Bernina 360!

Too Good Not To Share

2011-05-11T10:46:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite Bloggers and Pattern Designers has the funniest post and it's just too good not to share.
We think the pic says it all but, for the full scoop on how she quilted herself into her quilt click on the link below.

I mean really, who among us hasn't done this?? CLUCK CLUCK SEW

Real Women Use A Ham

2011-05-09T09:31:00.000-07:00

Here's a pressing issue.... Why is the pressing ham so unattractive?

I mean really are they trying to keep costs down by using material found in an abandon Scottish castle? Muslin and Tartan are soooooo 1523!

That being said --
We sell this ham at Bernina NW

Bernina lovers this is a call for action, we need right this wrong.

As I see it we have 2 options.

Option One -- Make your own pressing ham in pretty fabric using tutorial on No Big Dill's Blog. tailors-ham-tutorial

Or

Option Two -- We start an email campaign to Dritz demanding fashion forward colors and patterns. We insist sales will increase if we're not limited to plaid and boring. We should demand an better ham for better living. Darn it, it's our right as an American! Let freedom from ugly hams ring!

What do you think Bernina Lovers -- Are you with me?

Okay that being said -- Gloria has a class Sunday May 15th @3pm called Pressing Issues (no it's not about our issue with ugly hams - it's about how to use the darn thing) I'm sure you all want to come so please, be nice if you call (206-523-4739) and sign-up and the class is full. Don't worry we'll schedule more.

Odette Ueltshi -- Mother of Bernina

2011-05-08T11:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day Odette Ueltshi.

Although you are no longer with us, your legacy lives on & we thank you for changing the way we sew.

Those who where blessed to meet this amazing woman say she was gracious, charming and simply incredible. Actually, they can't say enough good things about her and once they get going -it's hard to stop.

If you love your Bernina knee lift, your Bernina 830 (old), stretch stitches, and a computerized sewing machine.

Please take a moment today, on Mother's Day, to send out a big thank you to the universe for Odette Ueltshi!

Spring Love

2011-05-07T10:06:00.000-07:00

Walking foot and #10 Edge Stitch Foot Sitting in a Tree...

K. I. S. S. I. N. G.....

First Comes Love....

Then Comes Marriage...

Then Comes a Walking Foot With Center Guide.

Perfect Stitch In The Ditch is Now Possible.

Everything you love About The #10 edge stitch foot is now available as a Sole for The Walking Foot.

Daddy Bernina.... I want it now!!!!

2011-05-05T17:28:00.000-07:00

Veruca Salt

Daddy.... I want a sew table like the Bernina 3-Series for my Aurora 450 and I WANT IT NOW!!!!

Umpa Lumpa's Take this sew table down to the taffy pulling room and don't stop pulling until the sew table fits an Aurora 450!

TA-Dah!!!! Thank you Vercua Salt. The Aurora 450 now comes with a new style sew table!

Hey -- Wanna Hear a Secret??

2011-05-04T11:05:00.000-07:00

Okay -- get closer to your computer.

I don't want everyone to find out about this....
I just heard from a friend of mine and couldn't wait to tell you.....

Bernina is going to have a financing special on May 12th.
It's 24 months -- no interest, equal payment on Bernina's over $1,000.

Yea - I can't believe it either.
You know what this means?
You can get a Bernina 350 for $50 a month or a Bernina 440 (with stitch regulator) for about $130 a month.
And don't get me started about sergers...
Okay I'm started , an 1150mda for $50 a month and a 1300mdc for about $75
Does it get any better?? I think not!

okay - I wasn't going to reveal my source but, I can tell you don't believe me.
The friend who told me is Barb L. and she works for Bernina. So it's a for sure thing.

The Family Portraits Have Been Hung

2011-05-03T11:40:00.000-07:00

You know it just doesn't feel like home until you hang the family portraits. Thankfully Mark with his tall ladder and steady hand on the power drill came by and hung family history.

Don't they look so beautiful going up the stairs?

Great Great Grandpa from 1894 is on top, Great Grandma Bernina from 1932 in middle, and Great Uncle Bernina from 1944 is at the end.

I truly LOVE these pictures. I think they date back to Nelson's Bernina (Bernina Dealership in the '70's). And it's been one of those things that is handed down from Seattle Bernina dealership to Seattle Bernina Dealership.

