The Sewphisticated Stitcher – Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

Posts Tagged ‘The Sewphisticated Stitcher’

Great Grandma’s Linens

May 14, 2014 by eileenroche / Guest Blog, Inspiration / 75 Comments

By Denise Holguin
Managing Editor

Where do you find inspiration? Oftentimes it’s right under my nose—or in this example, in my kitchen drawer!

This flour sack towel was hand stitched by my great grandmother. My mother gave it to me when I moved into my first home years ago. The simplicity and the cheerful colors make the towel charming!

While it’s hand stitching, there are similar designs you can machine embroider. Take a look at what I uncovered on the web.

Sunbonnet Sue Collection from Amazing Designs

ABC (#CK108) from Embroidery Online

Days of the Week Tea Time Birds (Vintage) from Embroidery Library

Little Fisherman Redwork from Bunnycup Embroidery

Need linens? Check out these resources:

Ultra Premium Flour Sack Towel from Embroider This!

100% Cotton Kitchen & Tea Towels from The Sewphisticated Stitcher

Here’s your assignment this week:
What vintage goodies from your grandmother, great-grandmother or other special family member do you have tucked away? It’s time to pull the linens out and use them as inspiration! For those feeling especially social, take a photo and post to our Facebook page! (No worries, everyone who just posts a comment on the blog has a chance to win!)One comment will be randomly selected and will win a $25 shopping spree to the Designs in Machine Embroidery website.

Designs in Machine Embroidery Shopping Spree

The winner of last week’s assignment answered the following question:
How would you use the Wild Side Alphabet? One random comment will be chosen to receive the Perfect Towel Kit. The Perfect Towel Kit will help you produce flawless monograms on towel sets every time!

The winner is: Lynn Harris! “Shades of brown on oatmeal aida cloth.”
Congratulations, Lynn!

Savings Galore!

August 8, 2012 by eileenroche / Just for Fun, Special Offers / 56 Comments

Who doesn’t like a bargain? If you scour the pages of the July/August issue of Designs in Machine Embroidery magazine (Volume 75), you’ll find dozens of coupons and specials. I thought I’d do some of the legwork for you and provide the links directly to those sites. So here goes!

Did you know that every time you make a qualified purchase at Planet Applique you receive free appliqué alphabet designs? Now that’s a real stash builder! Just visit http://www.planetapplique.com

With the holiday gift-making season just around the corner, you’ll love the personalized customer service at http://www.discountembroideryblanks.com/ Visit the site to get started on your holiday stitching or call 1-866-210-0072 for more information.

Visit http://www.digistitches.com/ and sign up for their monthly newsletter – jam-packed with coupon codes, offer and the latest features. You’ll love receiving those updates in your inbox.

Get a free fabric bundle just by test-driving the amazing Horizon Memory Craft 12000 at participating Janome dealers. Visit http://janomespecials.com/mc12000/index.htm for more information.

Check out the latest offerings at http://www.embroideryonline.com I love the fresh, floral linework designs in Doodle Flower Glitz.

If you’re looking for affordable designs, view John Deer’s collections at http://www.adorableideas.com/ where you’ll find all the information you need on the Ultimate Design Stash Club.

You just never know what HoopSisters is up to until you visit http://www.hoopsisters.com/ You’ll find tried and true embroidered quilt patterns plus a whole new section titled, Young & Modern.

If software programs seem overwhelming, visit http://www.buzztools.com and see why they’ve been helping embroiderers since 1997. There’s a program for everyone – from BuzzXplore to BuzzSize to BuzzEdit. There are 21-day demos available, tutorials to simplify the learning process and projects.

ZippyDesignZ is the home of the original Rik Rak Lady and it’s where you’ll find cute designs, in-the-hoop projects and terrific ideas for kids. Visit http://www.zippydesignz.com

A fast and easy solution to transferring designs from newer Windows computers and MAC is the The Ultimate Box. Learn how easy it is to use this clever tool by visiting http://www.vikant-emb.com

Here’s the coupon you’ve been waiting for – http://www.embroiderthis.com Save 10% off your order when use coupon DZ75. Shop now because it will expire on Oct. 31, 2012 – you can even order over the phone – 800-881-8144.

