Sew, what's new? Check out the Husqvarna Viking International Dealer Convention
A week ago, I traveled to San Antonio, Texas, to attend the 22nd Annual Husqvarna Viking International Dealer Convention, sponsored by SVP Worldwide, owner of Singer, Husqvarna Viking, and Pfaff sewing machines. I must say that it's always exciting and inspiring to be around so many people who are so passionate about the art of sewing. This year's convention celebrated the worldwide launch of the newest Husqvarna Viking Designer Diamond sewing and embroidery machine –- a truly amazing creation. Another introduction was the QBOT –- Quilting Based on Technology -– another remarkable machine that allows the user to quilt "hands-free."
During the seminar, I was interviewed by the very talented Anna Maria Horner. Many of you may know that MSLO has partnered up with SVP and, during the interview, I was proud to introduce Classic Embroidery Patterns, our first in a series of embroidery designs that will be available at Husqvarna Viking authorized dealerships later this summer. It provides designs for monogramming and frame, border, and corner artwork. I have always felt that a beautiful monogram or embroidered detail is a simple way to give your work a distinctive finishing touch. I just wish I had more time to spend in my craft room.
Here I am with Husqvarna dealers from all over the country
I met many of the SVP dealers at the San Antonio convention.
From left to right: Caroline Weaver, Amanda Slayton, me, Melody Robson, and Holly Robson. The Project Doers! 
Standing with my interviewer, Anna Maria Horner.
I introduced the audience to our newest product: a CD of monogram patterns for the new Viking machines.
I was surprised when I was presented with a new Designer Diamond machine. I am so excited!
A new Viking model.
Look at this amazing embroidery -- all machine-done on the newest SVP machine, the Husqvarna Viking Designer Diamond.
More amazing embroidery.
Exciting patterns -- this one caught my eye.
Charming motifs.
Some various sizes of embroidery hoops for the new Viking.
Some of the myriad threads used in the new machines -- a Sulky display.
More thread.
Fab-U-Motion is a new invention that allows a free-style of quilting.
Many of the peripheral publications that enable serious sewers to learn new techniques and new technology and gain inspiration.
Some very sweet embroidery techniques.
Here's another new system for embroidering family genealogy.
This is a fabulous family tree with all images machine embroidered.
Another family tree.
I loved this room -- great machine quilting. 
Here's the newest in automatic quilting.
A lovely, colorful coverlet was given to me with some unique embroidery. The embroidery was created on the QBOT machine (Quilting Based on Technology). Denise Applegate Schiber, myself, and Anna Maria Horner.
Fabulous stitchery.
Can you believe this can be done at home?
This is Becky Hanson, education manager for singer. She teaches sewing classes for SVP at MSLO once a month. 
Here's a better picture of Becky and me.
One of my interviewers, Ellen March, editor of Creative Machine Embroidery, gave me an embroidered monogram.
Here I am with Julie Johnson, the editor of Sewing Savvy.
My hostess for the day was Rachel Cohen -- enthusiastic, charming, and very organized.
Here I am with Roxanne and Stuart Lasky, parents of Shara Lasky, one of our employees at MSLO. They own a sewing shop in Ridgefield, Connecticut.
The meet and greet went on for a long time.
Refreshing fruit coolers were served -- melon, watermelon, and orange.
Wow, what a wonderful gift! I really like the motifs..I have visions of flour sack towels in my head...the kind with the days of the week and pictures. Hmmm. What a nice experience this must have been. Enjoy your new machine!
Mary
Posted by: Mary | June 24th, 2008 at 12:37 am
My oh my, Martha! When do you ever get a stretch of time at any of your lovely homes? Lots of traveling, but this was certainly worthwhile! What a great machine. IF I had one, I'd monogram all of my linens and then go from there..Great!
Posted by: gilda stigliano | June 24th, 2008 at 6:10 am
WOW! Lots of new discoveries in the world of sewing. Thanks for bringing all of these updates to us.
My eyes were not focused well this morning while reading your blog...
I thought the caption for the photo with Julie Johnson, the editor of Sewing Savvy said, "editor of Sewing Sexy"!!
