Seminars and Conventions – Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

Archive of ‘Seminars and Conventions’ category

Your Opinion Matters

September 27, 2017 by eileenroche / Current Posts, Eileen Roche, Embroidery Techniques, Embroidery Tips, Inspiration Socials, Seminars and Conventions, Uncategorized, Wildcard Wednesday / 19 Comments

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of teaching at Wisconsin Quilt Expo. My topic was Turn Your Embroidery Machine into a Longarm. The one-hour lecture covered everything from selecting designs to placement of designs to handling the bulk/weight of the quilt. I had a blast! I love that topic and my students were really interested in mastering the technique. I shared everything I know about the topic that I could fit into 55 minutes. You know, I’m originally from New Jersey so I can talk really fast!

That experience made me wonder what you look for when you want to learn new embroidery techniques. What motivates you to attend a teaching event? What’s your preferred learning environment: at your local dealer in small groups, large group, hands-on, short lectures, online, TV or in print? If you prefer a mix of environments, I’d love to hear our thoughts. Would you take a moment to share your thoughts on classes/events?

Turn Your Embroidery Machine Into a Longarm

August 19, 2017 by eileenroche / Continuous Embroidery, Current Posts, Eileen Roche, Nancy Zieman, Quilting, Seminars and Conventions, shortE, Software Saturday, Uncategorized, Weightless Quilter / 22 Comments

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

I’ll also share why having two versions of a continuous design, not just mirror-imaged, makes connecting designs a breeze.

And what to do when you have a thread break in the middle of a design.

Most of all, I’ll show you how to get your embroidery machine to do what you want it to do!

I hope you’ll join me in Turn Your Embroidery Machine into a Longarm, at 1:00 every day at the Wisconsin Quilt Expo, Madison, WI, Sept.7-9.

I’m really looking forward to this quilt show because I’ve been spending too much time in my office and studio! It’ll be great to meet and chat with other embroiderers/quilters/sewists. Hope to see you there!

If you purchase your tickets online before the big event, you’ll save $2.00 per lecture. Hurry – seats are going…

Wisconsin Quilt Expo 2017

August 16, 2017 by eileenroche / Current Posts, Eileen Roche, Embroidery Techniques, Quilting, Seminars and Conventions, Uncategorized, Weightless Quilter / 8 Comments

In just a few short weeks, I’m heading to my favorite quilt show – Wisconsin Quilt Expo, in Madison, Wisconsin, Sept 7-9, 2017. Why is WQE my favorite quilt show? Well, first off, it was created by my dear friend, Nancy Zieman, so I know every detail has been covered. Second, it’s in Wisconsin in early September. Wisconsin literally sparkles in late summer. Third, the food – oh my. They don’t call it America’s Dairy Land for nothing! Fourth – the people. I’ve never met a population that pitches in with such gusto and a smile. If you don’t know what I mean, consider this: Green Bay Packer fans VOLUNTEER to shovel out the stadium on a snowy game day. In fact, they stand in line to do so! Oh, I love Wisconsin.

I am honored to teach one of my favorite topics, Turn Your Embroidery Machine into a Longarm, at 1:00 every day. Tickets are on sale now and from what I hear – going fast!

I can’t wait to meet with fellow quilters especially those who want to get more out of their embroidery machines and finish those quilt tops they so lovingly created. I want to show them that it is possible to quilt an entire quilt – even a queen or king – on an embroidery machine. I’ve been doing this for years and along the way, I’ve made every mistake. Now, I can confidently finish my quilts. In my class, you’ll learn how to select designs for specific areas of the quilt, precisely place designs and handle all that bulk. To purchase a ticket to Turn Your Embroidery Machine into a Longarm, just click here.

We’ll discuss continuous line designs.

Custom designs (that fit perfectly into specific spaces.

And we’ll take a look at nesting designs.

I’ll share my secrets for perfect placement of all three types of quilting designs. To see what else is in store at Wisconsin Quilt Expo, visit https://wiquiltexpo.com/

Any chance I’ll see you there? I hope so!

Tropical Stitching

June 28, 2017 by eileenroche / Current Posts, Eileen Roche, Embroidery Techniques, Hooping, Inspiration Socials, Inspiration Software, Seminars and Conventions, Uncategorized / 4 Comments

It’s always been a dream of mine to have an ocean view out my studio window.

