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!

Hello fellow sewers! Check this out, there's a new place on the web to find anything and everything about sewing, www.WeAllSew.com. This is the best sewing stuff on the web, from blogs, Facebook pages, how-to videos, Flickr feeds and even Twitter handles, all sewn up in one place!

WeAllSew.com highlights Sew to Serve, connecting you directly with organizations and projects that need sewing volunteers. Marine Comfort Quilts (http://www.MarineComfortQuilts.us) is dedicated to bringing some comfort and love to families of military men and women lost in service to our country through quilts and quilting. Find many more worthy places to sew some love by clicking on Sew To Serve!

Free stuff! Yup, there's even a whole section of links to free sewing stuff, like these embroidery designs (http://FreeEmbroideryStuff.EmbroideryDesigns.com/), quilt patterns (http://www.FreeQuiltingPatterns.info/), and projects like these great fabric containers (http://TheLuckyDucks.blogspot.com/2009/10/scrap-buster-scrap-bags.html). And talk about fresh, new links are being added to WeAllSew.com weekly, so always expect to see the newest sewing stuff!

Stay in the sewing loop by joining us on our Facebook WeAllSew.com fanpage and our @weallsew Twitter feed, and enjoy the sewing love.

Because, after all, I sew, you sew, we all sew!

Project Sewing Workshop is a new garment sewing program available through independent retailers. The initial offerings feature kits with Sewing Workshop patterns and gorgeous fashion fabrics pre-selected for success! Retailers will also be able to special order fashion fabrics for you in an array of fashion basics with a three yard minimum cut. What I love about these kits is the patterns and fabrics allow me to build my wardrobe with garment styles and fabrics that compliment each other.

I had the opportunity to attend the inaugural dealer training for Project Sewing Workshop retailers. Fifteen of us spent three days with Linda Lee of the Sewing Workshop sewing up garments from Project Sewing Workshop kits and learning new sewing techniques to share with our customers. The garments were "sew" much fun to make and easy to fit a variety of body types.

Look for Project Sewing Workshop kits at independent sewing retailers. If you've longed to sew garments and didn't know where to shop or what patterns to buy, Project Sewing Workshop kits are the answer. I'm hooked! (Move over, Chico's!)

My BERNINA has been a favorite for many years. Our grandchildren (we have 11) love to visit my studio and sew. As a result, each family now has their own BERNINA, purchased at conferences where I could take advantage of a discount. One grand daughter wants to take her machine to college. "My sorority sisters want to learn how to sew and make projects for pledge days." I offered to come to the sorority and teach them some of the fun stitches found on the BERNINA.

Not just our grand daughters but our grandsons have all stitched at my BERNINA. They each have made a mini quilt.

Visit Yvonne at her blog http://www.yvonneporcella.blogspot.com/ and her website http://yvonne.porcella.ws/. Yvonne is also featured in the new Celebrity Scrapbook at www.berninausa.com. Read her interview and download a free project by clicking HERE.

First stitch the bias strip to the very edge of the old hemline. Since my bias facing already had 1/4" turned under along both long edges, I edgestitched it into place rather than seaming it. Another reason I love Edgestitch Foot #10!

Notice the crease where the old hemline was? I'm hoping that it will disappear when I wash them. Otherwise I may end up doing a little brushing with a soft toothbrush to see if I can raise the nap there.

I also used Edgestitch Foot #10 to sew the ends of the bias strip together after turning under the end. Just pivot and continue edgestitching to the edge of the facing, then backstitch a bit.

I pinned and then basted the hem in place. Yes, I could have skipped these steps, but...corduroy is soft and tends to stretch, and I didn't want it to shift as I was stitching it. It's easier and takes less time to pin and baste than to pull out all those tiny stitches later after everything puckers!

I could have used Walking Foot #50, but I wanted to use the little guide in the middle of Edgestitch Foot #10 to help keep my stitching straight. What I need is a Walking Foot with a center guide!

