Current


  • Turn Your Embroidery Machine Into a Longarm

    If you want to successfully quilt with your machine, you have to learn the secrets to controlling the process.  In my class, Turn Your Embroidery Machine Into a Longarm at Wisconsin Quilt Expo Sept. 7-9, you’ll learn why handling your quilt like this is a recipe for disaster: I’ll also share why having two versions […] Read more…


  • Wisconsin Quilt Expo 2017

      In just a few short weeks, I’m heading to my favorite quilt show – Wisconsin Quilt Expo, in Madison, Wisconsin, Sept 7-9, 2017.  Why is WQE my favorite quilt show?  Well, first off, it was created by my dear friend, Nancy Zieman, so I know every detail has been covered.  Second, it’s in Wisconsin […] Read more…


  • Embroidery is Not Just for Hemlines

    I was browsing in a department store this weekend and like normal, I was drawn to anything embroidered. Much to my delight, I saw so many embroidered t-shirts, sweaters and jeans. In the past, embroidery always seem to land at the hem. I’m sure you’ve had your fill of floral hemline borders!  Well, finally, the […] Read more…


  • Take These 5 Time-saving steps Before You Embroider

    Embrace these five tips to save as much time as possible in your embroidery studio. These tips have saved me countless hours, I hope you find them helpful. Stock up on supplies. Nothing slows you down more than running out of the right materials for the project. Always have a variety of stabilizers and threads […] Read more…


  • 70 Free Training Lessons!

    Really? 70 free training lessons on software?  Yep – it’s all on the Inspired by DIME YouTube channel.  You can learn about Inspirations software programs in the comfort of your home, in your pajamas, in the middle of the day or in the middle of the night.  And they’re free. Each video is about 60 […] Read more…


  • Behind the Scenes at My Candy Store!

    I thought I’d share the evolution of the Subtle Tees shirts featured in Volume 105 July/August 2017. When I am embroidering, I’m like a kid in a candy store.  I’m overwhelmed by all the options – from thread colors to fabric colors and even fabric type.  And before I can make a final decision, I […] Read more…

Multi-Needle Mondays!


  • Multi-Needle Monday | Cleaning the Upper Thread Path

    Just like lampshades and overhead fans at home, your multi-needle machine deserves to be dust-free. It will sparkle and perform at its very best if you keep the upper thread path clean. Set aside 45 minutes to an hour to give it the full spa treatment. Even though my photographs don’t show it, it is […] Read more…


  • Monogram Mishap

    It’s that busy time of the year for everyone; and especially true if you own a commercial embroidery business. We stitch and sell the items that most people put under the tree, not to mention stitching, cooking and shopping for our own families. I am grateful for my flexible schedule and choice of profession, but […] Read more…

Software Saturdays!


  • Turn Your Embroidery Machine Into a Longarm

    If you want to successfully quilt with your machine, you have to learn the secrets to controlling the process.  In my class, Turn Your Embroidery Machine Into a Longarm at Wisconsin Quilt Expo Sept. 7-9, you’ll learn why handling your quilt like this is a recipe for disaster: I’ll also share why having two versions […] Read more…


  • 70 Free Training Lessons!

    Really? 70 free training lessons on software?  Yep – it’s all on the Inspired by DIME YouTube channel.  You can learn about Inspirations software programs in the comfort of your home, in your pajamas, in the middle of the day or in the middle of the night.  And they’re free. Each video is about 60 […] Read more…


  • Text Editing Tips

    Often, new users in Inspirations Perfect Embroidery Pro struggle with making simple changes in text files.  It’s really quite easy so follow along in your software to get a better understanding of text editing. Open a new page in Inspirations’ Perfect Embroidery Pro. Click on the Text icon. The cursor changes to an A and […] Read more…


  • Tropical Summer Stitching

    The May/June issue of Designs in machine Embroidery featured one of my favorite new projects: Hints of Havana. This project could have easily been called Hints of Hawaii summer Splash, Tropical Flavors or well, you get the idea. You’ll find this look in the women’s department of any retail store this summer. If you missed […] Read more…