Behind the Scenes – Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

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Work+Fun = A Good Life

January 13, 2018 by eileenroche / Behind the Scenes, Current Posts, Eileen Roche, Inspiration Socials, Inspiration Software, Software Saturday / 6 Comments

I’ve always been a believer in enjoying work because it’s where we spend most of our time. This week was no different. We had the pleasure of hosting all of our Designs in Machine Embroidery/Inspirations educational consultants for two intense days of training. Our educators are a passionate, talented group and we covered lots of material like new software features and innovative embroidery techniques. Best of all, we brainstormed on how to share them in the classroom. It’s so inspiring to be surrounded by creative people for two amazing days. At the end, we captured a few highlighted moments to share with you.

Once everyone left, I couldn’t wait to get back in my sewing room – all that creative chat had me jazzed! But that had to be put on hold because the moving trucks were practically idling in the parking lot waiting to load.

You see, we moved offices right after training and are now settled (well, almost!) into our new digs. Like many changes in life, the move was bittersweet. We have fond memories of growing Designs in Machine Embroidery in our former location. Lots of creativity came to life in that building. Just like a home, our workplace saw growth, loss, good times and bad.

Our new space is more suited to our current needs and we look forward to a bright future in our new location. Next week, I’ll get back to a regular Software Saturday post. Look for some photos of our new space on Facebook and Instagram this week. But’s here a sneak peek at my office.

Sharing the Craft

November 2, 2017 by eileenroche / Behind the Scenes, Current Posts, Eileen Roche, Marie Zinno, Nancy Zieman, Stitching Sisters, Uncategorized / 5 Comments

What’s the best part of sewing? Inspiring others to learn the craft. Sometimes the ‘inspiration’ is subtle, not deliberate. You don’t have to sit someone at a machine and show them how to operate it. No, inspiration can happen by osmosis. Just exposing someone – specifically family members at a young age – to sewing. Leaving the sewing room door open, welcoming them into your creative space and answering questions.

Mothers and daughters can lock heads when it comes time to teach sewing. In fact, in many households, the love of sewing skips a generation. But not always. My niece, Lindsey Zinno (daughter of my infamous stitching sister, Marie Zinno), is the proud maker and owner of The Northern Market. Lindsey created NM to provide multi-functional fiber art for the modern home and lifestyle. Her work is sold online and in boutiques across America and Europe. And she started this company at the ripe old age of 17 – yes, SEVENTEEN!

Marie has always left her sewing room door open to Lindsey encouraging her to find her way and explore different mediums. Lindsey witnessed Marie succeed in her commercial embroidery business and joined the Stitching Sisters on the road. I think she couldn’t help being inspired by her surroundings.

Today, she’s featured on Nancy Zieman’s blog as she was a guest on Sewing with Nancy. How did that come about? Well, I happened to be taping with Nancy in November 2016 when Marie sent me a link to a local newspaper story about Lindsey and The Northern Market. I showed Nancy and she was intrigued with Lindsey craftsmanship and minimalist style. She wondered if Lindsey would like to be guest on Sewing with Nancy. Not many people turn down that offer.

Lindsey’s success is due to her creative, open spirit. As a youngster, she was forever dabbling in art – drawing, painting, sculpting and music. She was like a sponge, drawing inspiration from everything and everyone around her. It was no surprise that she took to making rope baskets under the tutelage of another one of my sisters, Mary Pat Palombo (the oldest of my five sisters and the first stitcher). While visiting Mary Pat, Lindsey watched her wrap clothesline with fabric and then sew the wrapped cord into baskets. Lindsey jumped into action and quickly made the technique her own.

Like many of today’s makers, she started selling her work on Etsy. As she poured her heart and soul into every stitch, The Northern Market’s popularity grew. She will graduate from the University of Cincinnati this spring and then, heaven knows what’s next for her.

You can watch Lindsey and Nancy as they share these techniques with you on, Rope Sewing Reinvented on Sewing with Nancy. Click here to watch online now.

Thanks for letting me toot my horn – I’m so proud of Lindsey!

