Remember last month I went on and on about Bernina University and the launch of the new 830? You can almost experience what we 900 dealers saw first-hand. If you go to Bernina8series.com you can see the webcast of the launch of the new machine.

If you go to the Bernina Blog, make sure you check out this blog titled Agent 008: The Red Case Caper; this was the little movie we watched to see the President of Bernina of America  steal the new machine from Switzerland. Note the little bit of humor with the Vikings flying the plane. Let me know if the Ruby slippers are at the end of the film - you won’t miss them. Those of you who I’ve spoken to in the last month have heard gales of laughter from me over this little movie. Hope you enjoy.

My new schedule is up on my website now under “on the road.” I am looking forward to seeing you all again. This past year has been remarkable and the support from “my girls” unwavering. It’s been a wonderful way to bring Bernina to you. The support from shop owners has been tremendous and all are welling to help me in this endeavour. Please remember that if you need anything from your local Quilt Shop, just ask. All the owners are more than willing to bring in items that you are requesting. They are there for you as well.

As you are all aware The Cotton Patch closed the end of June. The Cotton Patch was kind enough to host me once a month. I am looking for a new locale in Halifax/Dartmouth area.

Limited Edition “White Pearl”

Bernina has introduced 3300 limited edition White Pearl machines. This is a blinged-up Activa 230. Each machine has been individually hand painted. The Activa machines are wonderful machines to sew with as your full time machine or as your class machine; they have a powerful DC motor and are loaded with features. This machine comes with a compact florescent light (pure white light) which is not normally on the Activa 230. There are more than 70 different feet available for this machine. There is a downloadable white pearl motif and further information available from this site. I was able to get my hands on one of these little gems and it will be coming on the road with me for all to see.

Upcoming Events in Sept.:

I will be in the Arena over the Gala Day events in Berwick on Monday Sept. 1 from 11-5. I will be at Quilts by the Sea in Blockhouse on Sept. 9. Also, Sept. 12 and Sept. 13 will when I’m at Bargain Fabric Outlet in PEI. KVG Quilt Show has allowed me to set up a booth there as well on Sept. 18-20. Works in Progress day will continue on the last Wednesday of each month at Avonport Discount Fabrics. This is your day to come and sit and stitch and enjoy the socialization of quilting while accompolishing something. I will be at Avonport Discount Fabrics again on Sept. 26 to demonstrate Bernina machines and products.

I hope that you had a wonderful summer and that September weather here in the Maritimes will be warm and sunny. Looking forward to seeing you all.

Jeanne, Your Bernina Lady

FOR SALE:

One Hoop It All for Husqvarna Designer SE plus Quilter’s Square Double Wide hoop (allows to embroider for a 12″ finished square block). Please contact Jeanne at 902-538-0026.

Sorry for the untimely surprise. It’s still summer.

Jeanne
Your Bernina Lady

Would you be so kind as to note that I will be at Harbour Quilt Company on Saturday July 26, 2008 for Kim’s Christmas in July? This will be your chance to drop by and check out what the new 830 is all about!

Sorry for the error.  I posted the incorrect date in my latest blog post.

Bernina Celebrate 8!

This is the latest promotion; All the specials and promotions from the Spring is in Bloom sale are continuing as Bernina Celebrate 8! These offers and promotions are only available to Dealers who are attending the launch of the new Bernina 830 at Bernina University in Kansas City.  Your Bernina Lady is really going to Bernina University this year (July 15 to 21).  I am so excited I am practically busting out of my skin. For those of you that have known me over the years you can just imagine how excited I am.  I have packed a lot of classes into the few days that I am there so be prepared to many new ideas.  The Bernina Celebrate 8! Promotion ends July 31, 2008.

You may sign up for the webcast of this new machine launch at the Bernina USA website.  This machine is touted to have 70 exclusive features and the longest extended arm of any home sewing machine.  I can’t wait.

