Brother Named Exclusive Sewing & Embroidery Licensee of “Project Runway” Season Six

“Either you’re in or you’re out” for Heidi Klum of ‘Project Runway,’ and Brother International Corporation is “in” for season six. Returning as the Exclusive Sewing and Embroidery Licensee for the popular fashion reality television show, season six marks the company’s third year as a licensee.

The relationship with ‘Project Runway’ has proven to be very successful for Brother® who has seen tremendous branding exposure since being named a licensee in 2007. Each week viewers tune in to watch contestants race against the clock, perfecting every last thread with Brother® sewing machines. As Tim Gunn gives the aspiring designers their final countdown, viewers see a Brother-branded clock tick away, revealing those last, crucial minutes before their designs are showcased on the runway.

“‘Project Runway’ has brought incredible publicity to the Brother brand,” said Dean F. Shulman, a senior vice president of Brother International Corporation and head of the company’s home appliance division. “Brother dealerships are experiencing younger and younger customers who want the ‘Project Runway machine.’ Acquainting new customers with Brother sewing and embroidery products is invaluable.”

In conjunction with season four, Brother introduced its ‘Project Runway’ Limited Edition series sewing machines. Available at Authorized Brother Innov-ís Dealers, the ‘Project Runway’ sewing machines boast advanced features and built-in designs perfect for ultimate customization. With 40 built-in stitches including five styles of one-step buttonholes, variable speed control, super-wide stitch selection and seven-point feed dogs, the ‘Project Runway’ Limited Edition Innovís 40 imparts style and panache to designer creations. Skilled sewing room veterans find the added capabilities of the ‘Project Runway’ Limited Edition Innov-ís 80 ideal for intricate stitch work and monogramming flair. The Innov-ís 80 includes the features and functionality of the Innov-ís 40 plus 40 additional built-in designs, including five one-step buttonholes, 55 alphanumeric characters and the ability to combine stitches. And for designers that require even more creative potential, there is the ‘Project Runway’ Limited Edition LB6770 PRW computerized sewing and embroidery combination machine. This machine was designed to give fashionistas added inspiration with 70 built-in embroidery designs, five monogramming fonts and 120 frame pattern combinations. Using the 67 built-in stitches, 98stitchfunctions and 10 styles of one-step automatic buttonholes, modish mavens are able to add dimension, color, texture, imagery and sophistication to any project. For greater differentiation tailored to a designer’s unique vision, the built-in embroidery card slot allows the use of thousands of optional Brother embroidery designs. Included with the purchase of this machine is a fashionable rolling bag, a $100 value, which is perfect for the designer who is always on the go, much like the contestants on ‘Project Runway.’

“Staying on board for season six was an obvious choice,” said Shulman. “‘Project Runway’ has propelled Brother into the fashion industry, giving designer enthusiasts the machines they need to fashion stylish apparel. For more than 50 years, Brother has supplied leading innovation and superior technology to sewing and embroidery enthusiasts. With ‘Project Runway,’ Brother has greater clout within the design industry.”

‘Project Runway’ season six premieres on Thursday, August 20, 2009, at 10pm EST on Lifetime. For more information about the Brother extensive product line, including its ‘Project Runway’ Limited Edition sewing and embroidery machines, visit www.brother.com . For more information about Brother and ‘Project Runway’ visit www.mylifetime.com .

Sales of Sewing Machines Up in Large UK Stores

The Daily Mail reports that in the U.K., sewing machine sales are up by as much as 500% this year, pointing to a resurgence in sewing as a practical skill during the rough economy.

Tesco has reported a 198 per cent increase in sales since this time last year – selling two every minute. Sales of Argos’s cheapest model, at £69.99, have risen by 500 per cent, while Singer and Brother models are up by 50 per cent.

In this new make-do-and-mend world, the rise of SIY (sew-ityourself) is a sign of the times, with people clamouring to join courses in sewing and garment design around the country.

‘Why waste money buying lots of clothes on the High Street when you can make something that looks better and lasts longer?’ says PR manager Helen Bird, 32, who bought a sewing machine a few months ago.

Read the entire article here.

Amy Butler’s Long Awaited Solid Story is Here!

Amy Butler’s long awaited solid story is here !
Beautifully woven with a gorgeous feel, Amy’s solids come in both home dec and quilting weights to coordinate with all of her print collections with Rowan. These yummy solids will enhance and compliment any project and are sure to stir your creative passions!

Amy’s 2 New Free Quilt Designs.

Amy’s Mid Mod Quilt – FREE Pattern

The A’s Puzzle Quilt – FREE Pattern

Debuting in October at International Quilt Market

Take a sneak peek: Two new fabric collections by Tina Givens for Westminster/FreeSpirit. The first collection is Treetop Fancy,

a perfectly eclectic collection injected with a little Art Deco. Fabulous color mixes from greens and blues called Barefoot In The Rain and reds called Vintage Shuffle. It’s a fun collection.

The second collection is Fairy Tip-Toes,

Fresh and fun filled with fairies, birds and chandeliers. The fairy panels are gorgeous and innovative!

On Pins and Needles, but Not Missing a Stitch

By MICHELLE SLATALLA
Published: February 1, 2007

A mother’s innocent home project becomes an obsession.

To see this article click here.