If you have an Ellisimo you are invited to attend this special event. Please call the store on Monday morning at 281-446-1818 to let us know you will be attending. We would like to have enough workspace setup for each of you.

Do you have an Ellisimo? If so, you don’s miss this event. All Ellisimo owners are invited to attend. You must bring your own machine.  This is your opportunity to learn even more about your machine.

Don’t own an Ellisimo. No problem, we have a limited number of seats available for those interested in an Ellisimo.  Call to store to register. The project is not exactly like the one pictured below, but it will be similar.

What you will learn…

• Learn how to use the on screen designer. (Ellisimo Gold have On Screen Designer, Ellisimo owners the optional Upgrade II.
• Learn how to resize embroidery designs on your machine.
• Learn how to use the color visualizer to change color selections automatically to different color palettes.
• Using Embroidery Edit, design the front of a throw pillow.
• Learn how to construct the front of your pillow using decorative stitches to enhance the seams.
• Learn how to precisely position your embroidery.
• Learn how to scan the fabric to position other embroidery designs.
• Learn how to embellish your project with bobbin work.
• Learn how embroidery software can make the embroidery design part of the project faster and easier.

Supply List

• 1  - 18 1/2″ x 18 1/2″ fabric
• 1  - 6 1/2″ x 10 1/2″  fabric
• 3 –  6 1/2″ x 6 1/2″ fabric
• Variety of Embroidery thread to coordinate with fabric
• Sewing Thread to coordinate with fabric
• Ellisimo
• Embroidery Unit
• 8×8″ hoop
• 8×12″ hoop
• Scissors, sewing machine needles, bobbins, pins, ruler, marking pen, rotary cutter.
• Tearaway Stabilizer
• Positioning stickers.
• Embroidery Foot “W”
• Sewing Foot “J”
• Decorative Stitch foot “N”
• Overcast Foot “G”
• Screw Driver for changing foot and/or needle
• Bring your lunch for Tuesday or go out.
• Bring any snacks that you want during the day.

Lunch Break on Tuesday from 12-1:30 (no lunch provided)

I look forward to seeing many of our Ellisimo Owners on Monday and Tuesday.

Have a great sewing day,

Marje

Imagine Free motion quilting with stitch regulation. I am doing just that. I now have my TruStitch Regulator setup on my Ellisimo.  All I need is a little practice and I will be ready to tackle my first quilt with free motion quilting using the TruStitch Regulator. 

As soon as I finish, I will post a photo of my first ever quilt using free motion quilting. I have always loved the look but have never been able to master the technique. With a stitch regulator and some patience on my part, I am sure that I will be create a beautiful quilt.

Until next time, happy quilting,

Marje

Bling and Embroidery!

Awesome Monogram!

Today, I wanted to make a couple of new samples for the store. I’ve been quilting so much lately that I decided it would be a good idea to try something new.

Since embroidery has always been a favorite of mine, I decided to monogram a tote bag. We have some really nice tote bag blanks in the store that make great items to embroider. I selected one with a zebra print and red trim. Red is my favorite color. Since I have what I consider hard to monogram initials, MMA. Not because embroidering the monogram is hard but because the letters are not always the best looking in many fonts. A’s are often funny looking and the M is usually so wide that it doesn’t fit well with other letters.  After trying many fonts, I decided on Curlz MT. The A looks like a cursive A with nice curves. The M is not overly wide and works well with the A.

With that decision out of the way, I decided to digitize my monogram using Masterworks III.  Masterworks has 156 built in fonts. Any number of which would work well for my tote bag, but it was a reason to digitize my own.  One of my future blogs will be on how to digitize true type fonts for perfect embroidered lettering. With the digitizing complete, I embroidered the bag matching the tread color to the bottom of the bag.

The monogrammed tote looked great. But since Bling is my second favorite embellishment, I used the Artistic Crystal Software to add come Bling around my monogram. In the Artistic Crystal software, it is very easy to open an embroidery design and using the autoborder tool create a border around each letter 2 mm from the edge of the embroidery. Next, you assign crystals to the line and make any adjustments so that no crystals overlap. Then, it is off to the Silhouette cutter which cuts a crystal template. Once that is finished, the template is pulled off of the cutting mat, and placed on a backing board. From there, the template is placed into a tray, the crystals are poured on top and a brush is used to move the crystals into the holes. When the holes are filled, transfer tape is place on top. Brushing on top of the tape causes the crystals to stick to the tape lifting them from the template when the tape is removed.  Now it is off to the press.

With the monogrammed bag in hand, I carefully placed the transfer take on top of the embroidered monogram lining it us so that crystals outline the letters. Then press for about 45 seconds using a pressing cloth on top. Try to remove the transfer tape, if the crystals lift up,  press again. Do this until the tape lifts off with all crystals remaining on the tote bag. Using the pressing cloth again on top of the crystals, press one more time. Let the bag cool. Then brush your hands over the crystals, they should stay in place.  In the end, I liked the bag so much that I bought it and made another for the store sample.

