I was trying to figure out how to thank a friend who has been very helpful the last couple months. She’s been working hard and really getting a lot accomplished. But what to do for her?
She recently moved in to a new office and mentioned she wants to decorate her new space. That’s when a spark of creativity ignited in my mind….
I decided to visit one of my favorite embroidery design sites—Embroidery Online to find something fun to stitch for my friend’s office.
Not having any idea what I wanted, I decided to visit the New Releases section on their homepage.
That’s when the Loop-de-Loop designs caught my attention. They look like something I would doodle and color if I had the talent!
I had a vague idea what I wanted—stark contrasting colors and maybe even decorative stitching thrown in for even more effect. And I’d like to decorate with some rick rack!
I used Perfect Embroidery Pro but most digitizing software programs have the same function.
Open one of the letters from the collection. Select the entire design. (Press Ctrl + A). Right click on the design and select Group.
Next click on the Artwork tool.
Then click on Rectangle from the dropdown menu.
Draw a rectangle around the design as shown.
Right click on an empty thread color box at the bottom of your workspace. Click Add Color. Another color is added to your workspace. You can click on the color and change it to any color you wish. I chose a bright red to make it easier on my eyes to see. Next click on the rectangle image you drew. Then right click on color 7 to assign the new color to the rectangle.
Select the Letter. Right click and select Create Outline.
A new window appears.
Click OK to keep the default settings.
Your design should look similar to the one shown below.
If you look very closely in the image above, you’ll notice the outline around the design is a light blue. I added an arrow to help. As a matter of preference, I like my artwork to match, (and I like to be able to see it!) With the outline selected, right click on the color 7 to change the color to red.
Notice both artwork designs are red as shown in the color sequence in the image below.
Click on the red color sequence to select the artwork. Now click on the Combine icon in the top toolbar.
With the artwork still selected, click on Texture icon.
A window appears with a variety of textures. I chose number 148.
The texture is added to the artwork. Notice the stitching goes around the letter—it doesn’t stitch on top – which wouldn’t be a very pretty sight! The reason it works: we drew the rectangle shape, created an outline around the letter and combined the two elements. By doing these steps you get the decorative stitching in just the right areas.
For fun, (don’t do these steps, I’m just showing you for illustrative purposes) I clicked undo all the way to the step where I combined the two artwork elements. Then I added the texture. Now you see what happens when you don’t combine! Yikes! The decorative stitching covers the top of my beautiful letter D. Now, hopefully you see the importance of adding outlines and combining.
Save the (proper) design with a unique name and send to the embroidery machine.
Repeat the steps for each letter.
I stitched the design in fun, bright colors – the colors seemed to fit my friend’s personality. Next, I sewed rick rack along the edge of the embroidery. The final touch were the buttons at every corner of the design.
Here’s your assignment this week:
As I was sewing the buttons on the embroidery, the recipient walked in to my office and with a look of interest asked what I was up to. I quickly changed the subject – hoping to distract her with ANYTHING. The project is a surprise for her, after all! I felt pretty confident I had changed the subject.. then she started to collect and arrange a couple of the letters. “What do the letters spell?” she asked. I got really nervous at that point!
Now I submit the question to you! What do the letters spell? A A N D N I
Post your answer and one lucky recipient (with the right answer) will be selected to win a $25 gift card to use on the Designs in Machine Embroidery website!
Whether you add the extra stitching or not – I think you’ll agree these Loop-de-Loop designs from Embroidery Online have endless creative uses! Need more inspiration? Be sure to stop by the Designs Plus Newsletter for the Top 5 Things You Can Make by Visiting Embroidery Online.
The winner of last week’s assignment answered the following question:
This week tell me what color do you think I should wear? Let’s take a vote. Tell me if you think deep blue, coral or taupe is the way to go. Post your comments and ONE random winner will be selected to win the Designer Handbags DVD
The winners is:
Carolyn W: “I think the blue would enhance your coloring. It is such a cool color.”
Upcoming Fun!
Be sure to look for the upcoming behind the scenes blog featuring these letters. I’ll share my tips and of course my signature foibles I always seem to make!
