Tips for Buying your First Embroidery Machine

Tips for Buying your First Embroidery Machine

Today I show a video that is full of tips for buying your first embroidery machine.

An embroidery machine is an investment and not a decision to be taken lightly.  I made this video originally in 2016, but the information in it is just as relevant today as it was then.  I started off with a little guy that had both a 4 x 4 hoop and a 5 x 7 hoop.  Later after many, MANY hours of embroidery, I graduated to my big 10 needle with a hoop size of 8 x 14.  Both machines continue to bring me hours of enjoyment.

When purchasing your first machine, you need to give consideration as to what you are wanting to embroider as well as how often you plan to use it.  Enjoy the video below and I hope it gives you some good food for thought before you make your initial investment.

Be creative daily friends!

Nancy

In the hoop Easter projects

In the hoop Easter projects

In the hoop Easter egg coaster

Friends, Easter is just around the corner!  It actually is my favorite holiday.  There is not as much hubbub as Christmas yet we get to spend time together as a family, first at church and then over a delicious homemade meal.  And of course the Easter bunny will have hidden some eggs out in the yard while everyone is busy and not noticing.  🙂  

Right now I’m in the middle of my spring cleaning.  I don’t do a lot of decorating other than spring placemats, a real lily plant, and some embroidered fun items to place around the house.

In the hoop Easter Egg decoration

Here is the in the hoop Easter egg that is a simple applique project.  You can use it as a coaster or attach a ribbon to it and hang it on an Easter tree or hang on a doorknob.  Find the coaster HERE. for just $1.50.applique Easter Eggs

I hope you are all enjoying this beautiful season.

Make it a creative day friends,

Nancy

Easter Layered Cookies in a Jar

Easter Layered Cookies in a Jar

layered cookies in a jar

Hi Friends,

Today we are making Easter Layered Cookies in a Jar.  Then decorating the mason jar with a cute, personal embroidery design.

Before I get going, I’m going to post the YouTube video here so you can see how the layers go together.


I’ve been getting ready for Easter by doing a bit of gift-giving preperations for the family.

For all who are coming over for our Easter meal they will get a personalized layered cookie mix in a jar.

Below I’ve given all the instructions on how to create these fun gifts.

Cookie Mix in a jar

Easter Layered Cookies in a Jar

Ingredients:
  • 1 ¼ cup quick-cooking oats
  • 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup chopped pecans**
  • 1 cup M&M’s (I’ve used the pastel Easter ones here)
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ½ cup sugar
Additional ingredients:
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 1 extra large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Layer the ingredients in order listed into a 1 quart wide mouth canning jar starting with the oats.  If you have a canning funnel, that is helpful.  Pack the ingredients as you go.  The top layer will be the sugar.

Place the lid on the jar.  I decorated a piece of cotton fabric with my Easter Mason Jar Alphabet machine embroidery design which you can find here.  As a side note, this design fits in a 4 x 4 hoop and contains all alphabet letters.

After machine embroidering the design, I cut it into a 5 ½” circle using my pinking shears.

To make the cookies:
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Beat together butter, egg and vanilla.
  • Add dry ingredients and mix on low speed or mix by hand.
  • Roll into 1” balls and place on a cookie sheet 2” apart.
  • Flatten balls using the bottom of a glass.
  • Bake for 12 to 13 minutes.
  • Let cool for just a minute before removing from the cookie sheet.
  • Enjoy!

Cowboy cookies for Eastercowboy cookiesEaster cookies

For gift giving:

Include a note with the jar that lists the liquid ingredients that the recipient will need to provide as well as mixing and baking instructions.

When I make mine, I line up the number of canning jars I’m going to create and then make these in assembly line fashion.

They are so much fun to make and it creates the most charming gift.

Enjoy!

Nancy

layered cookies in a jar

St. Patrick’s Day Four Leaf Clover Coaster

St. Patrick’s Day Four Leaf Clover Coaster

St. Patrick's Day Coaster

Protect your wood tables by providing a place to set our hot mug of coffee, apple cider or ice beverage. Now you can stitch up a set of these in minutes. Make them different colors so each family members knows whose cup is theirs without the confusion. It’s an accent to your table or counter that highlights the fun of St. Patrick’s Day

Making in-the-hoop projects is a fun and easy machine embroidery technique. Step-by-step instructions included.

A 4 x 4 hoop is required. 
Size=95.5 mm x 95.4 mm (3.76 inch x 3.76 inch)

 To help you out, I will link where to find these other items needed to make these on Amazon.   By purchasing through the Amazon links I earn a small commission at no cost to you.

  • The design is stitched on white acrylic felt.
  • If you need a good selection of Polyester 40 weight thread, here is a beautiful rainbow of colors.
  • Finally, the St. Patrick’s day cotton fabric was purchased at JoAnn’s Fabrics several years ago and was a scrap from my stash.

Happy Stitching to you all!

Nancy

Machine Embroidery Update

Machine Embroidery Update

Dear Friends,

It is time for a refresh!  It has been quite some time since I have written so let me fill you in what has happened as the time has passed.