It's sad but true -- If my store (god forbid) caught on fire and I had to choose one thing to save -- I would rescue these pictures. Then fill out insurance forms for the rest of the stuff. No judgement! Ha ha.

Did Somebody Say Makeover?

2011-05-02T09:26:00.000-07:00

What do you think about when you hear the words home makeover??

Ty Pennington? America Home Makeover?

Nate Berkus? HGTV Fame?

Well, you know what WE, at BerninaNW think about -- Sewing Room Makeover!!!

FREE and FROM BERNINA USA! Does it get any better?

And all you have to do is upload a pic of your trashed out cluttered sewing room/workspace for the world to see to onto BERNINA USA's FB page. (First ya gotta like them)

Step 1. Upload your ~~disaster area~~ center for creativity.
Step 2. Share your sewing ~~shame~~ room with others -- collect votes like crazy

Step. 3 The TEN entries with the most votes will be judged by a panel of BERNINA experts to determine the winner. But don't worry, only your space will be judged -- not you!

Here's a link - https://www.facebook.com/berninausa?sk=a,pp_210393672318897 Enter, Share, Win!

We're Back in Blog Land!

2011-05-01T11:55:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Sorry it's been sooooo long! We've been really busy. I know, no excuse... but really we've got good reason.

We moved the store. No really.... We moved from

540 NE Northgate Way Suite D

540 NE Northgate Way Suite C.

You'd think a move down 5 steps wouldn't consume everything... but it does.

Here's some pics of the new place... Since everyday we're getting more product in and filling the space these pictures I took on Thursday are already out dated!

We LOVE it! Let's celebrate! This coming Wednesday May 4th 4-6. We're gonna have cake....

Santa's Done it Again...

2010-12-09T09:55:00.000-08:00

Okay - not St. Nick but BERNINA Credit Card! For all of you who have longed, dreamed, and fantasized for a BERNINA 830 or 820 - here's your chance.

For those who's Dreams have already come true and own a 830, your free gift shipped yesterday.

I'll call you soon-ish to let you know when you can get the goods.

Now for those who want an Artista, Aurora, or 3-Series BERNINA for Christmas, we do have many other financing offers and the best news is that we have them now. You won't have to wait till the 18th.

Can I get a "HO, HO, HO- Merry Christmas!"

What's Your Story?

2010-12-03T13:38:00.000-08:00

Have you seen this silly sign at Starbucks, yet?

It says, 'They're Back (Peppermint Mocha and Eggnog Latte) with stories to tell.

Huh? What story would a drink have to tell?

What they did on vacation. Who it's been seeing. Thoughts on life. What?

This is Emily - the Manager of Starbucks - pretending she's a Peppermint Mocha telling a story.

Wouldn't it be cool if everything could talk.

What story would your Bernina tell you about 2010?

Would your Bernina say - I'm exhausted, no more. Everyday with the sewing, just let me rest!

Would your Bernina say - Hello - Remember me??? You don't call, you don't write, where did the love go?

Whatever your Bernina says if you want to treat your Bernina this Christmas to a spa day (full service) and two weeks off work, we are offering $10 off from now until 12/24 on a full service. Just bring in your Bernina to Bernina NW and mention this blog post and $10 will come off your bill.

If you want - you could say 'The Eagle Has Landed.' very secret agent style. Or you can just say - gimme $10 off. Either will work.

It's a Griswold Christmas At Bernina NW

2010-11-27T11:45:00.000-08:00

3.... 2.... 1.....

Bernina NW welcomes the Griswolds.

They came. They saw. They put up Christmas lights.

Well, you can't really see it in this pic- but it's a sight to behold. 2000 lights in 700 square feet.
(Caitlyn says she wants to add more!)
Remember- we're doing bright friday deals all weekend. So, grab your shades and come on in.
After all, we've got a light bill to pay.

You get a Free Gift... You get a Free Gift... You get a Free Gift.

2010-11-22T15:29:00.000-08:00

~~Oprah's~~

BERNINA's Favorite Things

Got the NEW BERNINA 830?

BERNINA will be sending you a free gift to

enhance your sewing pleasure.

What's in the kit?

•Thread lubrication and guide unit

•Retrofit radial thread release

•Innovative oiling pen

•Needle set with SUK needles (i.e. medium ball point) for embroidery and sewing

•Hook cleaning tool

Kit goodies explained

Let it Snow!!!

