The Daily Connection

I'm Floored !

2012-01-08T21:15:00.001-07:00

Our very own Val S. teaches a class on floorcloths and you really ought to try it out.

One of her students ... Candy D. ... did and let's just say she got carried away.

Every single one of these beauties was made by her following Val's superb instruction.

I do believe she has moved to the head of the class.

You TOO can be a star student in this class or one of a kajillion others. Start the new year off by expanding your mind, expanding your creativity and expanding your circle of friends.

C'mon. Everybody's doin' it.

To Market. To Market.

2011-12-01T20:51:00.001-07:00

Just in case you didn't have the honor/pleasure/trip-of-a-lifetime to go to Houston for the International Quilt Market ... do not, I repeat, do NOT feel alone. Most of us are looking from the sidelines and living vicariously through Claudia and her crew who took the trip with their bags full of quilts and their hearts full of ... us. Here we are in Claudia's booth with Claudia, Sandee Streech, Mary Lewkowitz, and Pat Andrews.

Here is Claudia with Eileen LaRoche. Claudia said, "Eileen Roche who puts out DESIGNS in Machine Embroidery! She said she would create a grid for the Magna Hoop so my designs could be sewn out in her hoops!!"

You probably recognize these fellow AZ-ers ... Renee Plains of Liberty Star and Cindy Taylor Oates of Taylor Made. We AZ quilters like to stick together.

Here we have people mulling around the booth because ... well ... who wouldn't want to mull in the center of so much creative fun.

Thanks Claudia for the pics and the chance to hop in your lovely, embroidered pocket for the ride of a lifetime.

Fabric. Is. Fun.

2011-11-08T17:28:00.001-07:00

Take a look at these four darlings with their Happy Halloween Pillowcases. These four just happen to be the precious grandbabies of our precious Val. The story goes that the kids had been a little taken back by the uber scary versions that are often purchased, because there simply isn't a big choice. Val knew there were endless choices when you purchase some fun/spooky fabric (at Bernina Connection ... naturally) and make your own.

The best part of the story is that when she made pillowcases for the local grandkids ... and they heard that the distant ones were visiting ... the children helped sew their cousins some look alike pillowcases.

Are you underestimating what your young ones can create??

Ummmm .... Classy

2011-11-04T15:30:00.002-07:00

Maybe you were one of those who just now made it back to the Valley of the Sun because you feared the AZ summer sun and therefore could not be here for a class. Or maybe you just chose to stay inside and couldn't make it to one of our many colorful offerings. Either way ... you probably won't make that mistake again.

The bag pictured above is the "Ripple Purse" taught by the infamous Bag Lady herself, Sandee S. She can take what you use to haul around far more than you should and make it tres chic and very of-the-moment.

This pillow above was taught as part of our Sew Fundamental series taught by Mary F. and Cecile. If you are a new-ish sewer then you are going to want to be a part of this series the next time it comes around ... and it will. Kate G. took the class and her lovely daughter, incidently, is modeling the "Knotty Basket" ... another class taught by our own Diane E.

Which, oddly enough, can also serve as an actual ... basket.

If you were not able to take part of one of our classes this summer ... well ... we missed you.

If you were able to take some ... we thank you from the bottom of our colorful hearts.

Perhaps you are underestimating yourself ...

2011-03-01T16:35:00.003-07:00

C'mon people ... how can you be afraid of a simply wonderful machine like the 830 when this young miss (a student in of of our Sew Fundamentals classes) is clearly ... not.

Think about it.

Now in the store...

2011-01-19T18:03:00.004-07:00

This new Cindy Taylor Oates pattern is fabulous...she designed these adorable items to be easy
and quick to sew so that you might actually make a little money selling them or you could quickly make a bunch of them for a party or church group or your friends. We just love it. And did you know she is one of our local honeybees? We really like to support local artisans, pattern makers, and fabric designers.

shop LOCAL!

2011-01-18T13:37:00.003-07:00

You all tell us that you love that we are small, local, and woman-owned. You love our staff and always tell us how much you appreciate the warm atmosphere of the Bernina Connection. But did you know that for every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures? Amazing, isn’t it? If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays here. Spend it online and nothing comes home. Read more about this here. We are excited to be joining the local consortium of small businesses call Local First AZ. Thanks for buying local. Thanks for supporting us...you make it so worthwhile for us! We love our community.

