BERNINA Announces WeAllSew Challenge Contest

Enter the Sweepstakes for the Grand Prize, a BERNINA Sewing Machine


AURORA, IL--(Marketwire - Feb 21, 2012) - BERNINA of America, the world's premier manufacturer of sewing, embroidery and quilting machines, is pleased to announce its WeAllSew Challenge Contest in which consumers can enter to win a $1,000 BERNINA gift certificate and a chance to be featured on BERNINA's WeAllSew.com, as well as entered into a sweepstakes for a chance to win a BERNINA sewing machine, valued at $5,000.

Throughout the year, consumers will have the chance to enter three unique challenges that focus on upcycling or reinventing pieces of clothing and fabric. For each challenge, one winner will be selected to receive a $1,000 BERNINA gift certificate. The theme of the first challenge is a wedding dress makeover where participants are asked to upcycle a wedding gown or bridesmaid dress into something new. The new design must incorporate something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. Participants can enter the WeAllSew Challenge by visiting BERNINA of America's Facebook page, where they'll find full instructions and rules. A photo of the finished project along with a brief description must be uploaded to BERNINA of America's Facebook page www.facebook.com/berninausa, between Thursday, March 1 and Monday, March 19. To assist participants, BERNINA has included examples of upcycled projects on WeAllSew.com, including an old wedding dress which was purchased from GoodWill® and upcycled into a ring pillow and clutch.

The winner of each challenge will also have the chance to be featured in an article on WeAllSew.com, a blog designed for sewing enthusiasts of all ages to share a love of sewing through ideas, projects, patterns and tips, and inspire a whole new group of sewers. Combining the best of BERNINA of America's blog and its Sewing Republic Web site, WeAllSew.com offers a place for sewers, embroiderers and quilters to connect with blog contributors and sewing experts. Readers will also find tutorials, easy step-by-step instructions, new product information and inspirational ideas, including ways to help those in need.

The challenge entries will be judged by a panel of BERNINA experts based on three criteria, including the number of votes each project receives, the project description, and the finished project. The winner will be announced on the BERNINA Facebook page in early April. The theme and details regarding the next challenges will be announced at a later date.

Additionally, anyone can enter to win the grand prize drawing for a BERNINA 730 E Sewing and Embroidery Machine, with an approximate retail value of $5,000, by filling out an entry form at participating BERNINA dealers. Each challenge participant will also be automatically entered into the sweepstakes, which will take place in October after all three challenges have ended.

About BERNINA
Founded in Switzerland more than 100 years ago, BERNINA is the world's premier manufacturer with a proven reputation for offering state-of-the-art sewing and embroidery systems, sergers and embroidery software. BERNINA's leadership is marked by an impressive number of industry leaders, influencers and artisans who chose to partner with the company. BERNINA products are sold in the United States through a network of approximately 450 fully trained independent dealerships. In 2008, the company introduced the revolutionary BERNINA 830, a machine designed to change the home sewing industry. To learn more and to find a dealer, visit www.berninausa.com or call (630)978-2500.

Contact Information:

Media Contacts for BERNINA of America, Inc.:
Christina Bereta
(312)780-7218


Ryan Nangle
(312)780-7210