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Float Your Quilt Block, Part 2

September 29, 2018 by Denise Holguin / Current Posts, My Quilt Embellisher, Perfect Embroidery Pro, Quilting, Software Saturday, Software Techniques, Special Offers / 0 comment

Update/Correction: The video the batting is cut to the same size as the front and back fabric – the batting should be smaller and fit within the hole in the block maker, only the front and back fabric should get stuck to the tape!

Last Saturday’s blog showcased how to use the Monster Block Maker with one of the included embroidery designs. This post is an expansion to last Saturday’s blog. This time, we will create a quilt block using software.

This exercise uses Perfect Embroidery Pro with My Quilt Embellisher to create the quilt block.

Launch Perfect Embroidery Pro.
Using the art tools, create a 4.8” square.

Right click on the square. Click Convert To / Run.

Change the stitch length to 4.8 mm. Click Apply.
Click on the arrow underneath the My Quilt Embellisher Icon on the right side of screen. Select Embellishments.
A new window will appear. Click on Butterfly. Click the second image, Embellishments 10_Circle.
Your block will look similar to the image below.
Select the first outline.
Right click. Select Utility. Create Outline.

Leave the default .08. Click Ok.
The image will look similar to the one shown.
Select the new outline. Right click. Select Utility. Create Outline. Keep the default .08.
The design should look similar to the one shown.
Select both artwork outlines. Right click. Select Convert To / Run.
Select the second element in the design as shown. This is artwork. Right click. Select Convert To / Run.
Rearrange the thread sequence so that the butterfly section stitches second, followed by the outline stitches.
I like using different colors, so I selected different thread colors for each of my outlines. Change the thread colors as you wish.

Follow the directions included with the Monster Block Maker to prepare the template with double sided adhesive tape. Watch the short video clip to see the steps where I made the quilt sandwich. The double sided adhesive tape lasts for multiple blocks. (hence my tape looks a wee bit messy, but it does keep the fabric secure). Once the tape loses its stickiness just change the tape.

The next video shows the the outline being stitched. This step secures the quilt sandwich.

Here’s the finished block.

Remove the block from the Monster Block Maker template.

Here’s a look at the finished trimmed block.

Additional Resources:

An Introduction to Floating Your Quilt Block

Single Needle Machines

Mult-Needle Machine

Stitching Pumpkins

September 26, 2018 by Denise Holguin / Color and Design, Current Posts, Inspiration, Just for Fun, Quick Gifts, Quilting, Special Offers, Wildcard Wednesday / 12 Comments

The Dallas Arboretum has transitioned from their summer floral display to an eye-catching display of pumpkins and gourds. All the stores are stocked with pumpkin decorations. The coffee shops even have fall colors in their window displays. With all the pumpkins popping up everywhere, I thought it would be gourd to join in! 😉

Our newest quilting collection, Pumpkin Parade, makes it easy to join in the festivities by making fall décor. But before I started, I decided to set up a few rules.

Rule 1. Stay focused. (ha!) By that I mean I decided to start and finish one project at a time. I usually like to start multiple projects and I get so overwhelmed that I don’t finish them! This also motivated me to get the current project finished so I could swiftly move on to my next great experiment.

Rule 2. Minimize the number of variables. One of my favorite activities is to take one design and see how many variations I can make with it. Sometimes the variations are created in software. Other times, I have fun with fabric and thread color selection. For this project, I decided the primary variable would be fabric and thread color. (Though I did use two different pumpkin designs).

Rule 3. Keep the project manageable in size. Sure, I could stitch an entire quilt—or two—or three but I do need to sleep and I wanted to be sure I could finish them in a day or two. The advantage of the small centerpieces: I can give them as gifts to friends, family and coworkers. The way I like to experiment, I may have enough for an entire neighborhood by the end of the week!

Rule 4. Have fun and don’t be overly critical! I read a comment recently on a social media platform from someone who was seeking advice on where and how to start a project. Her desire for perfection seemed to be holding her back before she could even begin a project. It can be especially disheartening when social media and photo editing makes it possible to present the best, most pristine and flawless representation of ourselves and our work. But there’s also reality. And in my reality, my binding is not impeccable on my quilts. I try really hard. But I’m still learning! And that’s the point. We have to stay focused on improving our skills and not be so critical of our work that we become immobile.

Denise carefully attaches binding. She’s hopeful. She’s confident. She’s determined to get the job done!

