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Archive for November, 2012

What is your most beloved sewing-plus-embroidery machine yet?

November 27th, 2012 2 comments

My mother has always wanted one of those. She doesn’t have a business or anything but she likes making crafts at home–curtains, shirts, pillows, etc., and she’s quite advanced at sewing. What machine do you reccomend for her to get? She’s got a budget though, so nothing TOO pricey, please!

Does she have a sewing machine she likes currently? If so, I’d suggest she think about an embroidery only machine to supplement it. That way she can still sew while she’s waiting for the design to stitch out.

Or consider taking up free motion embroidery, which can be done on any straight stitch sewing machine…
here’s a simple sample: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tcy2dse68M and a more complex one:
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3833/video-manuels-free-motion-embroidery-technique
and some information on bobbin work, using heavier threads and embroidering "upside down":
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/5025/bobbin-work-when-threads-are-too-thick-for-the-needle

Suggested reading on free motion embroidery: Robbie & Tony Fanning’s Complete Book of Machine Embroidery, and any of the many editions of Singer Instructions for Art Embroidery (the originals were all done on straight stitch treadles, ca. 1910)

Then head to a sewing machine dealer and try some of the machines… and check the prices of supplies, too… if she’s on a tight budget, the supplies may be a significant factor in costs.

Does anyone out there know of a program to convert pictures into needle punch patterns?

November 27th, 2012 1 comment

I know they have them for cross stitching but not sure about needle punching.

I hope one of these links will be what your looking for. If not there may be other places to check out. email me.

convert pictures
Convert & Resize Images JPEG BMP PNG PDF GIF TIFF PCX RAW RAS PSD etc
www.avs4you.com/AVS-Image-Converter
Need to Convert Pictures?
We can convert your Digital Picture format: JPG, BMP, etc. We can help
www.insituafx.com
Search resultsHow to Convert Needle Point Designs Into Cross Stitch Patterns
How to Convert Needle Point Designs Into Cross … How to Convert a Picture Into a Cross Stitch Pattern for … How to Convert Counted Cross Stitch to Punch Needle. …
www.ehow.com/…convert-designs-cross-​stitch-patterns.html – Cached
More results from ehow.com »
How to Convert Counted Cross Stitch to Punch Needle | eHow.com
Counted cross stitch and punch-needle embroidery may seem to be completely different crafts. … How to Convert a Picture Into a Cross Stitch Pattern for Free.
www.ehow.com/…convert-cross-stitch-​punch-needle.html – Cached

Punchneedle Patterns
Click on picture to … In 2006 Artful Offerings ™ began embedding charming buttons into some of our punchneedle pattern … you can punch and display this sweet …
artful-offerings.com/punchneedle_​patterns.htm – Cached

Software & Shareware on Needlepointers.com – Needleworking …
Program will automatically convert them to a stitch pattern designed … easy-to-use program. Turn your pictures or graphics into beautiful … Punch needle supplies – kits …
www.needlepointers.com/​ShowArticles.aspx?NavID=1391 – Cached

Convert photo to a cross-stitch pattern – Stoik.com
Convert your images to a cross-stitch pattern … changed by hand with tools like vitrual needle, color … three easy steps to convert a picture into a cross …
www.stoik.com/products/hobby/STOIK-​Stitch-Creator – Cached

Pattern Creator: Convert a Photo to Cross Stitch Pattern
Welcome to Pattern Creator! Here you can convert your photo into a stitch pattern
www.patterncreator.com – Cached

FREE: Convert images to needlepoint patterns · Needlework …
You can turn a photo or artwork into a needlepoint pattern … Pic2Point.com is a web-based conversion program that … Many people took pictures and I’m …
needlework.craftgossip.com/free-convert-​images-to… – Cached

How to Convert a Photo to Needlepoint – SoYouWanna.com …
The growing popularity of this craft makes it easier than ever to convert your digital … Purchase a pattern creation program. … Make sure the picture is printed on …
www.soyouwanna.com/convert-photo-​needlepoint-2941.html – Cached

Free Convert Desin Into A Crochet Pattern Downloads: PDF …
Convert Picture into … choose the brand of paints / crayons to be used and the program will convert … Convert knitting patterns to crochet patterns. Convert needle …
www.fileguru.com/apps/convert_desin_​into_a_crochet_pattern

Do you have to pay ANYTHING on zazzle when you design?

November 27th, 2012 2 comments

If i make an account and start designing do i have to pay for anything? And how do i get paid?

I am a seller on Zazzle and there are no costs for starting a store and adding your designs to products or using Zazzle’s design tool. It is all free.

If you want to sell your uploaded designs on embroidery products, you are charged a conversion fee for each embroidery stitch file Zazzle has to create. If you have your own embroidery stitch files there is no fee. Regular text designs that you make with Zazzle’s text tool are free on embroidery too.

If you decide to sell on Zazzle, I suggest to visit the Zazzle community forums. There are a lot of fellow sellers including myself helping each other out. I’ll leave a link to it in the source area.

