A Well Traveled Bernina 830

Description

While traveling with another Navy couple in 1974, my husband and I visited the British Officer’s Club  in Hong Kong. A Bernina vender at the club introduced me to the Bernina 830.  He did not have to work too hard as the machine was $250 and worked like a dream.  Every time I opened my mouth or asked a question, he sweetened the deal with another presser foot. (To this day, I don’t know what half of them do,) We continued our trip flying TWA to Bangkok and my 830 traveled under my seat.  On arriving in Bangkok, the immigration authorities thought I was smuggling machines.  Sales slips, travel companions and I had a job convincing them that I was a Navy wife who had bought a new machine for my own use.  Leaving Bangkok was not easy either.  TWA insisted that I put the machine in baggage and I insisted that I was not as I had seen how they treated luggage. They were adamant that it would not fit under the seat and I was just as adamant that I had flown into Bangkok with it under my seat.  After much haggling, they let me board with the 830 and she slid right under the seat.  Her travels included Guam, Virginia, Ohio, Louisiana, California and Mississippi. She worked hard over the next 40 years and was joined by a 380 in 2013 and a 570 in 2018.

2 comments on “A Well Traveled Bernina 830”

  • I was 1975,I think, when my Mom gave me my Bernina 830. I didn’t know what a wonderful gift it was at the time. It has been the best sewing machine I could have asked for. It has served me well making cloths, mending and the last 10 years quilting. I am broken hearted after getting the call the call last week that the motor is not repairable but after investigation I have found what looks like will be my new friend. The 330 seems to be the new Bernina for me. I went and tried it out today. It has a nice feel to it and reminds me of my 830. Thank you Bernina for making such a list lasting sewing machine.

  • I love my Bernina 830 it the bright red case. My daughter has wanted it for years because she learned how to sew on it. Not ready to let it go yet. I bought her an inexpensive machine (not Bernina). She has sewn zillions and masks and donated them in her area of Colorado Springs, Co. She has also sold some. Her machine has had alot of problems and she has had it at the shop with people who evidently didn’t know what they were doing, more than once. Really slows her down. She has 4 children and nice to have a little extra cash when she can get her machine to work correctly. I would love to buy a used 830 for her in good shape but the prices are so extreme. Am on social security so it will never happen. Anyway. understand the love everyone has for their 1975 Bernina 830. So glad to find this site. Thank you, love all the comments.

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