A Bernina Treadle!

I had so much fun today, and I forgot to take my camera!  The Sewing Center in Conway (A Bernina dealer) held a private invitation brunch today, which I was lucky enough to be invited to.  I met the coolest lady there!  I noticed a badge on her tote bag that said “Treadle On”… and well you know where that discussion went… on to vintage machines!

She has an old Bernina she converted to a treadle… I think it might be this model but I won’t swear to it… it was green!  I of course was entranced, and she told me about a place out in the boonies, south of Harrison called “White Chapel Fabrics” run by a couple who collect and restore vintage machines.

Road Trip!  Maybe next Saturday… or Friday if Jim takes it off.

After that I stopped at Hancock’s, and the cover of a book caught my eye.  I bought it, brought it home, googled the author… and I am in love!  I’ve never been a doll person, but these are amazing!  I must learn to make these!

The book is “Make Cloth Dolls” by Terese Cato, and her website is here.  Amazing!

Baby Bernina!

I’m sorry this is such a terrible photo of my major find, but I just had to share it with you anyway!

A Swarovski crystal limited edition Bernina sewing machine!  I can’t believe my luck in finding this.  Earlier this year, the Bernina dealership in Conway opened again, under new ownership.  The new owner and the original owner happen to be very good friends, and the original owner had put this little gem on loan in the stores display cabinet.

When Jim and I stopped in there last weekend and I saw it, I went nuts!  I was told of course that it wasn’t for sale and was only on loan.

A few days later, I got a phone call from the store owner letting me know that the owner had decided she would sell it to me!  Still in it’s original box!  Yay!

The Sewing Center - Conway Arkansas... YAY!

*** I forgot to mention, the store will be having their official grand opening on May 17th & 18th***

Formerly known as “The Conway Sewing Center”, the shop has re-opened!  Hurray! A Bernina store less than an hour from my home, it’s a miracle!  I never thought that would happen in my lifetime… a Bernina store that close to me that is.

The original owners, Lyle and Maxine Roop, sold the shop a few years back.  That owner didn’t last very long, and Lyle is back at the store working hand in hand with Shirley Blythe, the newest owner.  I wasn’t clear if Lyle is a partner now, or just there to help Shirley make the transistion, but either way he will be a wonderful mentor!  Lyle will be doing the repairs on the machines as well, so you know your Bernina will be in good hands!

Shirley and Lyle Shirley was absolutely delightful, and her excitement was quite contagious!  They’ve just opened up and are still in the process of stocking the store, figuring out classes and finding teachers, but they’ve got all the Bernina machines in stock!

There is a classroom as well, but unfortunately my picture of it didn’t turn out… in fact it was such a blur I had no idea what it was until I realized I was missing the classroom shot.  I’m sorry!

Shirley mentioned there was going to be a class on the Bernina Cutwork software and tool in the near future, so if you’re in the area, sign up because it’s a pretty amazing tool! I will definitely want to attend, I had a blast making my little seasonal wallhanging with it, and I know I’d enjoy learning how to use it better.

Isacord thread and OESD stabilizers on one wall, and the wall to the right of it is going to be set up with a design studio, where you can pick and choose from various Bernina embroidery designs and have a disk custom made.  

There wasn’t much I needed, I dropped my 830 off for service as my  needle threader quit working, and asked them to order me another Barbie case and the new edge guide sole for the walking foot… can’t wait for that baby!

So for any of you Arkansonians in the River Valley area who currently have a Bernina or are considering purchasing one, we once again have a dealer and repair center in the area!

803 Harkdriver - Suite 6… same location as before.  501-205-1975… let’s all make them a success!