Behind the Scenes: Volume 106 Sept/Oct

September 13, 2017 by Denise Holguin / Behind the Scenes, Current Posts, Just for Fun, Wildcard Wednesday / 4 Comments

A Piece of Pie!

The latest issue is shipping to stores and mailboxes across the globe and it’s packed with inspiration that we hope you’ll enjoy. I’m a crazy detail person— it’s the small details that add up to something great in the bigger picture. Literally speaking it’s why we selected Katherine Artines’ sunflower for the cover – all those chunky stitches, tiny beads and tufts of tulle are a winning combination.

For today’s blog, I thought I’d share some of the wacky details you might not otherwise notice or think about. It also gives you a glimpse of the day in the life of the Designs magazine team and contributing writers. We are grateful for everyone who makes the magazine possible.

High-Tech Meets Handcrafted by Nancy Zieman

Take a look at that beautiful photo put together by our photography team. Is that pumpkin pie real? It’s too perfect to be real. Maybe the whipped cream is shaving cream? It surely isn’t homemade….

It is, in fact, real! Editor, Eileen Roche made the pie the night before just for this photo! Of course, once the photo shoot was complete, we each enjoyed a slice of that delicious pie. We definitely need to do more food related projects.

Connection Perfection and a Dress Fit for a Princess! By Joanne Banko

Like all of Joanne’s clothing projects, it’s difficult to part with them. The garments she makes usually fit me and what fun it is to twirl around in this dress! But it is customary to return all projects to the designers. (some exceptions do happen!)

If you haven’t visited Joanne’s blog, you need to visit. She has tip sheets and additional information related to the project, in this case, the dress. I’m always so impressed with her endless energy and willingness to share her skills with readers. Be sure to check out her other blog posts with expanded coverage of her projects.

Stylish + Organized by Reen Wilcoxson

If you haven’t seen the article, it’s a must read. Reen has solved an age-old problem we all have: getting tangled in cords. And she’s solved it with such style, creativity and even with cork! I love our contributing writers – they go above and beyond for our readers and they have fun doing it. Reen also generously donated the free Cord Wrap designs. You’ll find them on her website. The samples below show just how much fun you can have personalizing them. Glittery vinyl, bright happy colors, monograms and motifs make them unique. My favorite is the cork set that just happens to have my name on it. 😉

Headrest Covers by Colleen Bell

Join me in wishing a warm welcome to one of our newest contributing writers! Although I’ve never met Colleen in person, she’s one of the most thoughtful people I’ve had the opportunity to interact with. Not only that, she’s very talented. You’ll see what I mean with the headrest covers in the latest issue.

Here’s the behind the scenes look at setting up the shots for the headrest covers. Creative Director, Samuel Solomon is seen holding a test card for color balancing.

We had a great selection of photos to choose from for all three headrest samples (Texas longhorn, monogram and a mermaid).

What theme would you stitch on your headrest covers? Choose favorite sports team colors, school colors or go with a new one for every season.

This is just a small preview of the creativity in the latest issue that is shipping now. If you have a subscription you can access the digital version online.

Behind the Scenes at My Candy Store!

July 26, 2017 by Denise Holguin / Applique, Behind the Scenes, Clothing, Current Posts, Just for Fun, Lace / 7 Comments

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 have to try all the “flavors” and hope that I don’t get too distracted from completing the project. Anyone else have that problem? 😉

The photo below shows example stitch-outs from the Fascinator t-shirt. I spray painted the lace a light blue and used a variegated thread…because variegated thread has to be tried!

Then there are those moments when I go off the rails with crazy color selections. I didn’t see a need to complete the test stitch-out….I don’t know why I chose that fabric….

Here’s a look at another test stitch-out. I didn’t want to waste a good piece of lace so I used a piece of polymesh stabilizer as my applique fabric. For this example, I was double checking my thread color choices. The threads used on the bird and branch became my final colors.

You can appreciate how color choices and fabrics can transform a look. Compare the polymesh stabilizer applique photo above with the flowery lace applique below. The orange stippling pops while the blue stippling blends in.