  • We are still living in Michigan
  • We are in good health!
  • Mike and I are owners of Apple Spice which is a box lunch and catering business
  • Our two oldest, the girls, are both married
  • We are new grandparents of twins
  • One of the twins has a cleft lip and palate
  • Our son is engaged
  • I play the handbells at our church
  • Mike and I are starting an internet venture Living Phase 2
  • I continue to run and operate Basketmaster Weavings
  • Our days are full
  • Most importantly, God is good – always

I’m in the process of regenerating some of the content here as although the years have passed, I continue to get questions regarding machine embroidery emailed to me.  Through the years things have naturally changed.  Links I’ve given in the past no longer work.  Businesses I’ve referred to are sadly no longer around.  So I’m going through the content I’ve produced and am updating the information to make it current.

The above photo shows the St. Patrick’s Day Lollipop Covers.  You can get the embroidery designs for this set of three here.  

 To help you out, I will link where to find these other items needed to make these on Amazon.   By purchasing through the Amazon links I earn a small commission at no cost to you.

  • The designs are stitched on white acrylic felt.
  • For these, I used the Flat Lollipops.  You can find them on Amazon here.
  • If you need a good selection of Polyester 40 weight thread, here is a beautiful rainbow of colors.
  • Finally, for the green gingham ribbon, here is the most beautiful assortment of 10 colors.

So please friends, enjoy the revamped Embroidery It website and Happy Stitching to you all!

Nancy

Word of the Year – Soar

Word of the Year – Soar

My word of the year is Soar

Every year is a fresh start and a chance to develop into a new routine and rhythm.  With each new year, I find a word to focus and guide my intentions for the next 365 days.  As always, that word always seems to find me and this year, my word of the year is Soar.

Right now I am trying to find that new routine and rhythm as many changes have been happening in my life.

You see, after 30+ years of my husband working in corporate America, we have decided to make a change and go into business together.

We seriously considered opening a bed and breakfast.

We looked very seriously into opening a restaurant.

Then we were connected with a franchise broker.  She evaluated our personalities, strengths and needs and presented us with a number of franchise possibilities for us to look into.  And so we did.  All things considered, running a franchise is a “less risky” business venture.  We dove in deep into the options presented and a few weeks ago Mike and I took a trip out to Salt Lake City, Utah and then Orange County, California for the Discovery days of our final two choices.  “Apple Spice” a lunch box catering company and “Sign World” a sign company.  

We decided upon Apple Spice, www.applespice.com and have been moving forward.  They approved us and we signed the papers.  Currently we are looking for our location and have plans to open this summer.

It is funny, because when the word “soar” spoke to me, I thought it would relate to Embroidery It.  Now I realize it is leading me to grow as a person and as a leader.  I am learning so much as we’ve never had experience in owning a franchise and all that is involved with it.  However, I’ve also been able to utilize some of the knowledge I’ve gained running Embroidery It and apply it to our new business venture.  The skills I’ve gained here have been, and will be a true blessing for our future.

So how this all applies to Embroidery It……..

Embroidery It is going to be a little quieter as I figure out my footing and new daily rhythm.  Embroidery It will remain here, but new designs won’t come out as often.  The remainder of the free alphabet will continue.  The sew-alongs are going to pause.  I just don’t know enough of my schedule for now.  If a sew-along happens, it will be an impromptu one rather than on a set time and day of the month.  Thank you for your understanding of the changes I must make at this time.

Now, as I focus on the word “soar,” there are a few specific areas in my life I’m hoping to improve.

  • Taking a step forward in our new business each day.
  • Learning something new each day.
  • Consistent dinner menu planning – this is a weakness of mine yet I know it is a huge time saver.
  • Moving my body each day.  Either going to the gym or 10,000 steps.
  • Really stepping out and attending local events.  So many things happen in our community and we will say, “that sounds like fun.”  But then we do not attend them.  I want to become a contributing member of our community.  I want for both myself, and Apple Spice to be a blessing in the community.

As we continue moving into this year, thank you for your prayers and support.  I’m here, but it may just take me longer to respond.  I will always bee your biggest cheerleader as I see you post around the web your beautiful creative projects.  

Much love to you all and thank you for joining me on this journey.

Nancy

be creative daily and live life beautifully.

 

 

 

Our First Christmas and Baby’s 1st Christmas Embroidery Designs

Our First Christmas and Baby’s 1st Christmas Embroidery Designs

Dear Friends,  There is nothing as sweet and special as a new baby.  If you are celebrating a new birth, Baby’s 1st Christmas in the hoop ornament and gift tag makes a beautiful keepsake.  Stitch an in the hoop baby’s first Christmas in pink and blue if you want to steer away from traditional Christmas colors.

Baby's first Christmas, Baby's 1st Christmas machine embroidery in the hoop Christmas ornament

Added bonus is My 1st Christmas embroidery design, perfect for stitching on onesies or a ruffled baby bum diaper cover.

My First Christmas machine embroidery design

You can find Baby’s 1st Christmas and bonus HERE.

Our 1st Christmas together Christmas ornament machine embroidery design

Also new today is Our First Christmas Together which can be stitched as a coaster, Christmas ornament or gift tag.  You know, we have a wedding coming up this July so I have wedding ideas on the brain these days.

Our first Christmas machine embroidery in the hoop Coaster

You can find Our First Christmas Together HERE.

Happy Stitching friends!!