Erich Campbell
July 8, 2015 at 12:39 pm (3 years ago)I’m going to guess Dianna. 🙂 Personalization is classic for embroidery, even framed.
Denise Holguin
July 8, 2015 at 6:57 pm (3 years ago)Erich,
At the time I photographed the samples, (I will admit I was short on food in my system) I was convinced the puzzle was difficult– especially with the As listed first. 🙂
Thanks for visiting the post!
Denise
Colleen Murphy
July 9, 2015 at 12:08 am (3 years ago)Dianna. Very nice.
beth daniels
July 8, 2015 at 12:48 pm (3 years ago)The word is Dianna. It looks great framed.
Jan
July 8, 2015 at 12:48 pm (3 years ago)DIANNA
Sharon R
July 8, 2015 at 12:57 pm (3 years ago)DIANNA?
That looks so cool, I might have to try something like this for my granddaughter’s room.
Denise Holguin
July 8, 2015 at 6:58 pm (3 years ago)Sharon,
You should stitch one for your granddaughter! Maybe even get her input on thread colors.
Denise
Valerie
July 8, 2015 at 1:00 pm (3 years ago)Dianna
Anne Marie Reilly
July 8, 2015 at 1:03 pm (3 years ago)Dianna, what a nice gift!
Sharon Grogan
July 8, 2015 at 1:17 pm (3 years ago)word is DIANNA
HOLLY
July 8, 2015 at 1:31 pm (3 years ago)The letters make Dianna. Love the framing and rickrack nice touch, great ideas.
Denise Holguin
July 8, 2015 at 7:01 pm (3 years ago)Thank you Holly!
Just don’t look too closely. AFTER I stitched all the white rickrack and was ready to stitch the green, I realized the two rickrack colors were different widths. I almost cried. 😉
I opted for creative license and using what I have.
Thanks for visiting the blog!
Denise
Jackie
July 8, 2015 at 1:40 pm (3 years ago)It might be Dianna, Dannia, Dainna or Danina
Jacque Lindsey
July 8, 2015 at 1:49 pm (3 years ago)Dianna
Helen Murtagh
July 8, 2015 at 2:45 pm (3 years ago)I think it spells Dianna
Kathy Petersen
July 8, 2015 at 3:00 pm (3 years ago)Dianna
Paulette Kellerher
July 8, 2015 at 3:01 pm (3 years ago)DIANNA It’s a really great gift.
Juanita Wacaster
July 8, 2015 at 3:32 pm (3 years ago)Dianna…
Juanita Wacaster
July 8, 2015 at 3:32 pm (3 years ago)Beautiful!
Charlotte Silber
July 8, 2015 at 3:52 pm (3 years ago)It spells Dianna, very pretty.
Mary Lee
July 8, 2015 at 3:53 pm (3 years ago)DIANNA
Donna Fecteau
July 8, 2015 at 4:03 pm (3 years ago)Dianna.
Donna
July 8, 2015 at 4:07 pm (3 years ago)Dianna
Sue Y
July 8, 2015 at 4:34 pm (3 years ago)Dianna! Love the lettering!
Kristal
July 8, 2015 at 5:04 pm (3 years ago)DIANNA
kandy
July 8, 2015 at 5:33 pm (3 years ago)I say Dianna one of my friends names. My middle name is DIANE. LOL
Great job and looks really pretty.
Denise Holguin
July 8, 2015 at 6:54 pm (3 years ago)Kandy,
Diane is a shorter name! I should have stitched one for you instead! It’s funny how enormously long a name Dianna felt when I was stitching!
Denise
Deb Adams
July 8, 2015 at 5:50 pm (3 years ago)Dianna
Belinda Germain
July 8, 2015 at 6:25 pm (3 years ago)Dianna in beautiful embroidery!
Annette L
July 8, 2015 at 7:01 pm (3 years ago)It’s DIANNA
Maria Goad
July 8, 2015 at 7:14 pm (3 years ago)DIANNA. What a great thank you gift
Debbie
July 8, 2015 at 7:58 pm (3 years ago)I am hoping it spells Dianna. I would love to get a gift like this. Thank you for all of your ideas.