Since I live in Texas, this is definitely not what I see out my window and it’s not likely to change any time soon. What would be the next best thing? How about an embroidery class in a store that’s just steps from the Pacific Ocean? Wouldn’t that be lovely? Oh I how wish I was teaching (or taking) one! But since I’m not available in July for Discount Fabrics Warehouse multi-island event, I’m sending Ashley Jones, one of our embroidery specialists to teach embroidery techniques. Ashley has received over 300 hours of DIME training so she’s a whiz at our placement, hooping and stabilizing methods. And she has a solution for almost every problem an embroiderer will encounter.

She’ll be showing Hawaiian embroiderers how to stitch a hat on a home machine plus she’ll share her secrets for flawless continuous embroidery.

She’ll even insert a little zen into the activities with exploring color therapy designs. Best of all, she’s bringing all of DIME’s tools for everyone to play with during class. So if you’re in Hawaii and have never seen or used DIME’s magnetic hoops, aligning lasers and rulers, then you’re in for a treat. Not only will you learn everything Ashley has to offer but you’ll enjoy a “try before you buy experience.”

If you like to decorate tote bags, pillows or quilt blocks, Ashley’s secrets to speedy stitching with professional results will wow you.

Want to expand your stash of embroidery designs? She’ll show you how.

Think embroidery is too ‘dense or stiff for t-shirts? Think again. You’ll see fabric-friendly designs that are extremely comfortable to wear.

Plan on spending an afternoon with Ashley so that you can bring your embroidery skills up to a professional level. The Vintage Chic event will help you get the most of your machine. And isn’t that what we all want to do? Use our machine for all their worth and stop struggling with hooping, placement and stabilizing. Click here to see what island event fits into your schedule! https://www.inspiredbydime.com/inspiration-socials/

This week’s winner is JUDY GRACZYK! Her comment: Oh, yes, misspelling, upside down, you name it. My stitch ripper and erasers are my friends! was selected to win a copy of Hoop It Up, the Stitching Sisters’ Guide to Hooping. Enjoy Judy!

Sewing Friends are the Best Friends

April 12, 2017 by eileenroche / Blue Hair Girl, Current Posts, Eileen Roche, Nancy Zieman, Seminars and Conventions / 17 Comments

I’ve met so many wonderful women who share my passion for sewing and machine embroidery. Often, strong friendships develop because of this common bond. All it takes is a mutual love of creating with fabric and thread and everything else falls in place. Age, race, sex, politics, religion or geographical location don’t matter because the connection is through a love of fiber. If we’re really lucky, we learn about each other’s lives outside of sewing. For instance, my good friend, Nancy Zieman, danced at my wedding and I played bocce ball in her backyard! Great memories!

One of my favorite sewing friends

Sewing and embroidery are solitary endeavors so when you do meet someone who shares this passion, make the extra effort to find out more about them. Start with the common bond you already share. Does the encounter occur in class? Perfect, start the conversation there. Ask how long they’ve been coming there, what other classes have they taken, and would they recommend another class. People are always flattered when asked for their opinion or recommendation.

If you work in the industry, a new friend may just be an email or two away. In today’s digital world, many of us never meet, yet, we connect via email. We have deadlines to meet, criteria to fulfill and materials to send back and forth. We learn that we share the bond of creating. It’s happened to me and I’ve watched this happen to others. Take for instance, Denise Holguin and Joanne Banko; two talented ladies who met through their connection at Designs in Machine Embroidery, DIME. Through the years, they’ve learned and laughed together. Take a look for yourself, Joanne is the chief needle threader at her blog, Let’s Go Sew, and a regular contributor to DIME.

Joanne Banko on the set of It’s Sewing Easy TV show

Denise, Blue Hair Girl, is the managing editor here at DIME.

Click here to read Denise’s behind the scenes journey at DIME: http://www.letsgosew.com/joanne-bankos-blog

How about you, have you been blessed with sewing friends? How have they changed your sewing experience? Share your thoughts – we’d love to know how you’ve enhanced your life with sewing friends.

What Can You Learn in 60 Minutes?