Nancy

Jesus is the Reason for the Season Embroidery Design

Jesus is the Reason for the Season Embroidery Design

In the hoop Jesus is the Reason for the season machine embroidery design

Dear Friends,  It is hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner and if you are like me, your embroidery machine is humming along stitching Christmas gifts for everyone on your list.  In the buzz of activity, I find it helpful to take a step back and keep at the forefront of my mind the true meaning of Christmas.  That has inspired this embroidery design, Jesus is the reason for the season candy cane slider.

Machine embroidery in the hoop Christmas Candy cane slider Jesus is the reason for the season

You make 3 in your 4 x 4 embroidery hoop at one time.  The design is stitched on felt and then just cut out the center of the large eyelets to insert the candy cane.

Jesus is the reason for the season machine embroidery in the hoop design

A bow tied around the candy cane finishes it off.

You can find the candy cane sliders here.

Tuck these in a stocking, hand on a tree, or attach to a gift for an added touch.

Candy cane slider Jesus is the reason for the Season machine embroidery design

Enjoy the season Friends!  And if you are missing snow where you are at, feel free to visit me here in snowy Michigan!

Blessings,

Nancy

be creative daily and live life beautifully

Review of 2018 – What’s happened – Where things are headed

Review of 2018 – What’s happened – Where things are headed

October Applique Mini Quilt

Dear Friends, Happy October!  How time has flown as we now enter into the fourth quarter of the year.  I’d like to share with you an update or review of 2018 and my word of the year “Ease”.  When “Ease” was placed on my heart, I never knew what it would entail.  At the beginning of the year, when I chose “ease” as my word, here is what I wrote

In thinking what EASE means to me, in my mind, ease doesn’t mean easy.  Instead, ease means being a little gentler and kinder to myself.  It means giving my cares to God and letting Him do His work in me.  Ease means love.  It means slowing down and seeing beauty.  It means enjoying the moment, being present in the moment and giving thanks.  Ease means saying no sometimes as well as the opposite in saying yes and acceptance.  It means releasing; releasing the Bee club, releasing myself from addiction to sugar and releasing excess weight, releasing myself from clutter and releasing anxiety.  Ease also means love; loving myself, loving my family and loving all who are in my life – which includes you.  And finally it means to do all these things with out anxiety, guilt or anger.  Ease has me rewriting my goals and plans for 2018.

Word of the year, Ease

I have truly been trying to appreciate each and every day.  Our oldest daughter will say, “I have to get XYZ finished, not having it finished is causing me so much stress.”  I’m sure she has picked that up from me.  How I wish I would have taught her, yes, you do need to finish XYZ, but it shouldn’t cause you all the stress.  It is the journey, the day-to-day we need to appreciate.  The day-to-day is our life and every day holds value and goodness and although this sounds cliche, we need to ‘enjoy the journey.’  And enjoying the journey is what I’ve been trying to do.

I last updated you on April 3 and you can read that blog post here.  You can see below what I had planned for the spring and summer and in red is what was actually accomplished or how I want to move forward.

  • I’ve lost 16 pounds – 14 more to go – I’ve lost another 8 pounds, 6 to go.  I have found that eating sugar just doesn’t make me feel well.  I crave it and then regret eating it afterwards because of how I feel.
  • Get out of the house more and be around those who share similar interests – I’ve enjoyed my monthly sewing club, see the mini quilt above.  I took a Jelly Roll Rug class – Fun!  I’ve attended the monthly local women’s business group when I could.
  • Continue exercise 3 times a week minimum – Most weeks.
  • Continue eating healthy – I do well for about a few weeks and then fall off the wagon, then do well for a few weeks and repeat.
  • Continue studying autophagy and try some occasional short-term fasting – I have tried fasting until 6:00 PM maybe 6 or 7 times.  Then at 6:00 have a good sized healthy meal.  I actually feel pretty good when I do this and a crazy thing is I’ve found I sleep really well on the nights that I do this.  I continue to experiment with this, fasting until different times of the day.
  • Continue reading – I’m finished with my good books and need some more recommendations 🙂 I don’t think I’ve read a single book since I last wrote this.  I read a lot, just haven’t been reading books lately.
  • Spend regular time outdoors – the yard needs lots of attention now that winter is coming to an end. – Yes, but not as much as I would have liked.
  • Continue monthly applique classes at the sewing store – scheduled – Yes, unless I was out of town.
  • Attend Michigan Embroiderers Spring event – scheduled – Yes and that was so much fun!!  And I will be speaking at the Spring 2019 event!!!
  • Attend a Kimberbell event – scheduled – It was cancelled.
  • Trip to Phoenix to see my in-laws – scheduled – Yes!
  • Weekend trip to Mackinac Island here in Michigan for our anniversary – scheduled – Yes!  Such a wonderful trip and if any of you ever get the chance to go to northern Michigan I highly recommend it!
  • Host a dinner in our home everyone who went to the Holy Lands with us – scheduled – Yes, done!
  • Plan birthdays for my children – one in May, June and July – Yes, Done!
  • For my Embroidery It business
    • Blog more here – I’m feeling a calling to do more writing on this blog – I haven’t blogged as much yet I still feel compelled to blog more.
    • Continued monthly sew-alongs – Yes!
    • Continued free weekly alphabet letters – Yes!
    • Plan the Embroidery It Birthday Party – Embroidery It turns 4 on June 20th – Nope…Sigh.  There was too much going on at that time.  I considered postponing it but even that didn’t happen.  I created several designs for it and I’m thinking I’ll just hang on to them until next June.  I’ll be ahead of the game.
    • Plan to have new designs out every couple of weeks – For the most part.
  • Continued caring for my family and my mom’s needs – Yes

