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Help for my Brother 270D Embroidery Machine!?

December 31st, 2012 7 comments

I Just got my Brother 270D emboidery machine for Christmas so I am new to the world of embroidering. I have purchased and downloaded a few fonts so that I can use them on my machine. I put them on the memory card and put the card in my machine, but here’s my problem. Each letter is a different design on the memory card. So how do I combine the letters to spell a name so that my machine can embroider the name all at once? Example: I want to embroider the name "Olivia" but the O is one design, then the "L" is another, etc. I can’t do one letter at a time or else I’ll never get the spacing right! When you use the four fonts that are on the machine, you can type in all the letters you want to use and then it embroiders them all as one design. How can I do this with fonts that I’ve downloaded onto my memory card?

You need a program that will allow you to merge designs. Here are a few that have good reputations:
http://embird.com/
http://www.designersgallerysoftware.com/products/product.asp?Product_ID=EDG-CW
http://www.buzztools.com/products/software_wizard/sw_be.asp

Embird is probably the most used of these programs and the least expensive (I think).
Embird also offers a free trial. It’s fairly easy to use, and there are tons of tutorials and yahoo groups that offer support.

—-
Since you’re new to the hobby, I’d like to recommend a couple of sites to you
www.artisticthreadworks.com has the best embroidery forum members on the net. I’ve been a member there since I started out with my first 270D. The ladies and gents there have answered every question I’ve ever had.
www.nitasplace.com Nita O’keefe has some of the most beautiful embroidery designs online and she’s a wealth of knoweledge. She’s a sweet heart and is always willing to answer a question.
www.sewforum.com This is a great community of textile artists and hobbyist. They have several great forums that where you can get quick answers to questions, free embroidery designs (I share designs there), and a great forum to show off your finished products. Sewforum is a free site.

What is the best type of sewing machine to buy for a reasonably low price?

December 31st, 2012 3 comments

I want to start making my own clothes but I don’t want to buy a lousy sewing machine.

A used one. Here’s my standard advice for beginners:

Start with reading the following faq — my comments expand on it:
http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm

—-
What I want for beginners in sewing:

– a machine that doesn’t scare you
– a machine that isn’t balky (cheap new machines are often very
balky or need adjustments often and are rarely repairable —
just too frustrating to learn on!)
– very good straight stitch
– good zigzag (4-5 mm is fine, more than that is gravy)
– a method of making buttonholes that makes sense to you
– adjustable presser foot pressure (which helps some fabric
handling issues)
– accessory presser feet that don’t cost an arm and a leg
(machines that use a "short shank foot" typically handle
generic presser feet pretty well. Some brands of machines use
proprietary or very expensive presser feet)

If the budget stretches far enough:

– blindhem and stretch blindhem stitches
– triple zigzag (nice for elastic applications)
– a couple of decorative stitches (you won’t use them nearly as
much as you think)
– electronic machine because of the needle position control and
because the stepper motors give you full "punching force" at
slow sewing speeds — mechanical machines often will stall at
slow speeds.

Please go to the best sewing machine dealers around and ask them
to show you some machines in your price range, *especially* used
machines you can afford. You’ll get a far better machine buying
used than new, and a good dealer is worth their weight in sewing
machine needles when you get a machine problem — often they can
talk you through the problem over the phone. While you’re trying
things out, try a couple of machines (sewing only, not combo
sewing-embroidery) over your price limit, just so you can see
what the difference in stitch quality and ease of use might be.
You may find you want to go for the used Cadillac. Or you might
want the new basic Chevy. Might as well try both out.

Suggested reading: John Giordano’s The Sewing Machine Book
(especially for used machines), Carol Ahles’ Fine Machine Sewing
(especially the first and last few chapters) and Gale Grigg
Hazen’s Owner’s Guide to Sewing Machines, Sergers and Knitting
Machines. All of these are likely to be available at your public
library.

Used brands I’d particularly look for: Elna, Bernina,
Viking/Husqvarna, Pfaff, Singer (pre 1970), Juki, Toyota

New "bargain brand" I’d probably pick: Janome (who also does
Kenmore).