Here’s a look at the final design, shot on location. The airy, flowery lace applique makes a statement. The shapes can be interpreted as clouds and fits the theme for the shirt.

Fulfillment comes not only from the finished project but in the process of experimenting and improving techniques!

Celebrating 100 Issues!

September 14, 2016 by Denise Holguin / Behind the Scenes, Current Posts, Eileen Roche, Just for Fun, Wildcard Wednesday / 25 Comments

What does it take?

They say if you choose a job you love, you’ll never have to work a day in your life. But if you take a closer look, even your favorite hobby can become frustrating. There are the days the needle breaks, bird’s nests inexplicably happen and you make bad thread color choices on the very last remnant of fabric you had for a special project. Dwelling on those frustrations doesn’t do any good—except to learn from them.

There are also the momentous days when you complete a project and it looks fantastic. Or those days when you learn and master a new technique on your embroidery machine or you learn a shortcut in your embroidery software.

The tiring days along with the triumphant days of accomplishment; get woven together to create a wonderful and unique story about our lives. That is what has happened at Designs in Machine Embroidery.

The Team

(Left to Right) Stephanie Sanders, Eileen Roche, Gary Gardner, Sandy Griggs, Denise Holguin, Samuel Solomon celebrated their 100th issue by taking a cooking lesson at Sur La Table

A wonderful story of hard work, big dreams and even a little bit of crazy made it possible for Designs in Machine Embroidery to start with Volume 1 and progress to Volume 100.

The magazine would not happen without a dedicated team. The team is led by Editor and Founder, Eileen Roche and her business partner, Gary Gardner.

Samuel Solomon, the Creative Director, has been with the magazine since Volume 6.

Aside from being the magazine historian (we often go to him and ask, ‘do you remember what issue the embroidered project was in?’) he is responsible for laying out each page from cover to cover. He’s also responsible for the cover. Plus Sam is our go-to for last minute ideas and special details. “Hey! Let’s add decorative flags to our celebratory cupcakes for our 100th issue. Sam! Will you make them…now?”

For this photo shoot, we stacked all 100 issues in the scene with our special decorated cupcakes

Details take more time but they make the difference! You’ll find this “Simply Charm-ing” project by Katherine Artines on page 40 of Volume 100.

Sam, Eileen and Managing Editor, Denise Holguin, spend a good portion of their time planning the cover. The beauty is in the details—from selecting the cover project, to determining how the project should be photographed and what text and colors should go on the cover. If you’re not a detail person, you might say, “it’s just a quilt”, or “it’s just a garment” but it’s more than a quilt or a garment. It’s a project we have selected because it represents what our magazine is about and also our hope for what will inspire you.

If you have Volume 100 handy, take a look at the front cover. It has a beautiful silver sheen to commemorate our 100th issue. This is also the very first issue we’ve published without a project or model on the front cover.

Once you open the cover, you’ll see the contributions of Eileen, Denise and a talented team of writers who stitch original projects to inspire and educate our readers.

In Eileen’s spare time, she contributes to every issue with a project or article. You might ask, with such a busy schedule, why not outsource all the projects? Why should Eileen spend her time stitching? The answer is simple: It’s fun! She loves to create, design and develop new embroidery techniques she can share with you. She remains as passionate about machine embroidery as she began with Volume 1.

Volume 1 of Designs in Machine Embroidery. Yes, Eileen made that beautiful butterfly quilt!

Eileen used vintage linens to make this project – it’s one of our favorite creations she’s made over the years.

Left: Eileen purchased this hoodie and added the “LOVE” applique. It’s #cute and #cool enough for even the toughest of critics! Right: Eileen understands her readers love t-shirts but want to look fashionable while wearing them. This t-shirt remake meets that goal.

This love has also spread to Managing Editor, Denise Holguin who has launched her first-time project series, “Subtle Tees.”

Here’s a behind the scenes look at the photo shoot for Subtle Tees. If you had seen Denise at the shoot, she was ready to spontaneously combust with the excitement of having her garments photographed. We’ll feature more t-shirt behind the scenes in an upcoming blog.

