During last night's "Bonkers For BERNINA" webchat on www.TheQuiltShow.com we spent some time talking about thread, and someone asked about the threads Nina McVeigh uses for machine beading (yes, you can stitch single beads by machine!). I've checked, and she's using monofilament in the needle and lingerie thread in the bobbin. In the video the small cone of monofilament on the machine is YLI Wonder Invisible Thread. She's also using a very fine needle - size 60/8 - that fits easily through the holes in the beads. You'll also need an embroidery hoop, and a magnifier might be a good idea for those of us with "mature" eyesight. (Those beads are TINY!)

Someone also asked about the cord Nina uses with Free Motion Couching Foot #43. She's using one of my favorite cords for freehand couching, Hilos La Espiga #18, a 2mm nylon cord usually used for macrame and other knotting crafts. If your local shop doesn't carry it, your BERNINA dealer can order it for you from Quilters Resource, Inc.

To see how these techniques are done, check out the Free Motion Machine Beading and Free Motion Couching BERNINA videos at www.TheQuiltShow.com. Then use them to embellish your projects - quilts, clothes, crafts, everything can use a little adornment!