2010-11-21T13:12:00.000-08:00

It's snowing in Seattle and the lil' 3-series were so excited because it was their first time to see snow in the Northwest. After much 'bundling-up' the 330 and 350 went out in the snow with Glorianne.

We had so much fun in the snow! The lil' 3-series came to us last August and they were barely assembled when they last saw snow in Switzerland.

Here's a pic of Glorianne, 330 and 350 in the snow!

Thread BOGO

2010-10-19T14:28:00.000-07:00

No Tricks! Just a Treat!

Thread Buy One, Get One Free.

Wednesday, October 20th - Sunday October 24th.

Really it's a BOGO, no spooling!

Although, we strongly recommend you don't store your thread like this! :)

4 Days Till We Get Hatched

2010-10-12T16:14:00.000-07:00

Are you getting excited? We are!

Hatched in Africa 'Cara' is a-comin'. YEA!!

I talked to Cara yesterday and I meant to ask her what she's demo-ing, but I was so mesmerized by her accent, I still don't know.

There is something about a South African accent that is so wonderful and soothing!

That being said - I'm madly in love with these birds and their velvety heads.

I plan to harass Cara most of the day until she reveals the secret of the fuzzy head embroidery designs.
She can try to distract with her accent - but I won't be denied.

Isn't this Amazing!

Love the Tail!

Cara also mentioned lots of shopper-tunities with really great deals on her fabulous designs so remember to bring your pocketbook! I know we will.

If you are interested in coming on Saturday the Demo's are 9-12 and 2-5pm
Trunk Show is 6:30-8pm. Cost is only $30 and since we're hosting this party it includes yummy treats!

To Ric? or To Ric-Rack?

2010-10-07T13:01:00.000-07:00

We've been having a debate lately at Bernina NW.

We want to know, how do you ric-rack?

Glorianne Likes Ric-Rack

Caitlyn Likes Ric.

Deb- she likes it all! "More is More!!"

Wanna make this drinkin' rooster kitchen towel? Only a $5 kit fee. Space still available.
Class is October 13th, 14th or 15th.
October 13th 10-12pm or 1-3pm
October 14th 10-12pm or 1-3pm or 6-8pm
October 15th 10-12pm or 1-3pm

Crime Scene

2010-09-28T17:41:00.000-07:00

The story you are about to read is true. No names have been changed, because no one was innocent.

At approximately 1pm on September 27, 2010, a pigeon of unknown origin descended upon Bernina Northwest's flagship store with a raging fury. The suspect flew through the doorway pictured below:

The Point of Entry

At 1:00:30pm, the suspect and both Bernina Northwest employees working at the time, engaged in a panicked frenzy. One employee (Deb) hid in this closet:

The Crawlspace in Which Deb Hid from the Suspect

The other employee (Casey) was forced to advance on the suspect in an attempt to force him from the store. The suspect then proceed to bash into the windows repeatedly, and in doing so reportedly unthreaded a Bernina brand 800DL Serger. After coming into contact with the northwest window of the store (pictured below) for the last time, the suspect calmed enough to be escorted out the way he came in.

Window Pain (heh)

Neither Deb nor Casey sustained any injuries. The suspect is still at large.

We have one left in stock...

2010-09-26T14:02:00.000-07:00

#86. Who could resist? Ruffles, gathers, pleats.... Dreamy. We have one left in stock and we're open until 5pm, so get while the getting's good! Details after the photo:

A flexible tool for all your gathering and pleating needs.

For sewing small pleats and gathering on a single layer of fabric, as well as pleated ruffles.

The ruffler is adjustable and becomes indispensable when the amount of gathering needs to be controlled exactly.

You can control both the depth of each pleat and the distance between pleats.

It is particularly useful when long rows of gathering are required such as in Home Dec projects.

You can gather or pleat a single layer of fabric while attaching it to a straight, ungathered layer in one operation.

Recommended for light to medium weight fabrics.

The Ruffler Attachment comes with Low Shank Adapter #75 for Generic Feet pre-attached.

Alright alright, last one!

2010-09-16T11:28:00.000-07:00

We really get crazy when we get on a kick, but what else is new? We are nothing if not consistent, ha!

We wanted to bring you one more dress-reuse oriented post, well, because this one is just too cute to pass up.

