42 APRIL 2018 By Laura Stoddard In a world of so many stores that seem so similar, it can feel refreshing when you discover a unique business in your own neighborhood. Bernina Connection is such a place. In addition to selling and repairing Bernina sewing machines, the store also serves as a community center of sorts for people interested in all things sewing- related. Owners Diane Ebner and Val Sparks offer an abundance of sewing, quilting and embroidery supplies; personalized help and expertise; many hands-on classes and opportunities to join them in doing charity work. The owners also spearhead the effort to create an atmosphere of support, trust, and friendship at Bernina Connection. They realize that buying a sewing machine is a large purchase, and want customers to feel confident in their machine, and in knowing they have place to go for help and inspiration. “In helping people choose fabrics and supplies, we really get to know our customers and who they are,” Sparks says. “We have clubs that meet every month and do a certain type of sewing, and those people become friends, and now we know them very well.” Walking into Bernina Connection feels like being embraced by a rainbow. It is a vibrant kaleidoscope of color, with high, bright ceilings, and sewing supplies of every kind, be it fabric, thread, needles, books, patterns or finished examples of things that can be created. Along with the large, main sales floor and repair shop is a substantial classroom where much of the magic happens. “We’re a huge education center,” Ebner says. “We have classes almost every day. A lot of our classes are mastery on using the sewing machines. We do sewing and quilting fundamentals classes, we have ‘Kids Create’ once a month, we do a kids camp in the summer, and since we sell embroidery machines, we have a lot of embroidery classes.” They put out a quarterly newsletter featuring a schedule of the dozens of classes, as well as a listing of upcoming events, like visits from national sewing experts and humanitarian projects. “We do a lot of charity work,” Sparks says. “We do breast cancer hearts, shorts for boys in Africa, dog beds for different shelters, and we’re a registered store for Quilts of Valor.” The Quilts of Valor program provides homemade quilts to veterans. This year’s project date is Saturday, April 7 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and everyone is welcome. Sewing machines and supplies will be provided, and participants are welcome to bring their own supplies as well. Visit berninaconnection.com to RSVP. “It’s a good way to support them and thank them,” Ebner says, “because there’s just not enough done for our Vets.” The store has even been voted “District Dealer of the Year” by Bernina University twice, earning Ebner and Sparks the amazing opportunity to tour Bernina’s factories in Thailand and Switzerland. Something the owners are particularly excited about is the store’s recent expansion. In November of 2017 they acquired a vacated store adjacent to their property and were able to expand their footprint, providing more room for supplies, machines, and imagining. “Even before we expanded,” Ebner says, “People would walk in and go, ‘I had no idea [the store] was that big’, and now we’re huge. That little bit of space has taken our store to another level.”        Community is a big part of the Bernina Connection, with classes offered nearly every day. In helping people choose fabrics and supplies, we really get to know our customers and who they are.” 30th Street & Indian School Road 602.957.8402 Lindstrom Family Auto Wash Your Neighborhood Car Wash Visit us at LindstromAutoWash.com for the “Deal of the Month!” Not valid with any other offers. Must present coupon. Expires 4/30/18. Not valid with any other offers. Must present coupon. Expires 4/30/18. Not valid with any other offers. Must present coupon. Expires 4/30/18. 15% OFF Any Detail Package $3 OFF “The Works” Car Wash $2 OFF Regular Car Wash Lindstrom Family Auto Wash Lindstrom Family Auto Wash Lindstrom Family Auto Wash PROFESSIONAL DETAIL SERVICES Engine Cleaning • Dress (top only) • Express Shampoo Express Wax • Leather Cleaning Conditioner • Complete Interior Exterior Over Spray Removal ARCADIA NEWS ARCADIA NEWS ARCADIA NEWS DUI CLASSES ONLINE! 3200 N Hayden Rd ~ Suite 170 - Just South of Osborn Rd 480.429.9044 SCOTTSDALETREATMENT.COM HOME • OFFICE • TRAVEL ANYWHERE YOU CAN “LOG ON!” ONLINE SERVICES: COURT & MVD MANDATED DUI SCREENINGS SR-22 INSURANCE • DUI COURSES 24/7/365 ALCOHOL SCREENINGS, EDUCATION & TREATMENT ARIZONA’S FIRST ONLINE DUI SERVICES Compare our rates. CALL US LAST! Classes available 24/7/365!