Finished. The tote bag looks awesome. Stop by the store to see a demo on how you can add embroidery and/or bling to your life. You will never be the same once you do.

Happy Embroidering and Blinging,

Marje

Saturday, January 19 from 1-3 PM

Fee $15

Do you have an Ellisimo? Do you have the upgrade III? Do you know how to match your border with multiple hooping? You will learn how to all of the above at the Ellisimo border event.

All Ellisimo owners are invited to attend. You must bring your own machine.

Don’t own an Ellisimo. No problem, we have a limited number of seats available for those interested in an Ellisimo. If you don’t have upgrade III, come to learn just how easy it is to create borders with the Ellisimo Upgrade III.

Ellisimo Gold & Ellisimo Continuous Border Hoop Embroidery Upgrade III

The Ellisimo and Ellisimo Gold have innovative embroidery features to help nurture your creativity, and with the Ellisimo Gold Continuous Border Frame Upgrade III, you can really get the most out of them. With this upgrade, you can easily add beautiful borders to any project.

The upgrade comes with the large 300mm x 100mm (12″ x 4″) Continuous Border Frame for less re-hooping. It also comes with 10 new, exclusive border designs to get you started. Effortlessly create elegant, unique border designs by working with the NeedleCam Digital Camera and the Enhanced Border Design Capability.

Explore your creative side and take advantage of the embroidery features on your Ellisimo and Ellisimo Gold with the Ellisimo Gold Continuous Border Frame Upgrade III.

Supply List

• Pillow case or Sheet
• T Bobbins earaway Stabilizer
• Embroidery Thread
• Pre Wound
• Ellisimo with Upgrade III installed
• Embroidery Unit
• Embroidery Foot
• Power Cord
• Border Hoop 4″ x 12″

Notions:

• Scissors
• Ruler
• Pins
• Embroidery Needle, size 75/11

If you have an embroidery design that you prefer to use, please bring it on a flash drive for your machine.

In January the project is to embroider Cup Cake Koozie. Before we start the project, I will demo how easy it is to add a special message to your Koozie with Designer’s Gallery Embroidery Works.   In addition, I will show how to use the Artistic Crystal software to add bling to your embroidery, making the Koozie even better.

A 6×10 hoop is required for the project. If you don’t have an embroidery machine and are interested in purchasing one stop by Humble Sewing Center. We carry Babylock, Janome, Elna, and Husqvarna Viking sewing and embroidery machines.  I=

Cupcakes are the new go-to dessert for any party and these Cupcake Cozies will allow you to decorate for any occasion! These quick and easy cozies are done in the hoop with only one seam needed to finish the project. Use a variety of colors to match any theme party or create a set for the friend that has everything. With 20 designs to choose from, you can have a party every month of the year!

Supply List

•  6 x 10 hoop or Larger 
• 1/4 yd fabric A
• 1/8 yd fusible fleece
• water soluble stabilizer
• embroidery thread to coordinate with design

Fabric Suggestions:
Fabric A – cotton, batik, silk dupioni or any medium-weight fabric

From Your Sewing Room:

• Embroidery Machine, power cord and foot pedal
• Embroidery Hoop 6×10 or larger hoop.
• PROJECTS CD
• Sewing Machine Feet: Embroidery Foot

Notions:  Scissors, Ruler, Tape, Embroidery Needle, size 75/11, Universal Needle, size 80/12

Starting this month, you will see a regular schedule of Saturday classes. If you have suggestions or requests, please let us know. We will take all requests or suggestions into consideration when planning the schedule. And, if possible do our best to accommodate those requests.

Upcoming Events
Masterworks Jan.8
Business Seminar Jan.12
Bling Seminar Jan.12
Artistic Sewing Suite Jan 15
Embroidery Club Jan.19
Ellisimo Border Event Jan.19
Florinai TCP Jan.22
Jelly Roll Quilt Feb 2 & 9

And, you will see regular posts on our blog. I will be adding tips and techniques, tutorials, information on new products, videos. Stay tuned. We are back online.

More information about the Upcoming Events is on our website at http://www.sewvacoutlet.com

Have a Very Happy 2013. Happy Sewing, Quilting, and Embroidering!

Marje

The Ellisimo is still the top of the line sewing and embroidery machine with a new product that will really excite the quilters. A Tru-Stitch stitch regulator is on the way. We expect to receive it in December and are taking pre-orders now. Stop by Humble sewing Center for more details. So many customers ask about a stitch regulator and, now, finally we can answer “YES”. There is no better time to buy a Baby lock Ellisimio. We are offering a fantastic fall promotion, as well.

I will add pictures when I get home. Watch for the updates.