Thanks for the fun field trip this morning Martha!
Gloria Brown
Winterport, Maine
Posted by: Gloria Brown | June 24th, 2008 at 6:14 am
Hi Martha!
I love that you are all exited about Husqvarna sewing machines. The name Husqvarna is from the town, in Sweden, where I grew up. The Husqvarna factory was located there because of a great big waterfall generating all the energy needed for the production. The suffix "qvarna" in the name means "mill" in swedish. Today the factory still remains at the same location as when it was founded in 1689. Nowadays they mostly produce machine saws, the production of sewing machines has been relocated.
Sincerly Marlene
Posted by: Marlene | June 24th, 2008 at 7:10 am
Ok, listen very carefully, I shall say this only once: sewing is everything. Cooking is what I do in between sewing projects. There is nothing else.
Martha, thanks for keeping the sewing alive. At 45, I've occasionally been the youngest customer in a fabric store. I have more patterns than I care to admit to--how about pattern organizers next--and frequently put the machine and stuff in the living room so I can watch Martha on TV and sew. I'm the only one in my family who does sew, and I won't give up sewing for anything--the ex-husband found THAT out the hard way.
I have a basic Janome I bought about 10 years ago, no serger or anything electronic. 'Cause, see, the computer sits on one side of the room, the sewing machine in aothher, and they don't need to be messing around. I do have a new desk chair that I'll use for both, and maybe make a new cover for. (It's black.)
Keep sewing, and tell others before it all goes away!
Posted by: Amy | June 24th, 2008 at 7:14 am
Martha, you look so good in these pictures. You look happy and at ease. I have always been a fan, but I once thought you were remote and cool. In the past 3-4 years I have witnessed a great change in your demeanor. You truly look happy, and you seem to enjoy "regular" people's company. You are on the right road! Thank you for being a great mentor and role model.
Posted by: Susie | June 24th, 2008 at 7:41 am
My mother-in-law has a similar embroidery machine of a different brand. She used it to create a one-of-a-kind quilt for my daughter, featuring each letter of the alphabet and an animal for each letter. It's beautiful, and it's also a great learning tool!
Posted by: Amy T. | June 24th, 2008 at 8:41 am
Martha...you look fabulous! And what wonderful things the sewing machines of today can do...have fun with your newest acquisition.
Posted by: Sherey | June 24th, 2008 at 10:09 am
I love what you are wearing! You are always the best dressed woman anywhere.
Posted by: Ladymissgailo | June 24th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Martha, I swear you must have clones! One in San Antonio, one in Warsaw, one at Bedford, one at Omnimedia... You truly are 'omnipresent' in every way!
I'm anxious to see the patterns on this CD of yours. I hope more details about where to get it will be available soon.
Also, you can spend as much time in the craft room as you like! Goodness knows you've earned it. (I think you should take a year off and just sew, garden and cook. Tape the TV show for the year and then just be a homebody and enjoy time around the house. Doesn't that sound nice?)
xx
Andrew
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | June 24th, 2008 at 10:24 am
I didn't realize a machine could do such beautiful stitchery. I would love to try this out. I can imagine all the things you could make with that machine.
Posted by: Angie D from Ohio | June 24th, 2008 at 11:09 am
Hi Martha, Thanks for another fantastic, fascinating blog. Oh, how I wish all of this new technology about sewing machines had been available back when my grandmother was alive. She did all of her sewing projects by hand and they were beautiful. I can just imagine how much she would have enjoyed all of the new machines of today and would have been able to do even more. I regret that I didn't follow in her footsteps, but being a tomboy, with three brothers, I just wasn't interested. Thanks so much for sharing. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | June 24th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
The artwork is outstanding. I have always been envious of people who were able to produce such beautiful items whether by hand or by machine.
Posted by: Lori Stewart | June 24th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Harrods have been in touch to confirm that you won't be able to make it on Thursday. I am really upset. When everything does get sorted out can it please be advertised more your website? Hope that things do get sorted out, but if you fancy inviting us to yours for afternoon tea, I am sure that those of us who did have tickets would RSVP within seconds!
Enjoy the rest of Europe, Britain have truly missed out on a wonderful visitor.
