Guest Blog – Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

Archive of ‘Guest Blog’ category

Advanced Tutorial for Perfect Embroidery Pro

January 28, 2017 by eileenroche / Current Posts, Eileen Roche, Embroidery Techniques, Embroidery Tips, Guest Blog, Inspiration, Software Techniques / 3 Comments

My good friend, Katherine Artines, recently posted a new video tutorial on the Inspired by Dime YouTube channel. Katherine’s topic, Push/Pull: Distortion and Compensation, is an advanced discussion of this often misunderstood embroidery feature. If you’ve wondered why what you see on screen does not match your stitched sample, then you’ll really enjoy Katherine’s breakdown of Push/Pull.

She starts with a clear explanation of exactly what push/pull is.

She then goes on to explain the difference between stitch direction and sewing direction and how they affect the end result. The stitch direction is the angle of stitches while sewing direction is where the needle starts, the direction it travels in and where it finishes.

We learn how size actually does matter on how a design will stitch. Of course, she doesn’t just point out the problems, she gives you solutions. Each issue is clearly illustrated so you can follow along.

And she critiques stitched designs to show you the problem and gives you the solution.

She brings this same methodical approach to lettering. Many of us are perplexed about the baseline of text. Listen to her explanation and you know why the screen shows one thing and the stitch out another.

Don’t you hate when you digitize a complex fill area and spot a row of missing stitches? Ugh! Katherine explains why this happens (yep, push and pull) and how to fix it.

I encourage you to spend an hour (or break it up into shorter segments) watching Katherine’s video. Your digitizing skills will improve! I hope you’re already a subscriber to our YouTube channel, if not, sign up today and you’ll never miss a new opportunity to learn more about embroidery.

Monogrammed Journal with It’s Sew Easy TV

December 17, 2016 by eileenroche / Current Posts, Eileen Roche, Guest Blog, Software Saturday / 3 Comments

Fashion and technology combine to create today’s greatest looks. See how to create them yourself on It’s Sew Easy episode 1113. It airs on the It’s Sew Easy website starting at noon on Friday, December 16, 2016 http://www.itsseweasytv.com/

Design options explode using today’s technology. With the most current sewing and embroidery software and machines, embroidery designer Eileen Roche adds flair to a traditional skirt. In the style tip, she’ll show how to place embroideries in a flattering way. Then, fabric artist Kim Montagnese combines computer technology with traditional sewing techniques to capture vacation memories in a pillow.

You can catch Eileen Roche’s embroidery artistry from episode 1113 on the It’s Sew Easy YouTube Channel, too.

And see how fashions from the past influence today’s hottest looks on It’s Sew Easy series 900. A new episode from the 900 series airs on Create TV at 6 a.m. and noon, Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the month of December.

I Heart Puffy!

September 10, 2016 by eileenroche / Current Posts, Digitizing, Embroidery Techniques, Guest Blog, Inspiration Software, Perfect Embroidery Pro, Puffy Foam, Software Saturday, Software Techniques, Uncategorized / 6 Comments

Meet Inspirations Education Consultant Melisa Nisius, this week’s guest blogger. She’s just as passionate about embroidery as you are so I thought it was a good idea for Melisa to share a recent experience with you. You can apply the techniques she outlines to your favorite designs or download the free-for-a-limited-time heart design by clicking here.

Take it away, Melisa!

Recently, while preparing to stitch a hat and searching through my design collection, this stylish heart caught my eye. I knew that I would have to edit the design in software if the finished hat was going to meet my vision. I needed a design with lots of dimension!

The original design is created with flat satin stitches. Let me show you how easily I changed that by adding puffy foam to just the heart creating a fun, dimensional design. We’ll need to delete a few stitches and recreate the stitches that currently form the satin-stitched heart portion of the design. Ready?

Open the original design in Inspirations’ Perfect Embroidery Pro. Left click File and Save As to save the design with a new name. This will protect your original design, allowing you to go back to the original at any time.

Now let’s have some fun. Left click on color 2 in the sequence viewer. You will notice it is highlighted in blue when selected. Delete it either by using the scissors icon or the delete key on your keyboard.

Now, let’s do that again with color 3. Left click on color 3 to select it then delete it. You should be left with just colors 1 and 4.

Right click on color 1 in the sequence viewer and choose Create Outline. Set the distance to 0.05. Click OK.

Left click to select the newly created artwork in the sequence viewer and then right click on a new color in the Thread Toolbar at the bottom of the screen to change the color.