Enough about the rules, let’s take a look at my gourd-ous shenanigans I completed in 2 days. 😊

Centerpiece 1: Youthful!

I rummaged through my fabric and found the orange print. The downside, I only had scraps. I decided to make the best of my supplies by making a 4-patch block. I added a coordinating green fabric to make the centerpiece larger.

Once the top was complete, I made a quilt sandwich and hooped the project using Snap Hoop Monster. Then it occurred to me I needed to center the design within the block. No problem! I used the handy Centering Ruler from the Embroidery Tool Kit to find the center of the block. I placed a target sticker in the hole. Then I made sure the needle hit the center of the target sticker. Moments like these make having the right tools indispensable.

I chose an orange thread color for the pumpkin quilting design and used the stitch-in-the-ditch method for the busy prints. My coworker, Sam, commented that he likes the difference in the busy prints. One print is large scale while the other is a smaller scale. Until he mentioned it, I hadn’t noticed. Sometimes I can get so focused I miss certain elements!

Centerpiece 2: Fall Harvest with a Touch of Blue!

I continued rummaging through my fabric and found small scraps of the beautiful blue print fabric.

It’s so delicious, I had to use it. It’s also not what we might expect for a fall harvest but that’s why I love it! I chose a brown thread color for the quilt designs. The brown thread coordinates well with the print.

Centerpiece 3: Royalty!

I used a delicious batik fabric and a rich purple.

The tan thread color was influenced by the batik fabric. This sample received a lot of attention when I paraded it around the office. I suppose we all identify with royalty! 😉

I had an absolute blast making these centerpieces and am sad to see this blog post end.

Which version do you like best? What other color scheme would you want to see?

Given my affinity for this collection, now’s a good time to mention we are offering free shipping on US orders. I’ve extended the offer to October 5th. Or give us a call during business hours: 888-739-0555 (8 am – 5 pm CDT).

Machine embroidery is for everyone!

September 19, 2018 by Denise Holguin / Applique, Baby Lock, Current Posts, In-the-hoop, Just for Fun, Special Offers / 12 Comments

One recent Saturday, I invited my friend, Tore Bellis, to my studio to learn how to machine embroider. Tore is a software engineer and he’s always interested in learning new things. It made sense to me that he should learn.

I considered what he might like to stitch and decided for his first experience, he should do more than embroider a piece of fabric. He needs to make and complete a project in one day.

That sounds like an ambitious task but it’s not with the Snazzy Snap Covers. The collection is fun for all skill levels. And given Tore’s analytical mind, I knew he’d enjoy seeing how the project comes together. The pockets would really captivate him!

The collection features 6 different styles of notebooks in two sizes. He chose to stitch the shark design for the small notebook cover.

I offered all my fabrics for Tore to choose from including a new pack of Carnival Batiks I received from the Baby Lock Common Threads event. Tore was a little hesitant to use my special new batiks but there is no better time than the present. I was pretty surprised how much he deliberated over the fabric selections. (This is a sign he’s an embroiderer at heart and perhaps even a quilter!).

He cut the vinyl fabric for the notebook cover, the batiks for the inside pockets and the blue ‘denim’ for the inside cover.

He also made a preliminary selection of thread colors. I assured him he could change his mind as the project came together.

He hooped the stabilizer and attached the hoop to the machine.

I showed him how to thread the Baby Lock Spirit by following all the numbers and arrows on the machine. He also learned how to use the automatic needle threader. The automatic needle threader was his favorite part.

I took photos throughout the process and we decided to capture his very first stitches on video. He practiced the steps before I shot the video. I explained if something goes wrong we can always stage it again and re-shoot. I quickly learned however, he really wanted the video to catch his first stitches— no exceptions. So we practiced the motions a few times until he was ready.

As he stitched, I explained the concept of placement stitches and tackdown stitches.

He stitched his first appliqué and learned about appliqué scissors.

I demonstrated how to use the scissors and suggested he compare them to using regular scissors. But without trying them he could already see the advantage of appliqué scissors. He carefully trimmed the excess appliqué fabric and carefully returned the hoop to the machine.

Tore stitched the next applique fabric – the top portion of the shark.
Then he carefully trimmed away the excess fabric.

The design quickly takes shape!

He continued stitching and we reached a point when difficult decisions would have to be made. What thread color for the fish designs? Tore auditioned several options.

He contemplated the shades of blue.