Having trouble locating designs on your computer? Install Embrilliance Thumbnailer and you’ll see every one of your designs in their folder – no need to open another program to view the designs. Visit http://www.embrilliance.com to see how it works – on PC and MAC!

Carry the spirit of the Olympic Games through the remainder of the summer with a USA crystal motif. Fast and easy to apply, you’ll love the bling and embroidery designs at http://www.CrystalEyeCandy.com

Save a whopping 20% off your entire order at http://www.EmbroideryGarden.com You’ll find tons of designs – appliqué, in the hoop, designs for Mini LED lights and more. Stop by today and enter your coupon code: EGDME.

Specializing in sports, mascots, double satin appliqués and more, visit http://www.katelynskreativestitches.com for a unique twist on appliqués. Save 15% when you use coupon code dzgns15 at checkout.

If you’ve never been to http://www.PicklePieDesigns.com then now is the time. You’ll save 20% off your first order, just enter DIME20 in the coupon field and pocket the savings.

Loralie is joining the August celebration of National Golf Month with 10% savings on all golf items at http://www.LoralieDesigns.com You can buy entire collections of You Golf Girl! CDs (there are four) or download individual designs. Stitch one of these golf girls and put a smile in your golf game.

Speaking of celebrations, there’s a really big one going on at Sulky. In honor of their 25th Anniversary, Sulky is launching a sweepstakes. So easy to enter, just Like Sulky on their Facebook page or visit http://www.sulky.com

Have you seen the new jumbo fonts at EmbroideryArts? They are divine – lush, historical, modern, Victorian, you name it, you’ll find it. Visit http://www.EmbroideryArts.com and save 30% on ALL products through August 31.

You’ll find another August blowout at http://www.BunnyCupEmbroidery.com. Deduct 35% off all orders during the month of August! Stock up now and save big.

Get your fix on over at http://www.AppliqueJunkie.com and save 30% when you enter DIME in the coupon code.

Oregon PatchWorks really does have it all – designs for children, teens, fabulous florals, home décor, quilts and apparel. There are thousands of the designs to browse and buy – visit http://www.OregonPatchWorks.com to see current specials and savings.

Looking for more specials? How about 24 pages of specials? Jump over to http://www.FiveStarFonts.com and click on Specials to see what’s on sale. And if you’re a new customer, just enter coupon dime-july and receive 20% off your first purchase. But hurry, sales ends September 15, 2012.

The SewphisticatedStitcher.com is a valued partner for locating affordable quality supplies and blanks at competitive prices. Visit http://www.TheSewphisticatedStitcher.com to see what’s new.

Love not-so scary monsters? Then you’ll definitely fall for the charming characters in the Monster Factory at http://www.urbanthreads.com

And of course there are more generous folks in the pages of Designs.

http://www.embroitique.com Receive 10% by entering coupon dzgns10 with your order.

http://www.shoppersrule.com is the home of the ‘pick the item, and you pick the price’.

Some are favorite digitizers can be found out

http://www.LunchBoxQuilts.com

http://www.MollyMine.com

http://www.KreationsbyKara.com

http://www.Appliqueforkids.com

http://www.SewAZDesigns.com

http://www.AllAboutBlanks.com for great blanks with flat rate shipping.

This week’s assignment:

The dog days of summer are well under way! It’s the perfect time to stay out of the heat and spend a little extra time in your sewing room! Tell us about the embroidery project you are currently working on (or are about to start). Post your comment for a chance to win a $25 shopping spree to the Designs in Machine Embroidery website.

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

What colors would you choose if you were designing your own Stipple Bridge Club quilt? One lucky winner will be randomly chosen to win a Stipple Bridge Club!

The winner is:
Judy Wentz

“I would use a pale yellow or peach for the background of the blocks with purple thread for the background. I would also use purple fabric for the setting triangles. I would use a multicolored print with these colors for the hearts, clubs, spades and diamonds.”