You remember this blog began with doing what you love. Denise is an avid photographer and is generally seen carrying two cameras around her neck. Choosing the first theme for her Subtle Tees series was an obvious choice. She found a way to incorporate her love for photography with embroidery.

Stephanie Sanders began working for Designs in Machine Embroidery when she was still Stephanie Stubbs. She started her career in our Circulation Department (with Volume 12), answering the phone, entering subscription orders and handling the day-to-day duties of magazine circulation. Now she handles our accounting department and countless other duties too numerous to mention! So many large and small tasks magically get complete because of Stephanie’s efforts. She recently got married and now has a baby girl we hope to recruit for the magazine someday!

Advertisers

As ubiquitous as we think machine embroidery has become, it’s still a niche market. Learning about the latest embroidery products and innovations from reputable sources is made much easier by flipping through the pages of Designs in Machine Embroidery. Sandy Griggs, our Advertising and Sales Manager, has been responsible for building relationships with our advertisers.

The magazine could not be printed without the support of our advertisers. Every advertiser featured has contributed to the magazine’s success. We have the privilege of informing you of new embroidery products and innovations that will fuel your creativity.

We also love the new innovations because it fuels our passion to create new projects. From improved hardware and software to a broader selection of stabilizers and threads and a wonderful array of embroidery designs that span every conceivable theme or interest you can imagine.

Speaking of designs, the clever innovation of in-the-hoop embroidery designs is a relatively new development. Who would have imagined taping fabric to the underside of the hoop as you stitch? In the early days we were too busy stitching teddy bears on our garments.

One of our favorite in-the-hoop designs that is functional and can also be displayed as art! The project was made by Tari Intardonato for Embroidery Online and was featured in Volume 99.

We’d like to hug all the innovators in the industry for helping the market grow.

Readers
What good is producing content if no one is willing to purchase a magazine? We are grateful to our readers who have supported us through the years. Many of our readers have been faithfully supporting the magazine since Volume 1. Whether you have been with us since Volume 1, started halfway or just picked up a copy recently, we are grateful.

This has been our small but mighty team’s livelihood for 17+ years. During those years, our kids have become adults, we’ve been blessed with marriages and even babies. We’re all a little older and wiser but one thing remains the same. Machine embroidery is our shared passion and we can’t wait to bring you another 100 issues!

With gratitude,

Eileen Roche, Samuel Solomon, Denise Holguin, Stephanie Sanders, Sandy Griggs

As a special token of our gratitude, please enjoy this free applique heart embroidery design.

Multi-needle Monday: Rush Order Madness

June 6, 2016 by Marie Zinno / Behind the Scenes, Current Posts, Guest Blog, Home Decor, Marie Zinno, Multi-Needle / 15 Comments

After returning from a beautiful vacation and trying to get back into work mode, I received a call from a good friend, neighbor and parent of a boy’s lacrosse player. Somehow the volunteer parent who was supposed to order the senior gifts for the sports banquet dropped the ball. The banquet was being held the next evening and the parents were disappointed and desperate for a personalized team gift. They requested 17 items, one for each senior boy on the team, of anything I could embroider. This is when I always seem to come to the rescue. Unfortunately I did not have enough time to order blankets from my wholesale vendor and embroider the 17 items in time for delivery in exactly 27 hours. However I live approximately 3 miles from a number of big box stores and I was hoping I could find something appropriate for the gifts. In the past, the teams have ordered blankets, sweatshirts and duffel bags with the athlete’s name and new school/college name.

My daughter and I were on our way to BJ’s Wholesale club to purchase groceries and I happened to check out the plush blankets they had in stock. BINGO! Gorgeous plush blankets in a few colors were on sale for $8 each! Lindsey and I dug through the shelves and yes, 17 gray blankets were found. The gray color is a perfect backdrop for a variety of thread colors and is a bit masculine.