Where can I get software for my ebroidery machiene?

November 25th, 2012 1 comment

I am looking for a digitizing software where I can create my own designs but that can also import picture to make them compatable with my embroidery machiene.

Without knowing what your embroidery machine expects as its input its a bit difficult to offer any suggestions. However…

Digitizing usually means using a scanner or pen input system, both usually come with their own drivers. Any decent graphics editor will usually then ber able to interface with the scanner/tablet.

A decent graphics editor will also support multiple file formats. If the embroidery machine uses a standard graphics format (BMP, TIF, JPG, GIF etc) then a decent editor will probably support it.

The GIMP is a free graphics editor that I would suggest as your first choice.

What is the best embroidery machine for a beginner?

November 25th, 2012 6 comments

My intention is to be able to embroider golf towels for memorial golf tournaments each year and possibly do shirts down the road if I find that it is not to difficult. Can someone please tell me if I am going in over my head here with even thinking about trying to do this? Please help me out here with some answers. Thank you…

Visit as many sewing machine dealers as you can and tell them your interests.

Machine embroidery is easy – the machine does all the work. All you need to do is follow the instructions and watch the results as the machine does it’s thing.

Ideally, you want an embroidery machine that has at least a 5×7 stitching area, USB direct connect or USB flash drive for sending designs to the machine that you have downloaded from the Internet to your PC.

Do not buy an embroidery machine that uses rewritable memory cards and card reader box only – they are becoming obsolete as they are not compatible with Vista 64.

Do not buy software from a dealer – you need to become comfortable with the machine first, and some software is less expensive online.

Embird is one that is very popular and can be downloaded as a free trial.

You will need to also purchase, embroidery thread, embroidery bobbin thread and stabilizer. A package of needles and small scissors will come with the machine.

See this site for tips and techniques for machine embroidery – http://www.emblibrary.com/EL/elprojects/holder.aspx?page=techniques

Forums that are helpful are http://www.sewforum.com and http://www.annthegran.com/

What is the best embroidery machine?

November 25th, 2012 5 comments

So, I have been interested in purchasing an embroidery machine and I just wanted to know if anyone could recommend the best machine for a beginner but also a sturdy enough to last long. I am interested in the cool ones that can connect up to the computer but i am not sure if those are good or even worth buying. If anyone could help me and tell me the best places (in Chicago or online) or brand and model and a reasonable price for a quality machine this would help me lots.

Thank you so much to whoever saves me from this dilemma 🙂

I bought my first from Walmart several years ago and it served me well. This was the Brother PE150.

Because it did not have USB connectivity and a limited 4 x 4 stitching area, I upgraded to a Babylock that does have both Port A and Port B connectivity as well as accepting memory cards and a larger stitching area.

When I bought the first machine, dealers did not know one end from the other and with the help of books and the Internet, I taught myself how to stabilize, hoop and embroider. http://www.amazon.com/Embroidery-Machine-Essentials-Stabilize-Decorative/dp/0873419995/ref=pd_sim_k_3

Embroidery machines have some built-in designs and fonts, but for access to millions of designs (many are free), you need to download from the Internet (it is also the least expensive method).

Port A USB accepts a flash drive/stick/memory drive/thumb drive – they go by many names and I have several brands – all accepted by the Babylock.

Port B USB is a cable that comes with the embroidery machine. You need to have the PC (MAC is not compatible without purchasing additional hardware/software so it can read Windows) within approx 4′ of the embroidery machine to send designs from the PC to the embroidery machine. The cable does not have to be left connected once the designs are transferred.

Brother is the leader in embroidery machines and Babylock is of the same family, only a little more expensive.

The Brother PE 770 would be ideal – larger hoop and flash stick. http://www.google.com/products/catalog?rlz=1T4TSHB_enUS260US260&q=brother+embroidery+machines&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=10345458999759000893&ei=npU4TNP3GoP9nAfSvMWFBA&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CDoQ8wIwAg#

If you also want to do sewing as well as embroidery, shop for a combo. They are a little more expensive than an embroidery only machine.

I think the one you are referring to as being connected to a PC is one of the Singer models. Some love this and some have a lot of issues with the software and updates.

I am not sure the the Singer model that came with digitizing software is any longer available or supported by Singer.

Visit sewing machine dealers and ask for demos. Take notes. And then review those notes at home. Purchase where you were the most comfortable with the staff, or take a plunge and buy online or at Walmart.

Remember – a dealer may not be real happy to service a machine that is under warranty if it was not purchased from them.

Does anyone have any gift ideas made out of recycled materiels?

November 25th, 2012 5 comments

I’m short on funds this year and want to make Christmas presents out of stuff I already have. I’m getting tired of making purses and memo boards. I have lots of scrap material and embroidery supplies. I’m good at embroidery, sewing, and cross stitch but am looking at other ideas as well. Please don’t post anything expensive. I am on a very fixed budget! thanks in advance for your help

There are many ideas that you can do as well as a few books that cater to making recycle items. I have a few so if you send me an email with some ideas you are looking for I can check them out I have couple of books that everything cost about 10.00 or less to make. These books normal can be found in most crafts stores. Or you can check out what books your local library have. They will mostly likely have a craft type section.

