Macro Photography in Sewing Studio – Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

Archive of ‘Macro Photography in Sewing Studio’ category

A name you can trust!

May 25, 2016 by Denise Holguin / A Closer Look, Current Posts, Just for Fun, Macro Photography in Sewing Studio, Thread, Wildcard Wednesday / 43 Comments

Abigail adds colorful excitement to her tightrope performance with Sulky embroidery threads.

Imagine the colorful excitement you can add to your next embroidery project! Sulky thread comes in an array of beautiful options. Visit their website for more information.

Of course, Sulky sells more than embroidery thread. Thread, stabilizers, embroidery tools, and designs are just a few items you’ll find at Sulky. Post a comment telling us about your favorite Sulky product. Four randomly chosen people will each win 1 roll of Stitch ‘n Seal!

Puffy Foam!

September 23, 2015 by Denise Holguin / A Closer Look, Applique, Current Posts, Embroidery Techniques, Inspiration Software, Macro Photography in Sewing Studio, Perfect Embroidery Pro, Wildcard Wednesday / 25 Comments

This post is a continuation from the September 2015 Designs Plus Newsletter. If you missed it, stop by for a visit by clicking here.

In today’s lesson you’ll learn how to:

Work with an embroidery design that is specifically digitized for Puffy Foam.
Discover how the stitch sequence has similarities to applique – yet is surprisingly new and different! (And addicting!)
How to use the Circle Template. (A tool you’ll also find addicting!)

Open Word Art in Stitches.

Click on the Add puffy Text icon in the top toolbar.

Select the Arial Puffy font.

Type the letter “I”. Click Apply.

Click on File / Save As. Save the design in C2S format. Exit Word Art in Stitches.

Open Perfect Embroidery Pro Software. Then go to File / Open. Select the “I” embroidery design. Once the design is displayed on the screen, press Ctrl + A, to select the design. Click on the Circle Template Icon on the top toolbar.

A new window appears as shown in the image below. Change the Width and Height to 100. Change the number of Repeats to 5.

Click Apply to view the layout. When satisfied with the layout, press Ok.

Click on File / Merge. Select the Sweet Nothing Spool Design, #09201005. (This design is available for free courtesy of Sulky and is featured in the September 2015 Designs Plus Newsletter. If you don’t have the design, click here.)

Place the design in the center of your Puffy border.

Save the design and send to your embroidery machine.

At the Embroidery Machine

Be sure to read the instructions that are included with the Sulky® Puffy Foam™ for tips and techniques.

I used a Snap Hoop Monster to hoop a sturdy canvas fabric. I love the color blue – so it was clear I’d use a blue Puffy Foam and blue thread for my design. You’ll want to match the Puffy Foam with the embroidery thread color.

Stitch the first color, which is a satin stitch outline.

Place the Puffy Foam on top of the satin stitch outline. Stitch the second color—this second color stitches on top of the Puffy Foam. If you’ve done applique these steps seem counter-intuitive – but that’s what makes this process so intriguing and exciting!

Once complete, you’ll notice the excess Puffy Foam perforates away from the project. How delightful!

Repeat the steps for each of the Puffy Foam designs. Then finish by stitching the center design.

Here’s a close-up view of the 3D-effect created with Sulky’s Puffy Foam. Looks like Henry found a nice place to contemplate his next embroidery project!

Want to learn more about Sulky’s Puffy Foam? Visit their website by clicking here.

Be sure to visit the September 2015 Designs Plus Newsletter for more free designs courtesy of Sulky.

Here’s your assignment this week:

As the fall equinox arrives today it also ends the season of summer. Its funny how the days grow shorter and the embroidery project list grows longer in in the fall. What exciting fall projects do you have in store?

Leave a comment below for a hance to win a $20 Designs in Machine Embroidery giftcard!

The winner of the last assignment answered the following question:

Schmetz needles are available at retailers nationwide. Whenever I’m in my local sewing machine dealer, I make sure I pick up a new pack of needles. I’m building my stash so that I’m prepared for future projects. How about you? Do you have trouble planning properly? Do you jump right in and then regret it later? Or do you approach projects with caution and prepare accordingly?

The winner is:

Barb: “I do some of each. If I find something I really am excited to try–I jump right in. Other times I may have a pattern that I am “scared” of and I try to plan it out the best I can so hopefully I won’t have too much trouble.”

Beauty and Inspiration is Everywhere!

August 26, 2015 by Denise Holguin / A Closer Look, Current Posts, Just for Fun, Macro Photography in Sewing Studio / 16 Comments

Sometimes you find inspiration in unusual places! This little fellow was spotted outside by my office mate who brought it to my desk. She knew I wouldn’t be able to resist taking photos. I’m not sure any of us anticipated I’d try to coordinate it with fabric, but the moth was cooperative – so I had to try!

After spending time with my new friend, I felt inspired to find moth themed embroidery designs. Here’s what I found….

I always enjoy browsing the Urban Threads website. Click here to view the details on the Death’s-Head Hawkmoth design.

Kreations by Kara also has an interesting design.

Imagine striking black and orange colors for this design from Embroidery Library!

This design from Embroidery Online reminds me of my last moments photographing the moth outside. It started flapping its wings and then came at me. I screamed for my life before it flew away. It’s probably safer to stitch the design than to try to photograph a large, eager to escape, moth!

Where do you find your inspiration?

Here’s your assignment this week:

In what ways does nature give you inspiration?. We’ll pick a random winner here next Wednesday. If we pick your name, we’ll set you up with a $20 Designs in Machine Embroidery gift card!

