Machine Embroidery Group

Projects Learning & Experienced

Snowbird Quilter — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 20:36:26 GMT

Yesterday I took my embroidery machine to our local Monday quilters group. LOL I almost have forgotten everything I thought I'd learned.

Didn't do an acceptable job, and it took all day to embroidery three words. However, determined I am, so today at home I'm trying again. Manual reading etc etc.

I know I'm going to become an avid embroiderer. I just know it.

Patty Mc

Sources for top quality machine embroidery and appliqué designs

Lucy — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:41:21 GMT

What are your favorite sources for top quality machine embroidery and appliqué designs?

Thanks,

Lucy

Sources for top quality machine embroidery and appliqué designs

Lucy — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:41:17 GMT

What are your favorite sources for top quality machine embroidery and appliqué designs?

Thanks,

Lucy

Embroidery a Snowflake for Sandy Hook

Donna B — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 20:33:24 GMT

I just got this message via my Bernina830 Yahoo Group that would be a way for those of us with any embroidery modules to help:

"I have a suggestion for anyone with extra time. Embroider a snowflake for the students of Sandy Hook. The community would like to turn the new school into a Winter Wonderland. All of the details can be seen at the website:

http://www.ctpta.org/SANDY-HOOK-FUND.html

A snowflake only takes a few minutes, and hopefully a lot of us can contribute to help in this small way.

Eat, Drink & Be Merry! Free Embroidery designs via Creative Machine Embroidery magazine

Kim Hanson — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 16:31:40 GMT

Good morning everyone! I wanted to share with you, my blog post at www.KimHansonQuilts.com/blog. In the November/December issue of Creative Machine Embroidery magazine, my table runner project was featured on the cover! Not only do you still have time to make the table runner before Christmas, you can also still access 12 FREE and fabulous Christmas embroidery designs. Check it out when you have time.

Thanks so much...

Kim

P.S. When you're on my website, please sign up to receive my future blog posts via email. Lots of quilting information will come your way.

My thoughts on Embroidery thread

Caryl Anne — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 00:10:09 GMT

I have been asked my thoughts on embroidery threads, pros and cons on brands I have worked with. As you know there are many brand names to choose from, some are quite expensive. Personally, I've NOT found the price to reflex the design sewn out.
In the world of thread, there is only a hand full of manufacturers; brand names are too many to count. Machine embroidery threads are Rayon or Polyester, some blends may be available, I do not think I own a mixed content.
A 40 wt. thread is recommended for most ME work. There are other weights 35wt and 50 wt. The higher the # the thinner the threads. I have found the 50wt threads do NOT perform on my high speed (800spm) Janome 10001. Breakage is at the highest with this thin thread. I use 35 wt. for areas that show off the outline stitching and one color stitch designs i.e. red work or vintage outline designs such a this photo.
Bobbin threads are as important as top threads. A 60wt. thread, recommended by our machine manufacturers, should be used. There are times when a matching thread, 40wt. are used, as in lace, and satin stitch for appliqué.
When I started ME in 2005, I looked for threads that were inexpensive; I bought several groups of thread from online eBay; as well as single colors from JoAnn’s. I lucked into a great find a package of threads that were not new, being sold by a crafter. & great buys from several thread sellers, groups of 10 colors in collections, Embroidex names like spring, summer, fall etc. & those are always available from eBay sellers.
I was not very knowledgeable at first and made some mistakes, costly in the purchase of India 50wt threads; again, it is too thin for our fast machines.
For most embroidery I prefer a polyester thread, they have a nice finish and can be laundered without color loss. Rayon have more sheen, and are color fast to a point, but I only use this when a particular design calls for it, or I am making a wall hanger, banner or picture that will not require laundering.
I own a treasure chest that never gets used. I don’t like the small spools and I do have breakage in these threads, just my machine? Who knows? Over the years I have bought C&C threads when there is a sale at Joann, a year or so ago I started buying from my Janome dealer, his threads are the same price as their sale, every day; exquisite and poly 40+. I have replaced 30+ spools and I like the thread. Sulky thread is my top-stitching choice in fashion sewing and you see I own the 40wt. rayon for ME as well.
With threads, I should add my preference in needles; I use only #11 & #14 EMBROIDERY needles. Reason being the needle is made for the 35 and 40wt. threads. In a pinch use a top stitching needle, be aware the eye is different, longer, because top stitches are going through many layers of fabric.
I hope that others will voice their opinions as well; all the information we can get out to the new enthusiast can help save them time and money on this fun hobby or creative work.

tutorials for machine embroidery

Kathleen Johnston — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 16:31:10 GMT

Does anyone have suggestions for tutorials for machine embroidery? From the very basic fundamentals-how to begin.