And hey...don’t forget...this week is REG Party!!! January 22nd from 10 am to noon...aaannnnd the new FLIP BOOK is out. Go see issue 29 here. We have so many exciting new classes for you!

O Tannenbaum

2010-12-14T13:03:00.002-07:00

It's not always what is under the tree you know ...

Sometimes it's what's on the tree that counts.

I'm just saying that there is more than one way to trim it, people.

(Ask about the special gift-card deals this season!)

~ stocking stuffers and stuffed stockings ~

2010-12-08T18:22:00.001-07:00

Bring on the Fruitcake. We are ready for this Season to be Jolly!

~ A December to Remember ~

2010-12-02T09:03:00.002-07:00

There is ...

NO denying it ...

Anymore.

The Holidays are happening, people.

Come on down and take a look at our Santa's Secret Shop wall to pick out all you need to stuff and wrap.

~ Black ... and White and Red ~

2010-11-24T08:52:00.003-07:00

I'm not exactly sure when the day after Thanksgiving started being referred to as Black Friday, but around here, it's all about RED ... and making you feel in the PINK. This coming Friday (you may color it any way you choose) we will be having all of our Bernina Accessories on sale for a whopping 25% off ... plus ...

... there will be sales on machines that will delight the triptophan right out of you!

And if you are not looking forward to cooking ... there is more than one way to get some veggies into your life. I'm just sayin'.

See you Friday. And NOT at 4 a.m.. That's just mean.

Touchy ~ Feel-y ~ Look-ey

2010-11-17T18:01:00.001-07:00

I'm not sure you can tell by the above picture, but these new fabrics by Shannon Fabrics just might bring a tear to your eye when you touch them. They are soft. They are plush. They are silky. They are pure luxury on a bolt.

They also just happen to be colorful and fun and project-inspiring.

And while we are talking color ... these buttons by Dill Buttons are just about as big as they look. They will make a statement on any project and that statement is this:

"The person who created me clearly has ... IT."

Hooray for Eight!!

2010-11-10T16:01:00.001-07:00

Happy, Happy 8th Anniversary to ... US!! Eight short years ago Bernina Connection opened its doors and as a result, opened its heart to meet YOU.

Thank YOU for being the wonderful customers that you are. Thank YOU for hanging out at the BC and joining in, what can only be described as ... a rollicking good time.

Make sure to stop by our Anniversary Sale this Friday and Saturday where everything (with the standard exceptions) will be 25% off.

We just love the number 8.

~ Wall Flowers ~

2010-11-05T09:05:00.002-07:00

Here is the stunning sample of what Mary L.* will be teaching in Gourmet Sewing Club this coming Thursday, November 11th from 10-2.

You know you want one.

What's stopping you?

* see more of Mary's work here

~ Petal Pushers ~

2010-11-01T08:18:00.002-07:00

Careful there ... if you actually salivate onto the keyboard, you might short it out.

I'm just saying.

Are you holding the phone?

2010-10-27T19:29:00.001-07:00

What you see pictured here is the exquisite work of Sue Nickels: Quilting Celebrity, Applique Animal, Fabulous Feather(ed) Friend.

Since you are holding your phone, it will be really handy to dial us up (602-553-8350) and enroll in one (or both) of Sue's classes on the weekend of November 12th. Learn free-motion skills on Saturday the 13th in Whole Cloth Feathers and/or machine appliqued borders in Folk Garden Borders on Sunday the 14th. Both of these classes are a) from 11-5 and b) filling up fast.

Aren't you glad you're holding the phone?

Now use it, already!

~ Dare to Open the Door ~

2010-10-20T12:36:00.001-07:00

Have you heard? We're going to Switzerland!! We are organizing a fabulous trip for next May where we will see ...

... white capped mountains and a Sewing Machine Factory Extraordinare! And just maybe ... if we're lucky ... we might bump into ...

... The Grandfather. We are having a "tell me all about it before I make my decision" evening -- this Friday from 6-8 p.m. down at the store. You know as well as I do that there is no harm at all in finding out.