Fay
July 8, 2015 at 8:14 pm (3 years ago)Dianna – it immediately jumped out because its my sister’s second name, so its very special to me.
Gail Beam
July 8, 2015 at 9:17 pm (3 years ago)My guess is Dianna
Pam Wolfe
July 8, 2015 at 9:30 pm (3 years ago)I too am guessing Dianna. Love the doodle design. Will have to try it too for my art wall.
Beal
July 8, 2015 at 9:34 pm (3 years ago)My guess is Nadina! No? Then Dianna! 😉
Denise Holguin
July 9, 2015 at 10:53 am (3 years ago)Beal,
I’m rather fond of your first guess!
You’re giving me new ideas for future blog posts!
Denise
Brenda Melahn
July 8, 2015 at 9:55 pm (3 years ago)Dianna
Marilyn Koestler
July 8, 2015 at 9:58 pm (3 years ago)It has got to be DIANNA!
karen
July 8, 2015 at 9:58 pm (3 years ago)DIANNA pretty gift for a pretty name
Barbara
July 8, 2015 at 9:58 pm (3 years ago)Dianna.
Well done. Great way to decorate with something different.
Sally Kane
July 8, 2015 at 10:17 pm (3 years ago)Dianna is the name.
Bonnie Konkle
July 8, 2015 at 10:32 pm (3 years ago)Dianna
Joy Teague
July 8, 2015 at 10:44 pm (3 years ago)My guess is Dianna. Very pretty.
She will love them.
Shirley Clark
July 8, 2015 at 10:49 pm (3 years ago)I guess since there’s a big “D” on the screen, it must be Dianna. It could also spell Nadina. LOL
Denise Holguin
July 9, 2015 at 10:52 am (3 years ago)Shirley,
Nadina! Love that! hahaha!
Denise
Lynn
July 8, 2015 at 11:13 pm (3 years ago)Dianna
Gillian
July 8, 2015 at 11:24 pm (3 years ago)I think Dianna is the answer. Being able to learn from your site is wonderful when I live no where near a teacher!
Mary Anne Fox
July 9, 2015 at 12:27 am (3 years ago)Dianna
Casie Williams
July 9, 2015 at 12:49 am (3 years ago)I have to go with Dianna. Really wonderful idea!
Michelle H
July 9, 2015 at 1:22 am (3 years ago)I have to go with the name Dianna
Marty
July 9, 2015 at 1:27 am (3 years ago)Very pretty letters! They spell Dianna.
Liz
July 9, 2015 at 3:46 am (3 years ago)Dianna
Very nice design
Sharyn Wentworth
July 9, 2015 at 4:14 am (3 years ago)Dianna–What a great idea. Would be fun to win on my birthday.
Cheryl
July 9, 2015 at 4:16 am (3 years ago)Dianna. What a neat idea!
Sheila
July 9, 2015 at 5:03 am (3 years ago)Dianna
Dale
July 9, 2015 at 7:20 am (3 years ago)Dianna. I think my DGD will like this & maybe I can get her to help.
Donna G.
July 9, 2015 at 7:32 am (3 years ago)Dianna. What a cool idea for a gift!
Darlene Graham
July 9, 2015 at 7:48 am (3 years ago)Dianna. Beautiful
Pam
July 9, 2015 at 7:49 am (3 years ago)Dianna
Very creative!
Mary Ann
July 9, 2015 at 7:50 am (3 years ago)Great idea! I think I will do my granddaughters initials. The name is Dianna. Thanks for all the inspiration you give in these little tutorials. I find them very helpful.
Glenda Wilson
July 9, 2015 at 8:48 am (3 years ago)Beautiful! Dianna
Kathy
July 9, 2015 at 8:49 am (3 years ago)Dianna, for sure!. Cute idea!
Sue
July 9, 2015 at 9:15 am (3 years ago)Dianna!! Beautiful Name, Beautiful Font!