Claudia Dinnell Embroidery Workshop

Donna B — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 22:11:39 GMT

I just attened a 2-Day Machine Embroidery Workshop taught by Claudia Dinnell. First of all, she is just a really good teacher, and secondly she is absolutely the best instructor of machine embroidery I have ever experienced! And patient to a fault!!! She had a class of 20+ women from beginner to very experienced, jumped from one to another constantly for the full 2 days, without any hesitation or even a sigh. I can say that every single person in the class (even the most experienced) went home with a new skill or bit of knowledge that they didn't have when they arrived. Claudia's techniques for multi-hoop placement and virtual positioning are nothing short of amazing. I learned so much from this lady! I plan to take another class from her next summer. If you want to see pictures, I have posted quite a few on my Blog page (click on my name, then go to my blog, then to Claudia Dinnell Workshop). Hope you enjoy them!

Anita-Goodesign Embroidery

Donna B — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 03:19:02 GMT

Has anyone any experience with embroidery designs from Anita-Goodesign? I am signed up for a 2-Day workshop with her this weekend. Thought it would be a good idea at the time - but now I am wondering if anyone else here has used her designs and how they liked them.

In the Hoop - Goose Tracks Quilt

Donna B — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 21:29:06 GMT

Hi, I have the front and binding finally completed on the Goose Tracks Quilt I have been working on for a little over a year. Here is her picture:

I am still debating on whether to do a little more shading on the background fabric. It was gradated fabric, but with the limited fabric I had and cutting it up into the square, it lost some of the gradation across the quilt.

It was a labor of love, but will I do it again? Not for a while for sure!!!

Having trouble with metallic thread? take a look

Sue — Tue, 03 May 2011 12:26:37 GMT

Use a metallic needle, instead of your usual sewing needle, and you'll have less
shredding. A metallic needle has a larger eye than an embroidery or quilting needle.

But if it's last minute and you don't have time to go to the store to get a metallic
needle, try using a slower speed and place the spool farther away from the machine.

For example, put a thread stand next to your machine so you can run the thread to
your machine, but place the cone of thread on the floor. Doing this helps the kinks
work themselves out as the metallic is drawn off the cone as you sew. Try it, it
works!! And remember to slow the speed down too.

Place a layer of dissolving stabilizer (I like the Light WSS by the yard the best) over
the hooped fabric. Spray a light mist of food grade silicone spray over the WSS and
place the hoop on your machine.

This does two things....as the needle penetrates the top stabilizer, a tiny bit of silicone
coats the needle, and by spraying the stabilizer, rather than placing a small bit of
silicone on the thread, you avoid getting silicone on your tension discs.

When you're finished, spritz some water on the WSS and brush it away.

You'll find food grade (non-staining) silicone spray in quilt shops, or do a search online

This is from Long Creek Mill

Embroidery designs

Louise — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 18:36:06 GMT

How many embroidery designs do you have? Do you embroidery other items OTHER than on quilts? As for me I have OVER 150,000 designs and LOVE making FSL designs and recently gotten hooked on making earrings. I also make quilt labels, and other embroidery for wall hangings and other types of sewing projects.

Craftsy Class on Machine Embroidery Quilting

Donna B — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 03:47:04 GMT

Craftsy has a new class on Machine Embroidery Quilting. I have checked out the preview and it looks pretty good. Has anyone here signed up for it yet? If so, what do you think?

NewBee

Tamra — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 16:53:58 GMT

Good afternoon,

My name is Tamra, I am new to quilting and embroidery. Have been sewing for over 30 years and did not have the time to learn quilting and embroidery while raising my children. Now is my time to start a new hobby. Really excited about my new hobby. Looking forward to making alot of new friends.

New here

Bonnie — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 01:23:34 GMT

Hi everyone! I am new here and fairly new to QCA. I quilt and machine embroider. I love them both! i have lots of projects lined up. I have done machine embroidery for about 8 years now and have quilted for about 10. I have sewed ever since i can remember. I think it is funny that my Home Ec Teacher thought I would never be able to sew or cook. Fooled her! Any ways, it is good to be here.

Bonnie B

New daily Alphabets set started

kaustubh — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 19:29:45 GMT

New daily Alphabets set started.

Moon Star Alpha "A" freebie today for next 24 hours in two size.

http://www.embroideryshristi.com/en/alphabets-embroidery-designs/3590-moon-star-embroidery-alphabets-a.html

IN THE HOOP ADVICE

Kelli — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 14:30:42 GMT

I have never tried to quilt in the hoop before, but I am considering it. My question is, is there any advice you people with more experience can give me? Is there something specific I should know before trying it? I don't know if it matters but I have a Brother PE-780D.

