We are MOVING!!!!

wooooo hooo - THE DEAL IS INKED - AND WE ARE MOVING!!!

Some of you knew we were looking for new space in Richmond, and we have found it!  We were waiting for the keys prior to sending info - but WE HAVE THEM and now can let all the details out:

WHEN- you ask; well since our lease here in MERCHANTS WALK isn't up until JULY, we are going to do this gradual and right.  We HOPE to GRAND OPEN IN THE NEW LOCATION around APRIL/MAY.

We are moving the TECH shop and all the offices and back rooms/classrooms first and that should be complete by end of FEB.  At that time, we will make the final determination about when we will officially be in the new space.

WHERE:  3991 DEEP ROCK ROAD - the space was originally MEMORIES GALORE (Scrapbook Store) and is located in the same centre as Thomasville Furniture and Capel Rugs.  We have approximately 700 more square feet and the layout is OH so much better.

SALES - you ask - Oh yea, we have already begun - the 5.88 FABRIC SALE - 4.99 if you finish the bolt.  Alot of still current merch and some batiks -   We have books beginning at $5.00 - some embroidery designs at $10.00 and as we continue to roll thru we will add more and more.  It is the STOCK UP SALE of the season - so don't wait. OOOH and if you are a SCRAPBOOKER - check out some of the really cheep stuff we will have beginning next week.

IN OTHER NEWS:

New for 2012 - SOFT WARE ADVENTURES with Jane.  We are testing a new program for SOFTWARE.  this is an advanced software group that will meet once a month. - The 3rd Thursday from 11-1pm. First class is Jan 19th.   To join this group you must have gone thru software guide class with us.  Please call store for additional details.  Only 10 people in this group and we have a few spaces left.

Also new for 2012 - a TWIST on embroidery club and the ALL ABOUT ME PROGRAM.  We will continue to do the live presentation on the first Thursday evening with Sharon, BUT BUT really cool, we will have a do-over and a sit and sew on the SUNDAY following the Thursday.  Our first AAME will be Jan. 5^th!  Call to sign up.  CDs will be $10.00

We will leave you with some pictures of new space -

Hello sewing friends!!

We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and now it’s that time of the year…CHRISTMAS!!

Many of you have already started your Christmas sewing but for those of you who are looking for some quick projects I will be posting a new one from BERNINA of America each week on the blog and on our Facebook page.

This week…”Holiday Table Setting” Click HERE to print the pattern…for FREE!!

Don’t forget about Open Sew Fridays!! This is your chance to sew and create in a quiet comfortable environment and get some of those holiday projects completed!! Open Sew is held each Friday from 10am – 3:30pm, make sure call the store if you are planning to come-in for the day. 804-755-4499 or drop us an email at info@bluecrabquiltco.com

BERNINA of America announced a few months ago it has designed a Punch Tool to work on the 9mm machines (640,730,450, & 830) well it is FINALLY available!!  Stop in the store or give them a call to get your order placed!!

COUPON….COUPON….COUPON!!!!

Everyone has a NEED for a new BERNINA accessory! So here is your chance to get yourself or get a loved one to get a Christmas present for you…and save a little money on something you are already looking at.

Click HERE to print out your coupon to save 25% off any BERNINA accessory up to $200.00.

Don’t forget next Monday is POWER SERGE with Rae and Yes I WILL be there J We will be constructing Pillowcase for the Pillowcase Challenge. I would love the opportunity to see many of my BERNINA Family that I truly have missed these past few months.

Some other important news…

The new issue of Designs in Machine Embroidery magazine has arrived and the latest issue of Quilts and More. These magazines are HOT and we have a limited supply so hurry in to get your copy.

I am working on a new class book to keep everyone up-to-date on all the great classes and national teacher coming in 2012. Hopefully will have ready for the store and for you to print from the website tomorrow but in the mean time take a peek at the calendar online for class descriptions and you can also save some time and sign up online!!