I need to know more about emroidery machines?

November 25th, 2012 2 comments

I am wanting to get a machine and need to start small but I want something that can grow with my needs. I’ve seen where you can buy appliques for machines and am not sure what all that involves. Are there certain machines that you can buy extra patterns? for? And to the cheaper ones not do as much? I’ve seen some that look like a sewing machine with an extra attachment and others that almost look like small factory equipment.

An embroidery machine has a few built-in designs. Others can be downloaded from the Internet. Some are free and others are for sale. Some are 100% embroidery and others are applique done in the embroidery hoop.

The one I usually recommend is the Brother SE 400. Right now everyone seems to be out of stock until mid-February. This is online. Your local Walmart may have this model in stock.

Visit a Brother sewing machine dealer and ask for a demo. They may have a model that is close in price to the SE 400, which is a combo (sewing and embroidery machine) or one that they have taken in on a trade-up.

It would be best to buy from a dealer even though you will be paying a little bit more (Walmart and Amazon have the SE 400 for around $400). With the dealer you will have access to lessons as well as assistance and service for the machine when necessary.

Machine applique designs come with an instruction PDF that will give you fabric and thread colors; indicate when to place the fabric on the stabilizer and when to trim for the next step. Each section of the fabric is sewn in place with a running stitch and then finished with a satin stitch.

If this is a priority, ask if it can be included in the demo.

This site may add further insight as to what can be done and how to do it – http://www.emblibrary.com/EL/elprojects/holder.aspx?page=techniques

Unique or Unusual, tell me about your hobby that is either. Why is it one-of-a-kind?

November 25th, 2012 4 comments

I have what I consider a unique hobby. I cut and paste from catalogs items that represent past memories and special people in my life. Since the catalogs are free, I have little cost for his hobby, but it can occupy many hours every week.

What do you do for a hobby that is really unusual, unique, maybe ever a bit odd. But please stay real. If it’s not something you don’t actually do, I don’t want false answers. But let me hear of your one-of-a-kind hobbies that you really do for a hobby. Thanks.

I like to design and redesign old items to make new usable items.My mom was good at making do with what we had and I guess I’ve taken that to a new level. I make denim purses/bags from old jeans. I use all colors of jeans, camoflauge of any color, special textured yarns, beading, embroidery, colored wire,felt that I make into flowers or names,used belts on some for the handles,and lot of creativity. Last week my grandkids and I made paper mache into different things and then painted them a few days later. I just blended some computer paper trash and water and used glue for a little adhesive and it worked. We have ornaments, frames,a cat and mouse, volcanoes and a Mickey Mouse finished. I like to take used clothes and redesign them into one-of-a-kind painted or appliqued cute outfits for my grandaughters. I also make costumes and have surprised many folks that they were homemade.I write and illustrate kids books, poems, short stories, and greeting cards by hand. I have done many paintings, drawings, made many different types of dolls and taught my grandkids to sew. They really like to come to Gramby’s house to get to make things. I have them fooled because they think I can do anything and they call me Super Gramby! I’ve always done some type of creating and it has come in handy since I became disabled. I can’t just sit. I do most of my hobbies sitting in my recliner with my tens unit, heating pad, and ice paks going strong! I am not as fast as I once was but I love it and it helps to keep the depression away. I also enjoy reading local history, helping the local museum, helping with the reading program at school, and doing what I can for those in need. Thanks for sharing and asking us to share.

Are there any online custom shirt companies that print on the side of the shirt?

November 25th, 2012 1 comment

I am just looking a website where I can design a shirt, preferably a v-neck for men, that has something printed or screened on the side of the shirt towards the bottom. Thanks in advance.

Hey Shawn,

My name is Luke Collier and I’m the Director of Marketing for CSE Inc. Graphic Outfitters. We specialize in graphic design, screen printing, direct embroidery and a few other area’s.

What you are referring to is a shirt designer that a lot of these companies have. You wont find an interactive shirt designer that will allow you to place an image on the side of a shirt due to the fact that this is not a standard procedure when people order shirts. A lot of shirts you find in the stores with designs are pre-printed on materials prior to being cut. They are screen printed then cut to fit to shape/patch.

If you are seeking someone to make a custom shirt let me know. It sounds like that is what you are looking for. Your going to need a company who can manually lay your shirt on the side and screen print your image in the proper place.

feel free to look at our site to see what all we specialize in.

Give me a shout if interested.

Luke Collier
Director of Marketing
CSE Inc. Graphic Outfitters
www.cseGraphicOutfitters.com

email for yahoo answers: cseGraphicOutfitters@yahoo.com

Office: 913-724-1000 Ext. 123
Toll Free: 1-800-624-5537 Ext. 123