Other things that happened since April that were not originally scheduled have been:

  • Christy Wright was in Grand Rapids and I attended her Business Boutique conference
  • Restarted Weight Watchers
  • Bathroom remodel
  • Drove mom to Kansas City for my Niece’s graduation
  • Attended an Anita Goodesign event
  • Our oldest daughter Katie became engaged – Wedding July 2019
  • Had various family members visit
  • Two short trips – one to Kentucky and another to Hershey, PA with one day to Washington DC
  • Moved two of the kids back to college

It has been a lot, and I’m trying to enjoy each moment and each day.  It’s the journey friends.  It’s life and I’ve only been given one, so I better use it the best I can.

Now in moving forward, here is what’s on the docket.

  • Lose those last 6 pounds
  • Continue to get out of the house monthly for a sewing or embroidery event or class – I have a great local store and I found an amazing fabric/sewing store in Lansing, MI which is only an hour drive.
  • Continue to exercise 3 times a week minimum and walk daily
  • Continue to do my best to eat healthy
  • Try to get outdoors every day to either walk or spend time in the garden while the weather is nice
  • Host an Oktoberfest party for hubby’s co-workers
  • Become a certified barbecue judge – Random I know, but hubby wants to do this, especially when he retires so I’m going to get certified with him so we can do this together.
  • Attend the Michigan embroiderers Fall event
  • Continue playing handbells at church
  • Hosting Thanksgiving at our house for my brother and his family.
  • Hosting Christmas at our house with my in-laws visiting.
  • Continue caring for my mom’s needs.
  • Plans for Embroidery It this year
    • Blog twice a week
    • Continue sew-alongs but increase to 2 times monthly (one new design, one past design)
    • Continue YouTube videos
    • Free weekly alphabet letters
    • A new design every couple of weeks
    • A Christmas embroidery event
  • Future plans for Embroidery It
    • Write a book – I’d like to compile all the sew-alongs into a book.  I have no idea how to do that but I can learn.

Friends, this is my wrap up over the last several months.  As we enter into the last three months of the year, I plan to both finish strong and continue to embrace “ease” while enjoying the journey.

Wishing all of you much love,

Nancy

be creative daily and live life beautifully

 

 

Tips for Buying your First Embroidery Machine

Should I Insure My Embroidery Machine

Should I insure my embroidery machine

Hi Friends, Today I want to share a little story that involves caring for my embroidery machine and the question of should our embroidery machines be insured.

Last night, a big storm came through our area.  We had a power surge due to a close lightening strike.  (Just this past week my husband made the comment that perhaps we should invest in a heavy duty whole house surge protector).  Y’all know I live out in the country and we have lots of tall trees surrounding our home.  Lightening magnets.

About 30 minutes before, I told my husband I was going down the basement to unplug my embroidery machines.  Both are plugged into surge protectors, but I know that if it is a direct lightening strike, even that won’t protect our electronics.

And then comes the storm

So the lightening strike was near our house and the power surge took out our air conditioner.  Now before you feel bad for me, please don’t.  Our air conditioner had made it 27 years and that is an unusually long time for the life of an air conditioner.  In fact a couple of years ago we thought of replacing it but just ended up having it repaired.  It was on its last leg and has served us well and we have known a replacement was in the near future.  The lightening strike did no other damage.

So what this leads me to talk about is the value of our embroidery and sewing machines and things we need to consider.  That lightening strike could have fried the electronics in my embroidery machines.  I’ve been known to wake up in the middle of the night to thunder and make my way downstairs to unplug my embroidery machines, and unplug the computer too.  When we leave home on an overnight trip, I try to remember and unplug my machines.  However, sometimes I forget.

When I look about my house, my 10 needle is the single most expensive ‘home’ item we own.  I know for a fact it is covered on our home insurance policy should something happen.  But not all insurance policies are the same for high dollar items.  It is possible you might need a rider policy for your embroidery machine.  If you are using your embroidery machine for your business, is it still covered?  That is another question you need to ask your insurance company.  Home business items are sometimes covered differently.  How is it covered?  Does it include acts of God, vandalism, theft, fire, flood?

If you are renting, have you checked your renter’s insurance policy?  Renter’s policies often ask for more specific details about your personal belongings in order for them to be covered.

Another story

At a sewing class I took, a lady was talking about her top-of-the-line sewing/embroidery machine.  It was in her car while she was on her way to a previous sewing class.  She had been in an auto accident and although she came out fine, her car and embroidery machine didn’t.  Then, she couldn’t get either her home or auto insurance to cover the replacement of it.  That was a heartbreaking loss for her.

Now I’m not saying this to scare any of you, but I am saying it to give you something to think about.  Just make you truly know what is and isn’t included in your insurance policy.  You don’t want something to happen to your machine and then find out it won’t be covered after all.  Our machines are our babies and they bring us lots of joy as we stitch.  And they are too dang expensive to let one crazy incident take them away from us.

Now,  I’m enjoying my time down in the basement, where it is cool, even without air conditioning.  And my embroidery machines are happily stitching as I type this.  Also, hubby has ordered a super-duper whole house surge protector.  We should have it in a few days.