Road Trips Coming Up

The Bernina Lady is New Brunswick bound on July 3 at River Gallery demonstrating the Bernina Products on July 5 and 6.

Sande Gunning, owner of River Gallery and I, are committed to bringing Bernina to New Brunswick.  Sande will now carry a 440 Quilter’s Edition so that you may pop in and see it.  Demo’s are also available.  The 440 Quilter’s Edition is by far the favourite machine for sewers and quilters.  It is nicely priced during the Bernina Celebrate 8 promotion.  The 440 QE is available as a machine only, or as a sewing embroidery machine.  Would you like to add embroidery later on?  This option is available for you.

Sande will also be carrying a small inventory of Bernina feet and accessories to tie you over until the next Bernina Lady visit. I will continue to visit on a routine, scheduled basis. Drop in on either of these two days.  Other machines will be available to view and try and you can see our latest creation: A sweatshirt created with wool and some fancy stitches.  I’ve called it “Bernina meets wool.”  Sande also has some yummy hand-dyed wools which I will attempt to make into a mini needle punched landscape.  It could be interesting to see the final creation.

Incase the next Newsletter is delayed for any reason, I’ll let you know now that I will be at Harbour Quilt Company on July 26 with machines.  Drop by and check out what the new 830 is all about.  Demonstrations will also be available this day.  This is Kim’s annual Christmas in July Event.

Bernina Club Classes are almost over for this semester.  They will resume in September.  These classes are available to all Bernina owners and they are free if you purchase your machine from The Bernina Lady.  A small charge applies if you purchased your machine elsewhere.

Work’s in Progress will continue at Avonport Discount Fabrics on the last Wednesday of each month over the summer.  This is a day for all sewers (not just Bernina owners) to drop in and sit and stitch on any project they are currently working on.  If you need a little extra help or inspiration I will be there to guide you.  It’s a drop-in kind of day so you can stay for the full day (9:30-3:30) or come by for the morning or afternoon.  What a wonderful way to spend a day with fellow quilters, sewers and our machines.  If you would like to borrow a machine for the day, please contact me ahead of time.

The next Newsletter will be all about Bernina University.  Until then, have a marvelous June.  If it’s raining outside, sit with your Bernina. This is right up there with reading a good book and having a cup of tea. And remember: If I am on the road, Carol is always available by phone or email (she checks my emails while I am away).  My husband also listens to voicemail and contacts me should the need arise.  I’m thinking he’s liking being a “Bernina Man.”

Valerie Hearder, fellow quilter, teacher, published quilter, quilt artist, is well known to all of us here on the East Coast. Val had her quilts stolen while travelling in Newfoundland for Quilt Canada. To quote an e-mail I received; “her art isn’t just a hobby, it’s her life and it’s irreplaceable.”

You can see the article on CBC’s website here.

An update from Val, as posted on the internet list “QuiltArt” where Val is a member….

“One of the quilts is on my homepage top right - purple with yellow gold - flames in the centre - it actually belongs to a collector - I’d just borrowed it back for a show.

Also, in my gallery section, one of my African Skirts called “Fertility”. Also a quilt called “Tropic of Capricorn” - a major work from my African Skirt series.

My work is distinctive, so should anyone see works that look like mine on eBay please contact Constable Coady of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary in St. John’s Newfoundland immediately - they have ways of tracking down the sellers. Constable Coady said my best hope is to spread the word.

I am far from home and not with my computer so I can’t keep abreast of my emails or update my website here.”

If you see quilts for sale, please, ALWAYS look for a signature/label and be very suspicious if the name of the artist does not match the name of the seller. Ask to see proof of sale/ownership.

It is my intent by having this information sent out to my contact list that we can get this information distributed world-wide. If you or someone you know spends a lot of time on the web, have them keep an eye on eBay and other auction sites. If you see anything suspicious, please e-mail Teri (Val’s friend) at teri@fiberandthread.com or contact the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary directly at 709-729-8000.

