Wow! I’m amazed at what Internet technology allows us to do! Did you know that Bernina offers webinars on their website teaching you about different techniques on embroidery software, different models of machines and lots of different projects?!?!?! Do you know that that means? You can sit at home, in front of your computer and learn new stuff that your software or machine can do!! Yay!!! In fact, right now, I’m listening/watching a embroidery software lesson on applique–it’s great!

Now, the software and machine classes are showing you techniques and features on Bernina machines, but many of the same functions are very similar to other machines, so even if you don’t own a Bernina, you can still gain from watching these webinars. You can see the list of webinars being offered at berninausa.com and you’ll receive the latest news if you’re signed up for Bernina’s newsletter list. One of the even greater things is that these webinars are usually scheduled for one day, but at several times that day. AND they are live! Which means as you are watching and a question pops in your mind?? Simply use the email link in the webinar window and ask your question! How great is that?!

But sometime those times don’t always match our schedules or you’ve registered and it’s totally slipped your mind until 50 minutes already into the webinar! So, guess what?! Those webinars are archived for two weeks to two months on Bernina’s website so you can watch them later at a time that works better for you!

And the even better thing about these webinars? I can watch those while I’m doing something else! Ummm, hmmm….if you’re a multi-tasker (and let’s face it, who isn’t?), it’s a perfect solution for squeezing one more thing you want to do into a day!

Isn’t the online world great?!

New Diamond Layout – The new diamond layout is neat, although I’m not sure how much I would use it. Since I’m not a traditional quilter, but prefer to work with larger pieces and incorporate embroidery, I have used the square and on point layouts quite a bit. One item to note: A diamond and square on point look like the same shape, but nope, they aren’t! A diamond is a skewed square where a square on point is actually a square that has been turned 45 degrees, making it much simpler and easier to add pieces around it.

Block Editor – You can draw and create your own custom blocks to import into your block library. Cool feature! What can I see doing with this?? Paper piecing! I don’t do a lot of paper piecing but have done a little and created a couple paper pieced blocks for an embroidered project I taught. So I can definitely see using the block editor to create paper pieced blocks specifically designed with an open area for embroidery. Yep, I can see that.

One thing I do like to do is use the quilter program to bring in a design and place it in a border and resize the design so it will fit in the space I want it to. There are other ways to do this on the embroidery screen of the software, but if I do it on an actual border, it’s a bit easier to visualize and see what will and won’t work.

The basic key to Bernina’s Quilter program is that you can see it before you stitch it! If you are having trouble envisioning the fabrics together or knowing what embroidery designs to add in or where to put them, the Quilter program is a jewel to use because you can see it and play with it before you go to the work of cutting and stitching it.

This webinar will be available on Bernina’s website for about a week if you would like to watch it and they are always scheduling more webinars which are always informative! So be sure to sign up for them!

One of the next webinars I’m looking forward to is on the new CutWork Tool & Software. That will be neat to see!

Create your own cuddly critters with this cute and fun collection of baby zoo animals! Gorillas, giraffes, pandas, tigers, zebras and many more leap off your fabric with their realistic stitched designs.

The Zoo Babies embroidery collection is available on a multi-format CD. The designs of this collection are suitable for most brands of home embroidery machines. Supported formats: .art, .jef, .vip, .hus & .pes. The designs are in two sizes; the small size for .hus and .pes formats will fit the 4″ x 4″ hoops.

Plus!!!! Compliments of Sue Box, download the FREE design “Zoo Pals” here.

Don’t miss out on purchasing this cute collection of designs!! Click here!!

What can I say? I’m already addicted! I’ve just seen a little of what Bernina has packed into their new version of embroidery software and I’m just thrilled! Of course, I knew that V6 would be on my “want list” as soon as I heard that Bernina was introducing a new version of software.

With every version Bernina has released (and I’ve been using it since V2!), there are always so many creative tools that I think there just can’t be improvement on what is already so great! But there always is and Designer Plus V6 is no different – just much better! I can’t wait to get my hands on it on my own computer!!