11/21/2011

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!!!

While we know many of you are heading to the grocery store, getting ready for family visits or heading out of town I still wanted to report some VERY exciting news!!!

We are once again having our Black Friday Early Bird Sale with some SPECTACULAR SAVINGS!!!

Unfortunately I will not be able to be there this year… I have some Harley Davidson merchandise to sell, but I am sending three of my children to work in my place J

Austin will hold down the fort being the greeter and watching the Krispy Crème Donuts (well eating all the donuts), Sabrina and Jessica will be cutting fabric, running register and doing whatever else grandma says J

Super Early Bird Deal

6am-8am

35% off

All in-stock merchandise*!

Not quite so Early Bird Deal

8:01am-10am

30% off All in-stock merchandise*!

Late Sleeper Bird Deal

10:01am-4pm

25% off All in-stock merchandise*!

*excludes 8series machines & Horn Cabinets

*item must be in-stock and discount cannot be combined with any other offer

*excludes clearance items, classes and service

See store for complete details.

We also would like for EVERYONE to participate this Saturday in the Shop Small Business Saturday November 26^th.  Help ALL of our small local businesses in the Richmond area by participating in this event! Here at BERNINA of Richmond and the BERNINA Sewing Center in White Stone we will be participating by making this event a little more enticing. There is a 25% off coupon that has been delivered to your email and many other in-store specials Saturday ONLY!! If you are not on our email list you can join by going to our website or clicking HERE.

One more announcement I think will make many of you VERY happy…

Starting in January 19, 2012 Jane will be returning to the store for a specialty class on V6 Embroidery Software.

Software Adventures is an advanced software class and will meet every month on the third Thursday from 11am – 1pm.  There are a few requirments that need to be met before you can sign up for this class:

      1.    You have to have BERNINA v6 Embroidery Software

2.    You must have purchased your software from one of our two locations

3.    You must have already taken the Embroidery Software Guide classes

This is an advanced class and moves at a faster pace so it is very important that you have completed your introductory guide classes and understand the fundamentals of the BERNINA Embroidery v6 software.

During this class you will be working from the v6 workbook which you can purchase on www.crerativesewing.com . This is NOT the free workbook on our website…ITS SOOOO MUCH BETTER!!!

There are only 10 spots available for the first session and the session is a once a month for six month commitment. PLEASE make sure to call Susan or Stacey for all the details as sign up NOW!!!

That’s all I have for now….Hope everyone has a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving Weekend!!

PS… Susan’s Birthday is November 27^th… it’s a Sunday but I would greatly appreciate if on Saturday or Monday everyone would come in or call to wish her a VERY Happy ( I’m not telling her age!!) Birthday!!

11/17/2011

Hello Sewing friends!!!

We have some BIG…BIG news!!!

We are now part of the Virginia Longarm Network and have just received our first baby demo machine. She is an 18” hand guided longarm machine. Valerie and her crew will be in our store tomorrow to give the staff all the tech support they need to give you more options with your quilting!!

Stop by any time for a test drive!!!

For all of you that have taken a quilt class with Venitta over the past three years you are invited to join her for a show-n-tell on December 3. This is YOUR opportunity to ask any questions you may have to finish up you quilts and to show off what you have already done. There is no charge and we would LOVE for all of you to stop by anytime between 9:30am and 12pm. Please make sure you give us a call so we know how many will be attending.

Venitta will be back in Richmond on January 7, 2012 for a fabulous class you won’t want to miss:

This is the Technique Class to learn/practice multi-hooping –concentrating on ACCURATE PLACMENT using several hooping techniques including hooping fabric with stabilizer, with stabilizer in the hoop, with a thumb tack board, with the Master Hooper™, with registration marks and directional hooping. This project can be finished as a pillow, wall hanging, or table topper. Finishing techniques will be demonstrated including using a variety of threads, decorative stitches on your machine, and quilting in the hoop.
With this quick and easy set of 6 designs you will learn ALL the hooping skills you need for any size projects (embroidered quilts, jacket backs, linens, embroidered scenes, etc.)