If any of you have a related story to share, please do so in the comments.  We can all learn from one another’s experiences.

Blessings everyone,

Nancy

be creative daily and live life beautifully

Update 9/5/18

I’ve had several of you ask specifically what we are using for our whole home surge protector.  Here is what my husband ordered.

Please know, in no way am I affiliated with this company or with Amazon.  Also, I hesitate to give any recommendation as to how well it will work because I’m certainly not an expert in this area.  What I can say is that my husband did his research and felt this one was best for our home and I trust his judgement with items of this nature.  He is an electrical engineer and was able to install it for us this past weekend.

Also as a side note, I got a new air conditioner yesterday.  🙂

How I learned Embroidery Digitizing

How I learned Embroidery Digitizing

Ask Nancy machine embroidery questions

Hey Friends, today I want to talk about how I learned to embroidery digitizing.

Several of you asked about how I learned to digitize so I thought I’d walk you through my learning process.

When I decided I wanted to learn how to digitize, I started out Googling the different software that is available.  Many of the softwares have a 30 day free trial which is nice so you can try different ones out to see which you like best.  They are all fairly similar, but maybe one will seem more intuitive to you as you play around with the different software.

At the time we were living in New Mexico and the local sewing dealers did not teach digitizing.  I knew I was either going to have to teach myself or I needed to find a teacher online.  Online seemed to be the way to go.  I think you could easily teach yourself if you are wanting to do things such as add a name to a design.  However, I wanted to learn how to fully build a design from scratch.

How much you want to do in digitizing also plays a factor in the cost.  If you are wanting to add a name to your design you can purchase a less complex and an easier to use software that is also much less expensive.

In looking online, I found a lot of videos for Floriani software, Embird software and Generations software.  Then I found Larry and Holly Pike teaching Generations software, where I could watch live and pay a monthly fee to have access to them and ask questions. This is what helped me decide to go with Generations.  I joined Larry and Holly’s group for about a little over a year and practiced, practiced, practiced.  I’m still learning today little tricks with it.

One thing I did which has been very helpful is to stitch out samples of little squares and change some of the variables on each square.  I will change the density of a square, or change out the pattern of the square, or change the stitch length or underlayment.  As I would stitch the squares, I would write directly on the fabric all the settings I used.  That helped me to learn what I liked best.  All those sample fabric squares are in a notebook.

I’d also practice the different types of stitches such a redwork, satin stitches, blanket stitch etc.  I’d change the stitch length and width and again record the settings on my sample fabrics.

When I was choosing my software, on of the things is, you don’t know what you don’t know.  So in looking back, one thing I would have given more consideration to is the embroidery formats that I am able to produce designs in.  I cannot create ART designs which are for Bernina machines.  I do think most of my Bernina friends can still stitch on their machines in some of the formats that I offer, but having designs available in ART would be nice because people do ask for that.

As I continue to learn, you will see me get on little tangents of doing one style of embroidery more than another.  Right now it is doing free standing lace.  I’m having so much fun with that.

Friends, I’m not affiliated with any of the embroidery software companies so if you are thinking of learning to digitize, do try out the 30 day free trials that the different companies offer and really dig in and play around with the software.  Even if you don’t want to create your own designs, just having the ability to personalize your embroidery can take your machine embroidery to the next level.

Nancy

be creative daily and live life beautifully

New Sew Along, Embroider Along Series Begins This Month

New Sew Along, Embroider Along Series Begins This Month

Stitching on paper cards

Hi Friends,

I’m so excited to share with you the the new sew-along, embroider-along series begins this month, August 14th.

Y’all were so much fun to make coasters with and I really enjoyed seeing all your finished projects. #embroideryitsewalong  We did coasters for a full year and now it is time to switch things up.

How to machine embroidery on paper

Let me tell you a bit about what you can expect.

Friends, we are going to do machine embroidery on paper.  The plan for the next 12 months is to do cards.  Unlike the past 12 months where everything coordinated, this time the only common denominator will be the card itself.  Each month we will do different techniques to the cards.  Some months, like this month, we will actually be stitching on the paper itself.  Other months we will make an embellishment to add to the paper card.  I’m going to try to give you some techniques and different things to try that perhaps you haven’t tried before.

Machine embroidery on cardstock

Lets talk about the card itself.  You can purchase blank cards to stitch on.  What I am doing is using a regular weight cardstock that is 8 1/2″ x 11″.   The package itself does not list a weight of the paper.  I’ve purchased this package at Michaels craft store.

Machine embroidery cardsMaking a card for machine embroidery

Cut the cardstock in half and then fold the paper in half.  This makes your folded card size 5 1/2″ x 4 1/4″.  Your card will now fit into an A2 size envelope which is 4 3/8” x 5 3/4”.

Now let’s discuss our needles.  When we do a project, like this month, where we are stitching directly on the paper itself, you will want to use a size 75/11 embroidery needle.  You don’t need a brand new needle.  In fact, use one of your needles that you have used for a bit.  When you are changing out a needle to get ready for a new project yet you know there is still some life to it, that is the needle to use.  Not one that is burred or bent, but one that has some hours of use already on it.  So start saving those needles.