Tore decided to experiment with a tan color that would pop off the blue vinyl. He’s becoming a professional at threading the machine at this stage of the process.

At this point Tore was ready for the particularly clever part of the construction process: the inside of the notebook cover.

Tore aligned the “denim” fabric with the notches on the back of the design. We used a spray adhesive to hold the fabric in place. Then he stitched the fabric down.

Next, the fancy batik pockets (my favorite part of the design). Tore aligned the pockets with the notches on the design.

He secured the pockets with Painter’s Tape.

He was ready for the final thread color that would secure the pockets and define the shape of his notebook cover. This was the last critical thread color decision to make and he was not hasty. I suggested red since it’s a shark notebook to hint at the idea of blood. I pulled out all my threads (not just red) so he could browse options.

Then I found him at the machine, contemplating which shade of red.
He said, “This one is more ‘blood’ while this is more vivid. Do I want blood or do I want vivid?”

These were important questions only he could answer, of course. He made his decision and finished stitching the design.

He heard the celebratory chime on the Baby Lock that proclaims the design is finished. I pointed out the smiley face on the touch screen of the machine that also indicates the design is complete. (Even though I’ve been embroidering for a few years, I never tire of those features!).

Tore unhooped his masterpiece.

Then he trimmed the notebook to its final shape.

The last step: installing snaps! Among Tore’s many hobbies and talents, he’s installed snaps with his leatherwork projects. But we still practiced our snap skills on a piece of fabric.
And just like that, my friend who has never machine embroidered made his first in-the-hoop project!

Tore went home that night and ordered a six-pack of mini notebooks from Amazon. Now he’s planning his next set of notebooks.

The take-away from this piece:

Machine embroidery is for everyone! Share your hobbies with friends and family members. Don’t forget to consider kids or grand-kids. Depending on the child’s age, you can do some of the more involved parts of the task. It’s not only a time to bond but there’s a delightful element of discovery you can enjoy through a novice’s eyes.

Special Limited Time Offer (1 week only!)
Take $10.00 off your order of Snazzy Snap Covers! Use coupon code: snazzysaturday. Visit the Designs in Machine Embroidery website by clicking here.

Happy Campers!

August 23, 2017 by Denise Holguin / Applique, Blue Hair Girl, Current Posts, Just for Fun, Special Offers, Wildcard Wednesday / 8 Comments

One of the fun aspects of working for Designs in Machine Embroidery is the ability to create and present new ideas. We gather inspiration from what’s trending, from our own likes and interests, from friends and associates, museums and countless seemingly unrelated fields. These ideas come to life in Designs in Machine Embroidery magazine, but also through this blog and our products. It makes the work more interesting for us but more importantly, we hope it keeps us relevant and timely for you, our readers!

When Eileen and I were brainstorming about a new design idea, I had been admiring vintage campers. I see them as I travel to my favorite hiking and adventure destinations. There’s something wonderfully nostalgic and charming about them – and they need to be expressed with stitches!

Eileen gave me the green light to design this vintage camper embroidery design. I considered how I’d like to decorate the camper and who I’d want to include in my camping adventures. Four-legged friends, of course! That’s why I included a dog and cat looking through the windows.

The embroidery design is fun to stitch as is—and we’ve created a step-by-step instruction guide to use the design to make a cosmetic bag (or use it for gadgets or other items that need to be tucked away in a cute bag). Use the design to stitch a sweet pillow or decorate a quilt block.

If you’re like me, you enjoy tweaking the design to add that unique touch. You can do that with this design. Add ribbon as embellishment to the camper. Or use tiny pom pom fringe for a more whimsical look.

Don’t have a cat? Remove the cat design and add a second dog. Or remove the pets altogether. You get the idea. Have fun and make this vintage camper design your own. Embellish with beads, crystals or rhinestones. Add lettering to customize the design further. Use software to add a square “Welcome” mat.

Most of all, embrace your creativity with enthusiasm!

This camper design along with the cosmetic bag instructions, are included as a free gift when you subscribe to Designs in Machine Embroidery. You can subscribe for 1 or more years and the offer works with renewals. Live abroad? We’ll ship the magazine wherever you live! The camper and cosmetic bag instructions are an automatic download you’ll receive upon paid subscription. You can start stitching now! Click the image below for the subscription page or give us a call: 888-739-0555 / 8 am – 5 pm CDT.

Who is Blue Hair Girl?

