Nat'l Cupcake Day Sat Oct 24

Come and celebrate National Cupcake Day on Saturday Oct 24, from 10:30 am to 4 pm with us.

We will be set up in the Pfaff Shop Classroom as Thimbleberries Club is on the same day and they will be using the upstairs classroom. We all love cupcakes and what better excuse to eat some than this special day.

Everyone is going to make their favorite cupcakes for you to try. I am going to make "butterfly" cupcakes, something my cousin Maggie in England taught me. Hers are so much better than mine but mine are still pretty good. I wish she would pop across the pond to help with our day. She is a wonderful baker and makes wedding, anniversay and other cakes and is in hot demand. Maggi makes everything at home. It takes hours to make the tradional English Wedding Cake with special icing called Royal Icing and yes, a type of fruitcake. Not your tradional fruit cake and oh so good. I love the Royal Icing. What a great home based business.

I am not sure what everyone else is making, but if I told all that would spoil the surprise! Watching what you eat......well I am going to make a receipe I saw on Rachel Ray, by "Hungry Girl", that uses no eggs or oil. It looked good and I understand that they are good. All the taste with no guilt! Check out "Hungry Girls" blog. Lots of wonderful ideas, reducing fat and calories, with all the taste of the "real" thing.

So join us for this fun day, we will have in-store specials, and taste our cupcakes. We will also have coffee and my "famous" hot apple cider. Just in time for cooler weather, and to get ready for the holidays to come.

Taking the Stairs

Sometimes attachments to e-mails are too good to pass up. My friend Karen who is now living in Brazil sent a wonderful e-mail with this video. I am wondering if we could do this to our stairs. Oh, what fun it would be! Enjoy!

Art on Main Update

Friday night was a perfect summer evening for a stroll down Main Street. What a wonderful evening we had at our first Art on Main Event. We spent Thursday evening getting everything ready for the big evening. Once Judy's art and quilts were all hung, we realized how bare the walls were in the Pfaff Shop and Classroom. We talked Judy into leaving some of her pieces in the shop. If you were not able to come to Art on Main, you still have a chance to see some of Judy's works of art! Harry was busy taking pictures, but he focused on the art and not on everything. I guess he doesn't like "people" in his pictures! We'll have to train him for the next event! We were so excited when Judy sold one of her Art pieces! It was a wonderful sunset, and has gone to a good home! I wonder what we will do for the next Art on Main event! Mark your calendars for the second Friday of the month for Art on Main. Lots of shops are open for this event, with featured artists, and I think the Wine Shop has wine tasting.

Judy discussing the landscape quilt.

This is the Landscape "Overlook"

Judy's First Painting! It's still in the shop!

Yes, it looks like a painting but it's a fiber art quilt! We have it in the shop.

We all loved this one. Gray paint on fabrics and thread painted. There is a story to this one!

Another painting done by Judy!

A wonderful undersea art quilt.

Art on Main Street -Guest Artist - Judy Whitehead Mixed Media Artist- Friday July 10, 6-9pm

Judy Whitehead is a North Carolina based Mixed Media Artist, currently working in fiber and paint. She started sewing at the age of 7, and has not put down her needle and thread since. She is currently self-employed as a longarm quilter (Goneaway Quilting, Cleveland, NC) and spends her evenings and weekends pursuing her passion for art.
Judy’s works are based on her deep love and respect for nature, color, and mythology. As her work has evolved, she has grown into an artist who bridges both the traditional quilt world and the fiber art world. Currently Judy’s work can be seen at Southern Spirit Gallery in Salisbury, NC.

Past exhibitions of her work include:
“The Journal Quilt Project 2006 and 2007”, International Quilt Festival, Houston, TX
“Reflections of Nature”, solo show, 2009, Mitchell Community College, Statesville, NC
“The Art of Cloth”, group show, 2009, Lincoln Cultural Center, Lincolnton, NC

Pieces currently travelling:
“Connections”, The Voice That Is Great Within exhibit, Fiberarts Connection of Southern California.
“Fractured Beauty”, My World in Black and White exhibit, Fiberarts Connection of Southern California.