New freebie Embroidery deisgns

kaustubh — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 10:02:07 GMT

New freebie to download

http://www.embroideryshristi.com/en/alphabets-embroidery-designs/3464-news-outline-embroidery-font-c.html

http://www.embroideryshristi.com/en/free-machine-embroidery/3471-simple-outline-embroidery-deisgns.html

Sorry, if i had posted in the wrong place, if it is a wrong place please can you guide me where can i post

freebie designs

Giga hoop??

mkeener — Mon, 28 May 2012 22:37:09 GMT

Does anyone have a Janome 350e? I am looking for a way to embroider larger than 5x7 and have read conflicting reviews of the giga hoop. Does anyone have any first hand experience they can share - good or bad?

Cutwork

Cindy — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 02:25:43 GMT

Hi,

I am new to this group and I own a Husqvarna Viking machine. I was wondering if any of you have ever done anything in Cutwork with the needles that cut the material. Also just wondering how easy it would be to do napkins with one corner the cutwork design so that it has a rounded corner. Does that make sense? If not I will try again.

Thanks for any answers.

Cindy

Oh, I have not done any cutwork yet but am anxious to try it.

Quilt in the Hoop

Donna B — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 21:10:49 GMT

Hi all, wanted to share with you the recently completed front and back of a border block for my Goose Tracks Quilt (by HoopSisters.com). As there was recent discussion of what the back of an embr. quilt block would look like, I have attached a pic of both the front and the back. As this quilt comes along, I will post more pictures.

Front View:

Back View:

I love the detail on these blocks...

Donna B

free all 26 alphabets

kaustubh — Wed, 09 May 2012 18:06:17 GMT

All alphabets are freebies 4 forever in a Embroideryshristi alpha pack set.

Dont be selfish and share your thanks in the our forum if you like the alphabets.

http://www.embroideryshristi.com/en/free-machine-embroidery/3222-alpha-embroideryshristi-special-design-set.html

Share your thanks here
http://forum.embroideryshristi.com/index.php?board=15.0

Digitizing

Kim Hanson — Mon, 07 May 2012 21:07:49 GMT

Good day everyone! Can I ask everyone who reads this post a HUGE favour? Could you please tell me the manufacturer of your current sewing/embroidery machine? Also, can you tell me what digitizing software program you use with your embroidery machine? Even if you don't use the software often, I'd like to know what software is compatible with what embroidery machine.

Thanks ever so much.

Kim in Calgary

Tension problems when embroidering

Susan — Sat, 05 May 2012 14:08:39 GMT

Has anyone solved the problem of bobbin thread showing on top when using embroidery thread in the bobbin? I've tried adjusting embroidery tension with no success. I'm using a Babylock Ellure. I am trying hard to avoid purchasing the second bobbin case (it says that's for prewound bobbins but I've been told you can change the bobbin tension on that one). With all the tension adjustments available, isn't there a solution that doesn't involve spending $70?

Susan

Introductions

Elizabeth — Wed, 02 May 2012 02:42:47 GMT

Just joined the group after seeing it mentioned in the most recent QCA email. Thought it might be nice to start a thread where members can introduce themselves.

I'm a self-taught sewer and quilter and have only recently decided to try using my embroidery machine to do what I refer to as "fancy quilting" on my projects. Even thought I've been sewing for about 40 years and quilting for the past 10, I haven't really progressed much beyong stitching in the ditch and basic free motion stippling. I'm not fortunate enough to have the space or finances to own a quilt frame and/or long-arm machine so everything I do has to be done on my home sewing machines, which has a lot of space constraints. Thinking that using the embroidery module to create stunning stitching may just be the way to go. Have one project ready to be sandwiched and quilted so will start with that. It's a decent sized lap/throw .. I just need to decide now on what designs to use. Don't know how the rest of you begin this process, but I went ahead and scanned a block from the top into my computer and plan to play around with that in my embroidery software to see what I can come up with before I actually put it on the machine.

I noticed in some of the other threads that several of you are working on the Hoopsisters Goose Tracks quilt. My dealer doesn't offer it but I've always been impressed with the ones I've seen worked up, and blocks you've posted to the group are no exception. This is one quilt that I will definitely keep on my must have list and hopefully once it's available for sale to the general public through their site I'll be able to pick it up and start working on it. Have done some of their other designs and I just love their stuff.

Thanks for accepting me into the group. I look forward to experimenting with you on all things machine embroidery related.