With kind regards,
Pru Singer
Posted by: Pru | June 24th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Some one said more patterns then they care to admit well I for one will say Hurry run to the next estate sale yard sale or second hand store and search through the old patterns in their inventory and if you see a vintage dress pattern that strikes your fancy or start to build a collection from a specific time period I have started a collection that says to me at least First lady Jackie Kennedy or that look that Lily Pulitzer shift look how else are we to save historic artifacts yes we have a responsibility here to preserve Fashion
Posted by: Hardboiledegg | June 24th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Hi Martha, I've been a fan and subscriber to MSL for 13 years. Looks like you had a great time at the convention! What a fantastic machine you got! Isn't the technology now amazing!
I wanted to send my personal thanks to you for helping to bring about renewed interest in the art of sewing. I'm a 5th generation seamstress and have been saddened by the declining interest in sewing even in my short lifetime of 32 years. On behalf of the ladies in my family going back to my homesteading grandmother who brought her Singer treadle with her to Colorado in a covered wagon, THANK YOU for helping to keep this art alive.
With Much Appreciation,
Your devoted Fan,
Jennifer Perez
Posted by: Jennifer Perez | June 24th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
England is really missing out. I cannot believe that they are not letting you in. Of all that's wrong in this world, I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't let the royal family in if they weren't citizens. Good luck with the business you need to complete.
Posted by: Connie Hoagland | June 24th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
My most treasured possession is a quilt my Grandma made for me when I was a little girl. It was called a "Sunbonnet Girl" quilt and she did it all my hand - a labor of love. I wonder what she would think of the modern way now...
Thanks for a most interesting blog of your travels.
Posted by: Maureen | June 24th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Color me insanely jealous... what a great way to spend the day!
Some day, I will own one of those embroidery machines (maybe the kids don't need to eat this month... or the next... or the next - LOL)
Thanks for sharing!
Amy
Posted by: Amy | June 24th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Hi Martha,
Wow, you are certainly the traveler! I was hoping to do an embroidery project for my master's thesis. Looking at those designs makes me think I should have gone that way. But, I am doing something with quilting that's fun, too. Looking forward to your next adventure!
Posted by: Tina in Boston | June 24th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
Martha,
I visited the Husqvarna Viking Sewing Machine factory in Husqvarna, Sweden last summer. The factory is still there by the waterfall next door to the other manufacturing facility making the saws. Marilyn, it is still a wonderful town.
Posted by: Linda | June 27th, 2008 at 2:16 am
dreamy!
i love sewing + embroidery machines.
my young daughter loves making dresses for her dolls. the embroidery machines are amazing.
Posted by: mod*mom | June 28th, 2008 at 12:33 am
Hi, Martha,
Thanks for the glimpse into the new technology available now in the world of sewing. My mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother were wonderful sewers and quilters. They would have been amazed by your photos and descriptions.
Enjoy your new Husqvarna Designer Diamond!
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | June 30th, 2008 at 6:35 am
Dear Martha, so wonderful to see an interest in sewing. I think you have heard the news that all the Hancock Fabric Stores are closing. Which makes it harder for the next generation to become interested in sewing or making there first set of doll clothes from a pattern. The Walmart stores in most areas in Texas have done away with their fabric department which causes a very limited location to purchase sewing machines, fabric, and patterns. It would be great if you decided to rescue Hancock from bankruptcy and create your own fabric prints and patterns for the stores. Since Hancock knows about the business, it only makes sense to have their help in teaching how to do it. It would be a place to sell all your craft kits plus sewing accessories. BJ, Texas
Posted by: BJ Whittaker | July 3rd, 2008 at 10:29 pm
Hello Martha!
I have been watching your sewing segments religously. My first disappointment was downlading your sicamore tree and not being able to try it out due to my hoop sizes being too small. That invited me to look at other machines than my Husqvarna Designer 1 and SE. But I waited for some reason before purchasing a new one. This past year was my 10th Anniversary to my High School Sweetheart. He presented me very generously with a new diamond......My Husqvarna Viking Diamond, that is. I just love it! Thanks for keeping the sewing segments coming....in Texas, I have lunch everyday with you. Hugs, Boni
Posted by: Boni in Allen, TX | July 7th, 2008 at 9:37 am
Hi Martha,
Two of my favorite subjects on this website Martha Stewart and Husqvarna what more could a girl ask for.