How do you make an annabeth chase costume?

December 31st, 2012 1 comment


First you need a bright orange t-shirt, then take it to an screen printing shop or embroidery shop and have them put on "Camp Half-Blood" with a pegasus beneath it. If you’re on a budget, get over to an office supply store (or just Wal-Mart) and get some t-shirt transfers that you can design your self and print on the computer.

Make sure you don your magical baseball cap, but loop it though your belt, don’t wear it, because when you’re wearing it your character turns invisible so it won’t make sense.

A beaded necklace with a college ring hanging on it will be the easiest and funnest part of putting together this costume.

Bug spray (belt mounted to keep your hands free) to keep away those pesky spiders.

A standard gold-colored plastic sword and shield will work fine in place on bronze.

Shirt: http://store.americanapparel.net/2102.html?cid=199&c=Gold

Cap: http://shop.mlb.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3887365&cp=1452360.1452526.2016109

Beading Kit: http://www.overstock.com/Crafts-Sewing/Bead-Girl-Bead-Kit/3266824/product.html

Faux Class Ring: http://www.eternalsparkles.com/p-1128-es1251-jewelry-clear-cz-gold-tone-ring.aspx

Belt Holster for Bug Spray: http://www.combinedsafety.com/index.php?page=shop/cart&func=cartAdd&product_id=686&ps_session=fc5445fb2da802a968b8febee4f521a14b60832f

Sword and Shield set: http://www.toyboxligonier.com/rokndearwisw.html

Sewing Machines?

December 29th, 2012 2 comments

What is the best sewing machine to purchase to stitch words onto shirts and hoodys?

you didn’t say how big you want the letters and words. are you planning on doing this commercially? most home embroidery machines will void the warranty if you use it commercially. i’ve used the janome, pfaff, viking and brother embroidery machines. i personally prefer the brother line. i still haven’t read completely thru the manual. it is really easy to use. my machine is a ult2002d and i have heard that the new brother self threading is tricky to learn to use. i’ve heard good things about the brother se270d that walmart sells for $350 is a good machine. if i remember right it comes with a 5" x 7" hoop. since you basically want the machine for lettering i would suggest purchasing a hoop-it-all for your machine. www.hoopitall.com it will give you a much larger embroidery area without having to re-hoop. i will also say i haven’t really heard anything good about the singer embroidery machine. there are many yahoo groups for machine embroidery. some are machine specific. you may want to search yahoo groups for the specific brand of machine you are looking at and see what the people on the yahoo groups think of their machines.

here are a couple of embroidery websites i would like to share with you.
http://www.astitchahalf.com/ puts 5 different fonts on sale each week for $3 for all 5 sets.
http://www.designsbysick.com/amember/go.php?r=5647&i=l0">Designs by SiCK Embroidery Library has many fun fonts. they have 49 free designs per day and the membership fee to all the designs on their site is very reasonable.

good luck and if i can be of further assistance please feel free to e-mail me from my profile.

What is a good sewing machine that can do decorative stitches as well as basic stitches for a reasonable price?

December 29th, 2012 6 comments

I need something that wont cost an arm and a leg, thats relatively easy to use and can do decorative stitches as well as general day to day sewing. Any suggestions? Im okay with used or older machines but I would need to know where to buy them used. Thanks!

Take a look at Kate Dicey’s essay on choosing sewing machines at
http://www.katedicey.co.uk (and take a look around at her site…
there are a lot of nice little tutorials there!). The FAQ she
refers to is at http:// tinyurl. com /l5rzu6 now. (paste back together– yahoo is being strange)

What I want for beginners in sewing:

– a machine that doesn’t scare you

– a machine that isn’t balky (cheap new machines are often very
balky or need adjustments often and are rarely repairable — just
too frustrating to learn on!)

