Hi Fashion Fabrics, Inc

Hi Fashion Fabrics Inc. Newsletter
September - December  2010

Where did this year go? Seems like yesterday it was snow covered and cold. The theme for the next 4 months is events, events, events. Check out the calendar for the ones that interest you and sign up early.

Two of our staff toured the Kwik Sew pattern company factory located in Minnesota in May. It was a very impressive operation. The Kwik Sew pattern line includes the basics to full fashion, even including some outdoor and recreational items.

Home decorating styles are calling for more fabric treatments on your windows to dress up those basic blinds. Simple gathered valances or cornice boards really give the room a warm look and feel.

Bernina has introduced a NEW line of machines called the 3 Series. The sleek new styling and the trusted dependability make this new model a perfect fit for the new or experienced sewing enthusiast. And remember, you receive free lessons with every new machine you purchase at Hi Fashion Fabrics. Today’s machines are easy to learn and simple to use. Did you know that every Bernina we carry in the store will sew through at least 8 layers of denim? Come test drive a Bernina or Handi Quilter today.

I also want to invite you to our Virtual Bernina Club. If you are a member of Sew Savvy there is no charge, otherwise the cost is $5. The program comes over the internet and we host it in our store. See the details and dates in this newsletter.

Do you have a non-Bernina sewing machine that needs cleaning or repair? We have found that Brian Davis at Keep on Sewing does a great job. Call him at 970-260-4441 to schedule an appointment.

As always, thank you, I appreciate your business.

My what a busy summer we have had. Seems like fall is just around the corner and then we start a New Year. This one has definitely gone by in a hurry! Kari and Heather have been traveling this summer. From International Quilt Market in Minneapolis, Minnesota to all over Western Colorado for local Quilt Shows. We have taken the store on the road with a booth at area quilt shows. It has been a big hit with quilters in remote areas that don’t always have time to come to Grand Junction.

We were at the 15th Annual Black Canyon Quilt Show with a booth and several free demo classes. What fun times we had! Especially when we gave away a brand new Bernina Sewing Machine!

Look for our store booth at the Silver Threads Quilt Guild Mining for Treasures Quilt Show September 17-19 in Creede, Colorado. This would make a great road trip for the family or a Girls’ Trip for this fall!

And don’t forget to get those projects done for the 1st Annual Hi Fashion Fabric’s Customer Quilt Show. We can not wait to see what talented quilters we have here in Western Colorado.

Happy Quilting!

Hi Fashion Fabrics would like to congratulate Julee Nelson, winner of the Bernina Activa 230PE machine at the 15th Annual Black Canyon Quilt Show. Julee is a resident of Western Colorado and we know that she will have many years of stress free sewing on this wonderful machine.

CONGRATULATIONS JULEE!

Foam By the Inch...

Our foam sheets are 24 x 84 and 1 to 6 inches thick.Your foam will measure the width of 24", and then the length in inches is how you will be charged. We will still cut to size for you. And, now you will be able to take the extra with you for your next project. Stop by the Home Dec Department and see our great selection of foam!

WHEN TO SERVICE YOUR MACHINE

One of the common questions I am frequently asked is how often should a machine really be serviced. This depends on the machine and the user. Those with older mechanical machines that they oil and maintain on a regular basis can go as long as 5 years between service.

Electronic machines, like the 1080 to the 1630, have limited consumer access for maintenance. This is to protect the machine’s electronics from damage caused by contact with people who are not using electronic discharge mats and wrist bands. These machines should be maintained at least every three years. Time and use deplete the lubrication and necessary minor adjustments continue to get worse. Poor maintenance practices can result in expensive repairs to the sewing head and carrier. If you are a heavy user of your machine, you should have it maintained more frequently.

Machines from the 125 to the 180 should also be serviced at least every three years. Most of these models have stitch or hour counters in their electronics so that you actually know how much use the machine has had between each maintenance cycle. These machines should be serviced about every 1.5 million stitches or every 75 sewing hours. Very heavy users can put down several million stitches in a year.

Starting with the 430 and up through the 730, your machine will tell you when to oil the hook and when to seek service. These notices are based on the number of stitches that you have sewn and do not recognize time spent waiting to be used. As a rule of thumb, you should oil your hook at least twice a year (like Memorial Day and Thanksgiving), even if the oil the hook light does not come on. This is because oil will deteriorate over time and lose some of its lubrication properties. Your machine will also tell you when to take it in for service. Again, this is based on the number of stitches that the machine has sewn. You should always listen to your machine. If it is talking to you with clicks, or knocks, or squeaks, it should be serviced. Keep sewing and may your thread never break!