The news about the BERNINA 830 is beginning to hit the newstands - the October/November issue of Sew News has a great article on our BERNINA baby.

Also, the virtual overviews of the machine have begun with the next one scheduled on October 27. This is a wonderful way to learn more about the 8 Series from a BERNINA of America educator in the form of a Power Point presentation. All you have to do is register for the newsletter on www.bernina8series.com and you will automatically be sent information with a link on how to participate and learn more about this great machine virtually. You can hear and see it all on your computer - it doesn't cost a thing except a little bit of time (about an hour). I'll also remind you in the weeks to come!

You've been sending me questions asking about the vital statistics of the 8 Series machines - wanting to know measurements and standard accessories...and how many of the exclusive, gorgeous one-piece presser feet come with the 830? Some of you are beginning to map out where you will put this machine in your sewing room. Please see the dimensions of the machine and a list of accessories and BERNINA presser feet (including the magical BERNINA Stitch Regulator) that come standard with the 830. That should keep you dreaming for another week!

Next week - join me as we "Create with 8"! Until then...keep anticipating!

Have you started on your holiday sewing? Gift-giving season is only a couple months away! Here's a neat project submitted by Sandra Larson Swick. For instructions, click HERE. You can make several of these, assembly-line fashion, by choosing fabrics that all coordinate with the same color decorative threads. For instance, an assortment of batiks and/or prints that all work well with blue, like Sandra's sample. Other good "neutrals" are brown, black, red, gray. Set up your serger once, then make folders 'til your thread runs out!  

Isn't this the sweetest little cropped sweater? "Where," you might ask, "did she find it?" The answer: Rght in her closet, hiding in back with others Jennifer doesn't wear. It's just a regular cardigan sweater, plus embroidery, with the lower band cut off and serged back on a few inches higher. She used the differential feed to keep the knits from stretching, so you can't even tell the sweater's been altered. Jennifer stabilized the sweater behind the embroidery with a bit of Armoweft interfacing to keep the stitching from pulling and puckering. I don't know about where you are, but here in the mountains it's getting awfully chilly, so I'm getting out my serger and embroidery module and heading for that box of old sweaters in the garage...

Sometimes it is hard for even the most open-minded among us to accept new things. When I first heard that BERNINA was developing a patented system for dual feed because consumers were asking for a built-in option, my immediate reaction was..."Why?"... Between BERNINA machines' great feed system and our superb walking foot, I couldn't see why we would need anything else.

But let me tell you, after using the BERNINA Dual Feed (BDF), I am not only a convert, I am an evangelist! We still have our feed system and our walking foot - choose the right tool for the job - and in addition we have the built-in BERNINA Dual Feed for even more options and more control.

The BERNINA Dual Feed is unlike any other dual feed system - we offer great visibility without any obstruction...and when the BDF disengages, it is totally out of the way.

Using the BERNINA Dual Feed on hard to manage fabrics, slippery ribbons, zippers that don't want to stay put, stretchy knits, bindings, layers, etc. allows more control, more precision and better results with less work like pinning or using spray adhesives. Because it is built in, it is easy to attach and you can use 9mm stitches. I'm a believer!!!

So are these other lovely ladies:

I engaged BERNINA Dual Feed when I inserted my front fly zipper in a pair of pants made of a fluid fabric. I loved the maneuverability of the presser foot (#4D) around the tight curve and how perfectly placed the fabric remained during the process - no shifting at all! - Jeanne

I love the ease in engaging the BERNINA Dual Feed and the fabric that it tucks all the way out of the way when not in use. Stitching a zipper in place has never looked so good - the BDF balances the zipper tape and the fabric fabrics beautifully. - Jennifer

I wanted to cover a pair of shoulder pads (that were already covered) in the lining color that matched my jacket. I had slippery fabric on slippery fabric. I placed a few pins since the pad was dimensional, and was amazed at how the BERNINA Dual Feed handled all the fabric! I never had to fight the fabric, there was no slipping and no puckers or pleats as I sewed around the pad using the BDF. I was quite impressed and look forward to it helping me out in future situations. - Susan

I just finished a small fabric clutch and the pattern asked me to cut a wide bias strip and then seam it to form a tube. Needless to say I expected quite a bit of stretching. But with the BERNINA Dual Feed there was no stretching or wavy seam. It was a beautiful flat seam. And speaking of bias, I love using the BDF for attaching binding to quilts. - Nina

To see the BERNINA Dual Feed work, go to http://www.bernina8series.com/default-n30-sE.html#DualFeed.

Once you have your BERNINA 8 series machine home and try the BERNINA Dual Feed, you'll be a believer too!

Dear Jo,

Just wanted to tell you about my fun weekend. My friend Rachel came for a slumber party. We played dress up and sewed a bag on my mom's machine. It was so much fun, we even embroidered our names on the bag! Here's a picture of our bag.

Sadie

It's never too early to learn to love sewing! Aren't the girls adorable? And having lots of fun stitching cute little zippered bags :) Jo