From the site:

"The Uniform Project™ started in 2009 when a young woman realized she was drowning in the doldrums of an advertising career. To counter the uninspired demands of the corporate world, she came up with an unusual creative challenge; to wear the same dress for an entire year – but, and this is where the real challenge came in, she'd have to make it look unique every single day and do so without buying anything new. The challenge was also designed to be an online fundraiser, raising money to send underprivileged kids to school.

Thus, in May 2009, with fashion as her medium, and education her cause, U.P founder Sheena Matheiken launched the Uniform Project, pledging to wear one little black dress for 365 days as an exercise in sustainability and a fundraiser to support the Akanksha Foundation – a non-profit organization providing education to children living in Indian slums. And for the next year, Sheena reinvented her uniform solely using accessories that were either vintage, handmade, reused or donated..."

The project has since ended, but lives on through pilot projects that continue to raise money.

The photos are WILD!

Enjoy...

While we're on the subject...

2010-09-14T14:00:00.000-07:00

Ok so that whole skirt/shirt post really got us thinking and subsequently digging. And we found something. Something fun.

You may have already seen the "New Dress A Day" blog, but we're going to share for the sake of those who haven't.

From the "about" section:

"...This year, I will be foregoing trips to Bloomies and Nordstrom for brand new gear. Goodbye to H&M purchases and accessory grabbing at Forever 21. And seeing the “must have” French Connection dress in People’s Style Watch will just have to suffice as a cut out on my inspiration board.

Instead, the only shopping that I’ll be able to do is that of pieces that have been used and worn already. So long to mall trips and hello to sifting through piles of vintage pieces at flea markets and at neighborhood garage sales. Each day for the entire year, I’m going to introduce a new piece into my existing wardrobe that I’ve found from these places. On top of this, I’m giving myself a budget of $1 a day.

One person’s trash is becoming my treasure this year.
365 days. 365 items of clothing. 365 dollars. And the blogging begins…"

So scope it out! Not only are the clothes adorable, but the author is also quite witty and features some of the most appetizing snacks and foods you could imagine! Go Marisa!

New Sewing Republic Project!

2010-09-12T12:58:00.000-07:00

Howdy!

We wanted to share a delightful new project that made its way onto the Sewing Republic Site:

http://www.sewingrepublic.com/projectIdeas.html#/ShirtDress/

Enjoy!, and post your results!

Fabulous New Site to Check Out

2010-09-11T13:55:00.000-07:00

We snagged this new little gem off the web:

http://threadandbutter.com/

This fabulous site has great prices on (amazing) thread, and you can shop by the type of sewing you do OR by fiber type!

Hey Mettler Color Card!

Head on over and check 'em out!

Back to School Sale!

2010-09-09T11:03:00.000-07:00

September 8-20 is the Back to School Sale!

Come visit the store for fabulous deals on sewing machines, sergers, and more!

Check out the flyer:

How cute are these?

2010-08-29T12:56:00.000-07:00

Caitlyn and Shannon went to Zakka city with the leather roller foot (#55)! Who knew simple applique could deliver such fun results?

The Power of a Bernina

2010-08-22T16:19:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder how strong a Berning REALLY is? Forget about sewing through leather, this is epic. You may be asking why we are showing you a picture of a bent #26 teardrop darning/embroidery foot. No, we didn't go crazy with a wrench, nor did we run over it with a vehicle. This was the result of the presser foot not being secured to the machine when beginning embroidery. The needlebar struck the foot repeatedly, bending it out of shape. Have you ever seen anything like it? We certainly haven't!

The best part? The machine is sewing fine, timing and all. Feel free to hug your Bernina after reading this!

August Encore!

2010-08-16T11:10:00.000-07:00

Some things are so good, they bear repeating. Yes we are talking about T-N-T (Tips and Techniques)! That's right, this month we are having an encore T-N-T presentation featuring Kevin Conley! He may be wearing a tux, but you can leave your party dress at home!

Hi Kevin!

Ramping up for back to school or a big holiday gift-making season? Bummed that you couldn't make the last T-N-T? Now is the time to check out the beauty of the Bernina 830. This encore presentation will take place at the store on August 24 and 25. That's two days to choose from. Your $10 registration fee covers lunch, snacks, and beverages. Call or come by the store to sign up, you won't want to miss this!