– very good straight stitch

– good zigzag (4-5 mm is fine, more than that is gravy)

– a method of making buttonholes that makes sense to you

– adjustable presser foot pressure (which helps some fabric
handling issues)

– accessory presser feet that don’t cost an arm and a leg
(machines that use a "short shank foot" typically handle generic
presser feet pretty well. Some brands of machines use proprietary
or very expensive presser feet)

If the budget stretches far enough:

– blindhem and stretch blindhem stitches

– triple zigzag (nice for elastic applications)

– a couple of decorative stitches (you won’t use them nearly as
much as you think) (and you can build up some interesting decorative bands from the common utility stitches), as well as make them look different with bobbin work:
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/5025/bobbin-work-when-threads-are-too-thick-for-the-needle
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/4978/crazy-patchwork-by-machine

– electronic machine because of the needle position control and
because the stepper motors give you full "punching force" at
slow sewing speeds — mechanical machines often will stall at
slow speeds.

Please go to the best sewing machine dealers around and ask them
to show you some machines in your price range, *especially* used
machines you can afford. You’ll get a far better machine at a
specific price buying used than new and a good dealer is worth
their weight in sewing machine needles when you get a machine
problem — often they can talk you through the problem over the
phone. While you’re trying things out, try a couple of machines
(sewing only, not combo sewing-embroidery) over your price limit,
just so you can see what the difference in stitch quality and
ease of use might be. You may find you want to go for the used
Cadillac. Or you might want the new basic Chevy. Might as well
try both out.

Suggested reading: John Giordano’s The Sewing Machine Book
(especially for used machines), Carol Ahles’ Fine Machine Sewing
(especially the first and last few chapters) and Gale Grigg
Hazen’s Owner’s Guide to Sewing Machines, Sergers and Knitting
Machines. All of these are likely to be available at your public
library.

Used brands I’d particularly look for: Elna, Bernina,
Viking/Husqvarna, Pfaff, Singer (pre 1970), Juki, Toyota

New "bargain brand" I’d probably pick, if new, decent and budget
was my choice: Janome (who also does Kenmore).

is there a website that can teach you how to embroider by hand?

December 29th, 2012 4 comments

im making a fleece tie blanket for my boyfriend and i want to put his basketball number and name on it. i don’t have access to a sewing machine and i want it to mean more by doing it by hand.

Sewing websites:

http://www.heritageshoppe.com/heritage/s… – a execellent website for learning sewing stitches

http://www.needlenthread.com/2006/10/vid… – a execellent website for learning sewing stitches

www.needlenthread.com/2006/10/video-library-of-hand-embroidery.html

www.craftsitedirectory.com/embroidery/index.html

http://www.sewing.org/enthusiast/html/el…

http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/…

http://learnhowtosew.com/

http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/…

http://www.tomfarrell.org/textiles/sewin…

http://www.sewing.org/

Home

http://www.simplesewingprojects.com/arti…

www.wikihow.com/Sew-Using-Patterns

www.ezstitchsampler.com/

blog.worldvillage.com/arts/how_to_lear…

www.youcanmakeit.com/comments.asp

www.howtodothings.com/hobbies/a3758-ho…

www.ezstitchsampler.com/

www.eveningstardesigns.citymax.com/f/Entire_Right_Version.pdf

www.craftandfabriclinks.com/stitches/free_embroidery_stitches.html

craftydaisies.com/2007/08/14/embroidery-lesson-1/

Books:

– All books are available at any library or bookstore –

Sew Fast Sew Easy : All You Need to Know When You Start to Sew
by Elissa K. Meyrich
ISBN-13: 9780312269098

Sewing for Dummies
by Janice Maresh, Janice S. Saunders, N. Graf (Editor)
ISBN-13: 9780764568473

Sew U : The Built by Wendy Guide to Making Your Own Wardrobe
by Wendy Mullin, Eviana Hartman, Beci Orpin (Illustrator) , Agnieszka Gasparska (Illustrator) , Beci Orpin (Illustrator) – a execellent book on the subject
ISBN-13: 9780821257401

S.E.W. : Sew Everything Workshop
by Diana Rupp, Lena Corwin (Illustrator) , Andrea Chu (Photographer)
ISBN-13: 9780761139737

Sewing 101 : A Beginner’s Guide to Sewing
by Creative Publishing International (Editor)
ISBN-13: 9781589230699

The Complete Book of Sewing : A Practical Step-by-Step Guide to Every Technique
by Betsy Hosegood (Editor) , DK Publishing
ISBN-13: 9780789496584