I have a Husqvarna Designer 1, its a few years old. I just purchased it and am so in love with it--I can't imagine what that new one is like. If my husband had been rich instead of good looking I could have had one. ha ha. We will be anxious to hear the things that you will do on your new machine. We all love you and look forward to your shows and magazines.Do you ever have segments on using the machine--I always love to learn new things. I am a beginner in the embroidery field, and love new sewing techniques.
Thank you again
Kayln Sharp
Posted by: Kayln Sharp | July 23rd, 2008 at 9:57 am
I was searching for a used sewing machine when your web page popped up. I just had to check it out since I am a "Martha Stewart" fan.
Thanks for sharing photos of your experience and some of the possible creations from the latest Husqvarna Viking.
I will be looking for a used Husqvarna now. I especially loved the amazing embroidery (and the fruit coolers).
You look amazing! Have you lost weight? Love your wrap.
Posted by: Donna Ani | July 26th, 2008 at 9:34 am
Thank you for all you have been doing to keep the art of sewing alive, Martha. Are you a member of the American Sewing Guild? I just returned from this year's national conference in Chicago. It was fabulous to be among so many kindred spirits! We'd love to see you at the national convention in Albuquerque next year. Remember September is national sewing month!
Posted by: Ann Isip | July 29th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Wow Martha, What a fabulous machine. There is no end to what you can do with the new machine. I have a Designer SE and thought that there wasn't anything else that could possibly be done to improve the machine and look what they have done! Sew on Girl ! I love to sew and hope you get to enjoy the machine alot.
Posted by: Merna | July 29th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
My grandmother Kate was a seam-stress. I'm sorry I did not know her. She went around to homes in the old days & sewed to help them get ready for weddings, and for the new "season" coming on and so forth. I wish she could even have seen my lowly Viking 400, much less yours. I've only had it about 3 mo. I am trying to start a business with it. It was the best I could afford at this time. I've kinda been the main breadwinner for most of our lives, & not much since an
auto accident some years ago.
A lot of body parts still don't
work so well, and I got the idea
when I pulled out my old machine
(The one I made my wedding gown on) to make a Lap Robe to use on my wheelchair. That (as a gear broke again,)"Hey, if I had a decent machine, maybe I could make
some of these, plus other things
and make a few bucks to help out with our SS checks". So here goes
I made the cutest "Baby Wrap" today with the help of a wonderful
teacher at Joann Fabrics. When the other ladies in the class sewd
a bought applique on the hood of theirs, I quickly embroidered one on mine. It looked so cute. I hope they sell like "hotcakes". Well, I'd better close & get busy.
When you "retire your Diamond", please pass it in this direction,
because I'll never be able to aff-ord one. Just kidding. Enjoy it.
You do look really great. I am enjoying MSL. Thank you. Kate
Posted by: D. Kate Mahoney | August 10th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Congratulations on your new Diamond. I have one too. I love it. I can't wait to really start producing all my sewing ideas for Christmas presents. Thanks for taking the time out of your busy life to let my friends at meissners take pictures and give you,the wonderful creative person you are,a Viking, one of the most creative machines on the market.God Bless you and yours. Shelley
Posted by: Shelley Howard | August 24th, 2008 at 12:01 am
I just brought my "Diamond" home last night. Of course, I had to stay up late to play with it! I am retiring from my full time job in a few years and the "Diamond" is now in my arsenal of equipment for my quilting business. Along with my Gammill longarm, I'm sure I'll stay as busy as I want to be!!!