Have you ever tasted Swiss Chocolate?? Enough said.

Poetry in Motion ~

2010-10-14T14:55:00.001-07:00

Take a gander at the beauty of the 830 while it embroiders some ... magic.

It's enough to bring a teeny-weeny tear to your eye.

Or maybe just make you bawl like a baby.

No need ... thanks to the magic of Super Saturday ... this Saturday ... you could be enjoying this little wonder in the privacy of your very own home.

Stop on in on Saturday, October 16th.

And you might want to bring some Kleenex.

~ Pure Candy Corn ~

2010-10-11T16:49:00.001-07:00

No, it is NOT too late to start a Halloween project.

I can't believe you'd even ask.

~ Think PINK ~

2010-10-04T18:33:00.001-07:00

It's October people. It's the PINK month. Isn't that wonderful?

Thanks to those who came in last Friday to SEW PINK and participate with us in our efforts to support the cause of Breast Cancer Research. Our next event will be Saturday, October 16th from 1-5 p.m.

You can still make one of these fabbo journal covers.* You can always make more BC Comfort Hearts. **

Come share your heart with our hearts.

It's good to be PINK.

* Bring in your Bernina USB stick with you when you come to a SEW PINK event and download the design.

** There are always opportunities to make more hearts. Watch the newsletter and email for details.

~ Black & White & True all over ~

2010-09-27T10:37:00.002-07:00

We have such talented customers, really we do. One of the biggest perks in working here is seeing a customer bring in a quilt top, searching for the perfected borders or backing and asking for our help. We drool, stammer, ooh and aah. We call over other BC elves to take a look and then we make sure some other customers get in on the fun. This precious quilt came in last week and we just wallowed in the creativity. First we got a feel for the black and white, then we noticed the occasional spark of color with some special ... unexpected ... appliques.

While taking it all in we noticed that one square had been inadvertently sewn in sideways.

Boo hoo.

And then we knew that this customer was actually rather brilliant.

Thanks for reminded us that it's okay not to be perfect. We really like that theory around here.

First carpet and hair, and now this!

2010-09-22T12:40:00.002-07:00

Have you seen the latest patterns from our friend, Cindy Taylor Oates? They are called Shaggy Bags and I am pretty certain that you need to make one. You pick the fabric, you quilt it and you cut the "shags". Too simple. Way too cute.

And as long as we're talking cute, get a load of these new knits from Michael Miller? They come in 54" widths and they also have your name on them.

We sure do love bright and happy around here.

~ The Circle of Thread ~

2010-09-07T15:57:00.001-07:00

We've come a long way, Baby.

~ Shop 'til you Hop ~

2010-08-22T07:13:00.001-07:00

I am guessing that I am not the first to tell you that there is a major quilting event happening here in the Valley of the Sun and that you need to hop to it and get on board. Yep, there will a Shop Hop from September 10th to the 18th and ... in case you couldn't guess ... we are one of the shops to hop to!

So come on down to the BC and buy your Passport already, and while you are at it, pick up one of our precious "charm holders", because as we all know, Shop Hops are all about the charms.

Can you tell how excited we are?

We're Dotty all right ~

2010-08-17T14:11:00.002-07:00

Just because it gives us a little oomph in our day to make your day easier, we did a little gathering last week.

We gathered together a bundle of bolts and put them right by the front door for your viewing pleasure.

Since we can NOT deny that fact that it is summer around here, we decided to just go with that and gather together some bright, happy, dotty and stripey bolts.

Seriously ... doesn't it make you feel all bright and happy?

And not just sweaty?

Three-peat

2010-08-13T09:54:00.001-07:00

Oh yeah ...

they

are definitely

here.

Sigh.

The Way Back

2010-08-09T20:30:00.002-07:00

Remember back in the day when people actually referred to the way back or the very back of the car as a place to place dibs on to ride in?? Of course, it's absolutely a blessing we don't let anyone ride there anymore, but if you were just missing the concept, then make sure to make your way to the way back of our store (behind the classroom, through the back door) to discover a magical land with magical prices on fabric.

All of these fabrics are on sale for a whopping 50% off. I am not kidding. There are patterns there too ... also at a discount.