March 22, 2017 by eileenroche / Current Posts, Eileen Roche, Embroidery Techniques, Marie Zinno, Quilting, Seminars and Conventions, shortE, Webinar, Weightless Quilter / 13 Comments

In 60 minutes, you can learn everything you need to know about quilting with your embroidery machine. When can you do that? Tomorrow’s the big day! if you’ve been wanting to learn how to quilt with your machine, register for my webcast with Sulky on Thursday evening (March 23, 2017) at 9:00 PM EDT, 8:00 PM CDT and 7:00 PM PDT.

You’ll learn everything from raw edge applique to custom quilting to overall quilting. I’ll give you three options for handling the quilt bulk while achieving perfect placement on every hooping. Plus, you’ll learn what type of designs work on blocks and large negative spaces.

Included in this hour of education, is a downloadable continuous line design for 6” x 10” hoops*, a downloadable guide to my secrets of continuous line quilting on an embroidery machine plus a question and answer period at the end of the webcast.

Michelle Umlauf, Sulky National Educator, will be our webcast coordinator (which means she’s been keeping me on track for several weeks). She’s a stitch wizard herself as you can see if you visit her blog at http://www.SewingMachineArtistry.com. She’ll be joined by Sulky veterans Patti Lee, Ellen Osten and Kelly Negal (like I can teach them anything!).

I conned, I mean asked, my Stitching Sister, Marie Zinno, to help with questions during the webcast. So if you’re on the webcast and know Marie, give her a shout out. And while you’re at it, ask her a trick question – like how many inches of thread are on a Sulky 820 meter spool! Oh boy, am I going to pay for that!

Today, we had a run through to make sure your experience is educational, comfortable and informative. It went very well with a ‘mock’ audience of 5 or 6 attendees. Intentionally, mock questions were sent and fielded by Patti, Kelly, Marie and Michelle. At one point, I had a vision of the infamous Lucy & Ethel episode at the chocolate factory. You remember the one, the chocolates fly down the conveyor belt so fast, Lucy and Ethel can’t keep up with it. That was my vision today and hopefully, it won’t be like that tomorrow night.

Sounds like a funny moment, right? Well, the spirit at Sulky is one of fun and lightheartedness. I guess they were just trying to ease everyone’s jitters (technical difficulties can really rattle the nerves) because the first question that appeared on the screen was, “Who let the dogs out?”

I howled (no pun intended!). That moment put everyone at ease, now we’re ready and excited! Sulky has some great product specials that they will announce towards the end of the webcast. Two coupons (of the many specials they are featuring) will expire at Midnight EDT, Sept. 23, 2017. To take advantage of the specials, register for the webcast now, watch the webcast then make your purchases before Midnight EDT.

We are packing a ton of information into this webcast but don’t worry, after the webcast, you’ll be able to review it whenever you’d like. Join us for this live webcast and later you can watch at your own pace. Sign up now because seats are limited! Just click here: http://www.sulky.com/ You’ll learn a lot in 60 minutes!

*Formats included are C2S, DST, EXP, HQV, HUS, JEF, PCS, PES, QLI, VIP AND VP3.

Free Webinar!

March 15, 2017 by eileenroche / Continuous Embroidery, Current Posts, Eileen Roche, Quilting, Seminars and Conventions, shortE, Uncategorized, Weightless Quilter / 23 Comments

I’m so excited to present a live webcast (my first!) with my good friends at Sulky. They spotted my recent book, Quilt with an Embroidery Machine in 8 Easy Lessons, and thought it would be a hot topic for their webcast offerings. I was flattered to be asked, so of course I said yes!

So what should you expect in this webcast? I’ll share my 20 years of quilting with an embroidery machine experience with you. I’ll cover everything from raw edge applique to custom quilting to overall quilting. I’ll show you how to manage the quilt bulk while achieving perfect placement on every hooping. You’ll learn what type of designs work on blocks and large negative spaces.

You’ll get an in-depth look at my patented quilt and applique as you go technique, the difference between custom quilting and overall quilting. And I’ll cover selecting shape designs, connecting continuous line designs, working with magnetic hoops and three options for handling a full size quilt on a home embroidery machine.

We are packing a ton of information into this webcast but don’t worry, after the webcast, you’ll be able to review it whenever you’d like. Join us for this live webcast and later you can watch at your own pace. Sign up now because seats are limited! Just click here: https://goto.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1138339&sti=eduction_webinar_banner

*Formats included are C2S, DST, EXP, HQV, HUS, JEF, PCS, PES, QLI, VIP AND VP3.

