Our Etsy Party Rocked!!

So, we decided to participate in the Etsy World Craft Party, not knowing how we would fit in at all. Turns out, we have the most incredible Etsy community right here in upper East Tennessee! Our local Etsian's taught us so much in two short hours. We were so inspired by their enthusiasm, that we decided we HAD to see them more often! Our NEXT Etsy meetup has already been scheduled for Thursday, July 21, and we aren't sure we will be able to wait until then to see our wonderful Etsian's!!

Thank you for such a great turnout to all our friends, both old and new. We look forward to seeing you next month!!

!!!

Happy New Year, Now Get to Sewing!

I have a ton of sewing planned for the next few months, and plans to be made for the months after that. Do you plan your sewing, or is it a willy-nilly process that takes you to a beautiful quilt or garment for yourself or a loved one? I have to have a plan, then I have to make myself see that plan through. I tried to be willy-nilly in 2010. I wound up with many unfinished projects and a very frustrated me.

This year I have resolved to stay ahead of the ballgame, and plan to stay accountable by posting my accomplishments here on the Stitchin' Post. My first-needed project of the year, the hemstitched heart pin cushion for January's All About Machine Embroidery is complete and ready for next Thursday's club meeting. My next project 'Pockets To Go' for January's Groovy Girls Quilt Club meeting will be this week's project to start, while I work on the Sarah Vedeler Silk Hearts Quilt for our Valentine's window display.

Pictures to follow! I left the heart pillow at the store. Thanks for helping me stay accountable!

When Sewing Christmas Pajamas for an Army, Follow the 'Bold and Beautiful' Plan!

I have never been more of a procrastinator than I have been since the store opened. Now, it is coming back to bite me. On Christmas Eve this year, deep into the night, I was sewing 6 pairs of flannel pajamma pants! Was it because I was too busy the month before? Not busier than anyone else who got their pjs sewed on time. Was it because I had to wait for Christmas flannel to hit the store. Hmmmmmm, Christmas flannel gets to our store in JUNE!

When we order seasonal fabrics at the store, we have gotten used to the fact that they will be 'hanging out' for a few months before hitting the shelves. It's the best way to plan our shelves, and the very best way for manufacturers to make sure they have enough to go around before the busy season arrives. It's like the CBS soap 'The Bold and the Beautiful'. If you are watching it currently (I have not watched it in years, so I hope they are still fashion designers.) you KNOW they are not currently planning the fashion show for spring and summer. That was months ago. No, they are planning the fashion show for next fall.

So, my resolution for myself this year is to stay at least one season ahead with my sewing and my samples. Yes, yes, I am presently sewing the Silk Hearts quilt for our Valentine's display, but maybe if I hadn't been working on it, I would have had my Christmas pajamas done on time! Stay a season ahead, and I guarantee you will enjoy your sewing even more.

PS: While I did not get one picture of all of us in our pj's, I sewed an impressive 9 pairs this year. Already ordering my bolts for Christmas 2011! If you need a bolt of Christmas flannel for your family, speak now! And watch for pictures of the other BIS families coming soon to this blog or our Facebook page very soon!

I Got to Meet the 3 Series!

On Sunday, I had the opportunity to sew on the new 380. It is such a great machine! Some of the features that come standard are LED lighting that fully illuminate the sewing area, long-term stitch memory capabilities in all three models, a very easy to read screen, start/stop button so you don't have to use the foot pedal, and all three models has an automatic buttonhole!

The 3 Series should be delivered within the next two weeks, and we invite all of you to come in for a test drive. You'll make a cute zippered pouch that you'll take home with our compliments and also be registered to win a BMW!

We will keep you updated on the arrival of the newest additions to the Bernina line.

Hello From Bernina University!

We have been in VERY HOT Orlando Florida since Thursday evening, attending the XL Bernina University. There are several new machines being unveiled including the 3 Series which is replacing the Activa's and the limited edition Bernina 635 E which has a designer front that coordinates with a beautiful tote on wheels! Some of the updates include a new exclusive to this machine embroidery design package, the circular embroidery attachment comes standard, and the front panel can be re-designed on the Bernina USA website! We plan to bring several back with us, stop by and take a look before they are gone!

The 3 Series will be showcased on our website and also our Facebook page. They are such an excellent addition to the Bernina line and a fine update to the Activas. You will be very impressed with these sturdy machines! Come in for a test drive and register to win a BMW!!

Come by the store soon and take a look! You will be impressed with these new additions to the Bernina line!!

Summer Sizzle Sale!

Summer Sizzle Sale and great classes this week at Bernina In Stitches!!http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs040/1102478511491/archive/1103478222848.html