It’s time to discover great value, special offers and inspiration! (Part 2 of 2)

March 21, 2012 by eileenroche / Just for Fun, Special Offers / 17 Comments

Hope everyone had a great week perusing the great offers, special deals and inspiration from the featured advertisers I highlighted in last week’s blog. If you missed the post click here.

Let’s take a look at additional freebees, exclusive offers, products and embroidery designs that run the gamut from contemporary to traditional to modern. One thing is certain: Machine embroidery is a fulfilling hobby where creativity, design and heart are expressed through stitches and fabric!

Want to save 10% off of your embroidery design purchase at Bunnycup Embroidery? Just enter the code dime in your cart at http://www.bunnycup.com the savings will be subtracted from your total. Doesn’t get any easier than that!

You’ll find one stop shopping at the OregonPatchWorks Mall. Sprinkled with thousands of premium quality embroidery designs, OPW is your source for all types of designs: floral, juvenile, elegant, quilt, lace and more. Visit http://www.oregonpatchworks.com

The absolutely last word in elegant lettering is reserved for Embroidery Arts. You’ll find over 100 historical monogram styles inspired by designs from the Renaissance through the present. Visit http://www.embroideryarts.com to see the vast collection of letter-perfect monograms.

So what type of designs are popular with machine embroidery enthusiasts right now? ZippyDesignZ tells us it’s anything completed in the hoop. Hot downloads on Zippy’s site right now are Tiny Zip Totes, Cupcake Alpha Hair Clippies, SaniSack and Raggy edge Bibs and Burpies. Click the link http://www.ZippyDesignZ.com to see what all the fuss is about.

Can’t get enough of Loralie’s ladies? Then you’ll love her Sew Florida collection – it’s for all sew birds! Visit http://www.LoralieDesigns.com to see Loralie’s latest, fun and whimsical collection.

Everyone loves savings so I’m sure you’ll love Pickle Pie Designs’ 20% savings off your first order. Just use coupon code DIME20 to get yours! Visit http://www.picklepiedesigns.com

Luscious embroidery designs await all Designs readers at Molly Mine Embroidery Machine Designs. You’ll spot teddy bears, crazy quilt blocks, detailed flowers and novelty alphabet appliqué designs. Stop by http://www.mollymine.com to view the collections.

It you’re more in tune to upscale interiors (and fashions!) then you’ll love the trendy Damask Etchings by OESD. You’ve seen this look in many high-end catalogs and now you can duplicate it on your own embroidery machine. See the awesome collection at http://www.embroideryonline.com

Here’s another 20% coupon for you! Use the code: 20DIME73 in the shopping cart of http://www.sealedwithastitch.com and you’ll save on appliqué and in-the-hoop projects.

Don’t limit yourself to embroidery design-only websites. You’ll find so much more at http://www.SWAKembroidery.com. There are free video tutorials, project ideas and how-to instructions in addition to adorable embroidery designs. There’s so much to learn at SWAK Embroidery.

Recently I visited with Susan Mars in her AllAboutBlanks booth at Sew Expo. I LOVE walking into that booth! Everything is so fresh, pristine and just begging for adornment! But you don’t have to travel across the country to get that same feeling – just stop by http://www.AllAboutBlanks.com to see their latest offerings. You’ll find great prices on market totes, linen tea towels, coasters, cosmetic bags and more – lots more! Plus there is just one flat rate on shipping in the US – just $3.85. What a deal!

I want to encourage my blog readers to say hello to Angie at Lunch Box Quilts. A new advertiser here at Designs, Lunch Box Quilts has some of the most innovative machine embroidered quilt patterns in the industry. You know how hard it is to make something that appeals to men, well, Angie has the answer. Her quilt pattern titled, Trout, is one cool quilt. Just jump over to http://www.LunchBoxQuilts.com and scroll through the Embroidery Applique Quilts under Products.

Quick, easy and simple is what I’m always looking for when I think of stitching for kids. Apparently, I’m not alone. You’ll find age- and effort-appropriate machine embroidery appliqués at http://www.appliqueforkids.com

You’ll be surprised by the variety of designs at http://www.KreationsbyKara.com. Kara offers trendy sugar skulls, traditional florals, enticing butterflies and whimsical characters. The new website offers new freebies every month so bookmark it and visit often.

