Classic Quilts, the Dubai-based hobby shop, is launching a fun sewing challenge – in store and online – to celebrate the launch of the long-awaited Crystal Edition Bernina sewing machine.

Bernina, the globally renowned, high-quality Swiss manufacturer of sewing and embroidery systems, is launching a precision range of new machines, the Crystal Edition series, which features Swarovski crystals and a host of extras designed to make hobbyists swoon.

Only available in the UAE via Jumaira Plaza-mall based Classic Quilts, this all-singing, all-dancing range adds glamour to your sewing space. The faceplate and the service panel are designed in an exclusive geometric white-and-beige pattern and embellished with dazzling crystals from Swarovski i®.

Now, Classic Quilts and its sewing group, All Friends Sewing Hub, is behind a global sew-along challenge, asking anyone and everyone to create a fabric crystal. The challenge culminates in an official launch party on November 22, when all the stitched crystals will be showcased at the store.

Aish Ramakrishnan, Business Development Manager says: “This range really is state-of-the-art, combining beautiful design and precision engineering with the remarkable quality we’ve come to expect from Bernina.

“To mark the launch of the range, we are inviting anyone who has a sewing machine and likes to sew to join our special crystal challenge. The challenge is to make a fabric crystal – and we’ve made it easy for those taking part online, with a YouTube tutorial.”

If you’d like to join in on the challenge in person, head to the Classic Quilts store to join in a crystal sewing session, and you’ll get the chance to experience the new Benina range for yourself, along with the Bernina Airlocker L890 and L850 on 22 November from 10am until noon.

Classic Quilts has long provided in-store teaching and sewing groups, pivoting to online during the pandemic. Now, the friendly neighbourhood store invites everyone to take part in this challenge – with the chance of a limited-edition free gift if your crystal is stitched before November 22.

Aish adds: “Classic Quilts has always worked hard to be a central part of the community – and we are delighted that since the pandemic, our community has now spread worldwide. With this in mind, we wanted to ensure our local customers – old and new – could take part in the Crystal Challenge in person, while not excluding our growing international community. This is a world-wide sew-along — and we challenge you to bring your best bling forward.”

Classic Quilts runs the All Friends Sewing Hub, which will be taking part in the crystal challenge, but Aisha and the team would like to re-iterate that it’s open to all. “Of course, those who enjoy it are more than welcome to sign up to join our group,” she says.

Register for the FREE challenge online here, and you’ll immediately receive a pattern and instructional video. However, as Aisha puts it: “We want to see just how creative our wonderful family can be – you don’t have to use our pattern, you can create your own design – so don’t hold back on the bling!”

Bernina Crystal Edition machines are at the top of the range of Bernina machines available at Classic Quilts, who are distributors for UAE, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain.

The Bernina Special Edition Crystal models are the B880, B790Plus and B590Plus. Classic Quilts has the 790/590 for immediate purchase, with the B880 ordered after purchase. Each machine is bundled with a package which includes:

• The OESD 300+ Crystal Edition Embroidery Designs
• An ‘Inspiration Kit’ of Swarovski Crystals – there is a box full for you to embellish your clothes, quilts or any project. The elegant tin box also contains a USB stick with over 300 embroidery designs, including 35 exclusive Crystal Edition designs
• A Crystal Sleeve for the machine
• An Embroidery Bag and Machine Trolley in Bernina’s unique crystal branding.

Classic Quilts is also the name behind the highly successful International Quilt Show Dubai.