Friday 9th May, 2025
… AND THAT’S A WRAP! …
What a big Challenge that was for me! This week sees the end of my BERNINA Big Book of Feet Challenge that I set myself way back in February of 2024. If you’ve only joined in recently, it’s been a lot of stitching, chatting and general Bernina fun. This is the photo I posted on the first blog showing my collection of feet (no big accessories) and each one of these feet has been played with over the course of the blog.
I now have four large boxes containing all the samples stitched/created, each foot/feet type having its own little box inside. Currently they are all in the back of my car awaiting the big ‘reveal’ at a Bernina Club Meeting here in Townsville in a couple of Saturday’s time. But first, there are still notes for me to write up for some classes, and friends to reconnect with before then. Here’s my ‘office setup’ today.
It’s been a huge week, since my last post, as I’ve driven from Brisbane through to Townsville, some 1385 kilometres from where I live. I did stop into Yeppoon for a few days of visiting family, however windy and wet days meant no walks on the beach! But … chips and drinks with a view, game of checkers and some lovely, quiet time handsewing made for a relaxing break. Finished my little project (except for some little pearls around the top edge) and found Mum had a matching set of doilies to what I’d used! A matching needlecase and pincushion was suggested by my very talented friend Nicki Haron, who taught me how to make the little basket.
Arrived into Townsville on Tuesday evening, after a long 10 hours in the car – did do a couple little side visits on my way – the beauty of a road trip! It was fabulous to finally unpack, and wake up to a bright SUNNY day! I’m staying with my brother Trevor and sister-in-law Deidre at present, and apart from already spending many hours chatting, one of the delights always is seeing what Trev is building in his shed. We are a family of ‘makers’, and Trev builds wooden boats. In fact, he is working on his ‘last one’ he says – number six I believe. Here’s a sneak preview of some parts of it – and as always, the first thing I had to do was run my hands along the timber edge! Trev makes all the stainless steel parts himself as well – he is a Sheet Metalworker by trade. Truly gifted in many areas!
Now onto this last short post, as the Challenge comes to a close.
… Safety First …
Finger Guard #99
This is a tried and tested safety device which you can add to almost every Bernina foot, and is ideal for use when teaching children and beginners.
It protects fingers from needle injury and therefore creates confidence whilst sewing. Here’s what I wrote before about this Guard way back in the Foot #0/#1 post from February 2024.
I add the Finger Guard (#99) to Foot #1 when my Grandchildren sew on my sweet little Simply Red 215, or the B435* (they love this one the most – it’s like extra ‘screen time’ for them haha). It can be added to a variety of feet of course, utilising the set screw and hole at the back of the foot. Best on 5.5mm feet, but will work on some 9mm feet.
*Of course, since then I had added my B335 to the Studio so it will be a well sought after machine by the Grandchildren! Screen is the same as the B435!
Options available for the guard – It’s available in one version suitable for all models.
No samples were required.
… A Little Reminder …
Bernina’s Foot of the Month May 2025 *
is the Echo Quilting and CutWork Foot #44C, great for echo-/shadow quilting, free-motion quilting, thread painting and free-motion embroidery with zigzag. Also for use together with the CutWork Tool.
Get a 20% discount at your preferred BERNINA dealer during the whole month!
*Australia and New Zealand Promotion Only – ends … 1st June 2025 …
Simply Joyful Mother’s Day Sale!
Visit your preferred Bernina Store until the 18th May to discover the wonderful range of machines and accessories on sale … and there’s 20% OFF BERNINA & bernette Accessories* … just 9 more days to order that other Binder for my ‘accessory stash’ this month – 20% off is fabulous when you purchase these larger accessories.
*Excludes all other brands, luggage bags, needles, bobbins, bobbin cases and spare parts. While stocks last.
… What’s Next? …
As I have mentioned before there are eight Big Books published by Bernina, and all of them are truly fabulous resources for all Bernina machine owners.
Here again is my collection of the publications available (the only one I don’t have is the Big Book of Longarm Quilting) … my favourite is of course the Big Book of Feet, however, all the others are often referred to during my days up in the Studio (or out and about teaching), whether I am sewing for myself, designing new classes or projects. Inspiration abounds within the pages!
As well as sewing machines, overlock/coverstitch machines figure largely in my days spent in the Studio. Of course, many feet and accessories are available for these machines as well, and although there is no Big Book of Serging/Overlocking Feet, both the Big Book of Serging and the Big Book of Serger Quilting cover these wonderful accessories.
Which brings me to … what’s next …?
For me it will be a break from weekly blogging as there are lots of things happening in for me in the next few months, including busy family times, and a couple more road trips. Then, next year I’ll delve into the wonderful world of Overlock/Coverstitch Speciality Feet and Accessories in another series of blog posts – nowhere near as big of a Challenge as the sewing machine feet. My Bernina Overlocker Accessory Case below, holds ALL those feet and accessories!
I’ll be still busy sharing what’s happening here in the Studio, however maybe a monthly/bi-monthly catchup at the most.
So keep an eye out on Social Media, and I’ll let you know when there’s more to chat about from here in my happy place … The Sewing Gypsy Studio.
Thank you all so much for following along, sending me encouraging messages, suggestions for topics to cover, and comments on my Instagram and Facebook pages – I appreciated every single one!