If bling is your thing then don’t miss http://www.CrystalEyeCandy.com You can order crystals, pearls, buttons and beads, join a club, learn how to ‘Dot to Dot’ and ‘Crystal to Crystal’ and see new ways to add some sparkle to your life (well, okay, to your projects. You have to start somewhere!).

Katelyn’s Kreative Stitches offers fresh, contemporary appliqué designs. Scroll through the selections, make your picks and enjoy 15% savings when you purchase at http://www.KatelynsKreativeStitches.com Remember to enter code dzgns15.

Hoop Sisters is at it again – another popular quilt, Snail’s Trail. You’ll love the innovative, work-as-you-go technique that the sisters have developed. If you haven’t tried one yet, now’s the time. And if you’re already a loyal fan – then hop on the latest project! Visit http://www.HoopSisters.com to see multiple versions of this winner.

Keep your expenses under control and shop at The Sewphisticated Stitcher. You’ll find quality supplies and blanks at affordable prices. http://www.TheSewphisticatedStitcher.com

If you’re a MAC user (or just upgraded your Windows OS) then it might be time to look at The Ultimate Box, a transfer and conversion system for most machines. You’ll love the simplicity of this helpful auxiliary tool. Visit http://www.vikant-emb.com for more information.

Cross Stitch Fans rejoice! Sudberry Embroidery is giving you a free embroidery design when you join their Yahoo Group. Click for a fast download: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SudberryEmbroidery/join

Check out the new freebies at Stunning Stitches: http://www.StunningStitches.com

Visit http://www.SewSpecial.com to see stunning lace designs from Criswell Embroidery & Design. Click around and you might land on Kerrin’s blog. Great tips on lace-making and cutwork.

Expect great designs at prices you can afford at http://www.PlatinumEmbroidery.com You’ll find designers such as Madsen Originals, Snow Lady Designs, A Design by Lyn and Young at Heart.

Best sellers at http://www.GGDesignsEmbroidery.com are Scallop Owl Applique, Bunny Felt Stitchies (in the hoop) and Princess Crown Clippie Keeper Felt Stitchies (in the hoop). Click on over and see what all the fuss is about.

Kandi Christian over at http://www.SewTimeless.com is feeling generous to all Designs readers right now. Just mention DIME at checkout and she’ll place an additional free CD (of her choice) in your order!

Hope Yoder’s website puts a smile on your face. Click here to get your smile: http://www.HopeYoder.com She’s got you covered with button cover-ups, sewing patterns, instant download embroidery designs, project CDs and more.

Meet Oma, a 63-year old grandmother, devoted to her family, faith and machine embroidery! Her devotions shine through in all of her designs, take a look at http://www.OmasPlace.com

Only a short time left to capture 10% savings at http://www.EmbroiderThis.com If you can stitch on it, you can probably find it at Embroider This.

Visit http://www.NancyPrince.com to see a new adventure in machine embroidery. You’ll be amazed at what your machine can do!

http://www.SewAZDesigns.com is a treasure trove of machine embroidery designs. Everything from angel designs to Hawaiian quilt blocks to tote bags with a lot of in-the-hoop in between!

This week’s assignment:

What an inspiring individual we have in this week’s winner! Linda Turner took an idea (the “Read” bags featured in Volume 64 Sept/Oct 2010) then put the idea into action. She inspired others to join in a unique endeavor to stitch hundreds of “Read” bags for a children’s reading program.

Share your stories of how you have put your sewing, machine embroidery or crafting skills into action for someone in need. Post a comment for a chance to win a $25 shopping spree to the Designs in Machine Embroidery website.

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

It’s hard to believe we are 73 issues strong! Every issue is near and dear to our hearts as if they were our own children. Each project has special meaning and significance because they represent writers who love to create and design for you! You, our readers also love to create, design and to be inspired. When you look at it this way, machine embroidery isn’t such a solitary act!

Tell us what your favorite project is from any issue of Designs in Machine Embroidery. One random comment will be the lucky winner of an autographed copy of Designer Handbags by Nancy Zieman and Eileen Roche.

