The next generation

One of the beauties of owning a store is seeing the connection we have with one another. It doesn't matter how old or how young we are, the thing that binds us all together is the fact that we love to sew/quilt/create. This has really hit home with me since our grandkids moved to Las Cruces.

Our granddaughter Ana loves coming to our shop!! Once she's there, she makes her way to the classroom and finds a lady to park herself by and the next thing you know she's picking embroidery threads for someone, or learning which button to push on the machine to start it embroidering. Her Mimi (that's me) loves that she's so interested in sewing/quilting!! But what I really love seeing are the ladies that encourage her to sit by them, and then allow her to participate in their project!! Don't you think this 6 year old will have wonderful memories of sewing/quilting? I know she will. And because of the generosity of these women, Ana will have a hobby that she'll be able to do for a lifetime.

So, the next time one of those little ones asks you to help them sew, let them participate. You never know what passion you may be starting within them.

Happy Stitching!

Marsha

Show and Tells

Do you remember when we were in grade school and Friday was Show and Tell day? I loved Show and Tell day. You could bring anything you wanted to show to the class. Some things I brought didn't impress as much as others. But just being able to stand before the class and show something that was special to you was wonderful!

Now fast forward 40+ years. There's still nothing like Show and Tell. I absolutely love it when one of our customers brings in a project she's finished or is in the process of finishing. It's great to see their fabric choices, the pattern they used, and the quilting that adds the finishing touches. But the thing that stands out the most during these impromptu show and tells are the faces of the one doing the showing and telling! The smile, the twinkle in their eye, and the way they hold themselves just a little bit taller. It's wonderful!!

Carrie Caulfield proudly display her "Wildflower" quilt. This is an applique/embroidery quilt by Smith Street Designs. Gorgeous!! Way to go, Carrie!

Bernina Babe Becky taught a class called "Teddy Bear's Picnic" In class you learned how to embroider on these cute little Teddy Bears. Those participating are: (from left to right) Tookie Bates, Mary Kay Daniels, Cindy Gura, Casey Kummell, and Nona Kummell. As you can tell by the looks on their faces, a good time was had by all!!

These photos are just a sampling of the many pictures I have. I will endeavor to post at least one Show and Tell photo with each blog post. So, be on the lookout. You never know when one of yours will be displayed.

And the winner is

Well, I made my choice and the winning project was the September Stash Pot Pie quilt. I used the pattern called "Love That Print." Iz really liked this one. He thought the colors were really nice. I have to agree with him! The colors are pretty rich, so they don't show as well as I would like. But...at least you can see the pattern.

Hope you enjoy it!

Which one should I choose?

Do you ever have trouble deciding which project you need to work on? So many projects, so little time! As I sit here writting I can look around my sewing room and see 7 different projects (all in various stages) that I could get my hands on and move their progress a little closer to completion. That does not include the two giant Rubbermaid tubs that are in my fabric closet. I tell myself that I'm not going to start anything else until I get some of these projects finished. But then, you know what happens....I see that gorgeous fabric or that darling pattern, and my obsession with seeing what I can make takes over. The next thing you know, I've purchased the fabric, got everything cut out and I'm sewing. There's just something about working with the fabrics, patterns and hearing the sewing machine hum. There's nothing quite like it.

Guess it's time to hear that hum!! Talk to you later.

Bernina University 2010

What a wonderful day I had today at Bernina University!! I took a serger class called "Serged to a Tee." The premise of this class was being able to teach basic tee shirt construction on your serger. This was a great class and I was so pleased with the results! I've included an extra photo of the class samples. Enjoy!

Greetings from Orlando Florida!

Here I am in Orlando for Bernina University 2010. We had a great opening with music, dancers and a video of our Bernina USA President, Martin Faivre, doing a "controlled freefall" off the Stratosphere (860+ feet) in Las Vegas. Quite exciting!

The new 3 Series line of Bernina machines was introduced this morning along with the limited edition 635. Check them out on http://www.berninausa.com/ Bernina is also pleased to introduce the new cutting-edge DesignSkins. Have you styled-up your iPod, cell phone or laptop? Now you can personalize your own Bernina machine! You can either choose one of the many skin designs from the website online or upload your own image of your sewing project, your quilt or even your favorite photos of your family and friends. The machines that will take the DesignSkins are the Bernina Activa 210, 220, 230PE, 240 and the Artista 635. You will order your skins online and they will be shipped directly to your home. Check out the website: http://designskins.com/partner/bernina/shop.html All proceeds/profits will be donated to support breast cancer research. These are so much fun, so check out the website.

I've seen some gorgeous quilts and garments that I need to check out. I'll keep my camera close so that I can share what I see with you! Talk to you soon! Until then........Happy Stitching!!

She's a Natural

I am having so much fun!! Fun doing what? Why, teaching my neice to sew, that's what. Nothing is better than working with someone who has an interest in what you are interested in. And when they ask you to teach them what you know....Wow! What an honor and privilege it is to share your craft! I'm lovin' it!!!!

Kelsey is a natural seamstress. She has taken to this new skill like a duck takes to water! I'm amazed at what she is crankin' out. Her projects have been varied, from quilting to home dec. She's not afraid to try anything! Some she has really enjoyed, like making Amy Butler's "Gum Drop Pillow", and her quilt "Circle Around" (found in BHG's Quilts & More Summer edition) The one thing she wasn't too impressed with was YoYo making. She thought the Indygo Junction animals were really cute, but once she gave yoyo making a try she decided she would raid my bags (yes, I said bags) of yoyos to make her animal. (I guess I'm one of the few who enjoys that mindless activity.)

I never know what will catch her attention next. I do know that whatever it is, she will get after it and turn out a great project!

Welcome to My World!

Here I sit staring at this computer screen, wondering what in the world I should write. Since this is my first attempt at writing a blog, I had to ask myself, "Why do I want to write a blog?" The answer that first popped into my head was, "Why not?" Everyone else is doing it, so why not me?

But then I really started thinking about it and decided that this is a perfect thing for a quilt shop owner to do.

I own Bernina Sewing and Design in Las Cruces, NM. My husband and I are in our 5th year of ownership. (Yes, we've made it to the 5 year mark. Yippee!!) Small business ownership is not without its challenges, but all in all, it's a good thing! As we've met some really great customers over the last 5 years, and seen some gorgeous show and tells, I decided that a blog would allow me to share my world with you.

My world is a truly wonderful world!

This blog will allow me to introduce you to all the wonderful, wacky, talented, fun-filled folks that come across my path. You'll see some beautiful "show and tells," some fun projects, great quilts to make, (and if Kelsey has her way) some actual instructional videos that will help you try new techniques along the way. I'll keep you posted on what we have goin' on at the shop and any community service projects that we might be doing. You never know what I'll post, but I'll do my best to keep you updated and entertained.

So, stay tuned.........