Understanding Maximum Stitch Widths

What is a stitch width? Simply put, it is the side-to-side width of your decorative and utility stitches. The wider the stitch width and the longer the stitch length, the bigger your stitches.

You have had a look at the new Limited Edition Aurora 450 and it tells you that it has a maximum stitch width of 9 mm. You’ve noticed that the Aurora 440 Quilter’s Edition has a maximum stitch width of 5.5 mm. Sew, what does that mean?

In the photo below you can visually tell the difference between a 9 mm stitch width and a 5.5 mm stitch width. The 9 mm stitches are significantly bigger. The 9 mm stitches are in the top half of the square. The 5.5 mm stitches are in the bottom half of the square.

Which machines give a 9 mm stitch width? The Artista 730, Artista 640 and the Aurora 450 Limited Edition all have a 9 mm stitch width. Older 9 mm stitch width machines would include the Artista 180 and the 1630.

Which machines give a 5.5 mm stitch width? The Activa machines (models 210-240), The Aurora 430 and 440 and the Artista 640.

The Bernette machines and the 1008 will give you different stitch widths.

For those of you with 9 mm stitch machines (especially those of us that are quilter’s), you will notice that if you put your walking foot on a 9 mm machine that your maximum stitch width is now 5.5 mm.

How can this happen? Take note of your pressure feet. If the foot has a number, e.g., 20C then this foot will give you 9 mm stitches. If you put a 20 foot, (no C) on your machine then you will receive 5.5 mm stitches. The little eyeballs on the 20C and the firmware of the machine work together to give you that maximum stitch width. A 5.5 mm machine will not give you a 9 mm stitch width ever. But a 9 mm machine can give you a 5.5 mm stitch width by using a non-coded foot (no C). Each machine comes packaged with the feet to use on your machine.

If you have a 9 mm machine and you wish to do decorative stitching or satin stitching, you will achieve the look you are wishing by using a gold latch bobbin case. This bobbin case has a little “pigtail” at the top of the bobbin case. Simply thread your thread through this “tail” and it will automatically tighten your bobbin tension. You want your satin stitch to look like a smooth ribbon. This extra bobbin case will allow you to achieve this result. Similarly, if you are embroidering you want a little more bobbin tension use the “pigtail” bobbin case as well.

If you have a 5.5 mm machine and you want to do decorative stitching or satin stitching there is a little hole in your bobbin case. Thread your thread through this little hole and it will give you a little more bobbin tension.

Hopefully this clears up the mystery of 9 mm stitches vs. 5.5 mm stitches. The choice is yours according to the machine that you have.

My Travels to Antigonish and Port Hawkesbury

Hello everyone,

The Bernina Lady had the most wonderful weekend in Antigonish and Port Hawkesbury. As I travel out and about if I note something that you might be interested in, I will post it to my website. I did see something on the weekend of such interest.

Friday October 12th took me to Harbour Quilt Company in Antigonish. Kim had just received several new bolts of fabric and it was fun watching her unpack it all and exclaim how delicious it was.

We left Antigonish and went onto Port Hawkesbury. There was a Celtic Colours Quilting Weekend at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre. The Bernina Lady was asked to go and set up as a vendor.

Heather Stewart, Marj Moore and Rosemary Makan were all there as instructors for the weekend. Many quilter’s were also on-hand attending workshops on Saturday and lectures and demos on Sunday presented by Heather Stewart, Rosemary Makan and Peg Boset (A Fabulous Button Collection).

When I was not demonstrating the machines I wandered off and came across the Isle Quilt Market located in the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre.

The Isle Quilt Market has a wide variety of quilt sizes and designs. There was specifically one that would make your jaws drop. It was stunning. I’m sorry though I don’t know who made it, but it is for sale.

In the centre of this quilt there was a Piper all dressed in his kilt and bag pipes over his shoulders. Surrounding him were highland dancers. I’m sure there is a more proper name for the dancers but I am not sure of the term.

All the quilts in the Isle Quilt Market are made locally, and all are 100% cotton and sure represent all that is quilting.

Sew, if you are in the area stop off at The Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre, 606 Reeves Street, Port Hawkesbury. Market is open Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Their phone number is 902-625-0207 and you can find them online at: www.capebretoncraft.com/gallery

Why Purchase From Your Local Bernina Dealer?