Judy’s quilts and longarm quilting have been published in:
“Creative Quilting: The Journal Quilt Project”, Quilting Arts LLC
“Fast Flying Geese”, Karin Hellaby, Quilters Haven Publications“My World in Black and White”, Fiberarts Connection of Southern California

Quilts of Valor Sew-In Friday July 3, 2009

Pat had a great time leading the Quilts of Valor Sew-In. We were not sure how many would come being a holiday weekend! Our youngest sewer, Justine, had a wonderful time and she sewed her blocks with all the points matching. Everyone had fun, lots of laughs and enough blocks to make another quilt for our favorite project, Quilts of Valor. Pat will be finishing this one. We will have another Sew-In soon. Thanks to all who participated. Janet was not able to come, had fun playing with her grandkids, but hopefully will be available to lead next time.

Happy 60th Birthday

When I arrived in the shop, my office was decorated with balloons! What a nice surprise. There were more balloons in the classroom with flowers from Reba's garden. Harry sent me some beautiful carnations. Everyone surprised me with something special. Louise made a fresh strawberry cake with whipped cream. It was wonderful. I was wondering how I would feel turning 60. Everyone says it is a milestone, but what does that mean? I don't feel 60, but then what does 60 suppose to feel like? It seems like I was just 50 the other day! What happened to the years! Does anyone know? Thanks for making my birthday special. Time sure flies when you are having fun!

Speaking of time, the shop is turning 7 this September, and I wonder how that happened. It just seemed like the other day we opened! We were looking at pictures taken on opening day, and my how we have grown. Thanks to all of you who have supported us through the years. We enjoy so many friendships and we are looking forward to making many more. Let's have fun and join the challenge we have cooked up, and celebrate in September. I have to think of something special to do for our 7th Birthday. Got any ideas! E-mail me if you do.

Calling all Girls Ages 8 to 12. Win a Seat in Kids Sewing Camp and a New Pfaff Hobby 1132 Sewing Machine!

I had a thought, really I did, about how we could interest kids in sewing. We know that these economic times are tough for some parents to send their children to Summer Camp. This year I am going to have a writing contest for girls 8-12, who would like a chance to attend camp, and go home with their own Pfaff Hobby 1132! The time period to enter is limited, and entires are due June 13, 2009.

So calling all children, grandchildren, neighbors, girl scouts, home schoolers, etc to enter the challenge. Forward to a friend who might be interested.

Here is how to enter the writing contest!

The contestant will write a one page letter, in their best handwriting (no typed letters) on who they are, their age, why they would like to attend sewing camp, and how they will use what they learned in camp in the future.

The letters must be original, in the contestants own words and handwriting. (not their parents) Their name, address, phone number and e-mail address should also be included on the letter. (Parents may help with this part)

Entries must be submitted in person, and handed to the staff in at Quilters Loft Company in Pfaff Sewing Machine Shop. Letters will be reviewed by the staff at the Quilters Loft and the winner will be chosen for their originality, handwriting and desire to learn. All letters will be on display in the quilt shop.

The winner will be chosen June 18, and notified by phone, or e-mail, that they have won the contest.

The winner must be available to attend camp Tuesday June 23 to Friday June 26 from 10:30am to 2:30pm.

Start writing now and good luck. Remember your entries are due June 13, 2009. We are looking forward to receiving the letters!

Calling all Janiacs! New Club Starting Soon!

Yes, we are calling all Janiacs! Alice Gray will be leading our newly forming Janiac Club. Former Quilters Loft Janiacs - have you finished your blocks, your Quilt? Have no fear, here's your chance to finish another project. Alice has finished her quilt and it should be coming home from the Professional Quilter. She is going to lead, teach and help you finish yours.

