Bits and Pieces

September 15, 2026

Remember when we all had rotary dial phones? When our equipment had knobs and dials, and touchscreens didn't exist. Back then, the expression was: "dial it in". Referring to dialing machines or fine-tuning engines, thermostats, and radio stations. Given that most of us now have digital and touchscreen phones and devices, it's almost laughable that the phrase still exists today. In our new electronic world, the phrase "dial it in" refers to fine-tuning processes, perfecting systems, and focusing on the details. In this week's newsletter, I'm going to attempt to "dial it in" and share the most important things you need to know this month.

BERNINA - September Trade-In Month is full of savings! With your trade-in, you can unlock discounts of up to 25% off the MSRP of new BERNINA machines with a retail purchase price of $999 MSRP or more. If you don't have a machine to trade in, or, like many of us who want to own more than one machine, this is the time to consider one of the BERNINA hot buy specials - the B325 is specially priced at $999, and there are also great savings on the bernette b08 and b68. We would love the opportunity to chat with you and see which model will meet your needs and budget.

Janome - September/October, we are celebrating the founding JANOME-VERSARY with discounted pricing on several models and the launch of new models. We also have several of our floor models specially priced as an additional incentive for you. Please test-drive and consider one of these as your new travel machine, new top-of-the-line, or your daily driver. Let's see what Janome has to offer you!

Grace Company - we continue to offer discounts on all Grace models, and additional discounts when paired with a new frame. We also have a used Q15 Pro, just traded in at the show when our customer upgraded to a bigger machine. Used longarms are priced to sell quickly and don't stay in the shop for very long; if you are interested, please don't wait. The 15 Pro is compatible with any Grace frame, including the Cutie and Cutie Breeze frames, and is compatible with Grace Automation for computerized quilting.

Classes - Our classroom is filled with opportunities for learning, laughter, and sharing adventures. I've been asked to highlight the following September classes:

September 15–17 — In-the-Hoop Poinsettia Christmas Tree Skirt with Jan. Get a head start on your holiday decorating! Join Jan for a fun-filled three-day class and create this beautiful in-the-hoop Poinsettia Christmas Tree Skirt. This stunning project is sure to become a treasured keepsake that can be passed down from generation to generation.

September 18 — Gourdalicious Pumpkin Quilt with Andi. Fall is in the air! Join Andi as she teaches you how to paper-piece this wonderfully full and festive Gourdalicious Pumpkin Quilt. It’s the perfect project to welcome the season and add a little autumn charm to your home.

September 19 — National Jelly Roll Day with Andi. Celebrate National Jelly Roll Day by turning your favorite jelly rolls into a beautiful quilt! Bring your jelly rolls and join Andi for a fun day of sewing, creating, and celebrating all things jelly roll.

September 24 & 25, October 1 & October 29 — Stitchers Suitcase & Feathered Friends with Lynn M. Have a Featherweight or small sewing machine that needs a beautiful bag for storage or travel? Join Lynn M. for this four-session class and make the Stitchers Suitcase, a rectangular bag designed to carry and protect your machine. You’ll also make projects from the Feathered Friends pattern, including accessory bags for your foot pedal and sewing supplies. It’s a great opportunity to create a coordinated set of beautiful and practical sewing accessories.

Weekly Special - as always, we would love for you to take advantage of our weekly special. We try to switch things up each week, offering you an incentive on different categories of fabrics, notions, patterns, or books. This week we've selected batiks as our special category - did you know we have well over 500 bolts of batiks to choose from? Solid batiks, watercolor batiks, seasonal batiks, floral batiks, and more. Online shoppers will need to use the code 20OFFBATIK to receive 20% off any batik cut of ½ yard or greater. In-store, mention the code to receive your discount.

I hope I managed to "dial in" the focus of this week's newsletter, sharing our most important news with you. And, yes, I'm chuckling that we still use that phrase when, with today's electronics, we have fewer and fewer dials. Side note: there is a similar phrase with an opposite meaning: phone it in. To phone it in is to do something with low enthusiasm or effort. While the phrase may sound innocuous enough in an age when telecommuting and conference calls are common, it originates from the notion of someone who can't be bothered to show up when expected.

Lynn, on behalf of Barbara, and the Dialed In Gals at SVQ

Sun Valley Quilts / 9857 W. Bell Rd. / Sun City

Arizona 85351 / / 623-972-2091

To Visit our Web Site www.sunvalleyquilts.com

To Visit our Class Schedule

www.sunvalleyquilts.com/classes.htm