I took a photo of one blanket and texted it to my friend for approval while I shopped. After she replied we loaded all of blankets in a cart. The blankets will be embroidered with the college name and the player’s name in the colors of the new school. Let’s just say people were giving us some strange looks as we proceeded through the store with a car entirely full of gray plush blankets!

My first reaction to the phone call was to just say I could not fill the order, but as a mom and parent of recent graduate and athlete I wanted to help. I made a nice profit even if it was a rush order. The blankets turned out great and the parents were thrilled that I could help with such a short notice.

When working on a rush order if you are a business owner; remember the following:

Make a profit
Charge a rush fee
Get all names and information in writing not over the phone. (email or text)
Plan and simplify the embroidery design as best as possible –guide the customer and direct them as to what font/embroidery design will stitch quickly and look appropriate on the specific fabric.

In the finished photos you can see I used a college block type font for the text in a generous 1 ½ inch tall size. I also added an extra underlay to hold down the plush fibers and I increased my density to .40. Always stitch a simple stitch out on a similar weight fabric (not on a final product). Use a water soluble topper to hold down the fabric’s nap.

Join me in my Craftsy class “How to Start a Machine Embroidery Business” with Marie Zinno.

Click the link to save with this coupon.

https://www.craftsy.com/ext/MarieZinno_4963_H

Behind the Scenes: Volume 92 May/June 2015

May 13, 2015 by Denise Holguin / Behind the Scenes, Current Posts, Guest Blog, Just for Fun, Wildcard Wednesday / 40 Comments

Our team of writers submitted beautiful, creative and unique projects—it definitely makes us excited to present them to you!

So grab a cup of tea, sit back and enjoy today’s Behind the Scenes at a Photo Shoot feature!

Katherine Artines, wowed us with her quilted tote that features channel quilting with fabric confetti sprinkled in for added color and whimsy.

Sometimes a breeze is needed to gently tousle the model’s hair. That’s when a fan comes in handy. The model is wearing Nancy Zieman’s “Quilting for Texture” project. The garment features flawless allover embroidery. Be sure to check it out in the current issue.

Creative Director, Sam Solomon, stays focused to make sure we have the right shot for the magazine.

Stylist, Andrea Huffman prepares the cheese and fruit platter for the next shot….the Oui, Oui! Quilt by Diane Kron. We are all anxious to snack on these goodies after the shoot!

Oops! We caught Eileen playing around!

Managing Editor, Denise Holguin, looks like a tourist in Paris. Oui, oui!

Hmmm… one of these things does not belong… I can also assure you the cheese and grapes disappeared fast!

We love how the embroidery designs coordinate so well in Joanne Banko’s, “Color Play Pillow Set.” Read her article to learn her tips.

Although we are hundreds of miles away from a beach, the photography studio is able to bring the beach to us!

Andrea prepares the scene.

Denise managed to incorporate a miniature campsite.

Andrea found the perfect backdrop for the Pocket Journals from Stitch Soup.

The Pocket Journals are enchanting. Denise made it her goal to show you every possible angle so you can fully appreciate the craftsmanship and creativity… and the “oh my gosh, how cool!” factor.

A close-up look at the spines of these embroidered books.

Denise enlisted the help of her tiny crew to showcase the details on these beautiful journals.

Looks like George found the key to the journal!

Mildred prepares for a trip abroad. She will be able to document her travels quite easily.

Hans and Charles are busy closing the books for the day.
Dietrich makes an important announcement he wants all to hear:

“Ladies and gentlemen, when you make your own version of the Pocket Journals, please post them to our Facebook page. We can’t wait to see your approach!”

All this and more can be discovered in the latest issue of Designs in Machine Embroidery! Pick up the Volume 92 May/June 2015 issue from your favorite local retailer or order online!

Here’s your assignment this week:

Fun trivia! The May/June issue is the first time we’ve featured a cover of the magazine on the cover! Identify which Volume of Designs in Machine Embroidery is tucked away in Marie’s beach tote featured on the cover. Post your answer in the comments section and one lucky person will win a Stipple Sea Life collection.