As for the stabilizer you want to use, here is the good part.  In my directions, I specify a cut-away stabilizer as we will cut it away on the back side of the card.  But really friends, when we stitch on paper, use the stabilizer you don’t like.  The card itself is stable.  It isn’t going to pucker like fabric.  All you need is something to hold your card to the embroidery hoop.  Perhaps you bought some stabilizer for a specific project and you know you will never use that type again.  Use it.  It doesn’t matter if it is wash-away, cut-away, tear-away etc.  Use the junky stabilizer you thought you thought you’d never use again.  It is PERFECT for this project.  So even if you choose a tear-away or a wash-away, we will still be cutting it away from the back side of the card.

Make a machine embroidered card

You will also need something to cover up the stitches on the inside of the card.  You can use any piece of paper cut to the size of 5 1/4″ x 4″.  I’ve used scrapbooking paper but you could use typing paper, construction paper, even a pretty photo cut from an old magazine.

Don’t forget some sort of double sided paper tape.

Next let’s go over the design.  There are two sizes in the design and there will be in ALL designs.  There is a large size for your 5 x 7 hoop and there is a regular size for those of you with 4 x 4 hoops.  If your machine can use a 5 x 7 hoop I recommend this size just for ease, but don’t feel left out if your machine’s largest hoop is 4 x 4.  You CAN do the too!

Machine embroidery card for 4 x 4 hoops

This is what the regular size will look like.

Machine embroidery card for 5 x 7 hoop

Here is what it will look like for your 5 x 7 hoop.

The butterfly or design itself fits in the 4 x 4 hoop.  It is the same size in both designs.  What is different is the placement line.

Centering the card for the embroidery machine

If using a 4 x 4 hoop, you will need to center the design a little more carefully.  Holding the hoop up to a window or light will help with this.

machine embroidery card placement for the 5 x 7 hoop

If using a 5 x 7 hoop, you can just place the front of your folded card within the placement line.

You will use painter’s tape to hold the card in place.

Rubber stamping a machine embroidered card

To complete the card, you may embellish it as desired using ribbons, bows, etc.  I used a rubber stamp to stamp the inside of my card.  You could write in a sentiment or leave it as a blank note card.  It is all up to you!

Machine embroidered butterfly card

So this gives you the needed preparation information.  We will stitch the card together over on the Embroidery It Facebook Page on Tuesday, August 14 at 2:00 PM Eastern time.

The final piece of information you need is where to get the design.  You can get the design FREE right HERE.  It will remain free throughout the month of August.  After that point it will be for sale in the Embroidery It store and we will be doing another project.

Hope to see you all on the 14th!

Nancy

be creative daily and live life beautifully

Free Standing Lace Michigan

Free Standing Lace Michigan

Free Standing Lace State of Michigan Christmas Ornament and Necklace

Hi Friends,

A new design is now available.  It is a free standing lace state of Michigan design in two sizes.

Michigan Free Standing Lace design

Both sizes will fit in your 4 x 4 hoop.  The large size is perfect as a Christmas ornament or as a gift tag.

Freestanding lace Michigan gift tag

Stitch it in your favorite school colors.

Free standing lace Michigan State design

The small size is intended to be for a necklace or to add on a key chain.  But let your imagination go and if you have other ideas I’d love to hear.  Also, I’ve just strung the necklace through the eyelet at the top, but you could also add a jump ring and then string the necklace through the jump ring.

FSL Michigan embroidery design

You can find the Michigan design Here.

If you would like to see your state done in free standing lace, just let me know!

Nancy

be creative daily and live life beautifully

Ask Nancy

Ask Nancy

Ask Nancy machine embroidery questions

Hi Friends,

Thank you all for playing the little game in last week’s newsletter.

The final question in the game was, “Is there anything you would like to ask Nancy?”

What great questions you had!  In fact, as I was reading them, I decided I would create a section in the newsletter called, “Ask Nancy”.

Some of the questions require more than what I can put in the newsletter and today is one of those times.

The question asked by most of you was,

     Nancy, how do you get it all done?

The easy answer for me to give is, I don’t.  (Did you notice Embroidery It didn’t have a birthday party in June?  I just couldn’t pull it all off.)  Things do slip through the cracks or have to wait for another day.  But I  have a list of things I do to share with you that certainly helps because I do get a lot accomplished each day.

Let me begin by saying, my husband and I are do-it-yourselfers and I don’t have a house keeper.  I don’t have someone mow my lawn.  We have, however, started taking the cars to the shop for oil changes and car repairs.  The car dealer where I bought my car has free car washes so when I’m in town I run it through the car wash.  That said, most everything else, we do ourselves around here.  As for my business, I am a one woman show.  I create the designs, stitch them out, photograph them, post on social media and develop my own website.  When you get an e-mail from me, it is really me writing it.

