Hoover's Bernina Spring Fling at the Rusty Rail Brewery in Mifflinburg was an absolute triumph! The sheer amount of effort and meticulous planning that went into this 3-day event was evident in its flawless execution. This is, without a doubt, a highlight of the year for any sewing and quilting enthusiast, and I'm already eagerly anticipating next year's gathering.
If you've ever considered attending, or if you're curious about the world of Bernina machines, I cannot recommend this event highly enough. We were divided into five groups and rotated through five incredible classes, each offering hands-on experience with the latest Bernina machines and a wealth of invaluable tips and tricks. While we might not own every machine showcased, the knowledge gained is universally applicable to our beloved crafts. The event was thoughtfully structured, with two classes on the first two days and a final class on the third, interspersed with generous breaks and delectable lunches provided by the Rusty Rail.
Let me recap the highlights of each class:
Day 1: Mastering Presser Feet & the Art of Pin Tucks with Sylvain Bergeron
Our journey began with Sylvain Bergeron, whose expertise and infectious humor made the presser feet class fly by. Working with the Bernina B 570 and B 790 models, I, as a 570 owner, was thrilled to deepen my understanding of my machine. Sylvain demystified the art of pin tucks, a technique I'd dabbled in but never truly mastered. We explored various presser feet, the use of twin needles, and creative applications for pin tucks. The provided materials were top-notch, and I was thrilled with my newfound pin tuck skills!
Day 1 (Continued): Quilting in the Hoop with the Revolutionary B 990 & Connie Fanders
The afternoon was dedicated to quilting in the hoop with Connie Fanders and the groundbreaking Bernina B 990. This machine is a true marvel! The laser and scanner features are nothing short of revolutionary. Imagine scanning your hoop, seeing a digital representation on the screen, and precisely placing and adjusting your design, even skewing it for perfect alignment. It felt like stepping into the future of sewing.
Day 2: Overlocking Innovations with Pam Mahshie & the L 890
We kicked off day two in the Overlocker room with the knowledgeable Pam Mahshie. As a long-time L 450 user, I was eager to explore the latest advancements, especially the L 890. We delved into rolled hems, the incredible double-fold binding attachment, ruffle techniques, and even got hands on experience with the Laurastar Irons. These irons are truly remarkable. And the best part? I walked away with my own L 890!
Day 2 (Continued): Long Arm Quilting with Amanda Murphy & the Q Series
The second class of the day was dedicated to long arm quilting with the incredible Amanda Murphy. We worked with the Q 16 and Q 20 models, and despite my limited quilting experience, I learned so much. We explored long arm rulers, needle and thread selection, and the surprising versatility of jean needles in quilting. The fact that the Q 16 and Q 20 use domestic needles is incredibly practical.
Day 3: OESD & DIME Insights with Ashley Jones
On the final day, Ashley Jones led an informative OESD and DIME class. We explored their incredible software, threads, hoops, stabilizers, and more. While this was primarily an instructional session, the wealth of knowledge shared was invaluable. My favorite takeaway was the in-depth discussion on stabilizers, with solutions for every imaginable challenge. Time-saving solutions are always a win!
Between classes, we had the opportunity to shop, with incredible deals on tools, gadgets, and machines. It was heartwarming to see the "sold" stickers accumulating on the machines throughout the event. We were thrilled for the door prize winners, the grand prize winner of the B 590, and everyone who invested in new machines. This community is truly built on passion and camaraderie.
A heartfelt thank you to Leon and the entire Hoover's Bernina team for organizing such an exceptional event. We're already counting down the days until next year!