Free Embroidery Designs

I don’t know how to sew, but I am learning so I’m a beginner. I want to start designing handbags and am looking for a great beginner sewing machine for a good price (no more than 200 dollars) that will help me to start. Any suggestions?

Website links would be nice.

For most handbag fabrics, you’re looking for power, and I can’t think of a new $200 machine that will give that to you. You’d be far better off with a good used machine. Be sure, when you’re shopping, to bring samples of the sorts of materials you want to sew.

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).

Do you often get confused on what bag to match with this outfit and that? Do you spend time trying on your clothes and trying on the different handbags you have in your closet just to make sure that your entire ensemble looks fabulous? If you do, then you are just one of the millions of girls worldwide who spend everyday thinking of what to wear and what to match with what. Sometimes when I try to think about it, I even get surprised at the fact that I don’t complain transferring my things everyday from one handbag to another daily because I want my outfit from the clothes, the bag, the shoes and the accessories to match.

If you don’t carry on so much stuff, I would strongly suggest that you invest in clutch purses and clutch handbags. They practically look great with any outfit irregardless if you are going out for a night out with your special guy, going off to work, attending a wedding or just going out to shop with friends. You will find these bags to be the perfect accessory especially if you don’t have that much stuff to carry around with you. The many variations of clutch purses in a wide variety of colors, shapes, designs and style can project varying themes from being sexy, sophisticated, cute, chic and even formal. You will find that they come with a variety of embellishments like beads, crystals, sequins, brooches and embroidery. Some are even designed with detachable chains or straps, clasp closure and internal as well external pocket design. You will find them to be made from almost any material like silk and leather to name a few. Because of their small size, they are most appropriate accessories for bridesmaids during a wedding.

You can find a wide variety of clutch purses and handbags on online stores. With the array of choices to choose from I’m pretty sure that you would be selecting more than one bag for that matter. Buying online is easy and convenient. With just the click of a button on the choice you have made and providing your credit card details as well as mailing address, your clutch is well on your way to your doorstep. I would suggest though that you ensure that you are entering a very secure site since you will be providing your personal and credit card details. Check also the shipping expenses that will be charged for it usually vary from vendor to vendor although most sites offer free shipping costs.

Mary Lorainne
http://www.articlesbase.com/internet-articles/clutch-handbags-and-purses-for-every-occasion-121574.html

http://www.zappos.com/7737052
Product Description:
# Show off your sweet side this Halloween.
# Costume includes: dress with detachable tail, ruffled petticoat, character headpiece, glovettes and knee highs.
# All characters and likenesses are © Disney.
# Fabulous Flirts and logo design are trademarks of Jakks Pacific, Inc.
# Dress body: 90% polyester, 10% spandex.
# Detachable tail: 100% polyester.
# Petticoat body: 100% olefin.
# Decoration base fabric: 96% polyester, 4% other fabric.
# Embroidery: 100% polyester.
# Gloves: 100% polyester.
# Stockings: 97% nylon, 3% spandex.
# Hand wash in cold water and line dry.
# Product measurements were taken using size S (Women’s 4-6). Please note that measurements may vary by size.
# If you’re not fully satisfied with your purchase, you are welcome to return any unworn and unwashed items with tags intact and original packaging included.

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From decorating a pillow to wrapping up a present, silk ribbon embroidery is extremely beautiful and easy to play with for hand-made projects. Ribbons are widely used to help people decorate or tie up creatively almost any type of hand-made project. But using ribbons to create for example a pompon bow or a ribbon rose used as a garment pin, takes practice and professional advice. Thus, the following simple tips can help you embellish your friend’s next present, or surprise your dinner guests with your own ribbon-made Dior plate treatments.

To create any kind of bow, you will need some basic tools, such as scissors, a meter, a thin wooden stick, some glue tape and/or wire and of course your choice of ribbons. Sold in a variety of colors, designs and textures, you can find your selection of ribbons at your local fabric store. If you wish to make your own pompon bow, take a ribbon and form a 9 inches loop equal in size to the diameter of the finished bow. Wrap the remaining ribbon around the loop as many times as you desire for your bow. Then, flatten loops and cut off triangles at end, being careful not to cut too close to the center. By bringing ends together to meet in center you will then be left with two overlapping triangles. Secure the ribbon at the centered triangles with wire, tape or another piece of ribbon. Pull out loops, twisting them towards the center and alternating sides and you will end up with your pompon bow. In case a Dior bow seems more appropriate, cut your selection of ribbon or ribbons into 5 lengths, beginning with 5 inches and stopping at 22 inches. Then take each piece and form loops, overlapping at the center. Glue them in place, and then securely attach each loop with the next. Finally, wrap a smaller length around the center of your bow and glue it under the bow’s visible surface. Your Dior bow can now embellish your hat, shoes, or handbag.

If you want to create your own beautiful ribbon pin rose you will need some wire and your choice of ribbons for the rose and its petals. Begin by making a knot at one end of a 22 inches ribbon length. At the opposite end of the ribbon, poke out wire from one side and loosely gather the ribbon along this wire down to the knot. Avoid pulling the ribbon hard, as it might snap. Continue gathering until the entire side is completely ruffled and it seems to curl naturally. Do not cut off the wire that appears at the end; leave for now free. Then, start forming a rose, by holding the knotted end in one hand and spiral the wired gathered ribbon with the other around the knot loosely. Continue rapping until it flares out and acquires an open rose effect. Then, fold the raw edge down to meet the gathered one and secure the wrapping wire end around the knot tightly. Cut the free wire off and finally, adjust the petals as needed to create the desired effect. For a leaf, fold small pieces of ribbon diagonally to the center and then fold each side towards the center to form a point. Gather bottom end and wrap it with wire, securing it onto the rose base. Your hand-made rose will certainly attract your friends’ attention.

Kadence Buchanan
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/ribbon-embellishments-67260.html