Don't have a clue what a Janiac is? Janiacs are followers of the Dear Jane Quilt. "Jane A. Blakely Stickle was born in Vermont, lived her married life in Shaftsbury and was buried in the cemetery behind the town's First Baptist Church. She signed her quilt, 80 1⁄4 inches by 80 1⁄4 inches in size, "In War Time 1863, Pieces 5,602, Jane A. Stickle." The quilt is part of a collection kept at the Bennington Museum in Bennington, Vt. It is displayed yearly in September and October. According to the museum's Web site, Vermont had the highest number of soldiers per capita fighting in the Civil War - more than 32,000 in all. Records show that Jane Stickle had no children of her own, but she probably knew all of the young men serving from her small town. At least seven of her nephews also were in Vermont regiments. The pieced and appliqued cotton quilt she made is technically challenging, consisting of 169 square blocks (not one is the same) and 52 larger isosceles triangle blocks forming the border. It's finished with four corner blocks and a scalloped edge." (Info taken from http://www.gjsentinel.com/)

Some of the blocks are challenging, but have no fear, Alice will teach you how. The club atmosphere will be fun and you will meet other Janiacs. These quilts have been done all over the nation, and have also been made as "Baby Janes", a smaller version of the original. They have also been made in many fabrics, including batiks. We have not set a date yet for the new Janiac Club, but would like to know how many are interested. Please e-mail erica2nc@earthlink.net, to let me know you are interested. We will set a Club date with details soon.

Grandquilter 18.8

The new Grandquilter 18.8 and QBOT. Be the first to try the newest addition to the line of Pfaff Machines. This is a professional machine made especially for Pfaff. The quilting area is 18 inches deep and 8 inches high. It has a built in stitch regulator and we believe one of the best frames on the market. It is heavy duty and has three tracks to glide the carriage with the Grandquilter 18 X 8. You can quilt with or without the stitch regulator. Best of all QBOT also works with the Grandquilter 18 X 8. You can really advance your quilting with the Grandquilter 18 X 8 and QBOT. Read on for more details about QBOT.

Thimbleberries Club 2009

Are you ready for 3' Company? This is the new Thimbleberries Club for 2009. Join us for a fun year of friendship, show and tell, instructions for making the monthly blocks and more. Each year Lynette designs a new project for members of the Thimbleberries Club. The Club projects are exclusive to club members. We have room for 20 club members and we have decided to make the traditional version only this year.

The 2009 Thimbleberries quilt, 3's Company, is a wonderful sampler you will love for many years. Each sampler block is made using 3 fabrics, and framed with 3 borders, a small inner border, a pieced block border, and a floral border. All this comes together perfectly. The quilt is a queen size at 80" x 98". During this 12-month block of the month program, you will receive the patterns and fabrics needed to make 3 six inch blocks and 1 twelve inch block each month. You will also receive 3 extra quilt projects to enjoy throughout the year!

Our first meeting will be Saturday January 24th at 10:30 am to 11:30 ish! This is an introduction meeting where those who are interested can sign up for the club. All details about the club will be revealed at the meeting. We had a great club for 2008 and most members are coming back for the 2009 club year.

Meet the Teacher Reception - Thursday Jan 22, 2009

Join us on Thursday Jan 22 from 6pm to 8pm to for our quarterly Meet the Teacher Reception. Our teachers have lots of fun projects planned for you. We will roll out our new clubs and other activities at the same time. Refreshments and lots of show and tell. Save the date and plan to sign up for new classes. We always have a special on our Meet the Teachers night for classes, along with door prizes and specials throughout the store. Plan to be there so you don't miss out!

The Quilting and Needle Art Extravaganza

It's a new year so it's time to start enacting your most important New Year's resolution and start a new project. Nothing makes us happier than the feel of newly purchased fabric sliding through our fingers or the feel of crisp paper as we open that new pattern or book and prepare to make that first cut. Imagine the feel of that new yarn wrapping around your favorite needles. A surge of pure joy! How can you experience this excitement?Join us for the very first....


Quilting and Needle Art Extravaganza
Friday, January 9, 11am-5pm and Saturday, January 10, 9am-5pm
Statesville Civic Center
300 South Center Street, Statesville, NC 28677


Statesville is conveniently located to both I-40 and I-77. Save time and gas, forget those traffic headaches by shopping at 23 of your favorite shops in one location. All the shops are working hard to make this a great experience for our customers. Many of the shops will offer special items, such as quilts and quilt tops, buttons, beads, yarns, thimbles, retired shop samples, and one of a kind items, so shop early for the best selection. Fabric, sewing machines and long arm machines will be there as well. There will be demos and door prizes too. Two days of creative overload!Please remember that in this time of economic uncertainty your local shops are depending on your support more than ever. We appreciate your purchases, your participation in our classes and workshops and it is your continued participation that will enable us to weather these rough economic times. We hope you will come out and show your support for all the vendors--- quilting, sewing, knitting, smocking---all the creative outlets we enjoy. This is your chance to see many of the best vendors in this area, under one roof, and to let them spark your creative fire.