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

Leave a comment explaining what quilting project you’re working on right now. One lucky winner will receive a copy of my latest book, Quilt with an Embroidery Machine in 8 Easy Lessons. It’s finally back in stock so I’m happy to give one away.

The winner is: LAURI WINTERFELDT: I just completed a whole cloth quilt to practice quilting on my machine. I have two more lap quilts basted and ready to go.

Thank you, everyone for taking the time to comment. I love hearing from you and hope to see you in the webcast on March 23, 2017, 9:00 PM EST.

Friday Night Live @ Sew Expo

February 18, 2015 by eileenroche / Eileen Roche, Just for Fun, Seminars and Conventions, Stitching Sisters / 71 Comments

It’s your chance for an evening of fun and luck! Luck? If you come to Friday Night Live at Sew Expo, Puyallup, WA on February 27th you’ll have a chance to win not one, not two, but FIVE machines! Baby Lock is giving away over $6,000 worth of machines. All you have to do is buy a ticket to Friday Night Live and come and enjoy the show. Of course you have to be present to win. And why wouldn’t you? Because not only do you have a chance to win a machine but you’ll also enjoy a night of education and hilarity!

My stitching Sister and I have been working on our presentation – it’s has a Tonight Show theme and although I can’t promise you an appearance from Jimmy Fallon or Justin Timberlake – I can tell you we will have as much fun in Puyallup as they have in Times Square. What can you expect? The traditional Tonight Show Friday night format kicks off with Thank You notes. These thank you notes won’t have anything to do with New York tourists. Oh no, our thank you notes are focused on our industry. We’ll share our tongue-in-cheek gratitude to Singer, Viking, Pfaff, Brother, Bernina and Baby Lock.

A few weeks ago, I hinted to the possibility of a lip sync battle performed by our special guests. And our special guests have agreed! Right now, they are working on their routines and perfecting their form. I have to say they are not only great sports but they’re bringing their ‘game’ – full of enthusiasm for this unique opportunity to showcase their previously hidden talents. Who are they? None other than the President of Baby Lock, Steve Jeffrey and local favorite, Eddie Schultz of Issaquah Sewing & Vacuum! So who do you think they should impersonate? Jennifer Hudson, The Bee Gees, Elvis, Rod Stewart, Barry White, Stevie Wonder, Johnny Cash? Oh my, the possibilities are endless!

But we know you want more than fun – you want to learn and win some prizes. We have the fun handled, the education is a given (Marie and I are unveiling our top 30 embroidery tips) and we’ll hand out tons of prizes! Over $6200 worth of prizes! Five machines – complements of Baby Lock plus books and notions from Designs in Machine Embroidery.

Rachel: MSRP $800.00

Imagine: MSRP $3,000.00

Tempo: MSRP $1,400.00

Molly: MSRP $500.00

Anna: MSRP $400.00

Hope you’ll join us for a night of edutainment! Reserve your seats now!

Here’s your assignment this week:

I think we’ve all been guilty of playing a little air guitar or having a jam session in the car every once in awhile 😉 Tell us your absolute favorite song that makes you want to sing at the top of your lungs. We will pick 4 random comments and they each will receive a $25 gift certificate to Zippy DesignZ! Good luck and happy stitching.

The winner of last week’s assignment:

Tell us how long you can hold on to a box of chocolates. One random comment will be chosen to win… a box of chocolates! Mmmm! Yummy!And the winner is: Ellen M.
“As long as I don’t take a bite I can keep it for a month. But once I break down and have a bite, they are gone within the week. I have no self control with chocolate.”

Behind the Scenes: Cutting-Edge Serger Techniques

December 17, 2014 by Denise Holguin / Be The Difference, Just for Fun, Seminars and Conventions, Sewing tips / 73 Comments

We recently took a trip to Austin, Texas where we dropped in on our friend, Barbara Goldkorn who was teaching a 3-hour hands-on class. What a fun event!

Students made their own version of the Woven Table Runner featured in Barbara’s new book, Cutting-Edge Serger Techniques. Students made the table runner entirely with their own Baby Lock sergers—this way they’d be comfortable applying the techniques they learned in class on their own at home.