With the Canadian dollar coming on par with the U.S. dollar, many people might think about crossing over the border to get a machine. While getting the best price is important in any purchase, there are a number of things that you should also consider before you buy.

The Bernina Lady, Jeanne, takes great pride in her work. Here are some things to also consider:

• The Bernina Lady provides classes and training to you free of charge in a location central to you. If you purchase a sewing machine from your Bernina Dealer these classes have a dollar value of $950.00. If you purchase a sewing/embroidery machine from The Bernina Lady these classes have a dollar value of $1950. However, we offer these classes entirely free when you buy a machine from Bernina Lady, and classes provide information that is not always available in a book or manual.
• The Bernina Lady made her decision to continue as a Bernina Dealer for you, the Bernina owner. Each dealership is owned by an individual.
• The Bernina Lady is willing to travel to bring Bernina Product to you, the Bernina owner.
• There is a need for a Bernina Dealer in Nova Scotia, PEI and New Brunswick. The Bernina Lady is providing this for all provinces.
• By purchasing from The Bernina Lady, it will ensure that all Bernina Customers can be serviced.
• The Bernina Lady has spent many hours in training learning about the Bernina Product to best service you, the Bernina Customer.
• The Bernina Lady will provide the first year of service on your machine free of charge.
• The Bernina Lady will loan you a machine should your machine have to go for servicing if your machine is purchased from her.
• The Bernina Lady or her assistant is available to you, the customer, by phone for on-going support.
• The Bernina Lady will support you. The New Bernina Owner.
• The Bernina Lady is here because you are there.

Aurora 450 Limited Edition Available Until End of October

In celebration of our 75th anniversary, we are proud to introduce our aurora Anniversary Edition. This exclusive machine offers legendary Swiss precision and endless embellishment options with its wide range of decorative stitches and 9mm stitch width.

Plus, when you add the optional Bernina Stitch Regulator (BSR) and embroidery module, your machine will grow as your creativity does. A decorative blue faceplate and
anniversary medallion give a distinctive new look, and only a limited number will be released.

With 392 stitches and a versatile 9mm stitch width, it’s never been simpler to create a new work of art using any fabric. Plus, you can personalize your pieces by adding lettering and monograms with four sewing alphabets.

The power of your PC and our embroidery module allow you to access over 400 built-in embroidery designs. Plus, the integrated Editor Lite Software enables you to combine, resize, personalize and add lettering to designs.

So, stop by today and take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For full details and a diagram of features, click on this brochure (opens in PDF).

We are offering you a one-time only opportunity to order these special machines. This offer expires on October 31, 2007.

An October Message From Bernina Lady

Where did the month of September go? It was grand getting out and meeting a lot of current Bernina owners. My husband and I had a marvelous time at the KVG Show. His quilting preferences are the traditional. Thank you to all who stopped and chatted and sat down for a machine demonstration, your support is most important and very much appreciated.

October Specials from Bernina:

Show pricing continues until October 5th, 2007. This will be the very last day to order. If you ever wanted a Bernina Sewing Machine, the pricing is fabulous and now would be the time to order one. Sorry, but we cannot combine the show pricing with other specials.

From September 30th to October 31st, 2007 purchase a Bernina Artista 630/630E or 640/640E and receive the Bernina Stitch Regulator absolutely free. This has a retail value of $1199. It’s yours, free. The Bernina Stitch Regulator for the Artista machines (630, 640 or 730) will regulate stitches in straight stitch and zig zag modes. The possibilities are such fun. The Bernina Stitch Regulator comes with the 730/730E. Sorry, but we cannot combine the show pricing with this offer.

AURORA 450 WILL BE AVAILABLE IN CANADA AS A LIMITED EDITION. In celebration of our 75th Anniversary, Bernina is proud to introduce the Aurora Anniversary Edition. This exclusive machine offers legendary Swiss precision and endless embellishment options with its wide range of 9mm decorative stitches. Plus when you add the optional Bernina Stitch Regulator (BSR) and embroidery module your machine can grow with your creativity. A contemporary blue faceplate and an anniversary medallion give this Bernina a distinctive look. Orders will be taken for this machine until October 31, 2007. Delivery estimated November 15th. Please print off a brochure at www.berninalady.com or www.berninausa.com. Please see The Bernina Ladys’ website next week for a sample of 9 mm stitches vs. 5.5 mm stitches (approximately October 11th). This machine is nicely priced.

