If you were on a desert island with an unlimited supply of fabric and thread, your sewing machine (no serger), and could only take five presser feet, which would they be?

My first choice would be Clear Foot #34. I use it for all of my "regular" sewing - garments, home dec, crafts - usually with one of the seam guides attached to the back. It's very similar to Reverse Motion Foot #1, but clear plastic with a red center line.

Second would be Edgestitch Foot #10 - it does so many things! Edgestitching, topstitching, stitch-in-the-ditch, embellishing. The short toes make it great for going around curves, and it can be used with any stitch.

Since I don't get to take my serger :( my next selection would be Overlock Foot #2. It doesn't do anything flashy, but it's a real workhorse, keeping all my edges from ravelling. And the little pin in the sole keeps the edges from pulling and tunneling. Overcasting by sewing machine isn't as fast as serging, but this foot combined with the overlock stitch does a super job.

My fourth foot would be my Walking Foot #50. I don't use it on every project, but when I need it I really need it. It's not just for quilts, either - any time I'm working with fabrics that don't want to stay under the foot I get out my Walking Foot #50 to "pinch" them into submission.

Now I have a dilemna...would I rather embellish with decorative stitches (Clear Embroidery Foot #39) or freemotion stitching (Bernina Stitch Regulator #42). I'll have to take the BSR - I've been doing lots of small projects with it lately, including darning a tear in one of my favorite shirts. I can use the open toe sole of my Walking Foot #50 for decorative stitches - I won't be able to stitch as quickly, but I haven't been doing a lot of satin decorative stitching lately.

I'm going to miss some of my other favorites - Patchwork Foot #37, Bulky Overlock Foot #12, Binder #84...no zipper or buttonhole feet, no fun embellishment accessories like Freemotion Cording Foot #43 or the Decorative Needle Punch Attachment! Good thing I'm not really stranded without my big box of presser feet!

Which feet would YOU take along?

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!