JudiC
July 9, 2015 at 11:59 am (3 years ago)DIANNA Lucky girl :o)
KAY PESCHKE
July 9, 2015 at 1:48 pm (3 years ago)Like others, I saw DIANNA almost immediately. What a great gift for your friend! Personal AND creative! 🙂
Phyllis Hiles
July 9, 2015 at 3:00 pm (3 years ago)Diana
Karen Poole
July 9, 2015 at 4:39 pm (3 years ago)Dianna was my first guess but it could be Nandia, you never know nowadays!!
Kathleen Carls
July 9, 2015 at 5:53 pm (3 years ago)I go along with Dianna. I guessed that before I scrolled down to put my comment in. Thanks for the chance to win.
Gwynn McKenzie
July 9, 2015 at 5:59 pm (3 years ago)Dianne. A pretty embroidery for a pretty name.
Karen
July 9, 2015 at 7:50 pm (3 years ago)Dianne,what a great thank you gift.
Virginia Frazier
July 9, 2015 at 8:15 pm (3 years ago)My answer is Dianna
Adeline Brill
July 9, 2015 at 8:23 pm (3 years ago)My guess is Dianna.
Vicky
July 9, 2015 at 9:48 pm (3 years ago)DIANNA
Jeanne
July 9, 2015 at 9:51 pm (3 years ago)Dianna, a beautiful name almost like the goddess!
Alice Cornelson
July 9, 2015 at 11:50 pm (3 years ago)Could it be Nandia?
Glenda Marsh
July 10, 2015 at 8:06 am (3 years ago)Dianna. A unique gift she’ll enjoy!
Jackie B
July 10, 2015 at 2:09 pm (3 years ago)Dianna. Even just 1 initial would look great! Very clever and easy use of fonts. Looks very professional and well done. A gift she will cherish always!
Angela Brady
July 10, 2015 at 4:38 pm (3 years ago)DIANNA
Sara Redner
July 10, 2015 at 5:16 pm (3 years ago)I’m sure she figured out it spells Dianna. I know she will love the finished project!
Donna B
July 10, 2015 at 8:08 pm (3 years ago)Dianna
Beautiful letters!
Elise
July 10, 2015 at 9:02 pm (3 years ago)Dianna
Debe
July 11, 2015 at 12:45 am (3 years ago)Dianna or Dannai (know someone with this name). That is a beautiful gift!
Pat Kimball
July 11, 2015 at 11:08 am (3 years ago)Dianna
Patty
July 12, 2015 at 9:47 am (3 years ago)DIANNA. What a pretty gift for a friend.
Sheila Murphy
July 12, 2015 at 1:51 pm (3 years ago)Dianna would be the most important Word to form from this and what a beautiful way to say Thank You!
Doreen
July 13, 2015 at 9:42 am (3 years ago)I think Dianna.
Clem
July 13, 2015 at 5:57 pm (3 years ago)By now we know it is Dianna…love those letters! I just had my kitchen done and I think one of these letters with a possible coffee motif would work well on my blank wall! Love it!
Denise Holguin
July 14, 2015 at 5:51 pm (3 years ago)No, no Clem! It’s Nadina! 😉
I told everyone at the office next time I’ll choose a less common name with 14 letters!
pearl VanDerMeere
July 14, 2015 at 9:24 am (3 years ago)How was your embroidery frame and how was it done and what products were used? It sure is a lovely piece of work. Great job.
Denise Holguin
July 14, 2015 at 5:44 pm (3 years ago)Hi Pearl,
Good questions! I left those details out by mistake!
I used the Snap Hoop Monster frame to secure the fabric. I’m not fond of struggling with hooping so Snap Hoop / Snap Hoop Monster hoops are my go-to tools.
Denise
Judy
July 14, 2015 at 10:59 am (3 years ago)Dainna
Kathryn
July 15, 2015 at 4:39 am (3 years ago)NADIA
Deanna
July 24, 2015 at 2:10 pm (3 years ago)It’s got to be Dianna. Beautiful work. Makes a great gift.
Ruth Hampson
May 12, 2016 at 8:54 am (2 years ago)The letters spell DIANNA. She guessed, didn’t she?