February 15, 2017 by Denise Holguin / Blue Hair Girl, Current Posts, Inspiration, Just for Fun, Special Offers, Wildcard Wednesday / 6 Comments

Welcome, Blue Hair Girl!
What do you get when you mix machine embroidery, a quirky sense of humor and streaks of blue hair? The launch of a new brand from Designs in Machine Embroidery. Blue Hair Girl is a fresh and quirky approach to embroidery!

Managing Editor, Denise Holguin, has been in the machine embroidery industry for over 15 years. Her approach to embroidery and every project she tackles is simple: It has to be fun. That same spirit is what inspired her to launch her own Blue Hair Girl brand.

Blue Hair Girl makes you smile!
Blue Hair Girl is about approaching machine embroidery with a smile. Blue Hair Girl wants to inspire a smile during the creative process of stitching and deviating from the expected.

Blue Hair Girl gives you wings!
Denise Holguin aims to inspire machine embroiderers to take that often difficult first step of trying. Blue Hair Girl is about having the confidence to try and celebrating milestones.

Blue Hair Girl is unconventional!
From streaks of blue hair victory rolls and polka dot everything to current pop cultural influences, Blue Hair Girl aims to give you something quirky, fun and definitely unique to machine embroidery.

Be the first to have a Blue Hair Girl Product!
Patch Celebration! features 12 embroidery patches, 4 printable Gift Tags and instructions.

Order now and enjoy FREE US shipping and handling up to $10.00! Use coupon code: celebrate. Offer good until February 25, 2017.

Memories, the threads of time

June 8, 2016 by eileenroche / Applique, Current Posts, Eileen Roche, Home Decor, Just for Fun, Quick Gifts, Quilting, Special Offers, Wildcard Wednesday / 28 Comments

Isn’t it fun to capture a happy memory in needle and thread? It’s not always easy to achieve but when memories and creative inspiration collide, it’s a heartfelt moment. That’s the story behind my latest Stipple! Collection, Life’s a Beach.

You see, when I was ten years old, my father, an avid pilot, restored a World War II open cockpit bi-plane and flew it for thirty years in our tiny seaside resort in New Jersey. He loved that plane and so did all of his daughters. Although it never towed a banner as it is in this quilt, it spiraled through the air crisscrossing the sky over the sparkling blue water of the Atlantic Ocean. He would buzz our house and we would head to the airport to get a ride. If we were on the beach when he flew over, we would wave and jump around on the white sand so he could see us. A tip of his wing meant he was heading home for dinner.

There are so many stories about that plane– thankfully all with happy landings – I just had to include this memory of my youth spent on the Jersey shore. Oh what I wouldn’t do to stand on that sand and hear him fly overhead.

Those happy memories include many days spent at the beach and with five sisters, there were always bathing suits drying in the sun on the backyard clothesline. In fact, I remember coming home from my morning waitress job at a local coffee shop and checking the clothesline to see what suits were left – several of us wore the same size. My mother used to say, “First one out, best one dressed!”

And then off to the beach it was. With a good book, suntan lotion (OMG probably baby oil, how times have changed!), chair and towel, everything revolved around the beach. Everyone (except my mother) was on the beach: neighbors, tourists (same families, same street every year) and family. The more the merrier; the bigger the circle of chairs, the better.

The scene depicted in the bottom row on Life’s a Beach shows the end of the day at the beach…one chair, one umbrella, a peaceful quiet time in the shade.

I stitched the three panels independently and they hang together with ribbons of raffia looped over wood buttons. Since each row stitches quickly, I finished a row in an afternoon, binding included! Once I had one done, I was motivated to start the next one. If you’d like, piece the three rows together to make one wall quilt. I had so much fun designing this project and focusing on the simple days of my youth, I hope you enjoy making it as much as I enjoyed designing it.

Question of the week: What are your favorite summertime childhood memories?

Visit the Designs in Machine Embroidery website for a limited time special offer on Stipple Life’s a Beach. Enjoy free US shipping. Use coupon code: beach

Become a Social Butterfly! Part 2

April 6, 2016 by Denise Holguin / Current Posts, Fairyland, Home Decor, In-the-hoop, Just for Fun, Quick Gifts, Special Offers, Wildcard Wednesday / 10 Comments

Last week I explored a special offer in an ad featured in the current issue of Designs in Machine Embroidery. If you missed the blog, click here.

When you spend $49 or more at the Embroidery Online website, enter coupon code: DIME2016FREE and you’ll receive the Luminous Freestanding Butterflies collection for free. (Offer ends 4/30/2016).

