Top 10 Reasons to Own An Embroidery Machine
Owning an embroidery machine is awesome! One can create, embellish, personalize and decorate just about any type of fabric any time of the day. From denim jackets, knitted and felted bags, sheer overlays, stretch knits, leather to velvet, the possibilities are unending. Though embroidery machines are not new to the home sewer’s sewing room, the technology used in today’s embroidery machines is a hundred times more advanced than those first models. Often people say that they don’t have kids to embroider for or that they don’t want to embroider on just T-shirts. These days the owners of embroidery machines have pushed new limits in creating new ways to use their embroidery machines. Take for example Husqvarna Vikings new Purse Pizazz multi-formated collection that embroiders in the purse’s zipper during the embroidering of the design and purse construction. A complete purse in a hoop? YES!
An embroidered item for a baby or wedding shower shows you really care enough to personalize the item with the exact color and theme appropriate for the event or person.
So what are some of the top uses of an embroidery machine? Read on to see why everyone should own one of these machines!
10. Duplicate antique hand-sewn designs in minutes like cross stitch and hardanger.
9. Create your own themed fabric with the perfect colors and designs.
8. Add a personal touch to gifts for many occasions.
7. Easy for kids to use.
6. Computers are not always required.
5. Access to commercially digitized designs that the professionals use.
4. Thousands of designs readily available.
3. Machine quilt with perfect stitches.
2. Embellish store bought clothing.
* * *And the number 1 reason to own an embroidery machine * * *
1. Personalize almost any item!
When shopping for an embroidery machine, be sure to ask specific questions about the following topics: hoop size, sizing options both within the machine and with software, how many built in alphabets are included, which hoops are included, what sizes of extra hoops are available, what classes are included, what service is included and what optional education is available to help inspire you along your embroidery journey past the initial classes.
As many of you already know, we welcome questions from all brands of embroidery owners. So next time you are unsure which stabilizer should be used or how the tension should be set, call or e-mail us to help!
© 2007 SewSara, Sioux Falls, SD. All Rights Reserved.
Sensational Scissors
Scissors play a leading role in every sewing room. Determining which is the right type of scissors for different projects is an art in itself. In 2004, I did extensive research for a hands-on scissor demonstration and workshop and surprised myself how much there was to learn about scissors.
Scissor Anatomy & Terminology
1. Finger Blade – the blade that the index finger or multiple fingers uses
2. Thumb Blade – the blade that the thumb uses
3. Edge – the angle and edge of the blades
4. Heel – the point where the two finger holes touch when the scissors are closed
5. Tip or Point – the pointed or rounded end of the blades
6. Shank – the area between the finger/thumb holes and the sharpened blades
7. Screw / Rivet – the connection of the two blades
8. Air – the distance between the blades when closed (look between the blades to see the “air”)
9. Twist – the shape of the blades to create the cut
Scissor Quality
1. High Carbon Steel – easy to sharpen and practically indestructible
2. Single blade construction from one piece of metal (finger hole to tip)
3. Stainless Steel – will not rust
4. A screw connection allows scissors to be adjusted and separated completely for proper cleaning.
Scissors vs Shears
Scissors are usually size inches or smaller and have two ring handles of equal size. They are intended for the lighter cutting tasks. Shears are usually size inches or larger and have one handle larger than the other to accommodate two or three fingers for better leverage on thicker fabrics. Shears are made to do the heavier cutting jobs.
How Many Scissors Should I Own?
Sewers should own at least two quality scissors. The most popular combination is a short 3-5 inch scissors for precision cutting and thread clipping and a pair of 7-8 inch shears for thicker fabrics. Embroiderers will need a small pair of curved scissors for clipping connecting threads. After these basics sizes the rest is personal taste.
Left Handed Scissors
True left handed scissors incorporate both a reserved blade orientation and the thumb and finger holes are properly honed to the shape of a left hand. For right- handers to experience how hard it is to cut left handed without proper scissors, try using your regular scissors in your left hand. You will discover that the motion to squeeze the blades together to make them cut, is more of a pulling-together action verse a normal scissor grip. Children who are left handed and who are learning to sew need to have true left handed scissors for success.
Use and Care Tips
Always keep scissors in a sheath or pouch when not in use. This will prevent the tips from bending and the blade twist from being damaged should they fall off a table. Touch up the sharpening with a hand-held sharpening stone when scissors feel dull between professional sharpenings. Wipe off blades with a soft fabric scrap to prevent lint from building up and clogging the screw assembly pivot area. Place a drop of light sewing machine oil on blades for protection when not in use. Keep scissors in a safe, cool and dry place. For high-humidity areas, regularly wipe the blades with a light coating of oil to prevent rust or corrosion.
What is the difference between regular dressmaker’s shears and the ones with the serrated edge?
Serrated dressmaker’s shears have a fine serration ground on the conventional cutting edge. The other edge has been ground to a knife edge. The purpose of the serrated cutting edge is to grip fabrics which might otherwise slip away from the cutting edges. Examples of this are silk and the other fabrics typically used in sewing lingerie and swim wear. The serrated dressmaker’s shears can be successfully used to cut any lightweight or medium weight fabric and they can be resharpened with a Gingher knife edge sharpening stone in exactly the same way as any other knife edge scissors and shears.
The cutting paper myth!
It is true that paper has a dulling effect on cutting edges but so do all fabrics, especially synthetic ones such as fleece, tricot and other polyesters. In addition, paper produces a lot of lint, which collects on the blades and quickly makes the scissors or shears feel rough when opening and closing them. This paper lint should be frequently wiped off of the blades in order to restore a smooth feel. You can cut paper with any scissors or shears but not with scissors with serrated edges.
