assembly at home. Good luck.

You are a resourceful woman. Sounds like you already have it figured out. Yeah!

Thank heaven you at least have a fix for the little tired machine! She worked her heart out and needs the down time. So glad you only have to make a 'few' more. If you had some orange fabric you could just do an applique of pumpkin and have the whole thing done. Print out a template of the one you used in embroidery and you have your pattern. :-)

Sorry to hear of your problems. I am sure that you could talk to your dealer about helping you out. They are such nice people. I am sure that they will be more than willing. Good luck.

Let's think the sewing machine will return sooner than you think.
It is a boomer with they are in for repair.

I'm so sorry for your dilemma, a postal strike would be awful and sorry it's happening. Sending good wishes your way hoping you can finish your projects and your machine can be fixed soon. The fabric paint sounds like fun and I know they'll be cute!

Is it possible to get the power supply shipped United Parcel Service or FedX? This would help it get to the shop faster.

I'll give you a flower to make the disappointment go away!! Isn't is just always when we most need our machine that things go arye? You've had lots of good suggestions and hopefully one of them will work out for you.

I am a Bernina girl, too, and I hate to hear of a bad experience with them. I failed to pick up on the model you own, but I would certainly go back to your dealer and try to work out something. I hope they are not sending it back to Switzerland to be repaired. Kay

What would I do without the Cute family. Your posts have made me feel so much better. I have met and spoken to various owners of Bernina outlets in the last few days and they all say the same - they do not loan out machines. If they have a second hand embroidery machine in the shop they are willing to let customers use/ hire those. The little bags are quite time consuming so I would not have asked to sew in the shops and it was not offered either. On Tuesday my machine is being taken from George off to a place called Oudtshoorn (known for its ostriches), where it will stay until the part arrives. I am very happy that Bernina Head Office has decided on this as I know that the technician there is one of the best. I am now just hoping that I will have it before Christmas as I still have a few gifts to make - thank goodness I started early this year on gifts.

I'm sorry......Love the painting idea, though. Wish I were closer, I'd stitch those bags for you, but I don't think we have enough time now for you to send the fabric to me in the US and me to stitch and send back to you.