Survival Sewing : Emergency Fixes for the Rips, Snags and Tears of Everyday Life
by Valerie Van Arsdale Shrader, Nathalie Mornu
ISBN-13: 9781600591228

The Embroidery Stitch Bible
by Betty Barnden, Debbie Bradley (Editor) – a execellent book on the subject
ISBN-13: 9780873495103

Silk Ribbon Embroidery Bible
by Joan Gordon – a execellent book on the subject
ISBN-13: 9780896891692

Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches
by Mary Thomas, Jan Eaton – a execellent book on the subject
ISBN-13: 9781570761188

Embroidery Stitches : Over 400 Contemporary and Traditional Stitch Patterns
by Mary Webb (Editor) – a execellent book on the subject
ISBN-13: 9781554072118

Elegant Stitches : An Illustrated Stitch Guide and Source Book of Inspiration
by Judith Baker Montano, Barbara Konzak-Kuhn (Editor) , Micaela Carr (Illustrator)
ISBN-13: 9780914881858

Encyclopedia of Embroidery Stitches, Including Crewel
by Marion Nichols – a execellent book on the subject
ISBN-13: 9780486229294

The Encyclopedia of Stitches
by Karen Hemingway (Editor) , Steve Dew (Illustrator) , Shona Wood (Photographer) – a execellent book on the subject
ISBN-13: 9780641905285

The Embroiderer’s Handbook : The Essential Step-by-Step Guide to Creative Stitches and Versatile Techniques
by Margie Bauer – a execellent book on the subject
ISBN-13: 9780715320372

Royal School of Needlework Embroidery Techniques
by Sally Saunders, Debra Barrett (Designed by) , Sally Saunders – a execellent book on the subject
ISBN-13: 9780713488173

Stitch Sampler
by Lucinda Ganderton, Lucinda Ganderton- a execellent book on the subject
ISBN-13: 9780756619008

Donna Kooler’s Encyclopedia of Needlework : Needlepoint, Embroidery, Counted Thread
by Donna Kooler – a execellent book on the subject
ISBN-13: 9781574861846

The Complete Illustrated Stitch Encyclopedia
by Crafter’s Choice, Crafter’s Choice (Compiler) – a execellent book on the subject
ISBN-13: 9781402713804

Embroidery Stitches
by M. E. Wilkinson
ISBN-13: 9781406793512

Embroidery (Quamut)
by Quamut
Downloadable Quamut Chart – Electronic edition
Write a review
Available for Download
ISBN-13: 9781411405721

Embroidery (Quamut)
by Quamut
ISBN-13: 9781411497276 – same thing as the download above expect it is in paper back

Start to Sew : All the Basics Plus Learn-to-Sew Projects
by Creative Publishing International, Creative Publishing International (Manufactured by)
ISBN-13: 9781589232068

Lotta Jansdotter Simple Sewing : Patterns and How-To for 24 Fresh and Easy Projects
by Lotta Jansdotter, Meiko Arquillos (Photographer)
ISBN-13: 9780811852579

Simplicity’s Simply the Best Sewing Book
by Anne Marie Soto (Editor) , Simplicity Pattern Company (Editor) , Martha Vaughan (Illustrator)
ISBN-13: 9780739421000

Home Decor Sewing 101 : A Beginner’s Guide to Sewing for the Home
by Creative Publishing international Incorporated, Creative Publishing Internation

Copyright question regarding sports teams?

December 27th, 2012 4 comments

I have an embroidery business. I make blankets with pictures and peoples names on it.

I know that I can put "Go Seattle" on the blanket
Can I put "Go Mariners?" "Seattle Mariners" "Ichiro #51"
Can I use the team colors?
How about the font?

I have no intention of playing with NFL, NBA, MLB lawyers! I just want to sell blankets!!

You’d probably need to license the fonts, colors and team names from the specific teams. Obviously, sports related items command a good price and the teams know this so they’ll charge you a premium (probably hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars).