  1. First things first.  Faith, Family, Health, Business, Fun.  These are my priorities and in this order.
  2. I’m usually up and dressed, ready to go by 6:30 AM.
  3. I check my calendar the night before.Post it note calendar system
  4. My calendar is my lifeline.  I’ve used this post-it note system for 2 years now and love it.  I’ve assigned the different colors of Post-it notes for different events.  I can move them around as needed on the largest calendar I could find.  Friends, this is a huge calendar.    Green is for business, Pink is special events, Yellow is part of my marketing plan, Orange is personal and family commitments.  My eyes can see exactly what needs to be done for the day and what is coming up.  When life changes, I just move the Post-it note around to a different date.  It’s the colors that keep me right on target.The calendar came from calendars.com and the post it notes fit it perfectly in the calendar grid blocks.  They are 1″ x 3″ and I got them at the Dollar Tree for just $1.Machine embroidery post it note holderFlower Notepad Set
  5. I am a list maker and have way too many lists around the house at all times.Machine embroidery planner pen holderPlanner Pen Pockets  Daily Greatness journal is from dailygreatness.co
  6. I also journal daily and write down my goals.  I think just writing things down and getting them out of my head is huge.
  7. I don’t like shopping.  I used to, but don’t any longer.  I take my mom grocery shopping once or twice a week and I do my own grocery shopping at that time.Machine embroidery hoop pockets for receipts and menu planningEmbroidery Hoop Pockets
  8. My day-to-day schedule always varies somewhat, but most days what seems to work for me is that during the morning, I’m either visiting my mom or caring for my home. Just before lunch I try to go for a walk or go to the gym.  Then after lunch I spend my time working on Embroidery It.  On average I probably spend 4 to 5 hours working on Embroidery It.  Although some days it is 2 hours, some days, it is 10 hours.  🙂  I’m usually on my feet all morning but after lunch when working on Embroidery It, I sit down most of the afternoon.  And some days I take a 15 to 20 minute nap.
  9. My meals are much simpler.  During the school year the kids are in college.  But when home, I have one daughter who is gluten intolerant, one daughter is dairy intolerant, and a husband who doesn’t want to eat carbs.  That has sucked the joy out of cooking for me.  So I’m quite happy to pick up a deli chicken and make a salad to go with it.  Also, when the kids are home, they help me cook, clean and mow the yard.
  10. I watch some TV, but it is after supper.  I’m addicted to reality TV like the show Survivor or America’s Got Talent.  I never sit down and turn on the TV during the day.
  11. I take care of my yard, but since moving to Michigan, I don’t really have a vegetable garden any longer.  (Sad face as I miss that).  I have wooded areas all around my house and the sunny area is grass.  We just don’t get enough warm sunny days that it isn’t worth it for me to put in a vegetable garden.  And believe me, I have tried.
  12. I ALWAYS schedule doctor, dentist or other appointments first thing in the morning.  I hate waiting because a doctor is running late.
  13. Finally, supper is usually around 7:00 and after supper and my kitchen is cleaned up, I’m tired.  My work day is over and it is family time.  I usually read at bedtime.  Lights out at 10:30 or 11:00.
  14. Weekends are for church, family activities and time with friends.  Sometimes I work and hour or two on Embroidery It on the weekends.

So there you have it.  That is my general routine and how I get done what I do.  I will tell you, I have been considering hiring help for my business.  That would take it to a whole new level.  I kind of feel like I’ve grown it to the best it can be on my own.  I dream about what it would look like and be like if there was more than one of me.  Should I hire help?  I’m open to your suggestions and thoughts.

Friends, if you have a question, pleas ask and I’d be happy to answer it in a future “Ask Nancy.”

Make it a great day everyone,

Nancy

be creative daily and live life beautifully

Best Coach Free Standing Lace Gift Tag

Best Coach Free Standing Lace Gift Tag

Best Coach Free Standing lace gift tag

Hi Friends,

I’ve been on a freestanding lace creation kick lately.  I’m just having so much fun making these little designs that are useful for gifts and tags and IMHO just darn cute.  When a finished project can be made in just minutes, that is the best.

Here is the “Best Coach” gift tag for your favorite coach.  Think little league coaches, swimming coaches and all your summer sport coaches.

Freestanding lace tag Best Coach

The Best Coach gift tag can be done in team colors, or stitch it to match the colors of the gift wrap or bag.  Quick, simple and fun!

You can find the Best Coach gift tag HERE.

Now, this is completely off topic, but just sharing a bit about what is happening here.  Friends, I wish you could all come to my home and we could embroider in the fresh outdoors.  (Not really practical here in Michigan, but it would be fun.)  All the wildlife has had their babies and a mama deer was with her twin babies with fresh white spots and wobbly legs right up at my back gate.  Behind the fence in the wooded area is a mama fox with her three little kits.  And in a woodpile is a burrow of tiny bunnies.  They have the littlest and most adorable hops in the yard.  It is just pure preciousness outside right now.  Then there are baby chipmunks and squirrels and lots of birds with their eggs a hatchin’.  You notice I’m leaving out the negative animals…bugs, snapping turtles, and snakes.  We have our share of those too.

Alright everybody, make it a great day and go embroider or sew something fun!!

Nancy

be creative daily and live life beautifully

Thy Will Be Done Free Standing Lace Tag

Thy Will Be Done Free Standing Lace Tag

Thy Will Be Done Free standing lace design

Hi Friends,

Sometimes we just need a gentle reminder of our faith.  This is what ‘Thy Will Be Done’ free standing lace tag will do.  It can be used as a tag on a package or gift bag, use as a bookmark, or hang from something that will remind you God is always in control.

Thy Will Be Done machine embroidery design

If you are like me, you are experiencing things in your life right now that you have no control over.  These are the things God has His hand in and we need to let go and just trust.  Thy will be done.