Even Holiday Fabrics can be found at such an amazing price.

And for those who can not grasp the idea of December yet, there are plenty of bright and happy summertime bolts.

These bolts slim down and disappear pretty quickly, so if you see something that strikes your fancy, then you had better get down here fast.

Be the first on your block to get dibs on the way back.

Wanna Touch?

2010-08-05T08:40:00.001-07:00

If this isn't the lap of luxury, I don't know what is. So put some luxury in your lap this Holiday Season when you make a lucious throw that has "nap" written all over it.

Forget the heat, forget this nasty humidity ... just think about how cold you will be when it gets down to the 60s or 70s around here (and who knows what freezing temperatures elsewhere) and make some plans to come in and buy some of this silky goodness.

And ... yes, yes ... if you just want to come in and touch, that will be fine with us.

We've Got 'Em!!

2010-07-30T10:21:00.001-07:00

Button, button ...

Who has the most buttons?

Who has the most unusual buttons? Who has the most colorful buttons?

Um ...that would be us.

Somewhere over the Rainbow ...

2010-07-23T08:40:00.001-07:00

Presenting with a drumroll ...

Rainbow Rhapsody

by our very own Mary Lewkowitz.

This is the very quilt that won the Grand Prize for quilts at Bernina University.

This is the very quilt that is hanging at Bernina Connection for you to see with your very own eyes (but not to touch with your very own hands.)

And no ... a moment of silence would not be inappropriate.

Thanks for doing us proud Mary, and thanks for showing us that we too can learn some skills beyond our wildest imaginations.

All Strings Attached

2010-07-19T09:43:00.002-07:00

Do you feel like you are hangin' by a thread in this heat?

Then ... duh ... come on in and get some new thread.

We have a few choices.

Seriously, we do.

They walked that Crooked Mile ...

2010-07-14T15:38:00.002-07:00

The Rick Rack Challenge is up and ready to be viewed and voted upon. If you were ever uncertain as to the need for Rick Rack in your life, that is about to change. Just take a gander at these varied, dazzling beauties.

We have rick rack on this quilt with authentic 1940s usage.

We have it here below trimming towels and shorts, serving as a simple and easy way to make a vine, and creating interest on a placemat and bags.

Can you see the rick rack here? Look closely at this exquisite purse and see how several trims create a new trim, when ribbon and rick rack combine as one.

Stop by and vote. Okay ... while you are here, you can pick up some rick rack of your own. We figured you would want to.

Chains of Goodness

2010-07-11T21:57:00.001-07:00

This beautiful floral quilt will soon be auctioned off for Breast Cancer Research.

It is stunning. It is expertly pieced and quilted. It is for a very good cause.

We whipped up this lovely pink label on the store's Bernina 830.

We love pink.

Bucket O'Color

2010-07-07T17:09:00.001-07:00

Feelin' a bit peaked from the heat are you?

Come in for some color. You won't be disappointed.

I promise.

Calling all Arms ...

2010-06-24T08:44:00.001-07:00

We are not trying to run this holiday theme into the dry summer ground, but we have some important information to impart and you need to look and you need to listen ...

Pay close attention to the exquisite quilting on this spectacular quilt. Some of the best a long-arm machine can do ... right? Wrong!! This beauty was (designed, embroidered and) quilted by our very own Claudia D., all on her personal Bernina at home using her very own, standard-sized arms. Now, Claudia is very good at what she does, but she believes that you too can do this kind of quilting ... in the comfort of your own home ... using your own extremities.

She also wants to teach you how she learned to do it. Claudia is now one of the featured teachers at Quilt Camp in the Pines in Flagstaff, Arizona and you can be one of her students. Visit http://www.QuiltCamp.com/ and sign up pronto. Then pack a few sweaters because it's cool and breezy in Flagstaff.

And goodness knows, you need to protect those arms!

This Just In ...

2010-06-21T11:50:00.001-07:00

Are you kidding me?

Is it really beginning to look a lot like that?

Yep ... just like it does every summer around here.

You know you are itching to get started. So come on down and see all the 2010 Holiday Wonder. Then make yourself a cup of hot cocoa and ... sit out by the pool.

