By now you know I have a great relationship with Bernina and several of the past trips involved visits to Dealers and national quilt shows. Perhaps one of the highlights was our trip to Switzerland, seeing how the machines are made. You might think that my second pick would be the national quilt shows. What's not to love about them? There you will find tons of inspiring quilts and great stuff to tempt and tease the pocket book. Yes, I do enjoy the shows, but perhaps my favorite Bernina Gig is when I get to visit various Dealers across the country. It would be safe to say that each Dealership has its own flavor, look and style. However, underneath their exterior, they all have the same goal: and that is to bring you the very best machine available today.

Nestled in Pennsylvania are two Dealers who I adore (among many). Hinkletown in Ephrata and Hoover's Bernina in Mifflinburg are about two hours apart and they are related by marriage. Both families are Mennonite, live in rural settings and basically run the stores on their properties. Though both Dealers have employees who are not related, the Zimmerman and Hoover children are born and raised with Bernina in their blood. They know the machines inside and out, and can sell and service the machines at warp speed, while balancing the chores of home and farm gracefully. I call them their secret weapons; and the customers adore these young adults.

Though I would like Martin Favre (President of Bernina USA) to think it was work, work, work (for job security) there was time for laughter, friendship and fun. Both families welcomed me with open arms and shared so much more than their Dealerships. Mr. Zimmerman invited me to the farm the day before the first event, to visit with his lovely family. I was bummed that the invite found its way to me at the end of the day I had free. When we made our way to the Hoovers, joy quickly replaced disappointment when I got to bond with Mr. Hoover's chihuahua and Esther May's pet 5 day old colt pony. Wow, that's not an everyday thing for a city girl.

Last September as I contemplated the deadlines and commitments of the year, never in a million years did I think the incredibly intense time frame would have ended on such an uplifting and inspirational note. Expecting to be exhausted, I am rejuvenated by my time in Pennsylvania. I was reminded that at Bernina we are a family. Yes, we are all a little different on the outside, but on the inside we are just like your Bernina machine, solid metal through and through.

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