Can all scissors cut through multiple layers of fabric?
Only scissors and shears designated as having a knife edge are capable of cutting through multiple layers of fabric. Other products which are ground with two conventional edges, such as embroidery scissors, should not be used to cut multiple layers of material.
Take time to examine the condition of the scissors you use. Is it time to have them professionally sharpened? Do you need another pair to better suit the type of sewing you are doing? Remember we use scissors and shears every time we sew. Make sure to have the very best!
Heirloom Creations offers professional scissor sharpening services for scissors ($5), pinking shears ($5) and rotary cutter blades ($3). We have received scissors for sharpening as far away as Hawaii!
© 2007 SewSara, Sioux Falls, SD. All Rights Reserved.
On the Mend
Just the thought of having to mend something often sends most of us hurdling off our creative horse. But wait! These days we have many ingenious ways to spruce up those damaged duds.First, select whether the outcome needs to be plan and practical or if a little jazzing up would breathe new life into an old favorite. Next, determine if the distressed area needs interfacing or stabilizer for the new stitching to take hold. Fusible interfacing will do wonders to provide a new foundation to the fabric. Select threads by auditioning both funky and coordinating colors based on the desired final outcome.
Practical Mending – The most commonly selected stitch would be a multiple-point zig-zag. This easy to use stitch reinforces the damaged area with tiny stitches. A traditional zig-zag stitches one stitch on each side, a multiple-point zig-zag stitches 3-4 stitches as it travels from the far right needle position to the far left needle position. To get the most from this mending stitch, shorten the stitch length to .5mm – 1.0mm. Working in a forward and reserve manor, work each row of stitches to the side, overlapping slightly for each pass. Hold the reserve button or lever to stitch in the backwards direction. Continue until the entire area is heavily stitched. If necessary, turn the fabric 90 degrees and repeat.
For pant legs, cuffs, sleeves, shoulders and hard to reach areas, position the item around the free arm of the machine. If necessary, open up a side seam to help make the mended area more easily accessible.
Decorative Options – This can be the fun part! Just think of all the options that are now available for covering up, disguising or reattaching a worn area! There is decorative stitches, embroidery designs, fabric appliques, free-motion quilting, purchased patches/badges, needle punch with yarns, wool and felt and do not forget the Glitz!
When adding a creative touch to an area, be sure to add a couple touches of extra creative interest so there is not one lone bulls eye embroidery design or applique. Determine additional locations to add embellishments to help balance the mended area. Try connecting the mended area with a string of embellishments running in a vertical serpentine manor. Always be aware of the location of these extra items so not to draw unwanted attention to certain areas of the body. Remember Location, location, location! If this item is for you, pin samples of the adornments to the garment and check the positioning in a mirror.
Experiment with threads such as variegated colors and unique textures. Enhance the area even more with beads, decorative stitches, sequins and glitz. Before you know it, your unwanted blemish could turn into your next creative adventure!
© 2007 SewSara, Sioux Falls, SD. All Rights Reserved.
Ackk!…I’m Out of Fabric! Now What?
Running out of fabric is the worst feeling. Even I have been there! The problem is then that I want EXACTLY what I ran out of and nothing else will do. Now what? There are a couple ways to help prevent and help this sometimes stressful situation.
The most common fabric shortages comes from either changing the pattern, the pattern size or miscutting. First, if a pattern is going to be adjusted, always buy more fabric than you think you will need. One can always use it on the quilt back. Second, try when possible to work on a quilt within a reasonable time after purchasing the fabric or a pre-kitted quilt. This will help in the timeliness in purchasing more fabric if needed. Third, take time to read through the pattern and double check that the yardage requirements closely matches the cutting directions.
Two or three color projects are going to be the hardest to add-to if fabric runs short. Selecting patterns that uses more than 5 fabrics will be much easier to add- in an additional fabric that was not in the original plan.
There are so many times when inspiration hits in the middle of a project and changes are going to want to be made. Those that plan ahead by buying extra fabric are always willing to be more creative when a brainstorm transpires.
Technology and e-mail is a fast way to track down additional fabric. I often receive pictures attached to e- mails with the desired fabric being hunted for and a subject line that says, HELP! Attaching a picture helps store owners quickly assess whether or not the fabric still exists. Rarely does a written description of print and color trigger knowing if or if not the fabric is still somewhere in the store. If fabric is over a year old when you discover that you need more, do not delay in your hunt one second longer. Contact local and state wide quilt stores and start searching websites. If you find the piece you are looking for, BUY IT! You will be much happier in the long run knowing that the fabric you want is already on its way to save the day.
So what should a rule of thumb be if you are unsure how much fabric to buy? Everyone needs to have their own comfortable formula to use when purchasing extra fabric. I have listed a common formula I heard in the store from time to time. And I will say, I rarely see these people coming in wishing that they had more of a certain fabric!
Like It: ½ yard
Love It: 1 – 2 yards
Gotta Have It: 3 – 4 yards
(Note: From Cold Stone Creamery’s small, medium and large concept).
A couple extra dollars spent upfront when buying fabric will transform into less stress and headaches down the road that is priceless!
© 2007 SewSara, Sioux Falls, SD. All Rights Reserved.
Healthy Sewing Habit – March 2007
Take a class or try a new technique every one to three months. Keep a record of what was learned.