Click HERE for additional details

We have a new BERNINA resource teacher who will be making rounds at both locations. Her name is Elaine Cibelli and we are very excited to have her teaching for all of you. Her first class will be in White Stone:

The Cutting Edge: Put down the scissors and rotary cutter, open the innovative BERNINA Cutwork Software to create cuts for appliqué, quilt pieces, scrapbook motifs, party favors,  home décor items, embroidery designs, button covers, yo-yos or vintage cutwork designs.  The cutting accessory can cut layers of fabric, wood, vinyl or leather, tin, puffy foam.  Can be used on the BERNINA Deco 340; Aurora 430, 435, 440;  Artista 180, 185, 200 (updated), 630, 635, 640, 730, 450; and Bernina 830. Join us for a hands-on software class to learn the basics of the Cutwork Software. If you do not already have the Cutwork Tool make sure to let us know and we will arrange to have one so you can try before you buy.

Click HERE for additional details

We will be having another POWER SERGE! On December 5^th to make Pillowcases!!! Rae will be coming from White Stone and YES I WILL be there from 10-2 to help everyone out and I would LOVE to see everyone. Make sure to call Stacey if you plan to attend and to get all the specifics.

Some note worthy new arrivals…

McKenna Ryan – Something Fishy

Hoffman Fabrics…

Fanciful Flight

 Café Milan

And last but not least…

CLEARENCE FABRIC $1.99 - $4.99!!! Yep you read that right it starts at $1.99 A YARD!!! *Minimum 1 yard cut on all clearance fabric.

I think that will do it for now please make sure to add us on Facebook to get EXCLUSIVE offers and see more of What’s News at The Blue Crab Quilt Co. aka BERNINA of Richmond!!

WELCOME BACK!!!
Yes we are very excited to be back in the Blog world with the “You SEW Crazy” blog updates. It’s been awhile, I have been re-adjusting to the world of Harley Davidson. Now that I am settled into the new job I can get back to the fun, fun world of sewing.

First let me say I miss all of you!!! Updating the blog is my way of letting all of you know what is happening not only in the shop but also with my new adventure. Please feel free to post comments on the blog or post pictures and comments on the Bernina Richmond Facebook page. I would love to see what all of you have been up and see what great projects everyone has been working on.

I know this may seem strange but I actually am working on a quilt!! YES you heard correct I am making ANOTHER quilt. I will post some pictures of my progress. It has been slow going and hard to focus sometimes while at home. BERNINA of Richmond actually has a nice cure for that…. Open Sew Fridays. There is no program or agenda, you bring in anything you want to work on or just come in and hang out. The classroom is open from 10 – 3:30 every Friday and this is a wonderful opportunity to get out of the house and get your creative juices flowing.  For all of you who don’t want to bring in your machine but just work on your computer creating fabulous embroidery designs we also have wireless internet access.

Both the Richmond and White Stone stores have lots of new and exciting things going on! First let’s start with classes…classes…classes…

For 2012 the focus of both locations is to continue to educate all of our customers on not only their BERNINA sewing machine but also on other products you may have purchased and the latest and greatest in sewing, quilting, and embroidery techniques. Take a peek at the calendar, I know Stacey has been doing double duty keeping up with the website and she will have the White Stone classes posted on the calendar shortly. Please make sure to call either store if you have any questions. Click HERE to see what’s happening the rest of this year and in 2012.

Some note worthy new arrivals…

BATIKS!!! Yes… New Hoffman and Timeless Treasure batiks have arrived and as always they are AWESOME!! A must see for all you batik lovers.

Magnolia a new Stonehenge collection has also arrived. You won’t believe this one. It is beautiful! Make sure to stop in to get your yardage soon… this one won’t last long.