Walk a Crooked Mile

2010-06-16T20:16:00.001-07:00

It's not too late ... I repeat ... it's not too late to enter our Rick Rack Challenge. We have the Rick Rack, you have the skills and we have the prizes. Perfection. We are basically challenging you to use your imagination to create a fun and fabulous project ... incorporating any size of Rick Rack + Fabric in one of four categories:

~Quilt~ ~Garment or Bag~ ~Home Dec Item~ ~Youth~

Simply purchase at least 4 yards of Rick Rack and one yard of Fabric from ... you guessed it ... The Bernina Connection during the month of June and the rest is up to you. (Not all you purchase has to be used in the project, fyi.) Projects are due by July 7th and the exhibit will be from July 12th to the 24th.

Winners will be decided by Viewers Choice. Prizes will be Bernina Connection Gift Cards.
Pick up your entry form when you buy your Rick Rack!! Be sure to attach your receipt to the entry form.

Now, go ahead and dazzle us!

Summer Love

2010-06-11T09:51:00.001-07:00

Summer is definitely here and you know exactly what that means. More sewing. And machine embroidery. Inside. Where it's cool.

One of our BC Elves ... Ann P. ... clearly thinks that summer means sewing and embroidering for her two precious granddaughters, Skyler and ... Summer.

The fabric, patterns and embroidery fun came from you-know-where. She sewed (and embroidered) them on her Aurora 440 QE. She is one hip grandma!

So -- get on down here already.

Posh ... and Spicy!

2010-06-07T09:47:00.001-07:00

Look.

Come straight in and ... touch.

Own.

There are no more words to describe Pashmina.

Shine Spot ... Shine

2010-06-03T16:23:00.002-07:00

Talented, loyal customer Dinah S. sent us these pictures of this stunning quilt she made with a lot of work on her part and a weensy bit of help from us.

Since a quilt of this size requires more than one or two yards of fabric, she had us order it for her by the bolt. Yes ... we can do that for you too.

We are all in awe, naturally, and we wanted you to have the chance to salivate over it in the privacy of your own home.

Thanks Dinah.

Not a fat pig in the pile

2010-05-31T14:54:00.001-07:00

Last week the DiVa's (that's DI-ane + VA-l, for those who have found this term, um, off putting) came back from Market, from Market and they didn't come home without some splendid surprises.

They didn't forget the old favorites like Amy B. and Kaffe, but they brought home some new color as well.

These patterns from Don't Look Now (new friends from Australia) will truely make you salivate, which is why they are encased in plastic.

That's ditto for the above patterns from Hemma Designs.

These carried-back-in-the-luggage samples will not last long.

Yep ... you know what that means.

Amy Butler Rocks

2010-05-26T16:42:00.001-07:00

Calling all Amy Butler groupies ... this apron (designed by AB) can be yours in the fabric of your choice. Can you see the gathering and all the chic detailing? Can you just imagine wearing it in your very own kitchen? Will you wear pearls with it ala June Cleaver?

Call now to sign up for Amy Butler and Friends on the evening of June 3rd. Then throw a block party and outshine your neighbors.

In Style.

Join the Club Scene

2010-05-24T09:43:00.002-07:00

Hear ye, hear ye ... Bernina Connection has a new Club, albeit a revised version of an old one. But, if you are a quilter (or want to be a quilter, or used to be a quilter or went as a Quilter for Halloween in 1986) then you need to listen up.

Our new club on the block, BC Quilters Club (which previously was called Patchwork Pilot Club) has a new spin to it. They will continue to meet every month (on the fourth Wednesday from 10-1) and will continue to work on one quilt over two months time. However starting in May (and that would be this Wednesday the 26th, fyi) they will make all of their quilts from the book shown below by Lori Smith.

This spurs several good news scenerios. First of all, the finished quilts are all small so they won't be piling up in your UFO stack. Secondly, each one is a fabulous exercise in quilting techniques without having to practice that exercise for eons of time. And thirdly ... well, they are just cute as a button. The quilt pictured above is the May/June Quilt O'Fun. Call the store and tell them to give Mary S. your email address and she will get you the list of what you need by Wednesday.

