Bernina Reunion

I just returned from the Bernina Artisan Reunion in Chicago. I was a little nervous thinking I might be stranded in Chicago, but the weather was with us, a little snow and so pretty to see, especially if you don't have to drive in it!
78 Bernina Artisans had the opportunity to meet and fall in love with the new Bernina 830. It is quite an amazing machine - larger than their other machines, BECAUSE it has the 12" extended bed for machine quilting. Now, that is amazing. It also has a built in dual-feed and oversize bobbin for those of us who don't like to stop and wind bobbins (that might be ALL of us). The built in embroidery unit is oversize to make larger designs. It has a clock (that tickled me) where you can set a timer to go off in case you want to stop sewing (that might be NONE of us). My mind was spinning with the amount of features but perhaps the thing I liked best was how user friendly this machine is. I consider myself leader of the pack - of dinosaurs, when it comes to technology; this machine is a dream to use. We had 2 days to try out all the features and work on a neat project Bernina planned for us.
The opening ceremonies on Wednesday evening included a "Show and Tell" of our most interesting project this past year. This amazing piece by Pat Holly is a miniature piece; the details and workmanship are mind-boggling.

We also had our annual challenge led by our Master of Ceremonies, Head Judge, Taker of Bribes and Maker of Silly Rules - Bobbie Aug. This year we were to embellish a denim shirt. It was to take no more than an hour to do and under $10 for embellishments. The catagories were outrageous. Jane Sassaman's shirt made it into the "Anal Ironing" catagory. I can't believe this only took an hour, it was gorgeous.

One night after after sewing all day, we got very silly with some "nerf balls" and mini marshmallows left over from one of the denim shirts (I won't even go there). We decided we needed boob enhancements. My good pal Mary Stori was first in line. I am hesitant to show this blog to my husband, he thinks we work very hard at these events (which we do, but we also have BIG fun), I don't want to lose my "credibility".

Even one of our Bernina Educators who shall remain nameless got into the spirit of the evening. Jeanne, you're a good sport - oops.

We worked hard and played hard; it was a wonderful 3 days. We learned so much, reconnected with friends and made many wonderful memories.Thank you Bernina! I'm pooped, Goodnight1