I had a few moments of downtime this evening and have uploaded (re-uploaded rather) the latest project from Iris Embroidery Threads pictured in the current issue of Creative Machine Embroidery! Hope you all enjoy the Easy Embroidered Pillow and how-to tutorial video.

The Iris Thread Giveaway Contest has officially ended.

Winners will be contacted via e-mail and their names will also be posted right here on TheNinaLine.com blog.

Thanks to everyone who participated and made this contest a success!

I'm home! Not quite settled in yet but the laundry is done. I went to Husqvarna Viking International Convention last week in San Antonio, Texas. It was so wonderful to see old friends and make some new ones. So why was I there?

First, to debut Iris Embroidery thread. I am the spokesperson for this new-wonderful-you-have-to-try-it-yourself polyester thread. I am so excited about this thread! Amazing colors, awesome sheen and, unlike rayon, you can bleach it and leave it in the sun. Decorative stitches, embroidery and construction sewing will never be the same!...or maybe I'm super bias. In anycase, it should hit your local sewing machine retailer stores within the next few weeks and you all should try it out.

Second, I was there to see the unveiling of the new Husqvarna Viking Designer Diamond! What a crazy amazing machine! A huge embroidery area now with all the Viking features we love...and more.

Then the fun stuff. I met one of my online icons while in Texas. I adore Anna Maria Horner's style, personality and zest for life...not to mention I know how difficult it is to be a designer and she has 5 children she is raising! I also got a smile from Martha Stewart. I was so excited I was shaking. I also got the chance to connect with some awesome people I will be creating some projects with so I will keep you all updated when that all starts to happen!