Just so you know: BC stands for Be Confident, Be Creative and Be a Clubbie.

Red, White and True-ly Patriotic

2010-05-19T12:44:00.002-07:00

Here is a shoutout to all those who helped us out last Saturday making Quilts of Valor for our servicemen and women.

The patriotic vibe was so strong, it was hard not to want to stand while sewing.

As you can see, a lot was accomplished in a short amount of time. Thanks to all of you who lent hearts and hands.

And thanks again and again for those who serve and protect our country.

Piece O' Pink Cake

2010-05-15T10:02:00.001-07:00

Are you hungry? Are you salivating over delicious pastries and wondering how you can have them in the no-cal version? Come on in and pick up a pattern for Baby Cakes, Slice of Cake and/or ... Cupcakes. These are all patterns from local celebrity, Cindy Taylor Oates and you can make them in any flavor you want.

But if you have pink frothy frosting on the brain, and you have a relationship with a sweet young girly-girl who fancies herself a ballerina, then you need to sign up pronto for Pettiskirt, this Tuesday the 18th from 5-9. We have the kits with the special swirly twirly fabric so call to reserve one ... now!

Gracias X Two

2010-05-10T21:09:00.001-07:00

Thank you, thank you, thank you for making our Cinco-Seis-Extravaganza such a rousing success.

Oh ... you didn't know that you are the reason for all that creative goodness?

Please.

Their First Pieced Quilts

2010-04-29T11:38:00.001-07:00

Remember when I told you here how we had this great system of three classes to teach first time quilters how to do it all and to do it well? Remember how funny it was that the teachers for all three classes were named Mary? Remember how you didn't think that was quite as funny as we did?

Anyhow, our first group has finished their first quilt and these are the first pictures of their fabulous work. In the top pic we have Becky, who is young enough that she doesn't automatically go to the standard cover-my-face-with-my-quilt pose.

The next two pictures are of Karen's quilt with some highlights on her quilted stars. Let's go so far as to say they were all stars.

Last but not least is Gloria who apparently didn't feel self-concious about the fingers on her right hand. She too can move to the head of the class with the others with her gorgeous work.

We are very, very proud of our little group (and several others who couldn't make it to the final class). You too can have this kind of success and have your quilt photographed for posterity. Take a look at our next newsletter which will be in your hot little hands* in just a few weeks, to sign up for our next session.

*Your soon-to-be-famous hands.

Seis Anyone??

2010-04-25T20:13:00.001-07:00

You can't say we didn't warn you. You had plenty of time to sign up for our Cinco de Mayo event (coming week after next) and now that day is all full. Complete. No more room. Nada.

However ... because we really love you and we really love to see you love to learn, we do have some space in our Seis de Mayo event (to be held on May 6th) but we can't keep that one from filling up also. As we speak, the elves are at work filling Goody Bags with enough loot to make a pinata feel bloated.

Consider yourselves warned.

The Earth with her 10,000 flowers ...

2010-04-22T12:41:00.002-07:00

Have you seen these two spectacular quilts hanging on our classroom wall? Mary L. did the two rose ensemble and Claudia did the one below. Would you like one of these hanging on your wall adding savvy sophistication to your home?

Well, there is just a teeny amount of space in Claudia's class, (to be held on Thursday,May 20th from 10-4) so dial pronto.

Let's face it, there is more than one way to have a green thumb.

Happy Earth Day!

My love is like a red, red ... chair

2010-04-19T09:27:00.001-07:00

Seriously ... what sewing room/studio would not be enhanced by the look and comfort of one of our Bernina Red chairs? Instant energy, I tell you. You cannot put a price on that.

And, while we're chatting, let me state the obvious by pointing out that one of these fabulous Bernina Sewing Machines would add a little panache to your room as well.

I'm just saying.

Monkey Shines

2010-04-13T08:21:00.001-07:00

If you are feeling the need to cuddle up in something soft, or at least make something up for someone else to snuggle up in ... but then secretly do some snuggling before you give it away ... then we have the fabrics for you.

Take a gander at these fabulous bright colors and patterns, all with those slick and soft qualities that make this fabric so very luscious. You need to get down here and get some to take home.