Due to popular demand BERNINA of Richmond is now an authorized Anita Goodesigns dealer. These design collections are second to none! Many of you are familiar with the design collection and for those who are not you must stop in and see the latest.

The 10 degree and the mini 10 degree rulers have finally arrived and the Chrysthanmums embroidery design collection has just hit the door.



I think thats all for now....keep in tpuch and HAPPY SEWING!!!

5/24/2011

Hello Sewing Friends!!!

Memorial Day...both of our locations will be closed on Monday May 30th in observation of Memorial Day.


I first want to make a correction to the email that mom sent out last night. She and the Northern Neck team have been working very hard at getting the store moved as quickly and efficiently as possible so it was 2 AM when she was attempting to update everyone on the progress of the move to White Stone. 1st the store will be open for business on Thursday May 26th at 10am. She had the day correct just the date wrong :-) 2nd there was an error in the correct spelling of White Stone...it is two words and she put it as one. We are very sorry for this error and hope no one was offended, but she was VERY tired :-)


Next week I will have lots of pictures of the newly moved store at the wonderful new location and would like to invite EVERYONE from the Richmond and the Northern Neck area to join us on June 11th for the Grand Opening Celebration!!  I will be there along with Steve, Susan, and hopefully Jane will be with us as well (I really am missing Jane!).


Make sure to take a look at out calendar, we have some new creative classes as well as new guide classes. If you have not yet attending guide class on your new sewing/embroidery machine or your software make sure to give us a call or send us an email at info@bluecrabquiltco.com so you don't miss out on this next round.


I am teaching a fun class using the Kwik Sew pattern #3856 - a very cute summer dress perfect for ALL body types. I have already made three and I am currently working to make four more...one for each of my girls and yes one for mother, I hope she likes it! Click HERE for the dates and times of this class and it is a GREAT beginning sewing class and for those of you who have but don't use; dust off those sergers! This is a PERFECT way to get re-familiar with your serger. Class is being offered in Richmond and White Stone.

Two of my favorite magazines have come in this week...


Designs in Machine Embroidery with " One-of-a-kind Wedding Accessories" and "The Perfect Solution to cover sewing/cutting errors using applique".

Sewstylish - Summer Edition - "Make the Ultimate Summer Wardrobe" with a really fabulous 15- minute Sarong (I will HAVE to make that!).

Shhh... I have just received two boxes from Clothworks and you will never guess what it is.....

Holiday Celebrations by Laurel Burch!!! I don't have it in the system yet but will try to have it ready and on the floor in the next day or so. Mom doesn't know its here and I am going to try and keep it in Richmond until the 11th of June so make sure to stop in soon to get your pieces before mom takes it for the White Stone Grand Opening :-)

Here is a peak at a few of the pieces

 

Well that's all for now...Hope everyone has a nice and relaxing Memorial Day Weekend...I will be off for four days relaxing in my beach!!

Happy Sewing and Creating!!



Hello Sewing Friends!!

Did you miss it? The Jenny Haskins Event?...well don't worry, many of you did not have an opportunity to come to the event last week so we have added TWO more dates!!
August 12th and August 13th! Don't wait to sign up you won't want to miss this opportunity to get inspired with all the great embroidery options, techniques, and tips. Take a look at some of the projects that were show at our most recent event...

New arrivals...
Stonehenge Skins have just arrived and just to show you all the great things you can do with this fabric our Northcott rep. will be here June 10th for our Be a Buyer for the Day program with some of her samples. Click HERE for all the details on the event.

Northcott Skins...Here are just a few pieces we have received

Classes...Classes...Classes...

I have finally gotten some NEW classes schedule that you have all been asking for in both of our stores. The class calendar on our website will be updated shortly but here is a sneak peak of what is coming soon...