As you can see, there are all sorts of special offers and promos featured in every issue of Designs in Machine Embroidery. If you don’t subscribe to the magazine, I encourage you to do so. Special offers, free designs and inspiration can be found from page to page. Flutter on to our subscription page to subscribe or give us a call at 888-739-0555.

This week I decided to explore the process of incorporating natural elements into my embroidery projects. For the few that have seen my home (and for the rest who haven’t!) —it’s a mix of various collections including rocks and really neat branches that I’ve picked up during my adventures. I bet you’re wondering rocks? Branches? What in the world does a person do with these elements? I wondered the same until I found just the right use. Take a look!

While visiting friends in Kerrville, I wandered their beautiful property and found the most delightful rock. I got permission to take the rock and little did we know it would end up being a cute pedestal for a butterfly to rest upon. I had it sitting on my desk all week as a paperweight – but it will return to its home in Kerrville to my friends as a special gift.

The letters are chip board—you can find similar ones in the scrapbook aisle of your favorite retailer.

Next, I decided to cover a branch with butterflies and use it as wall décor. I love the mix of thread and natural elements.

Excited to find use for my other branches, I combined two small branches with carpenter’s glue. Then I created ribbon roses and placed them in one corner with a butterfly resting upon them. More chip board was used to spell the word “create” but I could have easily spelled my last name or other message. The Butterfly Fairy was a last minute addition to the scene.

Here’s a close-up of the Butterfly Fairy. One late night of butterfly stitching, my embroidery machine got hungry and started eating my fabric. The wings that were in the process of being stitched were incomplete but too pretty to throw away. I trimmed them and decided to use them to make fairy wings.

Since the underside of the embroidery would be visible, I covered the wings with organza. Then I made a doll using inspiration from Wee Felt Folk by Salley Mavor. The dress is made from the center of a daffodil. I loved the results and quickly posted the photo for my friends to see. But there was just one problem which I presented to them: “This Butterfly Fairy needs a name!”

I got a reply from a friend I recently reconnected with online. The name she presented and I fell in love with: Daphne! Look at her, she looks like a Daphne!

And that’s the story of how Daphne the Butterfly Fairy came together. I think she represents the beauty of using the resources you have—though imperfect, to make something special, unique and meaningful. Imagine if I had tossed the half stitched wings in the trash bin! And I love involving others in my embroidery projects – even though some live far away they can be part of the process online. It’s a constructive and positive use of social media that I encourage you to embrace if you haven’t already. It is quite fun to be a social butterfly!

Become a Social Butterfly!

March 30, 2016 by Denise Holguin / Current Posts, Just for Fun, Lace, Quick Gifts, Special Offers, Wildcard Wednesday / 24 Comments

While my team and I were putting the latest issue of Designs in Machine Embroidery together, an advertisement from Embroidery Online caught my attention. Did you see it? Here’s a glimpse of the ad from the Mach/April 2016 issue along with a full size stitched butterfly for scale.

The offer is pretty nifty: Make a purchase of $49 and receive the #12600 Luminous Freestanding Butterflies for free! Coupon code: DIME2016FREE. Offer ends 4/30/2016. The free collection download will be added to the cart automatically when you enter the code.

I thought it would be fun to try this special offer. By the end of this article I think you’ll agree, it’s an excellent offer you don’t want to miss. Purchase some thread, stabilizer or other supplies from Embroidery Online to make the $49 goal. Enter the coupon code: DIME2016FREE and you’re on your way to becoming quite the social butterfly!

This will be an ongoing series you’ll see as you flutter through our blog, Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest pages. Every photo will be tagged #socialbutterfly and you are encouraged to post your creations made from this collection too!

I have a collection of real butterflies that are framed on my wall at home. I thought it would be fun to make my own embroidered version and make it look like a preserved ‘specimen’.

I used a Micro font from Inspirations Software to stitch the name on twill tape. Wanting to add some excitement, I used an online translator to convert “embroidered butterfly” to the equivalent in French. Until these butterfly designs fluttered into my world, I never ventured to embroider text on anything narrow much less in a foreign language. I’m glad I tried!

I added a pin to mimic the look of a real specimen. I glanced through insect collecting pages online and soon discovered there is quite a science to proper display and pinning… which I happily leave to the experts! For my embroidered butterfly, a regular sewing pin on the body of the butterfly was good enough for me!

