Duncan's Bernina B990 Day Out

This August, Bernina launched their latest machine: the B990. It’s their first brand-new flagship model in over 15 years, so naturally, it’s created quite the buzz. 

Last week, I attended the Bernina dealer conference. I decided to go along to show my face, have a mooch about, and say “Hello!” to the wonderful team who help me provide the high level of customer service I strive for every day. It’s always nice to put faces to the voices on the phone and have a proper face-to-face chat. 

If you’ve ever been to a conference in your own field, you’ll know how it goes: meet at 10 for coffee, plates of tempting food you’ve been trying to avoid because you’re “being good” (but, well, you’re away from home and who’s to know?!).  After a few coffees, a head nod or two, some handshakes and the odd “nice to see you again” chit-chat, we were ushered into the room. 

Now, I must admit, I hadn’t really read the email explaining what was on the agenda – it was more a case of “turn up here at this time and drink coffee.” So, when we sat down to be shown the B990, I was a bit taken aback; I thought all the fanfare for it was done back in August!  But I got comfy and started to listen to Hannah explain the machine’s features. 

Well...  

All I can say is WOW, WOW and WOW! They’ve really thought of everything with this machine - but then again, it is a Bernina. 

The first thing that stood out, aside from its impressive size, was how incredibly easy it is to use.  The touchscreen is a whopping 10.1 inches – about the size of an iPad – making navigation a breeze. 

As the presentation continued, the list of amazing features just kept coming. I’ll highlight a few below but I have to say, the built-in BISR is a game-changer. Bernina has managed to integrate the BSR (Bernina Stitch Regulator) features directly into the machine itself. This means that all you need is a ruler foot, and the BSR functionality is ready to go. Even more exciting, you can now use the BISR with rulers – a first for Bernina! 

Key Features of the Bernina B990

Bernina INTEGRATED Stitch Regulator 

Built-in under the needle plate, it works with all quilting feet and applications - including ruler work! 

Placement Scanner and Camera 

With the best vision and superb-quality images. View the needle area when sewing or embroidering for perfect placement of stitches and designs. Scan and view the embroidery hoop to preview and for placement. 

BERNINA Help Centre 

Information and support including the full manual is at your fingertips - on the machine, on your laptop or on your tablet. 

Miniature and Jumbo Stitch Sizer 

Adjust the stitch design size from 25% to 500% without affecting the stitch density. The 990 automatically calculates the new stitches to make the design work. 

 Stitch Plate Recognition 

The machine recognises which 990 needle plate is in position to avoid accidental needle breakage. 

14 Inches to Right of Needle 

The most significant sewing area of any domestic machine. 

10.1 Inch Colour Screen 

As you would expect, the biggest and best colour screen is centrally located for natural vision where you want it, in landscape orientation—like the world—and gesture-enabled so you can swipe like you do with your smartphone. 

Pinpoint Laser 

It shows precisely where the needle is going in every needle position. 

Giant Hoop 

The new giant hoop - included with the embroidery unit – has an embroidery area of 410mm x 305mm (16.1" x 12.0") so quilters can embroider an entire 12" square. 

2,927 Stitch Patterns 

And when that is not enough, we have an interactive stitch designer. 

What next?

Well, with all that said and done, it got me thinking… Should I get one for demonstrations? And if I do, how do I ensure I can offer the level of support any customers might need? 

That’s when I came up with a very cunning plan! 

First things first, I’ll be getting one of the team trained up on how to use the B990. Once that training is in place, we’ll be able to offer demonstrations and courses on how to use this incredible machine. Not only that, but we’ll also have a dedicated team member who will be the go-to expert for the B990. So, if you purchase a B990, you can rest assured you’ll receive all the support you need. 

This initiative will also have a knock-on effect across the Bernina range. Once we’ve established these building blocks, the plan is to extend the same level of support and expertise to the entire Bernina range, not just the B990. 

Now, I’d love to hear from you. If you’re thinking about buying a B990, what additional support or resources would you like to see from us as your dealer? 

And if you are considering purchasing a B990, please don’t hesitate to get in touch so we can have a chat and discuss it further. 

Below, you’ll find a button that will take you straight to the B990 where you can take a closer look. We’re also excited to share that we’re now offering 0% finance for 11 months. 

In the meantime, I hope to see you soon. 

Happy Sewing ! 

Duncan  

This is the button that I mentioned