Or ... at the very least ... just secretly snuggle it in the store for no extra charge.

fancy, fast foot work featuring flower festival ...

2010-04-07T12:31:00.001-07:00

Wow ... once again you can file this under " People who are talented ... and speedy!

We have only had the aforementioned book, Flower Festival by Kim Shaefer in the store for just a wee amount of time, but already Ms. Mary L. has put it to fabulous, flowery, use.

She'll be teaching this happy, happy table runner in May in Gourmet Sewing Club. In the meantime, pick up the book, check out the sample and ...

Take your time.

And ... speaking of PINK!

2010-03-31T13:22:00.001-07:00

Three times a year we get a bunch of very generous people together to contribute to the cause of all things PINK. We make Breast Cancer Comfort Hearts ... hundreds of them at a sitting, to be delivered to women who are recovering from surgery. These hearts don't just comfort their hearts, they also provide fill a very practical purpose to aid in the physical healing.

These pictures are from our March 9th Comfort-A-Thon. Can you feel the love? Please join us next time around. (The date will be in our next newsletter.) Just call to let us know that you are coming and if you are bringing your sewing machine. Working kids are welcome.

Let's PINK it up!

Unique in Pink

2010-03-27T18:20:00.002-07:00

If you have been in the store and said to yourself "Wow, that pink bag is like nothing I've ever seen before!" then you are not alone.

We are the only ones carrying this splendid pattern by our friend Nancy Shamy. We also have the unusual jute that makes the bag so unique. And we have these just for ... you.

You pick the fabric. You make it your own. Then you can sit back and enjoy being at the head of the craft and fashion pack.

Go on. Admit it. "Elite" feels pretty good.

The More the Mary-er!

2010-03-22T16:53:00.001-07:00

If we had to list the one question that comes up more than any other, it would be this:

"What classes do you have for the beginning quilter?"

The truth is ... we have always had and will always have a plethora of such classes. But this time around we think we hit upon the perfect combination to take you from amateur status to pro in three perfect classes. You will also come away with a quilt that looks suspiciously like the one in the photo above ... a quilt that you have crafted personally from start to finish. Pay attention because the first of these is coming up this week and you need to be a-dialin'. Uh ... read first, then dial.

On this Thursday the 25th from 6-9 in the evening, Mary F. will teach Part One where you will learn rotary cutting, 1/4" seams, piecing and how to follow a pattern.

On Thursday, April 8th from 6-9, Mary L. will teach Part Two where you will learn how to assemble the quilt sandwich and learn some free-motion quilting.

On Thursday, April 22nd from 6-9, Mary S. will teach Part Three where you will learn how to bind your quilt and make a label for it.

Now that's a lot of learnin' and a lot of Mary(s) and a lot of fun.

You may now begin dialing.
(602-553-8350)

Iwana Keeps her Promise!

2010-03-17T13:37:00.002-07:00

Here for your viewing pleasure are pictures of the new fabrics, as promised from the email today. (Not on our email list? Shame on you. Give us a call and correct that this instant!) Pictured above is "My Mind's Eye" by Riley Blake Designs. I swear this has been in the store less than a week. I realize you wouldn't know that because ...

... yep, Stephanie has already put together this boffo, bright quilt which is no longer just in her mind's eye -- it's alive and well for all to see.

These happy bolts are also from Riley Blake -- "Rainy Days and Mondays" to be exact. And contrary to popular belief they will never "get you down."*

Last but not least are these luscious beauties from Studio e, called "Gabrielle". You need to cut some of these up. Then, you'll have your work cut out for you.

* This is a reference to a Carpenter's song from the mid-70's. If you are too young to see that, then please give up your seat to someone who does.

Let's get Take-Out tonight!!

2010-03-16T17:21:00.001-07:00

These elegant, creative, and unusual cards can be yours to give (or keep, seriously, you might want to keep some) when ...

you combine your magical Bernina embroidery machine with this combo from Embroidery Take-Out.

Let's be honest, pizza in a cardboard box or some cold chow-mein noodles could never do this much for your social standing or your self esteem.

Bee Ribboned

2010-03-10T19:43:00.001-07:00

Step #1: Pick some ribbons ... any ribbons from the BC Tower O' Ribbons.