Here is where the magic happens. Right click on the artwork, color 3 in the sequence view, and select Convert to: Puffy-Stitch. The width of the new stitches is fine but the design itself is too large to fit inside the original frame. We need to adjust the size to fit. Make sure that the newly created puffy stitches are still selected and then in the Properties box choose the Transform icon. Verify the Maintain aspect ratio box is checked then change the width to 1.18 and click the apply button. Finally, right click on color 4 in the sequence viewer, select Order, To Front.

Click File, save. Your design is now ready to stitch.

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

Instagram made me do it.

February 17, 2016 by Denise Holguin / Current Posts, Embroidery Techniques, Guest Blog, Inspiration, Lace, Quick Gifts, Wildcard Wednesday / 59 Comments

I started a new hobby this year: Instagram.

You’re probably thinking, it doesn’t count as a hobby. But let me explain.

It’s eye-opening to see how many talented people there are on Instagram. There are so many varied interests and skills all in one place. It used to be I would admire someone’s work – whether in magazines, on Facebook, Pinterest, or even museums or craft shows and think—gosh, what amazing talent. I wish I had their talent.

But this is 2016. Times have changed—or rather, I’m making a deliberate effort to change. Now my reaction is: Gosh, what amazing talent. I feel inspired and now I will try my own version! Instagram is inspiring me to do. To try. To push myself to new heights. And it’s my hope that you’ll do the same! You may discover you can do more than you realize.

One of my first attempts to try something new was the result of admiring hair accessories on Instagram. My goal was not to make the exact project I saw—just to make my own “Denise” interpretation – based on my skills and available resources.

To help execute my creative vision, I downloaded the FSL Flourish Flower from EmbroideryOnline. When you see the price – it’s a no brainer. You need this design because you can develop many skills from using it. I hadn’t ever stitched lace embroidery but I felt confident I could do it. If you have never tried lace, you are invited to try it now! It’s a small design and very little risk is involved and the benefits to you are many! EmbroideryOnline has such a large selection of high quality designs to support my many whims and I think you’ll feel the same way as you browse their website.

The other item I used is also from EmbroideryOnline – AquaMesh Wash Away Stabilizer. Keep this stabilizer in stock in your sewing room. It comes in very handy for lace – not to mention, it’s fun to watch the cloth-like material vanish once placed in water! (You can wow your friends with the amazing magic trick!)

Project 1: Lacy Blue Beauty!
Supplies: tulle, monofilament thread

I chose a couple blue shades of thread and off-white for my flowers. I used matching bobbin thread for each flower. After stitching, I trimmed the petals away from the stabilizer.

Then I soaked the flowers to remove the water soluble stabilizer.

I placed the lace on a towel to dry.

Look at the pretty lace just waiting to be turned into a finished project!

I am not an expert sewer in real life and I barely play one online – but I decided to try. I knew the goal was to sew my pieces together. I layered the petals on a piece of blue tulle. Then I used a zig-zag stitch and monofilament thread to secure the petals.

After I finished sewing I realized laying a piece of water soluble stabilizer on top might have made it easier to hold the petals down while sewing. The water soluble stabilizer would be dissolved after stitching. You are invited to use your favorite technique!

Once all the petals were attached I trimmed away the excess tulle. The end result is a very soft and flexible piece of lace. I decided not to attach a barrette or clip. I like having the flexibility to adapt the piece to my hair style so I will attach this piece with bobby pins.

Project 2. Lace Hair Clip
Supplies: Hair clip, brads (or crystals, sequins), linen ribbon, hot glue gun

I didn’t have any sequins or crystals at my home studio but I did have tiny brass brads that were the perfect size. I opted for subtlety but add as few or as many embellishments as you wish. I covered the hair clip with linen ribbon then attached the flowers.

Simple, yet attractive!

Project 3. Bold Color
Supplies: starch, balloon, hair clip or pin, scrap piece of felt

Next I expanded my lace making enterprise by stitching the flowers in bold colors—pink and orange. I made sure the bobbin thread matched the top thread (when I remembered!)

I wanted the flowers to be layered and somewhat shaped on my final piece. I dipped each flower into a bowl of starch. Then I placed the flowers on a balloon to give a subtle concave effect. I let my creation dry overnight and carefully removed the now hardened flowers from the balloon. I placed a piece of felt on the underside along with a hair clip.

Just one lace design, some water soluble stabilizer and the decision to try! Imagine what you can do and take action!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram for more photos of these lace hair accessories in action. Also be sure to follow our friends at EmbroideryOnline! They have plenty of ideas to keep you inspired.

