Greetings from Mid Michigan

[thanny51]

Hi, I'm new! I have a Bernina Artista 170 that I bought used a little over a year ago from a friend of my sister's. It was such a good deal it was almost a steal! She included the hard case for the machine, extension table for use when sewing, the embroidery module and soft case for it, several design cards, 3 hoops, the original instruction manual, she even included 3 multi format cds, the free hand system (that I don't use), the felted wool attachment with needle plate, and several feet all for just $550.00! I wasn't really in the market for an embroidery machine but I knew from my friends embroidery business and her machines what it was and what a super deal it was too! And now I'm hooked!

[RoseSews]

Welcome to the forum, but I don't understand why you don't use the free hand system! I couldn't do without it! I think if you start using it, you would find it very useful. Hope you enjoy sewing as much as we here do and if you have any questions, I'm sure someone here will have the answer for you.

[mollyshark]

Welcome, Thanny. That is a great price. Oooh the felted wool attachment. Have you tried it? That is one that has been tempting me....like I need one more toy.

[thanny51]

I understand the FHS is especially great if you quilt which I don't
And I haven't done a major project with the feltinf attachment yet but I have done some experimenting with it.

[RoseSews]

I don't quilt either, thanny, but I use the FHS in garment sewing. If you want to turn a corner with the needle down it's so easy with the FHS. Also placing a button in place, you can use both hands and use your knee to raise and lower the presser foot. Putting slippery fabric under the presser foot is much easier when you can use both hands and raise and lower the presser foot with... yeah, the FHS! I could go on and on with the many applications of it, but I just want you to use this marvelous feature on your machine because it is so helpful. Now I'll stop and mind my own business.....

[thanny51]

I guess I'll have to try your advise RoseSews because what you're telling me makes perfect sense.

[mollyshark]

I can't imagine sewing without the fhs. Even doing those tiny adjustments going around a curve is so much easier. Once you get used to it you won't be able to sew without it.