BERNINA University-What’s New for Machine Quilting!
Good Morning, Quilters!
Faye and I just got back from an exciting trip to BERNINA University in Jacksonville, Florida. BERNINA University is a yearly trade show sponsored by BERNINA of America and attended by dealers across the country.
As soon as we stepped foot in the lobby of the hotel, we could feel the energy as happy dealers, who hadn’t seen each other since last BU, enthusiastically greeted one another.
The first event of the week was the “Big Reveal” of new products and promotions. During the rest of the week, dealers had the opportunity to socialize and take a wide variety of classes. The classes include business related instruction as well as technique classes. ( I was invited to teach machine quilting in a classroom with both Q20 and B770 machines.)
Tula Pink Edition Sewing Machines!
The Big Reveal this year were two sewing machines decorated the “Tula Pink” way with polka dots and oil slick metal surfaces. The Tula Pink special editions are B770QE and the B570QE and they come with a bag full of accessories and embroidery patterns. These limited edition machines were HOT! If you are interested, I suggest you get to your dealer as soon as possible!
Adjustable Stippling Foot
For all of us who love to free motion quilt, BERNINA added a new foot, the #73 adjustable stippling foot. The new foot is heavier than the #24 Free Motion Embroidery foot and the foot height is adjustable for different batting thicknesses. I’ve placed an order for one and will let you know what I think!
New BERNINA Bobbin Case
In addition to the new stippling foot, BERNINA has introduced a new bobbin case suitable for many models. The golden-yellow bobbin case is set with higher tension than the standard, black case. Higher tension in the bobbin helps bring the top thread through to the back when quilting through heavy layers.
I can usually create beautiful stitches with the current bobbin case, so I don’t think I’ll order this just yet. However, if you are stitching a project with heavy fabric or thick batting and need a little more bobbin tension, keep the new bobbin case in mind!
Couching Inserts
I’m really excited about the new couching inserts available for the #72 ruler foot. The clips come in a package with three sizes to suit a variety of cords and yarns for couching. The inserts aren’t brand new, just new to me, but offer another option for couching.
FYI-couching is a technique for stitching heavy weight thread, cording or yarn.
More on couching, later this week!
Easy Machine Quilting
I had a great time teaching Easy Machine Quilting to several classes filled with enthusiastic dealers. I am sure they will carry their enthusiasm to YOUR local quilt shop!
BERNINA University 2019
There were more products and promotions, including the B830 and B820 Trade-in and Trade-up program, the Laurastar line of amazing steam irons, a new adjustable height table for the Q20 and so much more! Be sure to check BERNINA.com or better yet, YOUR local dealer!
Overall it was a very exciting, fast-paced week. Faye and I left simultaneously exhausted but energized by the new friends we made and the new things we learned! We can’t wait to share it all with our friends here at LKQ!
What about YOU?
Have YOU tried any new quilting products or techniques lately?
What are YOU working on?
What inspires YOU?
We’d LOVE to hear!
Lori
Hi Lori, I just got the 770QE- what a machine!!!! I’m having so much fun with it. Hopefully my FMQ will improve too.
My first project is a quilt for my new granddaughter who will join us in September. I’m so excited to be a Grandma!!!
I’ve been practicing some ruler work and can’t wait to get my ruler foot for this machine. It’s backordered so I have to wait a bit.
I need to pull your book off the shelf and challenge myself. I’m always afraid I will wreck a project with poor quilting.
Sounds like you had a great time. I need to get to work quilting and stop watching the hummingbirds
Lori, I’m so glad you represent Bernina. When I was a girl, our Kenmore was always making me cry because it kept jamming up. I’d watch the Bernina commercials on Channel 9 (Chicago) and dream of having my own. That dream came true in 1973. My Bernina went with me to college, I made baby clothes for my kids on it, and I still use it today, along with another vintage Bernina I bought several years ago. You cannot go wrong with Bernina!
Sounds like an amazing time, for you and your daughter. Can’t wait for all the new you will share.
Finished the baby quilt with the large appliqué jungle animals. Used Aural 50W thread top and bottom and 90/14 top stitch needle, with a 3.0 satin stitch,to outline. Then a 2.0 satin for inner details. Very happy with the finished results.
I adopted a puppy on Jun 8th and sometimes Imfear I will never be able to quilt again! He is asleep now and I could sew a couple of seams, except there are cookies in the oven for a kids’ event at church!
To Sandy: The puppy will be a full grown dog in less than a year. Unfortunately, it will seem like only a year when the kids are grown and no longer need cookies for an event. My granddaughter(s) just graduated from high school, and it seems like yesterday they were little girls playing with dolls.
Went to the MQ show and the quilts were exceptional to say the least! We stayed at an Airbnb and it was fabulous, 7 bedrooms, nice big dining room. Four of the gals quilted their hearts out! Back at home and working on a Quilt of Valor.
What is the MQ show? I assume a quilt show someplace.. Thank you.
Lori, did you hear anything about the new 900 series machines? I am eagerly waiting that news.
Lori, I wanted to drive over the 50 miles to JAX and meet you and Faye so baaad! But alas, I am not a Bernina owner or dealer and I had medical appmts every day last week.
I am in another camp with a new Baby Lock that had a not to be refused price. It is small and I can take it to class and neighborhood weekly sewing. My older machine is way too heavy for that! It is going well. I love the reverse on it. LOL. My current quilt is going to have a scalloped edge….waited several years to try this. Then each scallop will need a small FMQ, I surmise ! Most probably a single hydrangea blossom.
I am interested in what you can share about the 820 trade in trade up program. I kept my 820 when I bought my sit down Q20 alp though I debated trading it in for a less complex machine. I still have my 930 which I bought used 33 years ago. A great workshop machine but it is so different than my 820 it is sometimes hard to go back to. Your books, particularly your first, is my go to FMQ book.