The winner of the last assignment answered the following question:

Pop over to My Fabric Designs and enter the contest. While you’re there, browse in the fabrics (click on Shop) and tell me what fabric you’d like to win. We’ll pick a random winner here next Wednesday. If we pick your name, we’ll ship you one yard of the fabric you mentioned in your comment.

The winner is:

Laurel D: “What fun is this!!!???? Had to forward the news on to my sister who is a dedicated quilter (and a confessed fabric hoarder ). Can’t wait to try to create my own fabric — thanks for bringing this option to our attention … if I were to win, I’d choose the Happy Pigs to make something special for my best friend (of over 45 years) who loves pigs and is fighting cancer — what happiness that fabric could bring!”

It was a 7 bobbin kind of day…

August 5, 2015 by eileenroche / A Closer Look, Current Posts, Just for Fun, Macro Photography in Sewing Studio, Wildcard Wednesday / 44 Comments

Henry was plumb tuckered out from having to change so many bobbins!

You know you’re really busy when you have a pile of empty – just used – bobbins resting next to your machine. Recently, I was embroidering a burlap table runner – about 12 hoopings. Somehow I thought a table runner would stitch up fairly quickly. What was I thinking? Table runners span the LENGTH of the table not the width! And a lace design with over 30K stitches take quite a bit of time.

Here’s your assignment this week:

I know many of you have taken on impressive embroidery projects. I’m sure you get a sense of satisfaction when complete. And I think its rewarding to look at the pile of used bobbin and do a head count. So tell me, have you ever had a 7 bobbin kind of day? What’s the most bobbins you’ve gone through on a single project?

The winner of the last assignment answered the following question:

I’ll share the photos of the bride after her big day – don’t want to break any traditions! Speaking of traditions, I’m planning on embroidering a label for the gown, documenting the occasion. Have you ever done that? And if so, what information did you include? We’ll pick one random winner to receive a $20 gift certificate to Designs in Machine Embroidery.

The winner is:

Kati: “It looks like the dress will be beautiful! I often use a piece of grosgrain ribbon inside the side of the shirts I sew to label them. I have a programmable machine that will stitch out small lettering on the ribbon. (Using tear away stabilizer)”

A Closer Look… On the Wrong Foot

October 1, 2014 by Denise Holguin / A Closer Look, Guest Blog, Just for Fun, Macro Photography in Sewing Studio / 75 Comments

Elizabeth and Henry started off on the wrong foot today.

Henry later apologized and professed his love for Elizabeth.

They do make a nice couple.

About the image:

The featured BERNINA foot is #40C – A Sideways motion foot! Imagine the possibilities!

Here’s your assignment this week:

What foot do you have that you wish you knew how to use? Post a comment to let us know! One comment will be chosen at random to receive a $25 shopping spree on the Designs in Machine Embroidery website!

The winner of last week assignment:

Leave a comment below about something you’d like to create with Stipple! Baby. One random comment will be chosen to get their very own copy of Stipple! Baby for free.

The winner is: Judy!
“The cards are so cute! Would love to try them, but a baby girl’s quilt would be lovely.”Congratulations, Judy!

Embroidery & Sewing Investigation

June 23, 2014 by Denise Holguin / A Closer Look, Guest Blog, Macro Photography in Sewing Studio, Multi-Needle, Organization / 23 Comments

When Dave and Jan heard about Multi-Needle Mondays at Eileen’s Machine Embroidery Blog, they decided to go on a sightseeing tour. They stopped to admire the view from the Baby Lock Enterprise.

Suddenly, Jan lost her balance and fell into a mysterious hole.

Fortunately, Hans was out for his afternoon workout. He acted quickly and used some Madeira thread to pull Jan to safety.

An investigation was quickly made. What is the purpose of the hole? Should the city order a manhole cover?

A final report was issued and the press (Eileen’s Machine Embroidery Blog) was quickly alerted to broadcast the important information.

We typically store the Needle changing tool (Threader) in that position. It appears someone forgot to return it there after it was used.

What is the Needle changing tool (Threader), anyway?

Let’s compare a single needle machine to a multi-needle machine. Here’s a close-up view of the needle area of a single needle machine. It’s easy to loop the thread with your hands through the needle bar thread guide.

But it’s not quite the same with a multi-needle machine. Look at all those needles – there is very little space between each needle. That’s the reason for the tool!

Take a look at the photo below showing the Needle changing tool (Threader) in action. The groove is designed to help guide the thread through the needle bar thread guide.

Dave and Jan decided to return to the original spot to complete their photo diary. They are looking forward to another exciting adventure to share with their friends.

A Closer Look: Pincushion Tower

May 30, 2014 by Denise Holguin / A Closer Look, Guest Blog, Just for Fun, Macro Photography in Sewing Studio / 13 Comments

We’re launching a new series on Eileen’s Machine Embroidery blog, called A Closer Look. As the name suggests, it will show an up close view of embroidery machines, notions, tools and anything else you might find in a sewing, embroidery or craft studio – plus some unexpected surprises! A Closer Look will take you on a journey like no other!

I hope to make you smile and to encourage you to see your studio as a haven for creativity and fun!

– Denise Holguin

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Joe enjoys the view from the park bench at Pincushion Tower.

He finds inspiration all around him – especially among the pretty, shiny pins.

He pins his hope on traveling the world visiting other pincushions.

Have you made a 3-tiered pincushion? Check out Katherine Artines’ book, Posh Pincushions, In the Hoop Floral Pincushions for inspiration and designs. Plus, Joe would love to visit!

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