The Statesville Civic Center is located at the intersection of Front and Center Streets in downtown Statesville.


From Northbound I-77, take exit 49A and turn left on highway 70 to highway 115/21 (Center St.). Turn right and the Civic Center is on the left.


From Southbound I-77, take exit 50 and turn right on East Broad Street. Go straight into town and turn left on South Tradd Street then right on E. Front Street. At the light turn left and the Civic Center is on the right.


From I-40, take exit 150 and drive south on highways 115/21 (Also, known as Center St.). Travel one and a half miles and the civic center is on the right.


Participating Shops:


Annie's Keepsakes
Rockwell, NC
704-279-7714
Web: - http://www.annieskeepsakes.com/
Special features for the show - Door Prize, Needle Felting Demos, Wonderful Wool Appliques

Auntie Ju's Quilt Shoppe
Wilmington, NC
910-350-8045
Web:http://stores.auntiejusquiltshoppe.com/StoreFront.bok
Special features for the show - Door Prize, Fabulous Folkart Designs, Punchneedle Demos and Retired Shop Samples for sale!


Freda Berry
Morganton, NC
Felted wools, wool and silk remnants

The Cottage Quilt Shop
644 East Main Ave.
Taylorville, NC 28681
828-632-1660
Web: thecottagequiltshop.com
Special features for the show - Handiquilter Longarm Quilter, Quilts, Fat Quarters, Wall Hangings, Notions, Door Prize


Dixie's Quilting
203 Elm Ave.
Hudson, NC 28638
828-728-2492
Web: http://www.dixiesquilting.com/
Special features for the show - General Quilting Items, Door Prize and clearance items.


Featherweight Poppy
565 Timberlane Trail
Salisbury, NC 28147
704-639-1326
email - fwpoppy@bellsouth.net
Web: http://www.featherweight-poppy.com/
Special features for the show - Singer Featherweight machines


Goneaway Quilting
Cleveland. NC 27013
704-528-4648
Web - http://goneawayquilting.com/
Special features for the show - Quilts, Clearance of hand dyed fabrics, and Unique patterns


Hanzoncreativity
Concord, NC
704-414-0396
Web:hanzoncreativty.com
Special features for the show - Fibers


Vicki King
Mooresville, NC
704-658-1444
Special features for the show - handpainted yarns

Knit One, Smock Too
4003 A Country Club Rd
Winston Salem, NC 27104
336-765-9009
knitsmck2@aol.com
Special features for the show - Knitting and smocking


Knit One, Stitch Too
9709 - C Sam Furr Rd.
Huntersville, NC 28078
704-655-9558
Web: knitonestitchtoo.com
Special features for the show - Knitting Kits, Threads, Needlepoint, Shop Samples, Door Prize and clearance items.

Needle and Thread
236 W. Broad St.
Statesville, NC 28677
704-838-1100

stkyles@aol.com
Special features for the show -Tin Lizzie 18 quilting machine, fabric and quilt tops


Overall Quilter
6580-A Old Monroe Rd.
Indian Trail, NC 28079
704-298-0206
Web: overallquilter.com
Special features for the show - General quilting items


Quilt Patch Fabrics
1017 Stallings Rd.
Matthews, NC 28104
704-821-7554
Web: quiltpatchfabrics.com
Special features for the show - Quilts and quilt tops for sale.


Quilter's Gallery
Gastonia, NC
704-376-2531 (Cindy) or 704-864-4894 (Patti)
Web:quiltersgallery.net
Special features for the show - Door prizes, Retired Shop Samples and Quilt Tops for sale, Antique and Modern Buttons, Clearance Items!


