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By Scott GoodmanScott Goodman, owner of Sewing Machine Warehouse & Kneedle.com has been servicing the sewing public since 1976.

New Stuff and PlussesI am reveling in all of the new 2018 sewing machines, software and upgrades that “plus” your current machine with new magical powers. With each passing year, our machines are becoming easier to use, more reliable and able to produce output that is indistinguishable from store-bought products. Some of us (me) want the latest and greatest, taking the plunge and upgrading with every product cycle. Others are more comfortable waiting until their favorite model has been available for a while, so that “bugs” might be worked out of the system. This year there is something for everyone: new products and updated versions of proven models. Some of you may trade up, others (like me) collect machines, knowing that one machine does this thing really well and another does that thing well. Many have large über-machines, plus a sportier, smaller model for classes, events and social sewing. Whatever your style is, visit your local dealership and sample some of these amazing new machines.

Baby Lock has updated their semi-professional 6-needle workhorse with a larger 10" touch-screen display, filled with new tricks. The new Baby Lock Intrepid™ replaces their proven Endurance™ model. The Intrepid™ is capable of using new hooping options, like the sleeve, compact, clamp and new 2" x 2" magnetic frames. The current frame area graphic is dynamically displayed on-screen, giving visual cues while composing your masterpiece. If you have ever been confused when selecting look-alike thumbnails of a design in varying sizes, the design thumbnail now includes the file name. You can now disable the needle threader on selected needles. This is really helpful when sewing with “rope” or other heavy threads that are too much for needle threaders to handle.

Baby Lock’s new mid-sized Aventura™ (sewing and embroidery) and Flourish™ (embroidery only) just got better. The first thing you will notice about the Aventura II™ and Flourish II™, is the 30% larger, oversized color display. Big news…they both cut jump stitches!

Entry-level embroiderers will love the sporty Verve™ sewing and embroidery, replacing the affordable Sofia 2™. New from the ground up, this 4" x 4" embroidery machine now features a color display, and embroiders at 850 spm. Font editing and combining of embroidery

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elements are now included. The feed mechanism has been redesigned for better fabric handling on a wider array of fabrics. The included extension table and carry case give the Verve™ great value for newbies and experts that need a lightweight, portable solution.

How about a new toy for your favorite machine? Baby Lock Destiny™ and Destiny 2™ owners can plus their existing capabilities with the new Destiny feature upgrade. The upgrade adds 3 monograms, 5 fonts, 70 embroidery designs, stitch simulator, and presser foot up/down preferences. 5 new decorative embroidery fills are unlocked for Destiny

2™ or upgraded Destiny™ owners. Unity™, Journey™, Crescendo™, and Aria™ owners can enhance their models with a new upgrade that will add 183 new decorative stitches and presser foot positioning options.

Baby Lock started with overlocks, so I should mention the new Triumph™. The Baby Lock Triumph™ replaces their coveted and loved Ovation™, adding RevolutionAir™ automatic needle threading. This is, by far, the most sophisticated and versatile overlock available. It utilizes, depending on technique, up to 5 needles and 3 loopers, threaded in moments with a blast of air. Need this stitch or that? Switch in about a minute through 87 different overlock, cover, chain, and wave stitch options.

Many Baby Lock models can be protected with an optional Gold Standard™, or Love of Sewing™ package that preserves your investment comprehensively with service, worn/broken part replacement and phone support from experts. These new Baby Lock products, and more, are expected to hit your local dealership during September.

Goldilocks found one chair ‘too big’ another ‘too small’ and a third, ‘just right’. The new BERNINA 5 Series may be your ‘Goldilocks’

machine. Imagine BERNINA’s 7 Series of sewing and embroidery machines getting struck by the shrink ray from Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. These new 5 Series models look like a slightly reduced version of their grand-sized 7 Series counterparts. They are queen-sized, with 8.5” of space inside the sewing arm. Sharing 7 Series internal components, this new series feels and operates like their big sisters do. Four new models include the B500 embroidery-only edition that purrs at 1,000 spm and includes a new 10.5” x 6.5” Midi Hoop with ergonomic twist knob. The Midi Hoop can be used with upgraded 7 and 8 Series models. BERNINA’s B535 is designed for the sewist. Quilt creators will relate to the B570QE (Quilter’s Edition) with BERNINA Stitch Regulation and patchwork foot. If you must have-it-all, check out the B590 with advanced sewing and embroidery features. The B535 and B570QE are embroidery-ready and can be enhanced by adding an optional embroidery unit

BERNINA B790 and B880 have been updated with a “Plus”. The new B880 Plus and B790 Plus models feature several embroidery conveniences: element group/ungroup, undo/redo, Thread Away mode selection, Pinpoint Placement, Invisible and Smart Secure, thread up function, stitch order rearrange, inches/mm, new designs, new alphabets and they now read most popular file formats. (.exp, .dst, .pes, .jef, .pcs, .sew, .xxx). Current B790 and B880 users shouldn’t worry. Your pet can be plussed with an upgrade kit that includes the new Midi Hoop.