I’ll be the first to admit, I had no idea a serger was packed with so many innovative and creative features! What a great way to spend a day!

Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

As the students discovered, making the table runner was the chance to learn new techniques and apply more familiar techniques in unexpected ways. The end result is not just a table runner—but new skills that can be used on countless other projects. What a great opportunity to expand the use of a serger! And if you don’t own a serger, you may be inspired to purchase one now!

When you think of binding, more than likely you imagine binding the edge of a quilt. But Barbara uses the technique in a more creative manner. Students attached a single fold binder to their Baby Lock sergers. Then they serged the binding fabric to the fabric strips.

The end result – strips of fabric with a beautifully finished edge. These strips will be used for weaving as shown below.

Behind the Scenes: Cutting-Edge Serger Techniques

Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

One of the really fun aspects of taking a class is the opportunity to see the different color schemes people select for their projects.

I love these traditional Christmas colors.
Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

On the other end of the spectrum are pretty pastels! What a great way to welcome Spring any time of the year!

Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

Here are some elegant snowflakes.

Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

Festive reds!

Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

Holiday prints with red and gold.

Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

Students also learned how to shrink fabric. Yes, shrink fabric! There wasn’t a magic wand involved but I hear it was a seemingly magical product known as Texture Magic.

Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

Here’s a look at the assembly process. There’s nothing like the feeling of accomplishment!

Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

I don’t know about you, but I’m eager to create a table runner of my own. The hardest part—deciding what colors to use!

Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

If you missed out on this fun class – don’t fret! Barbara’s book, Cutting-Edge Serger Techniques gives easy-to-follow step by step instructions with photos to ensure success.

Here’s your assignment this week:

One of these things is not like the other. Spot what’s different in the photo above? Two random comments will be chosen to receive $50 gift certificates at Stunning Stitches! Good luck.

The winner of last week’s assignment answered the following question…Leave a comment and tell us if you think the chandelier or stipple designs will look best on the Sun Kissed quilt. One comment will be chosen at random to receive a $25 gift card to use on the DIME website. Good Luck!The winner is… Ellen P. “Chandelier it would look great and different. Love it.”

Come Sail with the Stitching Sisters and DIME

October 22, 2014 by eileenroche / Eileen Roche, Just for Fun, Seminars and Conventions, Special Offers, Stitching Sisters / 40 Comments

My Stitching Sister and I are so excited to sail on the Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas – voted the Best Cruise Ship by Travel Weekly. Click here to see why we think this is the best ship on the water.

When you’re not marveling at all the Allure has to offer, you’ll head into an embroidery studio filled with top of the line Baby Lock machines. Marie and I will guide you through three days of designing, digitizing, stitching and quilting with an embroidery machine. But we’re not heading to sea by ourselves, oh no, we’ll be joined by one of DIME’s Inspiration Consultants, Flash Sewing and Baby Lock staff. You’ll be in good hands for three days of embroidery fun and exploration.

You can learn more about the cruise and select your cabin at the special rate by visiting http://www.flashsewandquilt.com/dimecruise.html

Marie and I have already booked our rooms and we’re working on the class materials now. Since we want all of the projects to be fresh and new for this special occasion, we are making sure all of the latest techniques, ideas and trends are included in the three days of embroidery fun. So details on the stitching portion of the cruise will be available at a later date. But it’s a good idea to grab your cabin now at the special offer rate!

Please call Lenore Deck Travel at 352-270-8658 or email to cruiselady@tampabay.rr.com. There is limited space in the embroidery studio so get on the list today.

Hope you’ll join us on the Allure!

Here’s your assignment this week:

It’s not often you get to embroider in such wonderful settings as floating in the ocean on a beautiful cruise ship. What is the most unusual place you have embroidered? One comment will be chosen to receive a $25 gift certificate to the DIME website.

The winner of last week’s assignment is:

Urban Threads is giving away four (4) $25 gift certificates to their website. Just leave a comment below about a design you re-purposed for something new, something different! Maybe you turned a kitchen towel project into some doll clothes or made a bracelet out of a sashing – whatever it is, we want to know.

And the winners are: Meg A, Georgia N, Sandi M, and Michelle C – congratulations to all and thank you to everyone for sharing.

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