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!

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!

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

STEP 1: While wearing the T, have someone help you to mark the center back with a straight pin where the gather will go; it works best right below the bust line.

STEP 2: Take off the T, and turn it inside out - be carefull not to knock out that pin! Transfer the pin marking to the inside back of the shirt. Now, fold the shirt in half lengthwise, matching shoulders, sleeves, and bottom edges. Double check that the pin is on the center fold, and move it over if you need to. Using a ruler, measure over about 4" from that center pin, and mark with another pin.

Carefully flip the T over to the other side, and repeat.

STEP 3: Open up the shirt, and you will have three pin marks - one in the center, and one 4" on each side. Cut a piece of 1" wide soft, stretchy elastic to 4".

STEP 4: Remove that middle pin marking the center, and pin each end of the elastic to each of the remaining pins. Tack stitch each side of the elastic to the shirt using a narrow zig zag stitch on the sewing machine.

STEP 5: Now comes the fun part! To stitch the elastic down to the shirt, s-t-r-e-t-c-h out the shirt with both hands until the elastic is about even with the shirt.

Practice how it feels to hold the shirt stretched out with both hands a few times BEFORE you put it in the machine to sew. Use a standard zig-zag stitch (lenght about 1.5-2mm, width about 3-3.5mm), and sew right down the middle of the elastic strip, stretching as you sew. Here's what the finished stitching will look like:

STEP 6: Now, just sew two more rows of stitching the same way, one at each edge of the elastic, stretching the fabric out as you go. When you're done, turn the shirt back the right way and check out your stitching!

Now there's no excuse for wearing baggy T's!

And, here's a few extra tips to help you get started:

Don't forget to use a ballpoint needle for stitching with knits - a sharp needle will cut through the knit fibers making holes while a ballpoint needle will go in between the fibers to keep the fabric intact.

Use a really soft and stretchy elastic, it is easier to stretch when sewing and feels much better next to your back than the super stiff stuff made for waistbands.

The amount of fabric gathered in the back of the shirt depends on how much you measure and mark from the center. I used a very big shirt and gathered a total of 8", measuring 4" over from each side of the center back. For a shirt that is not as roomy, try gathering just 6" total, or 3" over from each side of the center back.

Hello, Everyone!

I am so pleased to have the opportunity to talk to you about the excitement the 8 Series launch has created here at our BERNINA consumer event. It was such a proud moment when after six years of development, we were finally able to reveal this incredible machine and share its features with the world. The engineers and developers in the BERNINA factory in Steckborn Switzerland have worked countess hours to create a big, beautiful BERNINA - spacious and comfortable, speedy and full of benefits that will make the creative sewers world more enjoyable and more efficient… that nothing compares to the feeling of its debut.

And now, you too can experience all the precision and exclusive features the 830 has to offer here on bernina8series.com. This enlightening and interactive website provides everything you will want to know about the 8 Series, including videos that illustrate its outstanding space, unsurpassed speed and ergonomic genius.

So go ahead and check out the machine that has changed the history of sewing. We hope it inspires you as much as it has everyone here at BERNINA.

Talk to you soon! And remember to keep checking back for more entries and details on the magnificent 8 Series.

These are two of my favorite Amy Butler patterns, the Swing Bag and the Drawstring Purse from the In Town Bags.

This is the Drawstring purse, and was made from four coordinating fat quarters of Benartex Woodstock fabrics plus a scrap of repurposed ribbon for trim. You can actually get enough fabric for TWO of these bags if you add another fat quarter for the lining of the second project! Super cute, and very suitable for summer.

I just love this project, the Swing Bag. I used different coordinating Benartex City Girl fat quarters for each side of the exterior, the interior, and the ouside and lining of the handles for a total of 6 fat quarters. This is actually a fun way to construct the bag, because you can make two coordinating but different sides to the bag, and just flip it over for a different look.