Quilter's Loft
188 N Main St.
Mooresville, NC 28115
704-662-8660
Special features for the show -Sewing Machines and fabric, also Grandquilter and frame and Creative Vision Embroidery machine.
Blog: Quiltersloftcompany.blogspot.com



Quiltricks
Cary, NC
919-818-3101
Web: quiltricks.com
Special features for the show - Fabulous, creative sewing patterns


The Quilting Solution
277 Devil Track Rd.
Taylorsville, NC 28681
864-275-7079
Web: http://www.thequiltingsolution.com/
Special features for the show - New computerized longarm quilting system called Homesteader and Side Saddle-
22" machine, king frame and computer system

Rene's Quilt Shop
195 West Statesville Ave.
Mooresville, NC 28115
704-799-2829
email - renesguiltshop@hotmail.com
Special features for the show - Finished quilts for sale.


Schoolhouse Quilts
399 Sunset Memorial Rd.
Forest City, NC 28043
828-245-9774
Web:schoolhousequiltsnc.com
Special features for the show - Door Prize and Clearance Items!


Sew Original - Bernina Sewing Machines
3443 Robinhood Rd # DWinston Salem, NC 27106(336) 760-1121
and
1586 C Hwy. 421 South
Boone, NC 28607
828-264-1049
Web:www.seworiginal.org
Special features for the show - Sewing machine, Door Prize, Fabrics


Suffolk Shaker Shop
Suffolk, VA
757-255-4574
Web: http://www.suffolkshakershop.com/
Special features for the show - Shaker boxes and carriers


Paula Woods
Clyde, NC
Special features for the show -Vintage buttons

Quilt Pink Donation Quilt

Stop into the shop and purchase your ticket for the Quilt Pink Quilt. Our goal is to raise $500.00 for the local chapter of the Susan G. Komen foundation. We are selling tickets for $1 and will draw the name of the winner when we reach our goal. The proceeds are going to a good cause. These quilts were made with the loving hands of our customers and staff. Many who have survived breast cancer. Please help us meet our goal and perhaps you will be the lucky winner of this beautiful quilt. It is hanging in the shop above the cutting board.

Quilts of Valor Sew-In

We had a wonderful time at our Sew-In on Nov 11 for Quilts of Valor. Everyone who came made several blocks and we have enough blocks to make about 4 quilt tops. Janet Graham has volunteered to put all the blocks together and so far she has completed two tops. Below is one of the tops. It is currently hanging in our hallway. We appreciate all who came to our first ever Sew-In for the troops. These quilts are to honor our very special service men and women who have given so much to our country. These quilts are not going onto a battlefield.

We have decided to become a site for making blocks for the Quilts of Valor. I will continue to donate fabric for our Sew-In. Janet will be working on the paperwork to designate us as a site.

We would like to hear from you as to when the best time for you to volunteer to come and make blocks for these quilts. We are considering making it an educational event, focusing on a new block for you to learn and make for the troops. These blocks need to be made with love and care. Speed is not our goal! These are honor quilts and we would like to make them with pride and appreciation of our troops. Thanks again to all who gave of their time and sewing skills. We very much appreciate your support.

Winner of the Pfaff Hobby Grandquilter 1200

Sarah and I spent the weekend at the Mooresville Centerpiece Quilt Show, at our vendor booth. There were lots of vendors and oh the quilts were so beautiful. Our own Pat Bourbeau won several ribbons. Ticket sales were great for the chance to win the Pfaff Hobby Grandquilter 1200 that I donated as the sponsor of the Show. Everyone sat down and tried the Grandquilter. There was so much excitement. On Sat at 4:30pm, I got the pleasure of drawing the name for the winner of the Grandquilter. Thanks to all who took a chance on winning the machine. The suspense was rising as I stirred the pot, a pumpkin head, until I found just the right one. The winner was not present, so we gave her a call on a cell phone. After a few minutes of chit chat, I asked her if she knew why I was calling. Nope!! She was surprised when I told her she was the lucky winner of the Pfaff Grandquilter 1200. The winner Jean Newman. She will be in this week to pick up her prize, get some lessons and of course, we will take lots of pictures!! It's so much fun to notify the winner. Congratulations Jean, and many happy days of quilting on your new machine.