Happy Stitching,
Marje

Dreamy Eye Mask Embroidery Project for July 2012

Embroidery Club is on Tuesday, July 24 at 5:30pm. This month you will be making a Dreamy Eye Mask using the Anita Goodesign Project Cd, Dreamy Eye Mask. This project is perfect for the person who likes complete darkness when they sleep. It is great for sleeping while you travel, just don’t try to use it while you drive. That may be hazardous to your health and the health of others.

The supply list is as follows:

Eye Mask

•   6 x 10 hoop or 5 x 7
•   1/3 yd Fabric A (solid)
•   1/3 yd Fabric B (satin)
•   1/4 yd fusible fleece
•   1/2 yd 3/4” elastic
•   tearaway stabilizer
•   interfacing or fusible weft
•   embroidery thread to coordinate with design
•   1 spool all-purpose sewing thread

Suggested Fabrics:

• Fabric A: medium weight cotton
• Fabric B: satin, crepe back satin, flannel

In Your Sewing Room:

•   Embroidery Machine, power cord and foot pedal
•   Embroidery Hoop (make sure you bring the correct hoop size!)
•   Anita Goodesign Dream Eye Mask PROJECTS CD
•   Printed templates
•   Sewing Machine Feet: Embroidery Foot, Regular Sewing Foot, Walking Foot

Notions:

•   Scissors
•   Ruler
•   Rotary Cutter & Mat
•   Marking Pen
•   Pins
•   Tape
•   Embroidery Needle, size 75/11

Supply List

• Monofilament Thread
• 1 spool all purpose sewing thread
• Embroidery thread to coordinate with design
• No show mesh for 4 hoopings
• 1 yd. muslin
• ½ yard warm and natural batting
• 1 yd. decorative trims
• ½ yard accent fabric D
• ¼ yard accent fabric C
• ¼ yard accent fabric B
• ¼ yard accent fabric A
• 5×7, 6×10 or 8×12 hoop.

From Your Sewing Room

• Embroidery Machine, power cord and foot pedal
• Embroidery Hoop (make sure you bring the correct hoop size!)
• Anita Goodesign Trapunto Pillow PROJECTS CD
• Sewing Machine Feet: Embroidery Foot, Regular Sewing Foot, Open Toe Foot, Walking Foot

Notions

• Scissors
• Ruler
• Rotary Cutter & Mat
• Marking Pen
• Pins
• Seam Ripper
• Tape
• Twin Needle, size 80/12
• Embroidery Needle, size 75/11
• Universal Needle, size 80/12

This traditional technique adds a dimensional “puffy” quality to your quilt blocks.  Using your embroidery machine and treating your batting as an applique, you can achieve the Trapunto effect in less than half the time.  This Pillow uses 4 of the blocks from this design pack.  There are 12 design blocks and 1 transition block in this pack. These blocks are compatible with our Mix and Match Quilting Collection. These samples use Rouenneries Deuz by French General for Moda Fabrics.

We will probably not be have enough time to finish the pillow at Embroidery Club, but we will embroider as many blocks as time permits. And, we will discuss how to assemble your pillow so that you can do it at home.

I look forward to spending a fun evening with you doing embroidery.

The Artistic Crystal System is on display at Humble Sewing Center. Stop by the store to see a demo and some samples that we have created.  Check out the shirts that I did this weekend.

To create the crystal cross template:

1. Draw a cross on paper and scan it.
2. Open the Artistic Crystal software with the image as a backdrop
3. Using your mouse, place the crystals around the cross in the desired pattern.
4. Save the design.
5. Turn on the Cameo Silhouette and load the template material.
6. Export it to the Cameo Silhouette and cut.
7. When the cutting is complete, unload the template material and pull it off the mat.
8. Place the template on the backing board.
9. Place the template in a tray and pour crystals on top of it.
10. Using a trim and touch up pad from the starter kit, move the crystals on the template in a back and forth motion. The crystals will fall into the holes.
11. Turn any upside down crystals over with the silhouette tools included with the cutter.
12. Cut a piece of transfer tape to the size of the template. Separate the sticky top from the bottom.
13. Place the clear tape on top of the template. Press it with your fingers so the crystal stick to the transfer tape.
14. Pull the transfer tape off of the template and place the bottom on it.
15. When ready to iron on the transfer, pull the bottom off of the transfer tape.
16. Place the crystals on the t-shirt in the proper position.
17. Place a pressing cloth on top of the transfer tape, hold a hot, dry iron on top. Hold in place for 30-40 seconds. Remove iron and pressing cloth. Lift transfer tape carefully. It will be hot. If crystals do not stay on the shirt, replace pressing cloth and iron. Hold in place a little longer.
18. Lift transfer tape. Crystals should remain on shirt. Place the pressing cloth on top again and hold the iron for 10-15 seconds for one last shot of heat to secure the crystals.

You are finished. Save the template. You can use it whenever you want to use that design. You reuse the transfer tape as long as it remains sticky.