Thanks,
fellow quilter
Jeanne

A short little chat to start the month. I am in Newfoundland this week for Quilt Canada. Cathy Pittman, your Bernina Dealer in Newfoundland and I are sharing a booth and Cathy is putting up with me as her house guest.

Two little bits of news to share with you. Both are very exciting:

Have you checked the Bernina USA website lately? Do you subscribe to the Bernina USA Newsletter? We Bernina owners are waiting with bated breath to see the launch of the new Bernina 830 Series to be unveiled at Bernina University in July. Check out the Bernina USA website to sign up for a webcast of the launch. I am hoping that I will get to Kansas City this year to see this new machine. I don’t have a lot of details yet but what I do know is that this is a new top-of-the-line Bernina. Brand new features on this machine are not on any other current machine and it comes with the longest sewing machine bed in the industry.

Since becoming involved with sales, service and support of Bernina Products, the size of the Bernina sewing machine bed is the question I get asked most so this tidbit of news is for all of you who are still wondering.

Our Spring is in Bloom Sale will continue to June 14, 2008, as we are participating in a Quilt Show; special pricing and free gifts with purchase are in effect until then.

Although I am away at the moment, I am still checking my emails; Carol, my assistant, and Will, my husband (he calls himself the Bernina Man), are in touch with me if the need arises so please do stay in touch.

Have a great month and thank you for all of your support.

Come in and join us on either of these two days or both and make a block support quest for a cure. Fabrics will be supplied by Avonport Discount Fabrics, machines will be supplied by Bernina Lady.

All blocks made will be sent to The 2008 Quest for a Cure Quilt. You will be able to make your blocks on a Bernina Sewing Machine. Help will be provided to you if you wish.

Drop in and have some fun while support this worthwhile cause. This is your chance to support a very worthy cause that touches us all.

Avonport can be reached by phone at (902) 542-3247 or by email at faye@avonportdiscountfabrics.com. To contact Bernina Lady, click here.

Having this type of dealership has allowed me to visit each store on a regular basis and service all of our Bernina customers. Each store owner has lent their time, their classroom space and help with the advertising to let everyone know that the Bernina’s will be in your area.

This forum gives me a wonderful opportunity to let you know what is going on at each store. The weather is marvelous and all quilter’s will travel for miles to see beautiful fabric and talk with other quilters. This is the perfect time to remind you that if your local quilt shop does not have something in stock that you may need that each and every Shop Owner welcomes the opportunity to order it in for you. Don’t hesitate to ask. All of the Shops and owners are there to help you, their customer.

Something new

Sande Gunning at River Gallery in Glenwood, New Brunswick has two fabric clubs for you. One is well under way and there is still room for more members. She has a wool club and each member receives a special parcel of all the new selections several times per year.

For Bali Lovers

If you love those gorgeous hand-dyed, hand-painted and batiked fabrics; you are going to be thrilled with Sande’s expansion of these lines. Many of you have indicated that you would be interested in a Bali Club. This will be launched very shortly. If you would like to be part of the Bali Club and receive details once they become available or if you would like to sign up for the Wool Club please contact Sande Gunning at sande@nb.sympatico.ca or call 1-888-468-9004 or (506) 468-9004 local.

As well, starting July 2008 Sande will carry a selection of Bernina accessories for you New Brunswick girls. Sande and I are committed to bringing Bernina to New Brunswick and are going to have a machine there as well so that you may travel locally to see Bernina products and receive brouchures. We are very excited about this.

Bargain Fabric Outlet in Bedeque PEI have opened up a Home decor gallery. Grand opening was this week. I got to preview the gallery while there over the weekend and there are some beautiful rooms decorated with drapes, duvets, slip covers and a cottage room. It shows us what we can do or have done for us in the Home Decor setting. Delicious.

Quilt Canada

Cathy Pittman, Piecemaker’s Quilt Shop your dealer in Newfoundland and The Bernina Lady will be working together on the Bernina Booth at Quilt Canada (June 2nd - June 8th).