The Swing Bag is the perfect size for holding all your goodies at the farmer's market, the craft store, a day trip to the beach, or any other summer outing that requires a few extra props.

I hope this gives you a few ideas of other quick and easy things to do with those fat quarters. I have a few other fav's for using up those stocks of fat quarters that I'll post about soon!

I created with page with scraps of fabric, buttons, and clear vinyl, couched metallic cords, and a rotary cutter with a wavy blade. Stitched on my faithful BERNINA sewing machine, of course. Click here for instructions for the techniques I used to create this page.

This would be a handy apron for all sorts of crafts - painting, drawing, cooking, scrapbooking, and, of course, carpentry. Just be sure your fabric is sturdy enough to support whatever will be in the pockets. This fabric is a bit heavier than most quilting cottons; otherwise I'd have backed it with a contrasting fabric for added strength.

Basically, it's just a rectangle of fabric folded in half, plus a long strip of fabric for the binding & straps (cut on the cross grain). I turned under 1/2" at the short sides of the rectangle, then bound the long top edge with Bias Binder #84, leaving long straps at each side. I made a double hem in the other long edge, stitching it in place with Edgestitch Foot #10. Then I folded the long edges together, aligning the top edge of the hem with the outer edge of the binding. Remember the 1/2" folds at the sides? I lined up the folds at the sides of the apron, then edgestitched them together, again using Edgestitch Foot #10, reinforcing the stitching at the upper corners by stitching back and forth a few times. One final line of stitch up the middle to create the pockets and it's done! Now I just have to find some soft treats that won't wreak havoc on my senior pup's digestion...

I had no idea how to put in a zipper, or work with a fabric with a nap like corduroy, or even how to make gathers. My teacher was absolutely the best, and took time to work with me on all the details, even sewing in the zipper. I worked so hard on that skirt, and remember ripping out the gathered seams again and again until they were just right. I was so proud when I finished it, with a zipper and everything! I haven't seen that skirt since High School, and although I looked high and low, I couldn't even find a picture of myself in the skirt. But, let me assure you, it isn't forgotten! And neither is my teacher, who through her patience and kindness, helped me to learn to love to sew.

"I was thinking about my first project and how far I've come with my sewing. I was 19 years old when I took my first sewing class at Jacksonville State University. Sewing was not remotely related to my major, but I had an internal desire to create and signed up for a basic clothing construction class. I had wanted to sew since I was a little girl and was elated at the prospect of unleashing my creativity.

"Many of us call college the "lean" years. I seldom had extra money for a potato, much less fabric. I remember getting just enough fabric for the project and praying it wouldn't go over budget. The project was a classic button down shirt, topstitched with precision on a Bernina 830 (a machine in the school's sewing lab). Every seam was carefully constructed and finished with an overlock stitch on the serger. An edgestitch foot was used to topstitch around the edges. Wearing the shirt was a huge highlight, especially when someone found out that I made it (what a self-esteem booster!). I keep the shirt in my closet and occasionally slip it on to remember the excitement of my first class and what I learned from a basic shirt. I'm so thankful that my school had Bernina machines because I know the superior machine contributed to my success and promoted my love of sewing."

I was around 11 years old, still in 4-H, and still remember going fabric shopping for "kettle cloth." I'm still not sure where "kettle" comes from, but it's a woven cotton fabric that's easy to work with and presses well. I made this on the sewing my parents bought in 1965 - a Riccar that came free with the purchase of a $79 sewing cabinet. It went forward and backward - straight stitch only - no zigzag - and it's what I sewed on until I was 12 or 13. All of my seam allowances are straight stitched 1/4" from the raw edge, then hand-overcast - miles and miles of hand-sewing, that took forever! Now I zip right along on my BERNINA and Overlock Foot #2, or - better yet - use my serger to trim and overcast at the same time. But I did a good job, even with so much hand-sewing, and won a purple ribbon at the county fair :)

What was your first project? I've been asking some of my friends, and will be posting some of their stories over the next few weeks.