Here's a note from one of our readers, Randi Thekan:

Here's why I bought my 830! I created each block using DesignerPlus software and Elly Sienkiewiez's Studio BERNINA Exclusive Embroidery Collection, Baltimore Elegance designs. I used the Jumbo hoop and cut the blocks down to 10 1/2" squares and the rest is history. Sooo... when asked the question "Why did we buy the 830, for embroidery or quilting?" I had to answer "Both!" I hope now you understand why. Enjoy!

I decided to make the Pink Fig Natty Jacket for the Pieces of Eight program because it was colorful and fun! Finding the fabrics was hard but I lucked out at Vogue Fabrics in the Home Dec section, of all places. Creativity is not my strong point, but with some help I forged on! I was so excited about using my 830 to import buttonholes into embroidery and then angling them, placing them... how much easier is that?? Using some connecting stitches combinations to add the ribbons to the jacket was fun because no matter what I put together I liked it! My granddaughter Keaghan (7) was involved in the whole process, picking out thread colors and placing the ribbons, but was very disappointed when she tried to get on "her" size 4 creation, only to find that it was much too small. Grammie promised to make one just for her!!

Check with your local BERNINA store to see if there will be a Pieces of Eight program in your area.

A note from Roberta Horton, quilt-making teacher, designer, and author -

"My sister, Mary Mashuta, and I attended a Bernina Artisan Retreat in February where we got to learn more about and use the 830. Mary first trained on the simulator and then sat at the machine. I started with the machine and then went to the computer simulator. We decided she felt more at ease on the machine because of first exploring with the simulator.

"I think the simulator is a great tool. I can see setting up my computer, with the simulator loaded, right next to the 830. Ordinarily I would have the manual open and available. That's the way I learn - with the instruction book open beside me. We all learn differently. I need to see the words and diagrams, etc. This is even better!"

 Get your copy of the BERNINA 830 Emulator from your local BERNINA dealer!

(Nancy Eha was part of BERNINA's National Artisan Retreat in February.)

I am thrilled to be a National Artisan for Bernina! We had, as a group, a chance to try out many of the features on the new 830E at our annual reunion. I knew I was going to love it, but I didn't know how much! The large bed and bobbin are a dream come true. The stitch quality and dual fabric feed are top notch. The 830E IS MY DREAM MACHINE!

Many of us took part in the blue denim shirt challenge at the retreat. (Have you noticed Bernina representatives wear blue denim shirts at the Bernina exhibit booths?) As I am a beading teacher, who's alter-ego is The Queen Mother of Bead Explorers, my blue denim shirt morphed into my "Royal Robe." You can see the back at my website: http://beadcreative.com.

Nancy Eha

What is Absolute Check? It's what the 830 has instead of the regular Check feature which indicates the bounding box around a design. With Absolute Check you simply touch the screen with your finger or stylus and the needle moves to that position on your project (provided the hoop is on the machine). You can check the stitch location of every stitch in the design on your project with Absolute Check. It's fantastic!