Your fun assignment for the week: EmbroideryOnline is your source for embroidery designs as well as supplies! Visit the EmbroideryOnline website and tell us which embroidery supplies you most need in your sewing studio. From threads to stabilizers and accessories they’ve got what you need. Tell us what you need…. and you might just receive it! FIVE random people who comment will each receive a $25 shopping spree to the EmbroideryOnline website. Take action!

The winner of last week’s assignment answered the following question:
I’m sure Rita’s not the only who likes to scour auctions, resale shops and antique stores. Do you like to do that? If so, are you looking for anything in particular? Leave a comment and a random winner will receive a $25 shopping spree coupon to the DIME website.

The winner is:
Michelle Hall: “I have a couple of hand crochet coverlets and an appliqued quilt that my grandmother made. I love to shop at garage sales and thrift stores to see what I can find and repurpose.”

Congratulations, Michelle! Thank you for commenting!

Bucket List Checkup!

January 27, 2016 by Denise Holguin / Current Posts, Embroidery Tips, Guest Blog, In-the-hoop, Wildcard Wednesday / 97 Comments

This is a great year to make a conscious effort to sharpen your sewing and embroidery skills. Focus on incremental improvement – don’t worry about perfection or trying to catch up to someone else who you think has superior skills. Focus on your personal achievements, no matter how small!

A few months ago I was making an embroidery project that turned out really cute… except to complete the project I needed to learn how to install snaps. I froze. I didn’t move forward. What if I ruin my embroidery project? I stashed the project away…but not before I made a half dozen variations of the same project… and they ALL need cute snaps for closures. Right now they are sitting in a bin… unfinished….

Then this weekend happened. I decided to download the cute Snappy Key Fobs design from ZippyDesignZ. I was drawn to it for several reasons:

It’s a New Year. It’s time I embrace the task of learning how to install snaps. This is the perfect project to make me learn!
Turning narrow fabric isn’t on my list accomplishments. It’s time to add it!
I really enjoy embroidery designs that offer a foundation for me to customize to my heart’s content. These key fob designs not only include a variety of styles (9 quilting patterns in 4 sizes) but I can also personalize with my own collection of designs. The cherries and the hearts shown below were built-in designs in Perfect Embroidery Pro. Think of the fun designs and variations you can make!
These key fobs don’t require a lot of fabric! I can use my favorite scraps I’ve been hoarding.
Use what you have! (Related to #4). I had a smorgasbord of D-ring sizes. I like to make the supplies I have work for my needs. This is especially useful if 1.) the weather is horrible and you can’t get to the store for supplies 2.) you live far away from craft/sewing stores. This also forces you to think out of the box.

Denise’s Newbie Tips and Useful Advice for All Skill Levels
1. Don’t assume you know it all! READ the instructions! I read “In the hoop” and thought, yes, I’ve done that. Place fabric on top… tape fabric underneath the hoop… blah, blah. I’m a pro. That’s what I thought until I trimmed my first key chain and realized this project used a different method. (Place back fabric on top of hoop, wrong side up, then TURN the fabric). Oops!2. If you do add your own designs to the key fob, be sure to double check the color sequence. For example, you don’t want to stitch your custom designs after you’ve placed the back fabric. (I didn’t make this mistake but came very close to it!)

This week’s assignment:

Now it’s your turn! Tell us about a recent accomplishment that you’re especially proud of! This is your chance to share and inspire other readers. It can be related to machine embroidery, sewing or any other skill you’ve honed! 4 random comments will be selected and each person will win a $25 gift certificate to go on a fun shopping spree at Zippy DesignZ.

Multi-Needle Monday- Personalized Christmas Stocking

November 30, 2015 by Marie Zinno / Current Posts, Embroidery Techniques, Embroidery Tips, Guest Blog, Marie Zinno, Multi-Needle / 7 Comments

It’s that time of the year again….time to handle the tricky task of stitching a Christmas stocking. Every year I am approached by customers who need their family Christmas stockings personalized. There are endless styles, sizes, and fabrics of stockings and I have embroidered them all. I will share my quick and painless technique for stitching the cuff area of a Christmas stocking. I always use a Target Ruler and target stickers.

Products used: Tear away stabilizer, Target Ruler contained in Hoop it Up book, target sticker, Snap Monster Hoop for Quick Snap (4X4, 5X7 combo with attachment).