It's Time for summer and there is nothing better than to have a great summer dress that you made just for YOU!!! The best part is this dress works great on ALL body types!!
With two lengths available this dress is perfect as a bathing suite cover, on the beach or on the boat. Make it long for a cool evening dinner dress.White Stone Location: June 15th 10am
Richmond: July 15th
Class fee $25.00

Richmond: Island Breeze Day
June 25th
No Class Fee No teacher NO RULES!!! Just you, your friends, and some real fun machine applique in the hoop!
Lunch Box Quilts has created this fun design cd with a quilt project and a table runner using these fun designs. We also have a Take Five Quilt kit that would look GREAT with these designs stitched on the blocks.

Richmond: Embroidered Pashmina
Using some of your embroidery design you will transform a plain pashmina into a beautiful custom conversation piece. A must have for your wardrobe. Class #1 you will be creating your design in your embroidery software customized to your liking and in class #2 you will be stabilizing and stitching your pashmina.

4/26/2011

Hello Sewing Friends!!!

We have some very exciting news to report this week so make sure you read all the way to the end so you don’t miss anything!!

First lets get the bad news out of the way…

As many of you already know the US Dollar has continued to dwindle in the world market and the weakness of the US $ vs. the Swiss Franc has forced BERNINA to increase prices on the entire line of sewing/embroidery machines but…

There is still time to get today’s prices on the machine of your dreams!!! The price increase is effective May 1^st so as long as you order you machine by this Saturday April 30th(wink…wink) you will get today’s prices!!!

Now on to some more fun stuff…

Our FORTH ANNUAL EARLY BIRD MOTHER’S DAY SALE is this Saturday April 30^th in Richmond and in Irvington!!!

From 6am – 8am all in-stock merchandise is 30% off

From 8:01 – 10am all in-stock merchandise is 25% off

And from 10:01 until closing at 4pm all in-stock merchandise will be 20%off

There are a few exclusions like the 8series machine and we cannot combine this offer with any other offer, so make sure to contact the store for all the important details.

As always we will have donuts and coffee along with a very handsome 13-year-old bellhop to help you get all your goodies to your car!!

We are also starting our Horn bulk order on April 30^th.

Order your Horn Sewing cabinet from April 30^th – May 14^th and receive 25% off.

The order will be places on Monday May 16^th, cabinets must be paid in full before May 14^th and this sale is for cabinets only, cutting mats, tables inserts, small caddies, and thread trays are not included.

We are VERY excited to announce that our Northern Neck/Irvington store is moving to a NEW location.

During the first week of June Rae will be packing up and moving all of the merchandise to the new location in White Stone across from the River Market and the White Stone Post Office. After the move Rae will be open Tuesday – Saturday!!

DON’T FORGET about the 2^nd annual Northern Neck Shop Hop the Blue Crab Crawl!!

May 13^th – May 15^th grab your friends and take a road trip and discover the wonders of the Northern Neck Quilt Shops!!

4/19/2011

Hello Sewing Friends!!

We would like everyone to give a warm BERNINA of Richmond welcome to our newest family member!! Ally is a VCU student and has just started working with us in Richmond. Ally will be here this Saturday April 23rd, and we would love for everyone to stop in and welcome her to the family!

We are busy getting ready for our Jenny Haskin's Event that is just a few weeks away. For all of you that were not able to join us we are putting together another event end of July or early August. If you interested in attend the next session please give us a call or send us an email at info@bluecrabquiltco.com to ensure you get on the list.


Have you been looking to upgrade your current machine or purchase that BERNINA Embroidery Software you have been looking at? For a limited time you will receive a FREE Bernette 46 machine when you open a NEW BERNINA credit card account and make a first time purchase of $1000.00 or more!  Hurry in for more details!

We are still in our Spring Cleaning Event but you only have 2 more weeks to enjoy some wonderful savings!!