The winner of last week’s assignment answered the
following question:

Inspiration can be found everywhere and in everything. For today’s blog, Denise’s inspiration came from a restaurant’s graffiti wall. What has been your most peculiar source for embroidery inspiration?Post a comment below and one very lucky winner is going to score BIG by winning a one-year subscription to Design in Machine Embroidery magazine!

And the winner is: Cathy K. – “My most peculiar design is my husband’s airplane! I am going to make it into an embroidery design and put it in on his shirt as a surprise. I am a real newbie, so I hope I can do it!”

Behind the Scenes with the Volume 91 March/April 2015 issue

March 11, 2015 by Denise Holguin / Behind the Scenes, Crazy Quilting / 44 Comments

Here’s a never-before-look at what goes on at a planning meeting for a magazine photo shoot!

New projects arrive at our offices to be featured in upcoming issues of Designs in Machine Embroidery. But what happens between the time the project arrives and the photography shoot? One word: Planning!

In fact, planning, coordination and even shopping are involved. The Designs Team meets with the photography studio to go over the shot list. This is when we have the opportunity to unveil all the pretty projects to our photographer and team: Steve Woods, Angie Brindley and Andrea Huffman.

We not only discuss what we are photographing but more importantly, how we are going to present the project in the magazine. What type of scene do we need to set up? A living room? A child’s room? Or maybe a kitchen or bathroom?

Creative Director, Sam Solomon, guided the team on how to photograph the Sweet Springtime Banner by JoAnn Connolly.

Additional decisions need to be made for other projects. Do we photograph against a sweep? (A sweep by the way is when we use a long roll of paper suspended from a rack and let the paper ‘sweep’ all the way to the floor, creating a seamless edge.) If we do use a sweep, what color paper? If you ask Denise what color paper to use, 9 times out of 10 she will answer blue! In fact when any question is asked related to color, her answer is blue! This time however, you’ll notice as you flip through your current issue, we used lime green and also white backgrounds for the model shots. Speaking of model shots… another important topic of discussion is the selection of models!

Managing Editor, Denise Holguin is always eager to model the garments during the planning meeting. While it may seem like she’s just playing dress-up—there is a purpose. We look at fit and also study the embroidery placement on the garment. This gives us ideas on the type of model we need and the type of shot we need to take when the model is wearing the garment.

Editor, Eileen Roche holds up the Blooming Buttons dress stitched by Tari Intardonato.

A week or two pass and it’s time for the photo shoot!

Here’s a look at the white sweep we used.

Looks a lot more interesting with a model! This garment is the Flirty Feminine Sheer Over-blouse by Sue Ann Obremski.

Next we used a green sweep to showcase Evy Hawkin’s Machine Embroidered Cutwork Vest.

Earlier in this article I mentioned shopping is involved. Oftentimes additional props are needed like the fresh flowers featured in the Blooming Buttons scene.

Would the photograph have worked without flowers? Yes. But our team takes pride in the presentation of a great looking product. It’s the difference between photographing a sample from a basement home studio and photographing a sample with the complete expertise and attention of a professional studio and staff. It matters!

A living room scene is set up to photograph the heirloom inspired pillows by Kandi Christian. The photo below is the shot used in the magazine.

Few people would have guessed the chair was propped up on wooden blocks!

Here’s a look at the cover project, Crazy Quiltin’ by Eileen Roche. Steve added flowers to enhance the beauty of the photograph.

Sam and Steve discuss how the photo will be cropped for the magazine.

Meanwhile Denise added miniatures for a whimsical touch. I wonder what song the band is playing?

I suspect the band is playing a jingle to let you know we have a free design download for you! Download the half triangle design featured on the Crazy Quiltin’ project by visiting the magazine page.

All this and more is featured in the Volume 91 March/April 2015 issue. Be sure to pick up your copy from your local retailer or subscribe.

Here’s your assignment this week:Who is your favorite advertiser in Designs? One random comment will win a one-year subscription to Designs in Machine Embroidery magazine.