Beat the Heat

2010-08-15T13:10:00.000-07:00

Yes we air conditioning. But guess what? We've got WonderFil Thread in! Metallics, Rayon, InvisaFil, you name it! Whether you want a fantastically lustrous sheen on your next quilt top, or you've got a hard-to-shop-for sewer's birthday gift to attend to, we have you covered. Come check us out!

And don't forget that this is just the latest addition to our already-fabulous thread stock! We still have all your Mettler and Superior Thread favorites:

Bottom Line
King Tut
Halo
Isacord
Polysheen Multi
Silk-Finish Cotton
Silk-Finish Multi
Quilting Cotton
Metrosene
Metrocor
Metroflock

Need we say more?

BERNINA! What is it good for? Absolutely... EVERYTHING

2010-08-09T15:42:00.000-07:00

There truly is a Bernina for every sewer. Today we will review the gamut of sewers we love calling our customers. Which one are you?

1. The Home Decor Enthusiast

It's all (perfect!) buttonholes and decorative stitching. That pillowcase you made last week just wouldn't be the same without that cool art-deco looking satin stitch on the edge! You may be tasked with mending and you like a machine that can be packed up and gets around with ease. You need one of the new 3-Series my dear friend.

2. The Quilter

Let's face it. You're a pro and people are most likely kicking down the big bucks for your work. What's your secret? Next to insurmountable creativity, your Bernina 820. It has everything you need to produce only the highest-quality pieces, like the Bernina Stitch Regulator and the Dual-Feed Foot System. Top it off with unbeatable features and you have a machine that will never let you down.

3. The Garment Sewer

Adjustable presser foot pressure? Check. Perfect tension? Check. Fantastic decorative stitches for embelleshing the front of that gown? Check. Free-hand system to speed up pivoting around the collar corner? Check. The Aurora 450. Consistent and quality performance from start to finish. Period.

4. The Embroidery Afficiando

Did somebody say 830? Oh wait, we did. Also known as the dream machine, this is the one that truly does it all. All the features of the 820 plus embroidery. What's not to love? Lots of room for sewing, or decadent embroidery in the Jumbo Hoop.

5. The Dabbler

Sometimes you get a hankering for embroidery, other times you just have to make the dress from that sweet pattern you picked up the other day. Then there are times when you want to make the dress, then decide to kick it up a notch by embroidering the bodice. You don't quite need all the room of an 830 as your machine may travel with you on retreats or getaways, so this was a natural choice. Say hello to your Artista 640 with Embroidery!

That's it for today folks! Come by the store and find out which kind of sewer you want to be!

You've been waiting

2010-08-04T11:49:00.000-07:00

We know. We're sorry. But remember our promise? The one where all our shortcomings would be forgiven by way of a singular moment of epic proportion?

Good news...

The new website has arrived!

Behold the class schedule! Revel in the clean design lines! Admire the tasteful color scheme!

The New Bernina 3 Series!

2010-07-19T11:13:00.000-07:00

Can you stand the anticipation? Are you craving more? We are now taking orders for the new Bernina 3 Series! Call or come by the store to place yours today!

Look how sleek they are! Machine details here!

Cool in blue on a red hot day

2010-07-14T12:13:00.000-07:00

Check out Iman's new delightful outfit! Just the right color to cool and soothe your eyes on this stunning day!

Of course, nothing will make you feel cooler than getting a new sewing machine or serger... Unless you buy them at a store with air conditioning (us!). Come on by and sample our wares!

Interview with the Mannequin

2010-07-08T14:15:00.000-07:00

We've got an exciting blog entry for you today! Iman (pronounced Ee-Mon), our new in-store model, takes time out of her busy schedule of repose to chat with us:

BNW: Iman, what brings you to the store?

Iman: ...

BNW: Modeling My Label garments?! Fantastic! What can you tell our readers about My Label Software?

Iman: ...

BNW: Right, so it's 3D fashion pattern software. What are some of your favorite features in My Label?

Iman: ...

BNW: Really?! Sewing instructions and an in-program measuring/fitting consultant? It's so nice to have expert advice at your fingertips. What else?

Iman: ...

BNW: So let's get this straight, you can actually see garments modeled in 3D before you make them? Who knew that there were twenty endlessly customizable classic patterns to choose from?

Iman: ...

BNW: Well of course you did.

Iman: ...

BNW: Right, Right. So Iman, you've told us all about My Label. Let's talk about the clothes! Which of the My Label patterns is your favorite?

Iman: ...