We randomly selected the following winner…Linda Turner!
“My very favorite project would be “The READ” bag featured in the 2010 Fall issue of your magazine. The first “READ” bag was made for a special young lady’s 4th birthday. I filled her “READ” bag with books so she could read to her parents and her little brother. She loved, loved, loved it! In fact, her mother said she even slept with the bag! I am a retired teacher and I work part-time at Zede’s Sewing Studio in Columbia, Missouri. Last spring, we decided to make “READ” bags for the children in the JUMPSTART Reading Program because the “READ” bag had been such a hit for my young friend. Customers and staff at Zede’s made about 250 “READ” bags. The bags were filled with books and given to students at the end of the school year. This year we talked about just buying a bag for the books and donating them to JUMPSTART for the students. Mallory, store manager, met with the JUMPSTART personnel to discuss the project. They loved the “READ” bags we had made so much that they almost begged for us to do the same thing again this year! How could Mallory say no to that?? Once again, we(staff and customers of Zede’s) are making 250 “READ” bags for students in the JUMPSTART Program. This has been such a neat project and it was all because I subscribed to such a fantastic magazine! Thank you!” – Linda Turner

We have a backup plan if Santa does not deliver the goods.

December 21, 2011 by eileenroche / Contests!, Just for Fun / 8 Comments

Don’t leave it up to Santa to deliver the goods you want this year! Take advantage of your last chance to win some some unbelievable prizes! All it takes are four simple steps to enter the Everybody Smiles with Designs contest. All you have to do is ‘like us’ on Facebook (http://www.dzgns.com/facebook). Post a photo on the Designs in Machine Embroidery Facebook page showing your winning smile while holding any copy of Designs in Machine Embroidery magazine. You can have a lot of fun with this – shoot it in your sewing room, in front of your favorite embroidery project, at your local dealer or buried in your favorite stash!

Tag Designs in Machine Embroidery in your photos, add a caption to your photo and consider yourself entered to win over $6000 worth of prizes – including the grand prize a Koala studio. You’ll find a ton of prizes from Klasse, Sulky, Creative Options, Clover, Madeira, Embroidery Library, Urban Threads, Oliso and Baby Lock.

You have 19 chances to win. The top prize is a Koala Studio and you get to choose the style and color you want. Next, there’s a Madeira Thread Chest (fully stocked with 194 spools and Amazing Designs embroidery collections) followed by the Incredible Threadable Embroidery Box, a nifty double-duty thread storage system full of 80 spools plus bobbin thread.

Baby Lock has so generously contributed a machine trolley and trolley tote for hitting the road with your machine. Have you had your eye on that too-hot-to handle Oliso Smart Iron Pro? You might just win it if you enter the Everybody Smiles with Designs contest. If you do take home the Smart Iron you’ll find it’s not too hot to handle, in fact it’s quite cool. It’s a high tech iron that activates with the touch of your hand.

If you’re a Sulky fan, you’ll be glad to know you might win Sulky’s Embroidery Starter Collection with 27 of the most used 40 wt. rayon colors stashed in a Slimline Storage Box.

Two lucky winners will enjoy $100 shopping spree coupons from two of our favorite design companies: Embroidery Library and Urban Threads.

Of course, what’s a sewing contest without some much-needed tools? Our friends at Floriani have donated Floriani’s Favorite Embroidery Tools Kit which includes EZ Snips, angled tweezers, 4 ½” large ring micro tip scissors, appliqué scissors and 5” straight trimmers.

Hoping to win an heirloom to pass on to the next generation? The Nantucket Sewing Basket from Sudberry House could be yours. You’ll treasure the American dark walnut and maple dowel inlay on the lid and basket base.

We all need something to stitch on and many of us turn to The Sewphisticated Stitcher for fun and funky blanks. They have contributed a Dream Bundle of Blanks that includes a sport bottle, damask apron, damask print canvas bag, zebra print mouse pad and a laptop sleeve – all tucked into the collapsible (and embroiderable!) Market Basket.