• Select Fabric 20 % - 40% off
• Select patterns and books 30% - 40% off
• Pre-cut fat quarters $1.75 or buy 10 or more for $1.50 each *
• All clearence fabric - finish the bolt at $4.50 yard
• Go! Cutter and Dies on Sale

*Excludes Batik and Stonehenge fat quarters
Green Club Members you can still double dip until April 23rd!!

Whats New...

Hoffman prints...Very excited about these pieces and I am making Hawaiian shirts for all of us to wear!

The new issue of Better Homes and Gardens - Quilts & More Magazine has arrived with 26 Quick Projects!

4/11/2011

Hello Sewing friends and WELCOME to our NEW blog!!

We have been making lots of great new changes to our website and how we will be emailing all of you…If you haven’t had an opportunity yet make sure to check out the new website at www.bluecrabquiltco.com

 

The blog is where you will find all the latest and greatest news at BERNINA of Richmond and the BERNINA Sewing Center in Irvington.

Class updates:

Our Jenny Haskins event in Richmond is now FULL!! We are very excited about this event and regret that we are not able to accommodate everyone for this event but is we receive enough people on the waiting list we will be sure to schedule another session so that everyone interested will have the opportunity to join in on all the fabulous embroidery tips & tricks from a Jenny Haskins certified educator.

Be a Buyer for a Day:

Our Northcott Rep will be in the Richmond store to show everyone some of the great quilts made using the Stonehenge line of fabric and much more. Shirley will also have some NEW fabric lines and YOU get to help us pick some pieces that we will be bringing into the store. Be the FIRST customers to see some GREAT new fabric lines!

Date: June 10^th at 10am. and we will be serving light refreshments. Fee $20.00

The shops in the Northern Neck are gearing up for their 2^nd annual Shop Hop the Blue Crab Crawl! Get together with your sewing friends May 13 – May 15 and visits the best quilt and craft shops the Northern Neck has to offer. You can pick up a brochure at BERNINA of Richmond or The BERNINA Sewing Center in Irvington

More classes in Irvington you won’t want to miss…

Stack-n-Whack is an easy way to create quilt blocks with unique kaleidoscope designs. These designs require a set of identical pieces cut from a print fabric. Rather than finding and cutting each piece individually, a quilter can cut and layer a number of large, identical print rectangles to make a stack.

Irvington Location
April 16th & 30th
10am-3pm

What is Threadpainting?  

Threadpainting is a method for creating original embroidery by machine.  The feed teeth on the sewing machine are dropped or covered so that the fabric under the
machine's needle can be moved in any direction to create lines, areas of
color, and texture by stitches.  All design is created when the stitcher
moves the fabric under the needle.  When a design is drawn onto the
fabric and the fabric is placed in a hoop with stabilizer, then there is more
control over the finished work. (Courtesy of threadpaint.com)

May 21st & 28th
10am-3pm
Irvington Location

Check out the full calendar by clicking HERE

Don’t forget we are still in our April Spring Cleaning sale with over 150 bolts of fabric marked at 20% - 40% off the regular retail price, Pre-Cut Fat Quarters $1.75 or buy 10 or more and get them  at $1.50 (excludes Batiks and Stonehenge fat quarters). Lots of books, Patterns, and magazines slashed at 40% off and more!

New arrivals…

We have had quite a bit come in since our last update…

In Richmond:

Timeless Treasures Batiks and widebacks 

Tonga Treats  

Timeless Treasures: Perch

  

New to us… Art Gallery fabric and Patterns by Pat Bravo

We ordered and received a few pieces of the Bazaar Style and Coquette line

This is Audra style fabric and is great for all of your projects even us garment sewers!! 100% cotton with a soft unique feel. Make sure to stop in and check it out and make sure to let us know what you think!! -

Marcus Brothers Gallery in Red II 

P&B Tribute by Pat Sloan 

 

P&B Gems of the Sea 

Irvington:

Timeless Treasures Tonga Treats

Marcus Brothers select pieces from - Journey through Time