Thy Will Be done freestanding lace embroidery design

This design is made using your 4 x 4 hoop.  And as always, when making free standing lace designs, use two layers of fibrous water soluble stabilizer rather than the plastic, film type water soluble stabilizer.  The crisp film type is best used as a topper for designs and not free standing lace.  It just tears too easily.

Find Thy Will Be Done right HERE.

Happy Stitching Friends,

Nancy

be creative daily and live life beautifully

Free Applique Ornament Letter N

Free Applique Ornament Letter N

Machine embroidery freestanding lace monogram gift tag

Hi Friends,

Just a reminder that there is a free letter each week right here on the Embroidery It home page/front page.  Just scroll down to the bottom of the page to grab it.  It changes weekly, usually on Wednesdays.

Monogram machine embroidery applique Christmas ornament

We are now up to the letter N.  These letters are great for tags on packages, gift bags or to be used as an ornament on the Christmas tree.  They are done in free standing lace with applique on top.  These machine embroidery designs are made using your 4 x 4 hoop.

Free standing Lace Monogram Christmas Ornament

Friends, if you miss a letter, just head over to the Embroidery It store and you will find them for only $1.50 each.  I’m keeping them affordable so even if you miss one or two, you can still easily get the ones you miss.

Thank you all so much and I have appreciated all the comments you have written me about the letters.  So glad you are enjoying them!!

Make it a great day friends!

Nancy

be creative daily and live life beautifully

Watermelon Coaster Video

Watermelon Coaster Video

Machine embroidery in the hoop watermelon coaster

Dear Friends,

Thank you to those who have been joining me live over on the Embroidery It Facebook page on the second Tuesday of each month.  For those of you who don’t know, you can stitch right along with me, real time.  And I’m there to answer your questions.  The applique coasters we’ve been doing are geared for the beginning machine embroiderer, but anyone and everyone of all levels is welcome.  It is just a fun environment to stitch with others.  It is the next best thing to actually being side-by-side with you stitching.

beginner machine embroidery applique coaster

I also create a YouTube video of the project we are working on.  Often times, I record the YouTube video the day before.  This is a great way for me to work any bugs out before I videotape it live with you.  Ha!  And yes bugs to happen.  Sometimes I’ve forgotten to have my scissors handy.  In this video, I forgot to turn off the phone.  I’m only human.  🙂

Anyway, here is the recording of the Watermelon coaster.  And here is the link to the free design.

This link will only work during the month of June.  If it has passed, there will be something else going on here that you can join in on.  And if you miss it when it is free, it is only $1.50.  Just enter the store to purchase.

Make it a great day friends and enjoy the video!

Nancy

be creative daily and live life beautifully

Class of 2018 Free Standing Lace Gift Tag

Class of 2018 Free Standing Lace Gift Tag

Class of 2018 Free Standing Lace Gift Tag

Dear Friends,

My youngest niece is graduating this next week and so I will be driving with my mom to Kansas City to my brother’s home and visit the family.

Machine embroidery free standing lace graduation design

Friends, I am having so much fun with free standing lace so here is a gift tag designed for the new grad.  Stitch it up in school colors.

Congratulations to all 2018 graduates.  You’ve worked hard and I wish you all a very successful future.

Find the Class of 2018 Free standing lace gift tag HERE.

Nancy

be creative daily and live life beautifully

Free Standing Lace Machine Embroidery Fun

Free Standing Lace Machine Embroidery Fun

Free Standing Lace It's a Boy gift tag

Have you ever tried free standing lace Friends?  It is so easy and so much fun.  For those of you new to this, let me give you a quick overview on how to do free standing lace.

You need the following:

  1. A Free Standing Lace embroidery design.  Make sure your design states Free Standing Lace or FSL for short.
  2. Water soluble or wash-away stabilizer.  Choose the fibrous type, not the film plastic type.
  3. Bobbin thread in colors to match the top thread.

What you DON’T need:

  1. Fabric!

Free standing lace is stitched directly on the water soluble stabilizer.  There is no fabric involved.  The stitches themselves are created in a way to interlock.  Now you might think all sewing stitches interlock, but not so!  This is important, make sure the design you choose states “Free Standing Lace” or “FSL”.

I like to hoop two layers of stabilizer.  There are a lot of needle penetrations so you don’t want your stabilizer to tear half way through the design.

It is also nice to have your bobbin thread color match the top thread color.

Free standing lace is beautiful for tags, Christmas ornaments, clothing embellishments and more.Free standing lace monogram ornament with applique

Free Standing Lace Applique Ornaments

Currently, the free alphabet letters released each week are free standing lace with applique applied on top.

Here are some other free standing lace ideas for you to try. You can find them by clicking on the words below.

Free standing lace jewelry necklace and earrings

Free standing lace jewelry.

Free Standing Lace Mr. and Mrs. Gift tag

Mr and Mrs.

It's a Boy Free Standing Lace Gift Tag

It’s a Boy.

It's a Girl Free Standing Lace Gift Tag

It’s a Girl.

Free Standing Lace Script Alphabet with Rhinestones

Free Standing Lace Modern Script Alphabet with Rhinestones.

The Rhinestones are just glued on for some added fun bling.

So Friends, if you have not ever tried free standing lace, I hope you will give it a whirl.  It opens up a new dimension in machine embroidery.

Make it a great day everyone,

Nancy

be creative daily and live life beautifully