To round out the prizes you’ll find Designs’ bundle of Stipple! Collections, Designer Necklines and two one-year subscriptions; Clover’s Mini-Iron and Stack ‘n Stitch Thread Tower; Creative Options Craftician Bag and Klasse’s Embroidery Needle Value pack.

Hurry! The contest ends December 31, 2011. To show our gratitude for your entry, we’ve posted a free design for you to download. Just click here for the rules, prizes and design.

Need inspiration? Check out the latest entry we received from Beth Rowan below. Don’t miss out on your chance to win! Click here to enter now! “Look Ma, I’m stippling!! It may be winter, but the butterflies are still around and we’re having fun!” – Beth Rowan

Your assignment last week:

Tell me what Nancy Zieman uses to press the seams on her Designer Handbag and you could win a copy of Designer Handbags. Does she use a clapper, a seam roll, a wooden dowel or a pressing ham? Leave your comment and you’ll be entered to win a copy of Designer Handbags.

And the winner is… Lorie! “Nancy uses a wooden dowel.Nancy’s videos are so helpful! I always learn something new.” – Lorie Congratulations!

Everybody Smiles with Designs in Machine Embroidery Contest

September 8, 2011 by eileenroche / Contests!, Just for Fun / 10 Comments

Want a chance to win some very cool – and pricey prizes? All it takes are four simple steps to enter the Everybody Smiles with Designs contest. All you have to do is ‘like us’ on Facebook (http://www.dzgns.com/facebook). Post a photo on the Designs in Machine Embroidery Facebook page showing your winning smile while holding any copy of Designs in Machine Embroidery magazine. You can have a lot of fun with this – shoot it in your sewing room, in front of your favorite embroidery project, at your local dealer or buried in your favorite stash!

You have 19 chances to win. The top prize is a Koala Studio and you get to choose the style and color you want. Next, there’s a Madeira Thread Chest (fully stocked with 194 spools and Amazing Designs embroidery collections) followed by the Incredible Threadable Embroidery Box, a nifty double-duty thread storage system full of 80 spools plus bobbin thread.

Baby Lock has so generously contributed a machine trolley and trolley tote for hitting the road with your machine. Have you had your eye on that too-hot-to handle Oliso Smart Iron Pro? You might just win it if you enter the Everybody Smiles with Designs contest. If you do take home the Smart Iron you’ll find it’s not too hot to handle, in fact it’s quite cool. It’s a high tech iron that activates with the touch of your hand.

If you’re a Sulky fan, you’ll be glad to know you might win Sulky’s Embroidery Starter Collection with 27 of the most used 40 wt. rayon colors stashed in a Slimline Storage Box.

Two lucky winners will enjoy $100 shopping spree coupons from two of our favorite design companies: Embroidery Library and Urban Threads.

Hoping to win an heirloom to pass on to the next generation? The Nantucket Sewing Basket could be yours. You’ll treasure the American dark walnut and maple dowel inlay on the lid and basket base.

The contest runs from August 29 to October 3, 2011 and to show our gratitude for your entry, we’ve posted a free design for you to download. Just click here for the rules, prizes and design.

In case you didn’t know, there are added benefits to ‘liking’ Designs on Facebook. When you click Like, you’ll have access to the More section of our Facebook page. There you’ll find instructions for the newest project “More Variations” on Eileen’s T-Shirt Revamp as featured in the current Volume 70 Sept/Oct issue.

Once you’re a fan, you’ll have immediate access to all future projects, special coupons and insider information. So come on, what do you have to lose? Like us and be a big winner!

Having difficulty reading the rules for the Facebook contest? Be sure you are using Explorer Version 9 or better, or the most current version of Google Chrome, Firefox, or other internet browser.

Here’s your assignment this week:

Go visit the Designs in Machine Embroidery Facebook page and have a little fun!

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

Have you tried quilting with your embroidery machine? Let us know if you’ve ventured into this wonderful territory by posting a comment. A comment will be randomly chosen to win a copy of Stipple! Butterflies.

“I quilted a Christmas stocking – challenging and fun!” – Beth R.

Congratulations Beth! You are the lucky winner of Stipple! Butterflies! Enjoy!

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