Quilts Of Valor Sew In - Nov 11, 10:30-4:30pm

Come and sew for Quilts of Valor. We are going to have some fun sewing for our troops. What better way to honor those who serve, on Veteran's Day, than to make blocks for Quilts of Valor. All blocks are going to be a 12 1/2 inch star block. You can bring your own favorite star block or use some of the ones we have selected. We will be providing all the fabrics and Sewing Machines to make the blocks.

We ask you to bring your own sewing supplies, such as scissors, rotary, ruler and small mat. Be sure to identify your own supplies so they don't get mixed up with others.

We will have refreshments.

It's a great day out doing something wonderful for our troops.

The Sew-In for Quilts of Valor will be in the new Pfaff Shop Classroom, at ground level. Veteran's Day is Tues Nov 11, 2008 from 10:30 - 4:30pm. Please let us know that you will be sewing with us, so we can plan for the refreshments.

Oktoberfest Sat Oct 25, 2008, 11-2 pm

We are so excited that we moved into our new space. The week was so busy moving the Pfaff Shop from the back space to the front space. Everything has come together nicely and all hands worked diligently to make it happen. This weekend is our first annual Oktoberfest. Rain or shine Harry will be under the tent cooking brautworst and pouring root beer from 11am to 2pm. Next best thing to a German Band is our DJ who will be playing German music to get us into the spirit of it all.

Come in and test drive one of the new Pfaff Creative or Expression Sewing Machines and enter a chance to win a iPod Nano. It is preprogramed with sewing information and you can do what you like with it. I have never had one and am not so sure how to use it, but there are instructions. Just ask any kid and they will show you! We also have great prices on many machines and financing is available up to 48 months depending on the machine.

We are having our Nostalgia Sale where fabric is $7.50 per yard for cottons (min 1 yard). There are some other in-store specials. We have not received the fabric cabinet for the Pfaff shop so we only have fat quarters in the new classroom, some sale fabrics and regular priced kits.

So come out and have a "Braut" on us. We are accepting donations for the Danielle E Liotta Scholarship fund for scholarships for Lake Norman and Mooresville High Schools. Danielle was a wonderful 19 y.o. who lost her life in a tragic traffic accident. In life she did so much for everyone and supported some many charitable events in her short life. She is an inspiration to many and we would like to keep her memory alive with the scholarship funds. Danielle's mother will be with us as we support the scholarship fund.

We are also raising money for the Susan G Komen Foundation as Oct is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Tickets are $1. for a chance to win a pink quilt and the drawing will be November 30, 2008. All proceeds will go to support breast cancer. Help us raise $500 for this worthwhile cause.

Come out and have fun with us on Saturday, rain or shine. "Brauts" are on the grill behind our building under the tent from 11-2pm or until the last guest leaves!

We are expanding!

This week the renovation of the old bakery at the front of our building has started. We decided to take over the additional space, and not have any more tenants. We are so excited that we will have a Main Street presence and a classroom on the ground level. A classroom with NO fabric and lots of room to be creative. This will give us about 4,000 square feet of space.

The Pfaff Machines are moving forward and we are now trying to decide how much room we have, so that we can put other merchandise in the space. We will be expanding our notions, and other artistic items for art quilters. I found a great line of children's clothing patterns and we can't wait to make them. Decisions, decisions, decisions, and too many to think about!

We are planning lots of club activities, charity sewing and just some fun sewing nights with the girls!

I'm finally going to have an office again, so I don't have to drag stuff home and back again. Wow, I could get more organized and I am looking forward to it!

Stop in and watch the progress! We hope to be moving sometime in September. We are planning a Grand Opening and Celebration of our 6th year as a Quilt Shop, and our 4th year as a Pfaff shop. Reserve the weekend of Oct 24 and 25. We are going to have some fun events, so stay tuned to what we are up to!

We are currently working on our class schedule to start new classes when we have the ground level classroom. If you have ideas about some classes you would like, please let us know. All the teachers are working on some great projects for you to enjoy taking classes from them. Stay tuned to the blog class schedule as we update it when schedules come in.