BNW: The gored skirt always makes a big splash. Do you have any exciting My Label fashion forecasts?

Iman: ...

BNW: Pencil Skirts paired with Classic Vests, of course!

Iman: ...

BNW: (Chuckles) Iman you are the living end! Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us. We look forward to seeing your divine My Label fashions!

Iman: ...

Readers: If you're interested in purchasing a copy of My Label Software, feel free to call or come by Bernina Northwest. 206-523-4739.

Quarter Inch, Edge Stitch, Pintuck... Oh My!

2010-07-07T10:25:00.000-07:00

Check out this fun sample Caitlyn made:

Simple pintucks and pleats peeking through contrasting fabric... Sounds like a potentially stellar quilt or even garment finish! Who doesn't love versatility?

Which presser feet made such a spectacular gem of a sample?

The #57 1/4" Foot was used to make those fabulous pleats

The #31 Pintucking Foot was used to make (can you guess?)... The Pintucks!

The #10 Edge Stitch Foot was used to clean finish the rolled-in raw edges of the yellow fabric.

As always, we encourage you to try out your own version of this technique! Send on photos of all your amazing work!

Cut it Out

2010-06-28T13:23:00.000-07:00

We are really jazzed about the Cutwork tool. Expect to see some fantastic samples and parties coming out of this store very soon. Crafting, Quilting, and Applique galore! We're currently cutting out letters that will be appliqued onto a banner! Adios dios, die cut machines! YES, you can cut paper with this tool! Did somebody say "scrapbooking?"

Roller Jam

2010-06-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

You've heard us say it a million times: "This machine can sew through leather." We mean it! Here is our very first attempt at leather applique. Expect the samples to get better as our leather working skills improve!

Supplies used:
Aurora 430 Sewing Machine
#55 Roller Foot
#53 Non-Stick Straight Stitch Foot
Mettler Quilting Cotton/Topstitching Thread
Medium-weight leather
Standard Zipper

The coin purse:

Caitlyn with her creation, and the roller foot!

Cautionary Thread Tales

2010-06-23T15:31:00.000-07:00

There are two things we love here at Bernina Northwest. Fabulous embroidery projects, and learning from mistakes. Today we will review an embroidery project gone slightly awry, highlighting common pitfalls and how to avoid them. We use the term "slightly awry" since the end result could potentially live on in some capacity... Maybe a bag? We'll let you be the judge:

Not too shabby for our embroidery novices; Casey and Caitlyn. Let's go to the markup:

#1 - Stabilizer:

Stabilizer is a type of material used to stabilize your fabric while machine embroidering. In many cases, embroidery designs rely not only on line stitching, but also on heavy amounts of satin stitching. Alone, fabric tends to fail under this abuse, thus stabilizer is crucial to giving your project the support it needs. There is no shortage in variety of these types of materials, so rather than build a library here on the blog, we'll refer to this excellent quick-reference table developed by the fabulous Jill McCloy:

	Used For:	Best Used On:	Comes In:	Removal:
Cut-away stabilizers	Permanent support	Knits, loosely wovens	Light to heavy weights	Not removed, except for cutting away excess
Tear-away stabilizers	Temporary support	Firmly woven, natural-fiber fabrics	Light to heavy weights; fusible and nonfusible	Torn away, but not always completely removable, depending on brand and stitch pattern
Heat-away stabilizers	Temporary support	Nonwashable, delicate fabrics and for off-the-edge stitching techniques	Woven sheets, plastic film	Completely removable with iron and caution
Wash-away stabilizers	Temporary support	Delicate, mesh-like, and difficult-to-mark fabrics; also for cutwork and embroidered appliqués	Plastic film, paper sheets, brush-on or sprayable liquid	Completely removable with water

All of these stabilizer types come in various forms. Some are adhesive-backed for extra support, while others are developed for use on the top side of the fabric (called toppers). If you're in a jam about what to use, call the store or come by. We love solving puzzles!

Back to the photo - This is what can happen if you don't choose the correct stabilizer. While the entirety of the fabric is puckering, it is quite noticeable in item #1. We thought we could skate by using two layers of wash-away stabilizer, but it just wasn't in the cards for this design which employed layers-upon-layers of satin stitching. Sad.