The winner of last week’s assignment answered the following question:

What thread color combinations would you have chosen for the monogram? One random comment will win a $25 gift certificate to the Designs in Machine Embroidery website!
The winner is: Bonnie G. – “Every embroidery you do for a special person should take into consideration their favorites. That is what you did and that makes it meaningful for the people receiving it. Great job.”

Multi-Needle Monday: The Craftsy Craze

February 23, 2015 by Marie Zinno / Behind the Scenes, Uncategorized / 40 Comments

You know the saying that there is never a perfect time to have a baby or get married or do whatever etc etc…It is so true and it’s called life! Our wonderful, loving yet elderly mother passed away in November 2014 while I was working on my Craftsy class. My proposal with Craftsy was accepted in October and I thought a December taping would work ok. Well, mom was definitely not herself when I went to visit in early November and we all noticed a sudden unenthusiastic demeanor. She was always interested in all six of her daughters’ and 12 grandchildren’s stories. She read three newspapers a day; completely a daily crossword puzzle and called us on the phone. All of these routines stopped. She lost interest. We knew her health was failing. Mom could not breathe from COPD and was on oxygen 24-7. It’s a horrible disease and a preventable one. She lost her fight and her “girls” were heartbroken.

I could not focus on work related tasks and to-do lists after her death. But I know my mom would have told me to push through with the commitments I made, stay busy and don’t dwell on sad or negative things. She was right, again. Craftsy gave me the choice to push our date back but my class chapters were 90% ready. So the push continued and I am so glad I did.

My class is bit different than most because it is instructional only. We do not create projects but I guide the student along the way to starting an embroidery business. So many people I meet around the country tell me they embroider for friends, co-workers and family members for free because they are not confident charging for their craft or hobby. Machine embroidery is the perfect business or profession to work in because it’s so flexible.

The atmosphere at the Craftsy studios is young, fun energy and completely professional at the same time. That can be a hard balance to achieve but they have. The studios are housed in an old taxi cab call center; think of the TV show Taxi.

Each separate quiet studio has its own camera and sound equipment and staff. My crew worked with me for 3 full days of taping (now they are experts at hooping and tackling hats). The hardest part of the week is trying to smile for hours on end. They really treat you like a star.

The producer is the captain of the ship for sure and the cameraman and editor are the indispensable crew members who all work side by side in the studio with endless wires and sound breaks.

Did I mention how loud it is when a workman goes up on the metal rooftop during our segment? The entire studio, which consists of 5 individual studios complete with their own crew, meets for lunch at the same time each day. I think it eliminates the noise and gives everyone time to chat and discuss the production. It also gives the instructors a chance to meet other instructors who are taping a variety of segments.

I totally forgot to photograph the Keurig coffee station! Every flavor imaginable was offered.

The Craftsy headquarters are located in a high rise building in downtown Denver.

The cubicles are carefully and artistically decorated with a variety of off-the-wall mementos; such as unicorns and dinosaurs.

Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

The quiet phone closet features record album covers.

During my quick visit they were installing new wiring which looked like it would be enough for the entire high rise building but was only for the offices on one floor.

My experience was absolutely enjoyable and productive at the same time. I hope you have chance to view my class “How to Start an Embroidery Business” if you are interested in starting an embroidery business in the future. Click here and receive a discount on my class. See you over at Craftsy!

A visit with THE Dream Machine

February 4, 2015 by Denise Holguin / Behind the Scenes, Guest Blog / 144 Comments

I was telling my friend about my work day. “I watched online videos of THE Dream Machine Innov-is XV8500D from Brother. My conclusion: The machine is a dream!”

We both agreed it would be a good idea to see THE Dream Machine in person. I made an appointment to visit our friends, Carla Plant and Shannon Atmore from Arlington Sewing Machines, for a hands-on demo.

I only planned on staying for an hour but the machine was so much fun I just about closed the store!

Here are some of my favorite highlights from THE Dream Machine.

Massive screen! I read about the 10.1” LCD screen and also saw videos but until you’ve sat down in front of the machine you can’t fully appreciate it. It’s huge!