On the Road with Bernina Lady

Another busy month. Ask me if I’m lovin’ it. You bet I am.

October 1st: Lawrencetown Quilt Sewciety

October 3rd: The Bernina Lady will be at Quilts by the Sea in Mahone Bay.

October 5th: Motley Cru begins its fall session at Avonport Discount. Drop in and meet the girls and see what we are up to.

October 11th: Bernina Club Classes begin for new owners. Those with machines will learn a sewing/quilting project with their machine in the morning. Those machines with embroidery modules will work on an embroidery project. Bernina Club Classes are for new machine owners and are held on the second Thursday of each month at Avonport Discount Centre. These classes are also held on the 4th Saturday of each month starting in October for those of you that are working. As the need arises, Bernina Club classes will begin at the Host stores. You are welcome to join us with your Bernina; however, if you did not purchase your machine from The Bernina Lady (or That Cotton Pickin’ Quilt Shop) a fee applies.

October 12th: First stop of the day sees the Bernina Club at Harbour Quilt Company in Antigonish from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Machine Demonstration – Needle punch by machine.

October 12th-14th: The Bernina Lady will have a Booth at the Celtic Colours Retreat for the weekend. Email for details.

October 19th and 20th: Machine Quilting Classes will be held both days at Avonport Discount. Come and learn how to machine quilt. You may bring your own machine for the day or sew on a Bernina and see the many features available to the machine Quilter. Class runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. Registration is limited to 6 per day. Cost for the day $25.00. Please contact Jeanne directly should you wish to register at (902) 538-0026 or e-mail at theberninalady@yahoo.ca.

October 26th: 9a.m. to 3 p.m. Avonport Discount Fabrics – Motley Cru Day.

October 27th: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bernina Club Class. For new Bernina owners. Those with machines will learn a sewing/quilting project with their machine in the morning. Those with machines with embroidery modules will work on an embroidery project. Bernina Club Classes are for new machine owners and are held on the second Thursday of each month at Avonport Discount Centre. These classes are also held on the 4th Saturday of each month starting in October for those of you that are working. As the need arises, Bernina Club classes will begin at the Host stores. You are welcome to join us with your Bernina; however, if you did not purchase your machine from The Bernina Lady (or That Cotton Pickin’ Quilt Shop) a fee applies.

October 31st: HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Works in Progress Day at Avonport Discount Fabrics. Starts at 10:00 a.m. and runs until 3:00. There is no charge for this day. Need a little help finishing up a project then join us for the day.

The month sure goes fast doesn’t it? For more complete details of each event please check the website at www.berninalady.com (Here is the complete monthly calendar). Rest your mouse over the day you are interested in and the details will come up. Even if the events states “closed event”, you are still welcome to come in and see what we are up to.

Why Purchase from your Local Dealer

- By purchasing from your Local Dealer it will ensure that all Bernina Customers are serviced.
- Your Local Dealer provides classes and training to you free of charge. Classes have a value of $950. (machine only classes) or $1950. (machine with embroidery modules).
- Your Local Dealer will provide the first year of service on your machine free of charge. The Bernina Lady has a local service tech.
- Your Local Dealer will loan you a machine should your machine have to go for servicing.
- Your Local Dealer will support you. The New Bernina Owner.
- Your Local Dealer is here for you.

Finally, please be sure to sign up for your copy of this Newsletter and future editions at The Bernina Ladys’ website at Berninalady.com. As I continue to communicate with all of you through this blog, I hope you will share your feedback about what you want to hear, what you want to learn about and what points you feel would start good discussion. You can post comments on any of these blog postings by clicking “Comments” below.
The Bernina Lady is here for you because you are there. Have a great month. Hope to see many of you out and about.

- Jeanne

THE BERNINA LADY
316 SPICER ROAD, R.R. #5
BERWICK, NOVA SCOTIA B4R 1C1
(902) 538-0026 TOLL FREE: 1-888-264-7575