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(Read this with a gravelly inside voice): In a future world devoid of dongles…

BERNINA Embroidery Software and Premier+2™ by SVP Worldwide, are doing their part to eliminate “dongle” from our vocabulary. Access will be granted through software license and can be installed on more than one computer. BERNINA Embroidery Software v8.1™ assures Win10 compatibility, integrates CorelDRAW® Graphics Suite SE. Stand way back because it can be viewed on your next 4K UltraHD 75” monitor.

Premier+2™ is now PC and Mac compatible and looks great on both. New features include Word Sculpt, a word art module, and project-in-the-hoop templates. Tweak your artwork with Bezier curves and feed your inner graphic artist. A new, drag ’n drop, object-oriented Cross Stitcher module creates embroidery files or patterns for that old-school hand stitched look. Premier+2™ integrates with mySewnet™ for cloud access and design transferring to your WiFi enabled Pfaff creative icon® or Husqvarna Viking Epic®. Previous owners of 4D, 5D and 6D software can purchase an upgrade. Check in with your local dealer during October.

Every kid wants to build a snowman and play superhero, me too. Brother just made it easier by releasing two new thread kits with all of the right colors to produce iBroidery.com designs from Frozen™ and Marvel™. Embroider your your favorite Disney Frozen™ characters like Elsa, Olaf, Anna, Sven, and Kristoff, or MARVEL™ characters like Spiderman, Captain America, Iron-Man, The Hulk, Groot and Rocket. These iBroidery exclusive designs are emotionally compelling regardless of age.

Big kids (like me) appreciate power and precision. Brother’s new Entrepreneur™ 6-Plus PR670E is the latest iteration in their 6-needle embroidery series. Big improvements start with an accelerated display that is 45% larger than the current PR655. The integrated SD card slot can accept a WiFi card, that can connect to your cloud-saved designs. Enhanced lettering, color sort, stitch simulator and more, make this proven workhorse even better.

Keep the dream alive with a new upgrade for Brother Dream Machine™ owners. “Plus” your machine with magical powers like: advanced multi-function foot control functions, smart stitch management with a new progress bar, My Design Center™ enhancements, new fonts and monograms.

Brother has improved the proven NQ3500D sewing and embroidery machine. Check out two new major improvements on the new NQ3600: Jump stitch cutting (woo-hoo), and a screen so wide, they added a flexed bicep to accommodate the larger display. It looks quite buff and able.

Big Disney dreams on a limited budget? Check out Brother’s NS1750D sewing and embroidery machine. This model brings Disney, Pooh, Pixar and Marvel characters to life on the integrated color touch screen. Individual designs and multi-element combinations can be embroidered up to 4” x 4”. Sewists will love the perfectly balanced buttonholes and true basting stitch.

For my sewists that are into athletic, performance, and athleisure-wear, Brother is introducing the industry’s first top and bottom cover stitch machine. Take a moment, look down and all around (made you look!). You are probably wearing this ubiquitous stitch right now. Watch for the Brother CV3550, exclusively at Brother Innov-ís dealers.

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Janome’s Horizon Memory Craft 15000™ got “plussed” too. This top-of-the-line sewing and embroidery machine has been enhanced with features that creators will love. Dubbed the Quilt Maker™, several new features have been added. The tapering function gives you customization options when arraying decorative stitches. Length of taper and left/center/right tapering, produces beautifully unique decorative options. Accurate free-hand quilting is now easier with Ruler Work mode and new ruler feet. A professional grade foot and needle plate are included for greater accuracy when piecing 1/4" seams.

Several new two and three letter monograms are now built in. My favorite embroidery feature is a colored-light progress indicator that spans the machine. This thermometer-like indicator, changes from white to pink as your sew-out progresses, so you can tell at-a-glance when your design is complete. Current Horizon MC15000™ owners can contact their local dealership for the update and upgrades that give their machine these superpowers.

Watch for AcuSketch™. This free iOS app creates single run line stitches from an image you manually trace or draw via free hand. Your designs transfer via WiFi, for sew-out. Available now, at the iTunes Store™.

Pfaff® creative icon™ is coming! The creative icon™ sports the largest workspace available, 12.2" from needle to arm and 5.5" vertical inside area. Its 10.1” graphical user interface responds to gestures like an iPad and features the JoyOS Advisor™ that guides you through needle and stabilizer selection, plus appliqué and project related information. Pfaff is known for IDT™ (Integrated Dual Feed). Enhanced IDT™ integrated in the creative icon™ offers greater fabric control. Activestitch™ has been enhanced, too, portioning and controlling the right balance of thread, assuring a perfect stitch, even with delicate mylar or foil metallic threads. Looking for creative inspiration? Check out the creative icon’s specialty stitches: floating, radiant, triple-ribbon, and off-the-edge lace. The creative icon is smart, Pfaff SewNotice™ advises your embroidery status in real time and alerts you when software updates are available, via smart device. I can’t wait to play with Pfaff ImageStitch™. This app creates a monochromatic embroidery file from a photo taken or stored in your phone, transferred via WiFi.

Fall is a perfect time to visit your local dealer. Your embroidery machine may need some TLC before starting all of your holiday projects and gifts. New product and upgrades are arriving daily and your favorite, local dealership is motivated to reduce their 2017 inventory.

Check out the new stuff and let me know what you think. GreatScott@kneedle.com www.facebook.com/GreatScottSews @Kneedle9999 on Instagram