Episode 143 - BERNINA University 2026 – New Orleans, LA
Summary: BERNINA University 2026 transformed New Orleans into a week-long celebration of creativity, innovation, and community as dealers, educators, vendors, and sewing enthusiasts gathered under this year's theme, "Imagine More." In this special behind-the-scenes episode of Sew & So, host Meg Goodman takes listeners from the opening ceremonies to the closing banquet, capturing the excitement of new product launches, educational sessions, merchant exhibits, and inspiring conversations with the people who make the BERNINA community so unique.
Listeners meet the six generations of the Ueltschi family who continue to guide the company's legacy, hear from BERNINA leadership about the future of the brand, discover exciting collaborations—including the new partnership with Liberty Fabrics—and explore the Merchant Mall with vendors showcasing the latest fabrics, notions, embroidery designs, and sewing innovations. The episode also ventures beyond the convention center into New Orleans, visiting unique sewing destinations and the city's vibrant Mardi Gras costume culture. From dealer excitement and fashion show winners to emotional farewells and new beginnings, this episode captures the creativity, relationships, and inspiration that define BERNINA University.
Episode Notes:
New Orleans has long been a city where imagination comes to life. From the vibrant colors of the French Quarter and the rhythms of live jazz to the artistry behind Mardi Gras costumes, historic architecture, and unforgettable cuisine, creativity is woven into every corner of the city. It's the perfect backdrop for BERNINA University 2026, where this year's theme, "Imagine More," challenged dealers, educators, and makers from across North America to dream bigger, learn more, and inspire one another.
In this special edition of Sew & So, we're taking you inside BU 2026 for exclusive conversations with BERNINA leadership, the Ueltschi family, vendors, dealers, educators, and special guests. You'll hear about exciting new products, innovative partnerships, inspiring stories, and even venture beyond the convention center to discover some of New Orleans' unique sewing destinations. Whether you attended BU or are experiencing it for the first time, this episode brings you front and center for one unforgettable week of creativity and community.
Laissez les bons temps rouler!
(2:18) Ryan O’Hare director or rooms at the Hyatt New Orleans welcomed the crowed and presented the city’s BERNINA Day Proclamation.
(4:14) Paul Ashworth – BERNINA Of American CEO & President welcomes a very special family to the opening ceremony stage.
(4:36) Let’s meet HP Ueltschi, Philipe Ueltschi and Felix Ueltschi – the family’s 4th, 5th and 6th generations! Hear why New Orleans is a special city for Mr. HP Ultchie.
(5:45) And here’s Christy Berchem VP of Training and Education at BERNINA of America.
(6:48) Meet Shelancia Danial of The Creativity Shell
(9:26) Meet dealers Cindy, Deniese, Jenny, Colleen and Rachael who tell us what they’re looking forward to at BU.
(11:10) Meet a few of the vendors too!
(11:58) Walk with us through the Merchant Mall.
(12:09) Joe Vechiarelli from Dancing with the Stars and Project Runway visits with us.
(15:24) Meet Michael from The Goat Notions Company
(16:15) Melanie from Brewer and David from Benartex talk about the fabrics they are offering at BU this year.
(19:22)there is a new partnership between BERNINA and Liberty Fabric. We talk to Odette and Maithe from Liberty who tell us about this wonderful new collaboration.
(22:35)Martha Porter has been creating with Liberty Fabrics for years. She explains how she uses the fabric and provides a few tips as well.
(25:31)Carrie, Jordan and Ashley from OESD share their exciting new offerings
(27:17) Here’s Amanda Murphy to tell us what’s new with her
(28:55)Travel with us now to the outskirts of the French Quarter to visit three special places focused on sewing. Each of these conversations will be featured in full in upcoming Sew & So episodes. Here’s Brett from Dressed New Orleans and Allison from RicRack New Orleans.
(32:19) Meet Carl Mack and as we visit his Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture.
(35:34) Back at BU we got to visit with the Ultchie family – especially 3-year-old Felix. First…HP Ueltschi.
(37:36) Now 5th generation Philip Ueltschi
(38:46)Finally, 6th generation – 3-year-old Felix!
(39:02) Carolyn and Fabian from BERNINA International walk us through the new offerings from the serger/overlocker line.
(42:30) Danielle VP of Marketing for BERNINA International visits with us in her third BU.
(44:53)Hey Christy Burcham, what’s new in Training and Education at BERNINA of North America?
(46:57)Let’s check in with previous Sew & So Guests Pam Mahshie, Sarah Caldwell and Tania Norris
(52:10) Kai Hildebrand – CEO of BERNINA International…how was BU?!
(52:48) Michaelynn Rose – VP of Marketing for BERNINA of North America – shares her thoughts of BU 2026
(53.33)Meet Amera from Going Batty Reno, NV– the winner of this year’s BU Fashion show!
(54:34) Jeanne Delpit – 30-year BERNINA veteran and Manager of National Events shares her big news! Then share in the heartfelt sendoff from Mr. Ueltschi at the closing banquet
(1:00:00)Introducing the new Manager of National Events for BERNINA…Candy Pennacchi
(1:02:35) Christy Burcham sums up the whole event experience
So another BERNINA University is in the books. Our thanks to everyone who gave us their time, shared their stories, and helped us bring a piece of BU 2026 to you.
And to all of you Sew & So’ers listening there is so much to look forward to from BERNINA and from this remarkable community of sewists, quilters, makers, and dreamers. Until next time — keep imagining more.
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Key Words: BERNINA University 2026, BU 2026, BERNINA, Sew & So podcast, Meg Goodman, New Orleans, Imagine More, sewing, quilting, embroidery, serger, overlocker, BERNINA dealers, HP Ueltschi, Hanspeter Ueltschi, Philippe Ueltschi, Felix Ueltschi, Paul Ashworth, Christy Berchem, Kai Hildebrand, Michaelynn Rose, Jeanne Delpit, Candy Pennacchi, Shelancia Daniel, Joe Vecchiarelli, Amanda Murphy, Martha Porter, Liberty Fabrics, OESD, Brewer, Benartex, The Goat Notions Company, Dressed New Orleans, RicRack New Orleans, Carl Mack, Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture, Merchant Mall, sewing education, fabric, quilting community, sewing inspiration, maker community, fashion show, creativity, sewing techniques, sewing industry, BERNINA International, BERNINA of America