You can probably get away with "Go Mariners!" or something like that, but to use the whole package (team name, colors and font) you’re running into trademark territory. Stick with something simple such as above, "Go Mariners!" or player names/numbers and possibly add the team colors too. I wouldn’t try to replicate the entire "look" the team has going by copying the font, color, logo and everything. Basically, use just enough so that fans will know it’s a football blanket (team colors and a "Go Mariners!" sort of thing), but not so much that you’re infringing on their trademark.

If you’re really worried about it, contact a lawyer who deals in trademark law. Most lawyers will give you a free consultation so you can ask them a quick question and explain what you have planned.

Good luck!

What would a total beginner need to start a crewel project?

December 27th, 2012 3 comments

I am someone who can’t even sew a button. I am a total beginner, but I’d like to learn how to embroider and something about crewel really appeals to me. I know they sell kits at craft stores. What would I need to make sure the kits have? In other words, what would I need to begin? I’m scared I will go into Michael’s and spend 4x more than I need to because I don’t know what to get. Thanks!

Crewel is surface embroidery with wool on linen — it’s fun, but there are some texture issues for some people, as well as expense. Most of us who embroider started with cotton floss (DMC and Anchor are good brands) on cotton fabric. See my answer to: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20101122123123AAk0Aft

If you want to stick with crewel, you’ll want a beginners kit and a hoop — 6" is a good size for most women’s hands — when you get really good you can move to stretchers. Or you may find that you prefer to work without a hoop — some of us are crazy that way. <g> I’d also buy an extra pack of assorted size embroidery/crewel needles, about $1 at Walmart, probably under $2 most other places.

If you want to do embroidery with cotton floss, pick up some colors of floss that you like, a packet of embroidery/crewel needles, and a 6" or so embroidery hoop — the ones I like for beginners look like this: http://www.amazon.com/Susan-Bates-Hoop-La-Embroidery-Hoops/dp/B000GBO9M8 or http://www.beverlys.com/plastic-embroidery-hoop-5.html You’ll also need a pair of scissors or a nail clipper to cut threads (why, yes, I’ve embroidered on airplanes, why do you ask??? <g>)

The book I learned most of my first crewel embroidery stitches from, and still a very good one, is Erica Wilson’s Embroidery Book: http://www.worldcat.org/title/erica-wilsons-embroidery-book/oclc/657147/editions?editionsView=true&referer=br and Erica Wilson’s Fun with Crewel Embroidery: http://www.worldcat.org/title/fun-with-crewel-embroidery/oclc/567395&referer=brief_results — check your local library, they’re likely on the shelves.

What is Adda Work in embroidery ?

December 27th, 2012 1 comment

Please help me in understanding how adda work embroidery done. Please give your valuable suggestions.

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2 reviews
Bablu Hand Embroidery & Adda Work in New Ashok Nagar, Delhi – Get ratings & reviews of Bablu Hand Embroidery & Adda Work in New Ashok Nagar, Delhi …
hand work embroidery adda work in Clothing – Garments, Delhi
delhi.quikr.com › Services › Home & LifestyleSearch for hand work embroidery adda work in Clothing – Garments for Delhi. Quickly search for hand work embroidery adda work in Delhi at the Free …

adda work by abdullah masood at Coroflot
www.coroflot.com/abdidesigner/embroidery-n-bead-work/1The creative world at work. Coroflot helps creative professionals gain exposure and make connections to jobs and opportunities with design-driven companies …

Embroidery Solutions – Laser Cut Flowers, Flower Making, Digital …
www.indiamart.com/deepali-delhi/embroidery-solutions.htmlWe are instrumental in providing Adda Work Embroidery, which suits the varied needs and demands of clients. The embroidery is done perfectly by skilled …

Embroidery Job Work – Adaa, Applique Embroidery, Dye Cutting …
www.indiamart.com/deepali-delhi/embroidery-job-work.html

Applique – Tajima DGML by Pulse Embroidery Software

December 26th, 2012 No comments

Mix interesting fabrics with embroidery for
unique creations. Automatic Appliqué creates
the run, tack down, and border stitches for
the shapes you draw. Add flair to your designs
by using e-stitch or any of the available
programmed runs as the border style.

Duration : 0:1:11

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