#2 - Hoop On Grain

All Bernina hoops include a plastic grid insert to help you with fabric and design alignment. Once you've hooped your fabric, place your plastic grid into the hoop and match your lengthwise and crosswise grains to the lines, making adjustments as necessary. If the fabric has a complex pattern that obscures the grainline, find a thread and mark it with chalk or a temporary marker, then use these markings to compare against the grid. If your fabric is hooped off-grain, the bias will stretch during the embroidery process and distort your design, as in item #2 of the photo above. The photo below shows a standard Bernina oval hoop with plastic insert.

#3 - Use a Fresh Needle for Every Project

While difficult to see in the photo, there is definitely a problem here. We forgot to change the needle at the beginning of our project, so about halfway through, it started to snag on pre-existing stitches. The embroidery is still intact, but it is slightly shredded and looks shoddy. Don't let this happen to you. Choose the correct needle for the job and change your needle between each project. Needles are probably the most inexpensive, yet supremely critical piece of sewing equipment.

Ok, so now to test our own advice. This project was stitched out using the new 830, and the design is included with the machine! You saw the before - now scope the after:

A Tisket, A Tassel

2010-06-20T16:28:00.000-07:00

Ask and you shall receive! Today's blog entry is the answer to customer requests for a serger tassel project. This particular tassel will end up about 4" in length. We'll break it down into 6 easy steps.

Supplies:

Serger threaded for 3-thread rolled hem, with a shortened stitch length

Shears or thread snips

Scotch Tape

Thread of your choice... we like Mettler Polysheen, since it doesn't curl up in the final product.

6" length of stiff material (we used a piece of cardboard). If you want the finished tassel to be longer, increase the length of this material.

Step 1:

Chain off the serger, pulling the thread taught as it comes off the machine.

Step 2:
Continue serging until you have enough chain to wrap around the 6" piece of cardboard. Use this device to wrap the thread around as you continue to chain off. Wrap the board to your heart's content. Later, we will trim one end of the threads off. This means that the thread on one side of the board will be equivalent to half the overall width/bulk of your finished tassel.

Step 3:
Once you have the tassel looking nice and plump, stop chaining off and cut your threads. Tape the loose ends down to the board so they are not flitting about while you work. Chain off another set of threads a little bit longer than the length of the board, then clip and remove them from the serger. Slide this new length of thread behind all thread layers secured to ONE side of the board, then tie a double knot to secure.

Step 4:

Gently remove the scotch tape from the threads and board, then carefully slide all threads from the board. Use the same length of chain you tied the double knot with to secure all of the threads together. This chain will also be used to hang your tassel from the item or location of your choice.

Step 5:
Gather up the loose ends of the tassel in your hand so that they are all at an even length, then carefully trim away the excess using your scissors. The goal here is to only trim off the loops that formed at the end of the board when we were wrapping, so that all chains float freely at the end of the tassel.

Step 6:
Attach the tassel to something fun using the securing chain from step 4. Sit back and marvel at the beauty! Check us out... Scissors AND the open sign!

Color us with a happy crayon!

2010-06-17T16:55:00.000-07:00

Crayons, colors, decorative stitches... Oh my! This little treasure was all completed in the hoop! Can you believe it?! We know...

First Board Is In!

2010-06-14T13:21:00.000-07:00

Our first customer-provided blog entry! Maxine Edwards rose to the occasion to create this beauty of a backgammon board! Great color selection Maxine!

June Software Sampler

2010-06-14T10:52:00.000-07:00

Oh me oh my, this month's software sampler is a hit! Looking for a way to spruce up family game night? Mayhaps the backgammon addict in your life has a birthday coming up? We challenge you to make the spiciest backgammon board you can! The pattern is now for sale at Bernina Northwest!

Mocktail Party!

2010-06-13T16:28:00.000-07:00

Join us for a Mocktail Party on Thursday June 17, featuring the Bernina 830.

This will be the kick-off event to our 5 days of Summer Sale!

We will be offering mocktails and 36 months financing on approved credit. It's never been a better time to make your 830 dream come true!

Party admission is free, but space is limited. Please call the store to RSVP @ 206-523-4739

Cheers!

Launch of Bernina Northwest's New Blog!

2010-06-08T16:06:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the new Bernina Northwest Blog! The best place to find sewing news, techniques, tips, and fun projects! Follow the blog and spread the word by utilizing the links on the right. You will be glad you did! Now enjoy this photo of Casey, Deb, and Glorianne partying down at our annual embroidery party (T-N-T):