Can you believe it!! It is FEBURARY already.  We continue to get this place ready to move and find "this and that"
We found 2 boxes of 88 cent fat quarters!! - You will have to ask for them, but I assure you they are nice.

IN ADDITION - for those SARA VEDELER fans, I also found a few of the JEWELS IN CHOCOLATE Design CD's - we'll mark down to 29.99 - reg.  48.00.  I only have a few, so give me  a call, and Ill put aside.

thats all for now -

MOVING UPDATE

WHEW...Steve Guy is in the new space!!  He is not totally orgainzed, BUT as you can see he is getting there.  Machines are being completed and he is actually getting some of the really tough repairs done!!

For those of you who have not met CHRISTY, she is our new Tech Services Coordinator - her job?  to keep Steve focused on getting your machines in and out in a timely manner AND keeping him organized.  She has been working hard at getting the parts inventory in system and just generally keeping Steve on track.

The little "kitchenette" is complete and in fact Steve hooked up the dishwasher today.

My (Susan) office is being moved this week - the electric is hooked up and I will hook up the new computer system somettime this week. The sign guy is coming this week to discuss the outside signage .  Slowly, but surely we are getting everything in order to move as soon as we can. 

Ill leave you with a  picture of the new Tech shop.

Sew much going on!!

Hello Everyone!

We have so much going on in the shop (and if you have been by lately you know what I am talking aboutJ)!  Steve and Susan have been busy moving the tech shop and starting to prep the new store. As we are cleaning out the store, we have uncovered some great items and they now have a great price on them (including a previously loved machine). We are all so excited about the move we can hardly stand it!

In addition to the moving chaos, we have received some amazing new product!

New Arrivals from Indygo Junction:

 

Sew Red Satchel & Serged Satchel: This flirty feminine purse features ruffles galore with serged edges highlighted using variegated or contrasting thread. The ruffles can be made using jelly rolls or 2 1/2” strips of your favorite fabrics. There are two handle attachment options included; one handle is attached directly to the purse, while the other handle is connected with rings. An inside pocket completes the purse,

Grids & Grommets: The Grids & Grommets Bag is a versatile style offered in two styles. Make the large version as a tote or the smaller bag as an attractive purse. It incorporates grommets for closing and an easy technique to create a comfortable handle. Construct it from a plain fabric using an interesting quilting pattern or piece the bag incorporating your favorite jelly roll fabric (2 1/2" wide strips) coordinates. Double the straps over your shoulder or convert it to a single strap across your body for security and convenience. Pattern includes large and small purse in both a quilted and jelly roll variations.

New Books:

Transparency Quilts:

See colors in a new way

• Master the illusion of transparency with ten quilt projects, each with instructions for three sizes - wall, lap, and bed
• Design experts Ringle and Kerr show you how to select fabrics for striking, modern results
• These quilts have sophisticated style with a soft, graphic look to update any home décor

In this follow-up to Quilts Made Modern, you'll learn how to use traditional piecing techniques to create quilts with layered translucent effects. By distinguishing and balancing the subtleties of color in your fabrics, you can achieve remarkable results. Discover how the visual relationships between different colors make all the difference in your quilts.

Scrap Basket Surprises

Get scrap happy with 18 projects designed for 2 1/2" strips! You can cut strips from your stash or use convenient precut Jelly Rolls. The projects feature easy triangle-free piecing in a variety of fabrics, from batiks and reproduction prints to florals and folk-art designs.

• Contains projects for quilters of all skill levels, including beginners
• Inspires creativity with a wide variety of designs
• Covers all the basics, from choosing fabrics to sorting strips to cutting and piecing

One Yard Wonders

Look at all you can make with just one yard of fabric! 101 fun and stylish sewing projects range from clothes and accessories to toys, home decor, baby items, pet beds, bags, and much more. All projects require no more than a single yard of fabric, and most can be completed in just a few hours. Simple step-by-step instructions, plus templates and pattern pieces where needed, make it easy to create something wonderful!

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!!