Step 1: Find the exact center of the cuff by using our Target Ruler, insert a target sticker into the center hole (make sure the arrow on cross hair is facing in the proper orientation for the name to be stitched). Remove the ruler and keep the target sticker in place.

Step 2: Turn the stocking inside out with the target sticker still in place. Make sure the stocking cuff will slide over the Monster Snap Hoop frame. Remove the arms of the embroidery machine and attach the metal attachment of the Monster Snap Hoop.

Step 3: Measure the opening of the metal frame to make sure the text will fit inside the hoop. Always use the “trace” feature before adding the garment or stocking onto the hoop . The embroidery machine does not “read” this hoop so you have to be certain the embroidery design or text will fit inside and adjust it if needed.

Step 4: Add a piece of tear away stabilizer to the top of the metal frame and hold in place with tape under the frame; slide the cuff onto the frame. Rotate the text to stitch in the right direction. Remove the target sticker when the needle is aligned with the cross hair on target sticker.

Step 5: Embroider the text or name and remove the stocking from the hoop. Turn right side out.

*Sometimes you only have one hoop size that will fit over the stocking cuff. Therefore, adjust the text size to make the job easier to embroider. Always use the trace feature to double check that the embroidery will fit inside the hoop selected before stitching.

Click the link below to save $20 on my Craftsy class: “How to Start a Machine Embroidery Business” with Marie Zinno

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

Multi-Needle Monday: Extension Table for Babylock Enterprise and Brother Entrepreneur

November 2, 2015 by Marie Zinno / Current Posts, Embroidery Tips, Guest Blog, Hooping, Marie Zinno, Multi-Needle / 13 Comments

I’ll admit I have owned my 10 needle embroidery machine for 4 years and have recently started to use the extension table and I am wondering WHY I waited so long. My other embroidery machine is a 6 needle and the extension table was not an option so I always improvised when embroidering heavy bulky items.

One of the most convenient attributes of the extension table is the capability to slide it out of the way when necessary. The brackets are easy to install and the table clicks into place and can quickly be taken off or repositioned down to access the bobbin.

Why would you use the extension table? One of the most obvious reasons would be to give a large hoop extra support when stitching. I embroider heavy jackets, thick plush towels and luxurious blankets and using the table helps keep the large hoops balanced and decreases the chance of my project bouncing out of the hoop. The extension table also keeps excess fabric out of the way of the bobbin area and back of embroidery machine. If you have purchased the optional 14 x 14 jumbo hoop, the extension table should always be used. The “B” arms would have to be attached to replace the “A” arms.

Do not use the table as a hooping station. You should always keep a clear surface for hooping only. Use a table or counter top that is the appropriate height for you. Position a rubber mat or rubber shelf liner on your work surface to help ease the task of hooping.

Remove the extension table when embroidering bags, t-shirts and other tubular items because you will need to have the ability to fit the item around the bobbin throat.

Installing the extension table is simple to do; the hardware consists of two rails, 4 tall extension screws and 4 extra small screws. One Philips head screw driver is needed to remove small screws and insert back into tall extension screws.

The photos below will give you a clear image of how to proceed when inserting the extension table.Remove the 4 screws shown in the red boxes and place aside. Insert the 4 tall extension screws (included with extension table accessories) into the same hole where the small screws were removed.

Attach the 2 rails to the inside area of embroidery machine, notice the two side rails will have to be installed correctly on the left and right side.

Insert the 4 small screws into the top metal frame of side rails.

Slide the extension table top into the rails.

The table is flush with the bobbin throat. The hoop will rest on the table and should not bump into it at all. Use the trace feature when the hoop is attached to be certain the hoop can move cleanly.

My bulky plush blanket can now rest on the extension table and not pull the hoop down when being stitched. It gives me great satisfaction to know I can walk away from my machine and not worry if the hoop will be on the floor when I return.

*Add a water soluble topper to the top of the plush fabrics to keep the nap from poking through the satin stitches of embroidery design.

Use the attached coupon link for my Craftsy class “How to Start a Machine Embroidery Business”- with Marie Zinno.

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

Multi-Needle Monday: Cylinder Hoop Attachment – Brother Entrepreneur

October 12, 2015 by eileenroche / Current Posts, Embroidery Techniques, Embroidery Tips, Guest Blog, Hooping, Marie Zinno, Multi-Needle / 7 Comments

Multi-needle embroidery machine owners are a resourceful and thrifty group. I follow a few Facebook organizations and blogs and try to get a feel for what they are looking for. Most of the questions pertain to hooping and stabilizer challenges on multi-needle machines. Many are overwhelmed once the machine and all the necessary notions are purchased. I remember when I first started my embroidery business; I had no idea about the different accessories that were available to ease hooping.