Step #2: Sign up for Diane's B-Ribboned BC Bag this Friday, March 12 from 10-2.

Step #3: Gloat.

Definitely worth more than two in a bush ...

2010-03-02T07:17:00.001-07:00

Take a look at this book!

It's not just any book. It's Renee Plains' new book ... hot off the presses and on our book racks.

Renee is a local designer who is known, well, just about everywhere. Her work is authentic and comforting and for beginners and long-timers alike.

And please ... birds ... don't you just love 'em??

If the Quilt Police do exist, they need to hear about this ...

2010-02-24T13:57:00.001-07:00

Oh my goodness! Some people (that would be Mary L. and Claudia D., respectively) have been busy little bees this last week. Both of them chose to whip up some goodies using the aforementioned "Gerta" fabric by Marcia Derse. Both of them get A's for fine craftsmanship and ... speeding tickets for putting the [sewing machine] pedal to the metal.

Do these people never sleep? You may recognize Mary's pattern as the same one in her O My Stars! quilt (to be taught on April 10th from 10-2) and since Claudia is stepping in for her friend Sandee to teach the Zip 'n Go Tote Bag this Saturday from 10-4, she decided to make her own sample. I would be more angry/jealous if they weren't both so darned cute.

Hmmph.

Brightening my spirits are these lovely batiks from Avlyn. In just one cut of fabric you get several different options. The possibilities for using them are endless and I have no doubt that someone from the store will do just that.

Check back in a couple of minutes.

Sunglasses: Optional

2010-02-22T16:13:00.002-07:00

Here, as promised is the entire line of "Gerta" by Marcia Derse (for Troy's Riverwoods Collection) in all of it's glory.

The colors ... the simple yet intriguing patterns ... the fabriliciousness of it all ...

You know you want some.

Go ahead and just admit it.

What's green and black and bright all over?

2010-02-18T20:39:00.001-07:00

Is there anything more exciting than completing your very first quilt?! I don't think so. Just ask Lovella, Staff Extraordinaire who came to us quite unaware of how to sew at all and now she has this delightful green and black beauty to show for all her hours of learning and perserverance and ...

... JOY. Seriously, you cannot deny the absolute joy on her face and just want to absorb some for yourself.

Oh, go ahead. Lovella has quite enough to spread around. Now take some time to reflect upon your first quilt and drop us a comment about it so that we can feel some of your joy too.

Aaah ... first love. Ain't it grand??

Through the Looking Glass

2010-02-05T11:13:00.001-07:00

In the email a couple of weeks ago, I asked you to drive by the store and see our fabulous new window decor. Since then I have worried that traffic jams may have been instigated as a result of my advice. In the name of highway safety, I offer forth this picture.

Diane's daughter Allison did all the exquisite art work ... including designing a font just for us. And that's just part of what we mean by "State of the art FUN!"

Feel free to come in and participate in the revelrie on the other side of the glass.

With love,

Iwana

We're Baaaaaaaaccccckkk!!!!

2010-02-03T11:38:00.001-07:00

Please get over the fact that this is not only two years past our last post, but also in an entirely separate decade. We're over it and you can be too. But we want the word out that we are hip and happenin' and we are a blogging machine. The picture above is of a sewing machine, just in case you were confused.

We sell sewing machines and a whole lot of other magical stuff.

Stop by and see us in the store and please stop by our blog and leave us a comment. We love, love, love your comments. We live for your comments.

We are sorry we took so long to join this party. Now ... let's celebrate!

Love, Iwana

Welcome!

2008-08-25T05:18:00.003-07:00

Thanks for stopping by the Daily Connection, crafted by the lovely ladies behind the scenes at your favorite sewing boutique, Bernina Connection.

This is your one-stop blog with personal insights into sewing, quilting, creating and dreaming, with a stitch of good humor for good measure.

We hope that you will bookmark this page and add us to your daily reads. We promise you'll leave inspired - and buzzing with ideas.

Leave us a comment, drop us an email (bcreative@berninaconnection.com) or visit us at our shop - Bernina Connection, 4219 E. Indian School Road Suite 103, Phoenix, Arizona, 85018. (602.553.8350)

Bee happy!