Problem Solving

I used to be a nurse (well, I guess once you're a nurse, you're always a nurse, but anyway...) so I spent my days helping people solve their health problems. It was always satisfying to see them get better, but of course that took time, and maybe I would eventually see them again to find out if my suggestions worked. So, when I starting working in a quilt shop it never even occurred to me that a big part of the job would be problem solving. I have noticed over the years, however, that it's a huge part of the job. Helping sewers find the perfect color of thread to match the skirt with a rip in the seam, or sashing to help pull together blocks that don't seem to go together. Borders, borders, we are always looking for the perfect border combination to spice up the quilt. Today the tough issue was a straight pin that had been quilted inside a quilt--how to get it out. And the sewing machine making the strange noise (bobbin winder on), the hook that keeps falling out, (not latched in), the feed dogs that won't feed (packed with fuzz), I could go on and on...the little issues that "are critical in a non-emergency way" (a customer said that to me and I thought it was a great way to put it). There is always something to figure out, and most of the time someone on our staff can. I love seeing the relief on the customer's face, the confusion lifted, the new plan-of-action in place. They come in frustrated and leave happy. What could be more satisfying? I figure it's a kind of mental health care, (when I am feeling guilty about not nursing anymore). We find ways to help people even if it is all about fabric...!

Karen

The Cat's Away

Julie is in London for a week! So guess what we are doing?? Unpacking carton after carton of new and amazing batiks. We put out 67 on Saturday and another 40 or so bolts today. They are new ones you have never seen before, so get in here fast because the staff has already been into them.

We hope you survived our little break in the action last week. Some of us were quilting non-stop at Lake Gaston for a few days. If you ever need a perfect lakefront home for your quilting group to take a retreat, ask us about the one we use. It sleeps 8 comfortably and has a great sundeck, kitchen and sewing room (well, we turn it into a sewing room!) Lots of quilts were made, some new designs experimented with, and of course plenty of food and beverage were consumed.

We are working on the schedule for the next quarter (July, August, and September), so hopefully we will have the newsletter ready to send out and the schedule posted on the website in early June. Dont forget END-OF-BOLT Sale is this Saturday!

The new Activa 210's are here!

They are finally here and we are so excited about them. Bernina's new entry-level machine. It is great! It has needle up/down, temporary altered stitch memory, 12 basic stitches, super easy snap-on/off feet and Bernina's powerful DC motor.

I am so excited to have these machines for beginners. I just uploaded this image and I do have to tell you the machine is red and white (not blue and white).

Celeste

Demo and used machine sale

Okay all you bargain hunters, we are replacing some of our demo machines and we finally have a couple used machines recently taken in on trade. Now is your chance!

The demo machines we have are:

Activa 230 Patchwork Edition
Aurora 440 Quilter's Edition (with walking foot AND BSR!)
Artista 630E (this includes the embroidery module)
800DL serger

All of these machines are from the current line.

The used machines we have are:

Deco 650 (this is an embroidery only machine)
Virtuosa 153 Quilter's Edition, Alex Anderson series (includes CPS Software)



Celeste

Bernina Machine Mastery Class change

Just a quick note to those of you attending your free machine mastery classes this series...We have to reschedule this Tuesday evening class (#5) to Tuesday, June 12th, 6 - 9 pm. For anyone who missed class #5 before and would like to sign up, just call the store and let them know.

Remember, these classes are free to you after you purchase your machine and you learn so much about the great capabilities of your machines.

Celeste