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.
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