Last year I taped an episode of It’s Sew Easy TV and I featured the cylinder hoop for the Brother Entrepreneur multi-needle embroidery machine. The series was titled fashion through history. My segment #813 focused on the 1970’s and I embroidered the bottom pant leg of denim jeans. The cylinder hoop can be a useful tool for stitching: upper sleeve on jackets, bottom edge of short sleeve shirts (coaches and corporate), children’s pant legs, narrow opening of bags (wine bags) and any other problematic blanks.

One of the best attributes of the cylinder hoop is the generous embroidery area size: 3 inches tall x 3.5 inches wide. There are three different components of the cylinder hoop: the mounting jig, the cylinder driver and cylinder hoop frame (all included with purchase from your authorized dealer). The hoop is curved and the use of stabilizer is very critical because of the “open window” frame. I suggest using fusible cut away stabilizer when stitching a fabric with stretch. The clips are necessary to hold the fabric in place and inserting the frame to the machine needs a steady hand so as not to push the fabric through the frame opening.

The embroidery machine will “read” the hoop which is helpful but consider if the design needs to be rotated.

Step 1: Loosen and remove the screws from back of machine attachment and remove the “A” or “B” arms, place the screws aside. Insert the cylinder driver on to machine where the arms were removed and tighten the bottom screws (included with the cylinder hoop) as well as inserting the screws from the arms that were removed. Attach the cylinder mounting jig to a table top or metal stand frame and tighten the bottom screw vice which is included with mounting jig.

Step 2: Mark the embroidery area on jacket sleeve with a target sticker; turn sleeve inside out and iron the fusible stabilizer to the inside of upper sleeve (or desired location for embroidery). Turn sleeve right side out with target sticker still in place. Insert the cylinder frame onto the mounting jig and slide the sleeve onto the frame. Use the included clips to tighten the fabric on the frame on both sides. Remove the frame from the jig carefully and transfer to the cylinder driver.

Step 3: Embroider the design on upper sleeve area of jacket and remove frame from driver. Remove all clips and re-iron the fusible stabilizer from inside jacket sleeve. Carefully trim the excess stabilizer from inside jacket and clip thread tails if necessary.

Visit It’s Sew Easy TV to view the segment: http://www.itsseweasytv.com

I have included a special coupon for you to use on my Craftsy class: “How to Start a Machine Embroidery Business” with Marie Zinno

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

Will the person with the initials SFN please step forward?

July 29, 2015 by Denise Holguin / Current Posts, Guest Blog, Just for Fun, Monograms, Nancy Zieman, Wildcard Wednesday / 10 Comments

Will the person with the initials SFN please step forward? We have a free towel to give you!

Here’s an unusual problem you have probably never encountered: we end up with some unusual embroidered samples in our offices! No, we didn’t randomly pick SFN. This towel has an exciting history. It was used on the set of Sewing with Nancy!

I was tapped to demonstrate one of my favorite sewing tips in a brief 5-minute segment on Sewing with Nancy. I selected the initials because well, frankly, they’re beautiful! After all, how many ERs and NZs can one embroider? The filming went off without a hitch and now the towel sits in my sample room begging for a more elegant resting spot. And now that it’s served its purpose, we’d love to see it go to a better home. So if your name is:

Sarah Francesca Norris
Sally Florence Nicholas
Samuel Filipe Nunez
Steven Frank Nelson

Or any other wonderful name with the initials SFN, we want to hear from you! We will ship anywhere in the continental US. One random person with the correct initials will be selected as the lucky recipient of the towel. Now you might be asking, how will we verify if you have the right initials? This will be the honor system. Besides, how many of us want a towel with someone else’s initials hanging from our towel rack? Looks a bit suspicious to me! Although it’s not uncommon to collect and display vintage linens adorned with a variety of initials.

If it has been awhile since you’ve reviewed monogramming etiquette and you’re wondering about the proper order for initials—here’s a quick review.

If the embroidered initials are the same size, arrange them: first name initial, middle name initial, last name initial.

If the middle initial is larger, then it is the last name and should be placed in the center. first name initial, last name initial, middle name initial.

While these are the standard recommendations, you are welcome to exercise creative license! Just always be sure to make sure the initials don’t spell something unexpected that won’t be appreciated.

Here are some additional blog posts on Monograms:

Monograms for Men

Lowercase Monograms

Monograms for Today’s Marriages

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