For any of you who may need advice or help with their Bernina’s during this time The Bernina Lady does have a wonderful assistant by the name of Carol Griffen who answers for me in my absence. You are never really without support.

Do check out the Spring Specials. The Aurora 440 Quilter’s Edition is specially priced. There are free gifts with purchase and special promotions on the Activa 210, 220 and Bernette 92c.

Thanks for all of your support. The Bernina Lady is here for you because you are there.

Spring Savings for All your Sewing Needs: May 5 - May 31, 2008

BerninaLady is proud to introduce a fantastic line-up of Spring products from Bernina along with some great savings. The following is a list of specials that will run from May 5 to May 31. For more information please Contact Us.

Special Gifts with Purchase:

• Purchase an Artista Machine during our Spring is in Bloom Sale and receive special gifts with purchase!*
• Purchase an Artista 730E and receive free My Label Software OR Design Collection CD with 500 Embroidery Designs. Get a free gift when you try an artista 730E. ***
• Purchase an Artista 640E or 630E and receive free My Label Software OR Bernina Stitch Regulator Foot OR Design Collection CD with 500 Embroidery Designs.

Specially priced:

• The Bernina Aurora 440 QE (Quilter’s Edition). Just 15 minutes with the Bernina Stitch Regulator and you too can do beautiful free motion quilting. Only Bernina offers you your own personal free-motion specialist! Take the Bernina Stitch Regulator for a spin. This easy-to-use presser foot attaches in just seconds, allowing you to create consistent free-motion stitches at a pace that you’re comfortable with.
• Featured for Fashion are the Aurora 430 sewing or sewing embroidery machine and the 1150 MDA serger.

Special Savings on Special Machines:

• Activa 210 Activa 220 and Bernette 92c. Every great sewing adventure has a great beginning.

Other Special Savings:

• Bernina Embroidery Software Designer Plus Version 5 - save 500.00 off suggested retail price.
• Create Extraordinary embroidery with the Border Embroidery Kit - includes Border Calculating Software with 30 multi-format designs and the mega hoop. Specially priced
• Studio Bernina Designs - Choose from Swiss Lace, Baltimore Elegance, Linen Closet or Creative Genes. Specially priced. **
• Save 20% off Bernina Accessories to include the multi-spool thread stand, USB Key or Mega Hoop.
• Great Garment Sewing is within your reach with the Bernina My Label 3D Fashion Pattern Sofware. A reflection of YOUR style, YOUR personality, YOUR figure and YOUR creativity.
• Specially priced Mundial Cushion soft 9 1/2″ shears. Ergonomic, enlarged, non-slip, soft touch finger bows, micro-serrated bottom blade for maxium control, speciality dressmakers shears. **

Contact The Bernina Lady:

• On the Web: www.berninalady.com
• By phone: (902)538-0026 or toll free at 1-888-264-7575

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* Bernina reserves the right to substitute Gift with Purchase.
** Some items in limited quantity.
*** Limit one per person. While quantities last. Other restrictions may apply.

The River Gallery is the New Brunswick “home away from home” for the Maritime’s only Bernina Sewing Machine dealer, Jeanne Huntley also known as “The Bernina Lady.”

This is a chance to “test drive” a Bernina machine as Jeanne will have a number of machines available to demonstrate the following:

• Free motion quilting with the revolutionary Bernina Stitch Regulator
• A range of embroidery features and options
• “My Label” 3D fashion software
• Introducing the new “Bernettes for Bernina”; affordable, lightweight machines that are packed with stitches.
  

The River Gallery located at 7310 Route 102 and owned by Sande Gunning is a combination quilting and rug hooking shop. Sande will be presenting a wide range of Bali and Batik fabrics and traditional Japanese Sashiko supplies.

One of a handful of shops in the Maritimes carrying a large assortment of 100 per cent wool cloth; you will want to see these gorgeous wool flannels (many imported from Ireland) whether your passion is for creating garments, hooking rugs or wool appliqué.