SIZE MATTERS

I can't get the country western song, "Size Matters", by Joe Nichols out of my head after seeing the new Bernina 830 at Bernina University in Kansas City last Wednesday. I can't get the machine out of my head either. The BIG sewing area (12" from needle to head), and FAST speed (1100 stitches per minute for sewing and 1000 stitches per minute for embroidery) along with the HUGE bobbin (which holds 40-60% more thread than a standard bobbin) were enough for me to make a buying decision. But, there is so much more to love. You really need to check it out by going to the website devoted to this machine - - - http://www.bernina8series.com/. If you were unable to watch the global internet launch of the machine on July 21, you can still see the webcast on the website above. Or, come into the store and play with the Bernina 830 simulator that we have on our laptop. We have a sewing and embroidery sample for the machine as well as a bobbin. Here's what one of our customers said about the machine after watching the webcast - - - WOW!!!!! Is there anything they didn't think of? What grabbed my attention first - size of the sewing space, size of the embroidery field, better hoops, larger bobbin, auto threading. I love the idea of the not having to slide the mega hoop! Dual feed sounds like it might be a great feature for getting those quilting points to match exactly. After that it becomes a blur of wonderful features. Bernina wasn't kidding when they said it was a whole new sewing experience! And, of course, Bernina does it all with "THE" standard of excellence.

Wendy Fedie, Bernina Manager

Fun at the Amazing Sewing Race

The Amazing Sewing Race started last February and is going strong. Our sewers/quilters have traveled to China, Canada, Egypt, Sweden and France. We are looking forward to traveling to more interesting destinations in the future. This month we were in France. We had show and tell from last months trip to Sweden. The colors were blue and yellow and the pattern was log cabin. We had some amazing variations. It's always fun to see what everyone comes up with. We were also lucky enough to have Pam Plocek bring in her quilt "Story Brooke Farm". She won the viewer choice ribbon and prize at the Sampler's annual 4th of July outdoor quilt show. Congratulations! We still have some of our France quilt kits available. It's beautiful and and makes you feel like you are walking through the french countryside. You can find this quilt and all the Amazing Race quilts at the Sampler. Call 952-937-5307 or email us at sampler@qwestoffice.net Keep on stitching, Mary

Santa found a friend

I couldn't leave Santa without a friend. This cute snowman is from the same pattern as Santa (Indygo Junction $8.59) and uses the same size yo yo's. He is a lot of fun to make and makes a great companion for Santa. Polly created a wonderful Christmas sample that can be seen at the shop. She used the Be Colorful pattern Noel by Jacqueline de Jonge. Come in and see how it sparkles. The pattern can also be found on our website http://www.the-sampler.com/

On another note, we have received a truckload of new Kaffe Fassett fabrics and are getting inspired to come up with many new samples. I want one of each of them. All the fabrics can be found on our website or you can call us at 952-934-5307 or email us at sampler@qwestoffice.net Happy quilting. Mary