As I posted very limited previews of the embroidered butterflies on my Facebook page for friends to see, I noticed a trend. My friends are passionate about butterflies! Sure, they have liked my posts in the past, but butterflies ignite a particular admiration. Here’s a sampling of my friends’ comments:

“The color possibilities are endless”
“Stunning….these butterflies are so wonderful.”
“I love love love these!!”
“These are amazing!!”

Their reactions inspired me to make a custom butterfly for a friend (she likes purple) and name it after her.

After stitching the name, I trimmed away the jump stitches then I used scrapbook brads to add a more custom touch to the project.

Here’s the finished piece!

When I present the gift to her I will add a little notecard that says:

“I named a butterfly after you!
It’s unique and special just like you!”

Here’s a look at more butterflies I have stitched in just ONE week. Each is slated for a special use. To the left you’ll see butterflies getting soaked to remove the water soluble stabilizer – or as I like to put it: “the butterflies are getting a bath”. I’ll be sharing how I used the rest of the butterflies throughout our blog and social media pages in the coming days… and weeks… because I’ve discovered it’s super fun to be a #socialbutterfly!

The next series will be of particular interest to those who collect natural random objects. I’ll show how I used the butterflies in unexpected ways on these objects. Until then, be sure to visit Embroidery Online to restock your sewing studio with much needed supplies and use code: DIME2016FREE at checkout.

Needle, Needle, What Size Needle?

September 16, 2015 by eileenroche / Current Posts, Eileen Roche, Embroidery Tips, Planning Embroidery, Special Offers, Wildcard Wednesday / 78 Comments

I’m the first to admit, I sometime (ok, too often!) skim over the recommendations for proper sewing and embroidery. You know, like changing the stitch length when sewing specific fabrics. Or choosing the right needle for the job. And yes, I’m often (too often!), disappointed in my initial results. My personality profile is I’m a starter; I like to jump right into a project without reading directions (good thing, cause the directions don’t often exist until I write them). But even when designing and creating an entirely new project, there are steps that I could take that would ensure success. And eliminate some frustration on my part. You know, it’s hard to change your personality. It’s just my first instinct to jump in and get going. When in reality, I should, ahem, exhale, evaluate, gather the necessary supplies and then start.

Those lessons were reinforced this summer when I was making the wedding dress. If you remember, I couldn’t drive during that time, so my fabric trips were scarce and I really had to have my supply list complete. Also, satin and rayon were not fabrics that I typically worked with in my sewing room. So I did my research and made a list, and another list and another list. You know, I was laid up for six weeks, there was lots of list making!

The smartest addition I made to my sewing room during that time was Schmetz’s Needle Chart. At a glance, it told me what needles I needed for the massive (I mean, memorable) project and, once secured and lightly used, the chart told me what needle I was holding in my hand. Its colorful rainbow is a welcome addition to an unused shelf in my studio.

Unused shelf? You’re astonished, I’m sure! But remember, my Stitching Sister Marie Zinno purged my sewing room a couple of years ago and I’m proud to say, it still looks that way! Back to the needle chart: it also happens to be the last thing I see when I walk out of my studio – a great reminder when I’m need of a new pack of needles.

The wedding dress required three types of needles: Stretch for the satin (it had 10% Lcyra), Microtex for the Bemberg rayon lining and Embroidery for the embroidered ribbon and label.

Since I worked on the fabrics at different times, it was easy to switch them out. That’s when the color coding really helped!

You can download the chart for your sewing room. Just click here and scroll down the page a bit to locate the chart. The arrow in the illustration below is pointing to the download link – you have two sizes to choose from – one for your sewing room and one for your handbag.

Here’s your assignment this week:

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?

Leave a comment and one lucky winner will win a SCHMETZ Sew Essential Combo Pack. That’s three packs of SCHMETZ Embroidery needles with the ever popular Grabbit® Magnetic Pincushion and the free SCHMETZ Info card. $24.95 US Retail.

The winner of the last assignment answered the following question:

Have you ever felt a moment of relief like this? Leave us a comment telling us how you celebrated a big accomplishment and one of you will be randomly selected to win a $20 gift card to Designs in Machine Embroidery!

The winner is:

Darlene Bares: “I have a problem saying no. So when someone asks me to do something whether its sewing or an embroidery project. I’m burning daylight because most of the time it’s last minute. I just enjoy the feeling of accomplishment and seeing their faces when its done. That’s enough for me.”

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