Creative Vision - Owner's Class

Creative Vision - Owner's Class
Instructor: Sarah Brandt/Erica Ransom
Saturday June 21,July 19, August 16, & Sept 20
10AM to 12:30PM

The owner's class will walk you through the features of the Creative Vision. This class is FREE to owners who have purchased their machine from Quilters Loft Company. You will need to bring your machine to class with you. If you did not purchase your machine from the Quilters Loft, and there is space in the class, we can "adopt you" for a fee. We will put you on a wait list and contact you with details.

Creative Visions receives International Red Dot Award

We are pleased to announce that the Pfaff Creative Vision has received the International Red Dot Award. The following is the article published in the Business Wire on March 25, 2008. It's a great recognition of our newest top of the line sewing and embroidery machine.

PFAFF® Creative Vision™ Sewing and Embroidery Machine Receives Highest International Design Recognition

Business Wire, March 25, 2008

International Jury Awards the PFAFF Creative Vision Machine with the Red Dot--the Best of the Best

HAMILTON, Bermuda -- Today SVP Worldwide, owner of PFAFF[R]--the world's leading brand of premier sewing and embroidery machines--announced the new PFAFF CREATIVE VISION[TM] sewing and embroidery machine has been awarded the prestigious international 2008 Red Dot Design Award--The Best of the Best. The state-of-the-art machine offers unprecedented sewing precision, brightness and more sewing space and is easily recognized for its pioneering design.

"The PFAFF team is honored by the prestigious international recognition of the Red Dot--The Best of the Best Design Award--for household products," said Don Fletcher, CEO of SVP Worldwide. "PFAFF sewing machines have been the pinnacle of German design and engineering for more than 145 years. Experienced sewers, and now design experts from around the world, have found that the CREATIVE VISION machine is delivering on its tagline--The More You Want The More You Get."

"The aim of the Red Dot Design Award is to make well-designed innovative products stand out from the rest," said Professor Dr. Peter Zec, Initiator of the Red Dot Design Award. "The design excellence found in the Red Dot recipient's products appeal to all the senses, awakens emotions, and promote the enhancement of everyday life. Design should not only make everyday life more beautiful, it should also make it easier!"

Offering more unique features than any other sewing machine, the CREATIVE VISION machine offers sewers previously unavailable features and benefits including the largest embroidery area available in the market today. Custom, adjustable LED lighting allows sewers to perfectly illuminate their sewing space and with the Original IDT[TM] system and precise positioning, sewers can create the largest and most intricate embroideries in the industry and create sewing projects with unprecedented amounts of fabric.

Participating in the 2008 Red Dot Design Awards competition were companies from 51 countries submitting a total of 3,203 products to the international jury. After examining and testing the products to assess them against the judging criteria of degree of innovation, functionality, formal quality, ergonomics, durability, symbolic and emotional content, product peripherals, self-explanatory quality and ecological soundness, fifty products in sixteen categories were selected.

"The culmination of the CREATIVE VISION sewing machine's development and design is an example why PFAFF sewing machines are the number one choice for the most advanced sewers around the world," said Brad Hunsaker, Global Vice President of Sales and Marketing for SVP Worldwide.

The PFAFF CREATIVE VISION sewing and embroidery machine, along with the other award-winning products, will be on display from June 24 to July 27, 2008 in the exhibition titled "Design on Stage--Winners Red Dot Award: Product Design 2008" at the Red Dot Design Museum on the premises of the 'Zeche Zollverein' World Cultural Heritage Site in Germany. The Red Dot Design Museum houses the largest permanent exhibition of contemporary design worldwide.

About PFAFF
The pinnacle of German design and engineering, PFAFF sewing machines are the world's premier precision machines that sewers aspire to own. The PFAFF brand has a 145 year sewing heritage that creates a climate for continued development and design of high quality sewing and embroidery machines. As the perfector of the sewing craft, PFAFF machines are the creative catalyst for passionate sewers giving high quality results in all aspects of sewing. Known for technical refinements and precision, PFAFF sewing and embroidery machines inspire sewers to perfect their art.

About the Red Dot Design Award:
Today, the Red Dot Design Award, the origins of which go back to 1955, is one of the largest and most renowned design competitions worldwide. It consists of the individual disciplines "red dot award: product design," "red dot award: communication design," and "red dot award: design concept," which has been held annually in Singapore since 2005. For further information please visit www.red-dot.de/press.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Business WireCOPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning