9875 W. Bell Rd., Sun City, AZ 85351 - 623-972-2091 | | |
Bits and Pieces
March 31, 2026
| | Lynn and I are back from our week-long training in New Jersey with Janome! I was reluctant to go due to the airport issues, but, actually, we had no problems at all. In Phoenix, there was a line, but it kept moving forward with no stops, which is what I’ve experienced here many times before. At Newark airport on Friday, there was absolutely no line! That was really the only hurdle we had to face. The training was thorough and hands-on (of course, it was Lynn’s hands that were “on” each day), and we brought back our make-and-take projects for you to review. I understand why there are indeed many Janome devotees, just as there are BERNINA devotees. The machines are metal and not plastic bodied, made to be reliable and long-lasting. The emphasis is on functionality and reliability, quality and innovation. It is easy for us to see why the company celebrated its 150th Anniversary in 2010 since first founded as New Home in the U.S. Janome produces all of their machines in their own factories, and it’s still full speed ahead for Janome. FYI: neither Janome nor BERNINA have China connections as do so many of the machines now being made. | | The Janome line runs from a grab-and-go (RED!!!!) light weight machine with 30 built-in stitches, extra high foot lift, needle threader, ¼” foot and so much more, for a grab-and-go price, all the way up to the Top Of the line M17 Continental machine with dual touchscreens, 13.5” opening, a thumbwheel by the needle to raise/lower the foot, a junior software system both MAC and PC compatible, auto needle threader, LED lighting, embroidery, sewing and quilting, and so much more! That is a huge range of machines from which you may choose. Like our other lines of machines (Grace/Q’nique longarm and BERNINA domestic), check them all out online and come in the shop to try your hand with the machines and see what best suits your needs and desires!!! Janome’s website is, as you might guess, JANOME.com. | | Now, you have a machine that you LOVE to work with, and you need practice and you have the desire to learn new things. Well, you’ve come to the right place: check out our class schedules and join us! On Thursday, Marilyn is teaching a Rulers Can Quilt class which still has openings. This is ruler work quilting, to be sure, but please know the basic functions of your machine when you come to class so that she can start right away teaching the techniques of Ruler Work. Marilyn will also have a small supply of rulers for you to try for this first class if you don’t have your own. After that, Marilyn can guide you to the proper shapes and rulers that will make your quilting easy and fun. If there is enough interest, we can again add a monthly Rulers Can Quilt class back on to the schedule. There is a lot of opportunity for you here, and there are many shapes and sizes of rulers available to get the look and feel that you want. But first, you have to learn the technique!!! So join us on Thursday! | | Passover begins tomorrow, and Easter is this Sunday, so the class schedule is a bit sparse this week because people are busy living life. We will pick up speed as the month goes on, and if there is something that you want for a class, just let us know and we’ll do our best to schedule a teacher and a class. FYI---if your machine is needing a tune-up, bring it to the shop at your convenience. A reminder that we work on all brands and Zoltan is fully certified for your brand. Machines do not leave the shop and Zoltan is available on most days to go over issues with you. For regular maintenance, we will have your machine back to you in 7 to 10 business days, a fact that we are very proud of and which you appreciate. If you do need to meet with Zoltan the technician, please call ahead to be sure he can meet with you. | | We will be closed on Easter Sunday, 4-5-26, but we hope to see you in the shop soon. Have a very Happy Easter and Passover, try to ignore or beware of Wednesday’s April Fools Day, and have a safe and great week! For me, it’s good to be home!!! | | Barbara and the crew at SVQ | | | | |
