By Susan Beck, Executive Editor, BERNINA of America, Inc.

Wow! It's hard to believe that it's been eight years and 34 issues since we first printed Through the Needle magazine! During that time, the magazine offered fun sewing projects and informative articles for all types of stitches: quilters, crafters, garment makers, embroiderers, virtual stitchers, etc. The next issue of Through the Needle continues this tradition but the format is very different. It is the first issue of our Through the Needle ONLINE and it debuts today! Three things are changing about the magazine: how you receive it, when you receive it, and what you pay for it. Also, there will be six issues instead of four and you'll read it online -- FREE!

The new online version of Through the Needle is similar to the print version, right down to your ability to "turn" the pages. In addition, the new online version takes up less space (none!) than the paper version and is available anywhere you have a computer with Internet access. Plus, it has features the print version could never have: searchable content (enter a keyword and be taken to every occurance of that word in the issue) and live links that take you to related websites. Going online opens up loads of options that make it easier for you to use and enjoy every issue of Through the Needle ONLINE. In addition, think about the amount of paper and ink that will be saved by not printing a paper magazine.

The first issue of Through the Needle ONLINE is full of imaginative projects: from two versions of an imaginative bag -- one cool and one hot, to a simple, flowing, pull-over shirt and a fun, quilted bag with a funky metal frame. That's just the beginning of what you'll find in the first issue, but you need to let us know that you want to subscribe. So, sign up at www.berninausa.com click HERE, and you'll receive e-mail notifictaion and links to each new issue as they become available. Whether you are a loyal reader or a new fan, I'm sure you'll love expanding your sewing horizons and pushing your creative limits with Through the Needle ONLINE. After all, the next best thing to sewing is reading about it!

A note from Lezette Thomason, Children's Corner:

It's baseball season! And BERNINA of America's offices are just outside Chicago, home of the Chicago Cubs.

I never travel without my old yellow BERNINA bag. I sling it over my shoulder and it carries everything, sometimes getting heavy enough my husband, Michael, carries it for me. At a Cubs-Cardinals game last year one of the greeters at Wrigley Field, Jan Betustak, spied it. Excitedly she told me she has a BERNINA and her sister owns Pamella's Place, a BERNINA dealership outside Milwaukee. I just had to capture that moment in a photo. You just never know where you will meet a BERNINA enthusiast!

Although my baby was originally due in the second week of December, she suprised us all by arriving almost a full month early! Baby Kate was born on Saturday, November 15th and although she was pre-term, she was very healthy. I will be taking some time off from Bernina the next few months to settle in with the baby at home.

I barely got to start on all the sewing projects I had slated for Baby Kate - I thought I would have many more weeks to sew for her! Besides finishing up my diaper bag, the Amy Butler's Everything Bag, I managed to get a few things put together for the nursery.

These cute little birdies are from a free pattern at Spool Sewing, designed by Michael Fulkerson. I added wings to my birdies by cutting out teardrop shapes and tacking them on to the sides of the birds. The pattern calls for a 1/4" seam allowance, and I found that using the Patchwork Foot #37 made piecing together the small pattern pieces a breeze.

Once I finished sewing, turning, and stuffing the birdies, I picked out some good looking sticks and planned the positioning of the birds. My husband helped me to glue the birds to the sticks, and then he strung the sticks together with heavy fishing line.

The mobile hangs right over the rocking chair, and the baby can look up and watch the birds when we're rocking her. I also managed to finish sewing the curtains and a small clothes hamper for her room before her arrival.

Now I am looking forward to finishing some accessories for the crib, making a wall-hung growth chart, and of course sewing many, many little outfits - thank heaven for little girls!

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.