Posted by: Deborah Lane | August 28th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
This is to Amy re: organizing patterns. I have hundreds and I'll pass on a method passed on to me by a professional seamstress years ago in Sacramento CA. First buy standard pattern boxes and label each with 1000, 2000, etc. Remove the pattern pieces and instructions from the pattern envelop and put in a 6x9 mailing envelope with the pattern number written large at the top of the envelope. Take the actual pattern envelope and put it in a 3 ring binder plastic sleeve (two back to back). File those in binders under each category (using divider tabs) blouses, baby nursery, pants, nightwear, etc. Voila!! Look thru the binder in the category you want to sew, find the pattern number and go right to the correct box (in which the patterns are arranged in numerical order) and there's the pattern. The boxes are tucked out of site and the binders are on my sewing library shelves (labeled of course). I have hundreds of patterns filed this way and it makes looking for just the right pattern soooo easy.
Thanks, Martha for a great blog. I love my Husqvarna embroidery machine and all it can do. I've passed on sets of tea and dish towels to everyone I know plus embroidered the back of jackets, linens, etc.
Happy sewing everyone!
Jo
Posted by: Jo | August 29th, 2008 at 10:50 am
I am envious of your trip to the Husqvarna Convention! The pieces that were created are gorgeous. Aren't the embroidery machines fabulous?
I have also enjoyed reading the comments and ideas from all the "bloggers",appreciating their enthusiasm with machine embroidery. This being said I hesitate to mention my dilemma and frustration with my Designer I.
It is currently in the factory for repair. I have no clue how long I will be without it this time. The authorized repairman had it for several weeks total and was unable to find and repair the ongoing problem with my machine.
I am curious if there is anyone out there that has had a similar problem. The machine simply stops while embroidering and turns off or crashes if you would have it. The embroidery arm then moves to the rest position and hense I lose not only the incomplete design, I lose the piece on which I am working not to mention the time. I fear it will be a terminal decision for my machine. I would be so lost without it. I am retired and I know I will never be able to afford another. Is there anyone that has encountered the same problem and had a positive resolution? Like the rest of you, I get so much pleasure making gifts for others and embellishing my own projects.
Earlier I emailed directly to Husqvarna, their only reply was "not to reply" to the confirmation. I heard nothing!
Thank you for viewing my comments.
Respectfully, Jamey
Posted by: Jamey Struve | September 8th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
Hello Martha
I really don't know much about you , but I must say you are very talented and blessed.I have a question for you,how would a person such as myself get the funds to start a business doing something that i really like to do.It doesn't have to be alot of money because everything starts out small.I really want to know if you had any information that you would be willing to share or advice you are willing to give.
Posted by: Twana Dailey | September 18th, 2008 at 8:46 am
i am very interested in the viking
achine conventions
i am in fl. i am 67 yrs have been sewing for over fifty years.
i love anthing for the house , clothing and crafts
i have a craft show comming up in oct.im realy looking forward to
love everything martha.
i loveeeeeeeeeee,my viking, going sat. to purchase my first serger, viking
thanks for being there
suzanns stansell
Posted by: suzanne stansell | September 18th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Hello Martha
I watch your show some time and enjoy it a lot.
I listing to your show on the radio when i can and
I would like to know if you can help me with my problem I have a singer machine serial#4562 I need a metal bobbin for it and i can't get one they keep sending me a plastic case bobbin holder.
I saw on a web site were you appear talking about
a viking machine If you could gave me the information were to get one and the price.
Thank you very nuch .
Posted by: jackie adams | September 27th, 2008 at 8:35 am
Hello,
I love watching Martha Stewart show. I want the Viking Diamond Maching so so bad. My plan is to one day be able to afford one. Then I will get a small business going, then I will make lot's of money and can buy the 5 acres behind me to be able to open my Animal Rescue Center. Then once open I will have Senior Day, you know they say pet's increase life in all people. The Senior Day will be set and they can come back and see there special pet they have bonded with. Then if able they can also have certain days to come and help feed the animals an clean there area's. I know this will happen I pray everyday to God and I know he knows I have what it takes to do this.
Thank You,
Patricia Pistilli
419-260-8004
Posted by: Patricia Pistilli | November 3rd, 2008 at 8:47 am
I have never seen something that Martha promotes that hasn't turned into a huge success. I love the embroidery that this machine does. That is my passion. I think I may have to dig in deeper and do a little research on this machine.
Posted by: martha is Sew Right | November 7th, 2008 at 2:07 pm