If you want to see the new color wheel tool, the lettering that makes you think “WOW” or find out what the halo and ripple effect can do to your designs, take a peek at Bernina’s Designer Plus V6 webinar. The webinar will be on Bernina’s site until Monday, August 17th, so don’t miss out on seeing what’s up and coming!

Did you know that Bernina has a new webinar every month and YOU can join in on their seminars? Be sure to sign up for Bernina’s newsletter to be informed of the upcoming webinars.

Urban Threads has a great quick and easy potholder tutorial with details how to stitch the design, cut the pattern and bind the edges! Take a peek and let me know what you create!

Photo & tutorial copyright belongs to www.urbanthreads.com

I am teaching another Latte Quilt online class starting in September, so if you missed out on the first one, now is the time to sign up! Details for the second class in addition to registration information will be uploaded this week, so don’t miss it!

Ah, yes! Who can’t resist stitching another tote bag?!?! I have many; way too many to count in several different sizes and styles. Some I have kept and others I have given away, but there’s nothing such as fun as a new and different kind of bag!

Check out the Trim It Tote by designer, M’Liss Rae Hawley! Pick out a base fabric (perhaps one from your stash you aren’t too crazy about) and start embellishing with ribbons and trims. Have you seen all the fun and unique trims, ribbons, cording and beaded fringe that are available in hundreds of thousands and colors?! Way too many for just one bag. So get started stitching! :)

Thanks to allpeoplequilt.com and M’Liss Raw Hawley for the project instructions!

Thread nesting – it’s something that happens to everyone and can be very frustrating! Here’s a tip from OESD that will help!

I know this question is a bit different but I do need your help. I have an embroidery machine. My problem is I keep getting bird nesting. I have followed all of the instructions that I have and I have cleaned and oiled the machine. I have changed needles three times, changed thread, bobbins, and I have even unplugged everything that is close to my machine except for the computer of course. Are my embroidery files messed up? Or what else could be the problem? I can sew on the machine fine. It is only embroidery that is causing me grief. Can you help me? Thanks, Peggy

Peggy, Bird nesting is almost always a threading problem. I know that sounds way too simple. Be sure that you ALWAYS thread with the presser foot in the up position. This will allow the needle thread to position itself properly in the tension dial. When the presser foot is down, the tension dials will then exert the proper tension on each side of the thread. Also check to make sure the thread is properly inserted in all the thread guides. If you thread with the foot down there will be no tension on the thread for the first few stitches. This will send a whole lot of thread to the bottom (thread nest). After those few stitches the tension may correct itself since the thread may be pulled into the tension dials as a result of the knot of thread. Check to make sure the number on the tension dial is set to the correct number for your machine. There is a possibility that there could be something wrong with the tension dials themselves, but if that is the case, your tension would probably be off for regular stitching also.

For more embroidery tips, visit E-Tips at EmbroideryOnline.com

Jenny Haskins has joined the online video community by offering her first Jenny’s Sewing Studio video clip. Take a peek!

Looking for quilting and machine embroidery classes that may not be available in your local area? Consider taking a class online! See my class schedule for details.

Need some sewing room organization ideas or quick tips to watch? Watch my YouTube videos.

Looking to expand your embroidery design collection with some fresh new collections? Take a look at the Great Notions clearance sale on select design collections. There’s several from which to choose including winter, Christmas, quilting, gardening, baby and whimsical collections! Sale price is $49, normally prices at $129! Designs available on cards, cds and usb sticks.

Did you know that OESD releases several new design packs a month? Check out their new packs every month for fun new stuff!

This month one of the collections is titled Heirloom Ribbons and the hearts and ribbons in this pack are just so elegant! Perfect for a bridal shower gift project. Have you tried fringe designs? If not, look at Little Loopies. And Cuddly Days has fuzzy kittens and adorable puppies hard at work!