Here they are, my TOP THREE fav's.  Don't forget that presser feet and accessories make GREAT stocking stuffers, so be sure to let Santa know what's on your Bernina wish list this year! 

 1. The Ruffler Attachment #86, my absolute favorite Bernina foot!  The perfect stitch quality of the Bernina sewing machine means that all the ruffles made with this attachment will be perfect, too!  I use this foot for adding all kinds of ribbon and trims to garments and crafts - from heavy grosgrain ribbon to delicate strips of tulle. 

Not only did I attach the tulle trim to the edge of this apron with the Ruffler Attachment, I also used it to gather the body of the apron to the band.

2. The Edgestitching Foot #10/10C is a lifesaver when I am finishing garments with edge stitching - even when stitching next to a seam.  The metal guide helps to keep my fabric feeding through the machine nice and straight, and can even guide you when stitching in the ditch. 

I used the #10 Edgestitching presser foot to stitch on the edge of this bow trim - nice and straight!

3. The Bernina Stitch Regulator foot.  I've onlyl just begun to play with the BSR, as I am quilting my very first quilt ever.  I don't know what I'd do without it, the BSR keeps all my stitches even as I move the fabric around, which is really helpful for a beginner.  And it's not just for quilting, look here to see other project ideas for your BSR!

This close to the holidays, my gift-making requirements are: 1- items must be simple enough that I can make several at a time, assembly-line fashion; 2 - they must be small enough that I can pack several in a suitcase and/or mail them in an envelope; and 3 - that the end product doesn't look like I just threw it together, even if I did. I have three for you that don't require anything more complicated than sewing a straight line - they're easy to cut in multiples, go together quickly, and pack into very small spaces. They're also great sewing projects for kids - don't forget to let them pick their own fabrics! Here's the first one; look for two and three over the next few days.

Here's a simple but sophisticated-looking rice therapy bag from the Sew, Mama, Sew! Blog, which includes a great photo tutorial. This is a great project for a beginner - if you can sew a reasonably straight line you can make this. TIP: Use Edgestitch Foot #10 or Piping Foot #38 for stitching the edges of the hook-and-loop tape; they're both easy to guide right along the edge of the tape for a neat finish. Also a nice gift for teachers, coaches, sitters, etc. There's even a gift/instruction tag PDF to download.

The latest issue of BERNINA of America's Through The Needle magazine is now available at BERNINA stores in the USA. This issue features wearable art from the "Diamond Odyssey" BERNINA Fashion Show, directions for a fun Treasure Box from Artgirl Linda Willis (click here for photo), and embroidered and embellished garments designed with My Label Software (including an article I wrote on how three women might customize the same three garments to create three completely different outfits), plus articles by guest author Nancy Kazlauckas and BERNINA and OESD Educators. Stop by your local BERNINA shop to pick up your copy; for a subscription form and/or back issues click here. Then make yourself a mug of hot chocolate, take a break from your hectic end of the year and holiday preparations, and be inspired by the incredible creativity on display in this issue! Enjoy! Jo

Happy Thanksgiving from Jo & Erika!

The smart, well-prepared folks have already done their gift shopping, and are smugly putting labels on their already wrapped and beribboned gifts. (And, of course, they dropped off stacks of cards at the Post Office right after Halloween.) The rest of us are frantically writing our lists, trying to remember what we gave the twins last year, wondering if we can regift those watermelon scented candles, and wishing the days were 36 hours long for the next four weeks!

While you're out shopping this weekend, braving the crowds at the mall, pick up a little something extra to drop off at your local BERNINA store for Toys for Tots. (Click here for a list of participating stores.) BERNINA of America, Inc. is an official sponsor this year. For those of us who do our shopping online (my office is so much less crowded than the mall!), donations can be made online.

I won't be joining you at the malls, but you might see me at my local thrift stores. While I haven't taken the Homemade Pledge, nearly all of my gifts will be things I've made or bought from local or online artists and crafters, or items I've recycled/repurposed. Over the next few weeks I'll be posting and linking to some simple, quick-to-sew projects, like the card at right. Just trace two circles, cut them out, place cheery fabric on the wrong side and stitch it in place. Then use crayons and markers to draw a branch and ornament hooks; better yet, glue snippets from your shrubs in place and use real hooks.

Last Wednesday night I went to a party at my local BERNINA store, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the BERNINA sewing machine. Model 105, the first BERNINA-branded sewing machine, was introduced in 1932. BERNINA stores all over the world are celebrating with special events and sales; join the festivities at www.berninausa.com and check with your local BERNINA store to find out what's happening in your town. 

I've always been fascinated by machines - how they work, how the pieces fit together, who invented them, how they developed from early prototypes to the machines we use today. It seems like sewing machines have been around forever, but until about 150 years ago all sewing was done by hand. Imagine stitching all of your clothes with just a needle and a thimble! That would take care of my storage shortage - my entire wardrobe would fit in one suitcase! Trace the history of sewing machines and BERNINA innovations at BERNINA International, then explore BERNINA history at www.berninausa.com. Even the production of BERNINA sewing machines has changed dramatically in the last 75 years - the process now includes computers and robotics - but people are still an essential part of the process.

Also in 1932: Franklin D. Roosevelt elected President of USA; Lindburgh baby kidnapped; "Brother Can You Spare a Dime" popular song; Tarzan the Ape Man, starring Johnny Weissmuller; Amelia Earhart's trans-Atlantic solo flight; Jack Benny's first radio show; Al Capone sent to prison for tax evasion; Los Angeles hosts 10th Summer Olympics.