Quilt Shows and More

Karol and I just returned from the Quilt Expo in Madison, WI. This is a wonderful show and should be on everyone's list of quilt shows to attend. We debuted two new quilts at the show. "Fan Dance" was made by Polly North. This is a beautiful quilt with a black background and fans made from Kaffe Fassest fabrics. The other new quilt is designed by Lori Allison called "Fruit Cake". It is a personal favorite of mine. I love the combination of reds and greens. The addition of the prairie points gives this quilt a special finish. Both patterns can be found at the shop. You can call us at 952) 934-5307 or email us at sampler@qwestoffice.net. Be sure to visit our website http://www.the-sampler.com/ for all the latest fabrics, patterns and kits. You can also find information on all the upcoming classes for fall. I am especially looking forward to the new Amazing Sewing Race-North America starting in January 2009. Happy stitching, Mary

SWITZERLAND TRIP

We returned home last night after a wonderful week in Switzerland. Karol and I were fortunate to be among 150 dealers from the United States to earn a trip to Switzerland to see the Bernina factory and the new 830 sewing machine. We saw first hand the quality and pride that goes into the design and manufacturing of every Bernina sewing machine. We spent a full day in the Bernina Creative Sewing Center working on the incredible, new, HUGE Bernina 830. We can't wait to show it to you. Please join us for "A Date with 8" on September 8, from 6:08 to 8:08, so we can share with you everything we have learned about the new Bernina 8 Series machines - the 830 and 820. We will have Swiss chocolate (of coarse), travel photos, a presentation on how the 8 Series machines were conceived and designed and then we will demostrate the machine features. Call the store to reserve your place (952-934-5307.) We also learned that because we earned the Swiss trip, we would receive our floor model demo machine in late September rather than November like the rest of the US dealers.
Wendy Fedie, Bernina Manager

The Great Minnesota State Fair

We want to invite you to come and see us at the Minnesota State Fair. As you know the fair serves up everything on a stick and we couldn't be left out. Create your own "Bernina Breeze" on a stick while trying out the Bernina 730, 440 and one of the sergers. We are also giving demos of the yo yo makers (there's a new jumbo size that I love) and Quiltsmarts cell phone bags and Smart bags. We have many fun panels, patterns and kits including the popular "Jingle banner". We are located in the Creative Activities Annex. Hope to see you there. Live from the fair, Mary

Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop

We're having a wonderful time meeting quilters from around the state of Minnesota. Everyone loves the Quilt Minnesota fabrics and many are planning great quilts. We have designed a quilt called "Among the Pines" with the Quilt Minnesota fabrics. The pattern is available for $8.99 at the shop. We also put together our version of the Twin City area pattern using Kaffe Fassett fabrics. We have kits available, so call the Sampler at 952-934-5307 if you are interested in these quilts. You can email us at sampler@qwestoffice.net.
Keep on stitching, Mary

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