Crisp & Clear! I didn’t expect to notice or appreciate any changes when viewing the LCD screen. My eyes aren’t that sophisticated. But that was absolutely the first thing that caught my attention. The colors and images are incredibly crisp and clear. When you view the built-in embroidery designs you can see them clearly on the large LCD screen. Or if you’re like me and load 5 similar versions of the same design and wonder which one is the right one—now there’s no doubt.We have certainly come a long way since the days of small monochrome LCD screens!

Live view! THE Dream Machine features the InnovEye® 2 Technology. This means you can see a live view of the needle area on your screen. What does this mean? Imagine scanning your hooped garment then viewing the actual garment on screen. Then select and position embroidery designs on the garment. Now the project you envision is easier to create!

Scan! Scan a drawing on the scanning frame and turn it into embroidery! Or load clip art from a USB stick and convert it to stitches! All of this can be done at the embroidery machine. It’s no longer a clunky process of sitting at your desktop computer with a scanner, then loading the image into embroidery software to convert the image to a design and then walking over to your embroidery machine to load the design. Whew! I’m tired just thinking and writing a run-on sentence about it! Now the process is streamlined – it’s all done at your embroidery machine!
Massive Hoop! The maximum embroidery area is 9.5” x 14”. Imagine all the time and grief you can save by not having to rehoop.
Disney! Whether you’re stitching for a kid or a kid at heart—the library of Disney designs is very extensive.

I was also impressed with the size of the designs.

Check out this princess design!

Carla and Shannon loaded the Minnie Mouse design.

The design is 12.63” tall. That’s one big mouse!
I’ve seen the light! Oftentimes I lower the needle to double check the alignment of my design before I take the first stitch. But now I can use the Droplight™ LED Embroidery Positioning Marker to check alignment on THE Dream Machine.
Never get confused about thread colors again! Sure, there’s a numbered thread color sequence we can all follow but more often than not, I still manage to get confused on which thread to load next. THE Dream Machine has the INNOVACHROME™ LED Thread Color and Monitoring System. It indicates the thread color I need to install next.The flower image on screen indicates it’s time to stitch the pink portion of the flower.

The light on the machine shows the same pink color! Wow!
Details, details! Engineers noticed the details! It’s easy to love all the obvious technological advances in THE Dream Machine. But I also appreciate and enjoy discovering where improvements have been made. Sure they may be subtle but they mean a lot!
- Skid proof foot pedal. I’ve heard some people remove their shoes because their foot slips off the pedal. THE Dream Machine has a very comfy, skid proof foot pedal!
- New Stability Plus™ Frame. The 9 ½” x 14” frame has aluminum, rubber and ribbed corners. Here’s a close-up view of the rubber on the side of the hoop. The addition of the rubber secures the fabric and helps prevent slippage.
- Improved Storage for Feet! I had to do a double take when Carla held the foot storage container upside down. The feet don’t fall out!
- Keep track of the day and time! For those of us who get so engrossed in our sewing and embroidery projects, this feature is handy! Now we won’t forget to stop and eat or visit the husband and children! There is a handy display of the day and time on the machine.

These were just a few of my favorite features! I encourage you to stop by your local Brother dealer for a test drive. Even if you don’t think you’re in the market for a machine it’s still good to see the available features. This way when you are ready you will be better able to make an informed decision. If you want to learn more about the machine, visit the Designs Plus Newsletter for February! There’s also a special coupon for ibroidery.com.

Special thank you to Carla Plant and Shannon Atmore at Arlington Sewing Machine for giving me a tour of the machine!

Here’s your assignment this week:

Tell us your favorite feature of the new Dream Machine! One random comment will be chosen to receive a $25 gift certificate to the DIME website. Good luck!

The winner of last week’s assignment:

If you’re a current Tonight Show fan (think Jimmy Fallon), then you probably know a little about his infamous lip sinc battles. Lip Sinc Battle? Hmm. Do you think those mystery guests would be game? Tell me your favorite Tonight Show host, Carson, Leno or Fallon. A random comment will be selected to win an autographed PAL!And the winner is Wanda! – “Thought no one could top Johnny Carson, but Jimmy Fallon is closing in…”

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