Update on Ease, my Word of the Year

Update on Ease, my Word of the Year

Applique Easter Egg

Good morning Friends,

Happy April to all of you.  I hope your Easter Sunday was full of blessings and a beautiful day for all.  Our children were home from college and we had my mom over for Easter brunch and early dinner.  We celebrated in church where I got to play the handbells and had an Easter egg hunt for the kids.  They never get to old.  🙂

We are now in the second quarter of the year and it is good to reflect how things have been going and make any changes as needed.

Word of the year, Ease

My word for the year is Ease and when things seem to feel like they are getting out of hand, I bring that word back to the forefront of my thoughts.  It hasn’t been a stress free quarter, but everything has been manageable with thankfully nothing spinning completely out of control.

One thing I told myself at the end of last year, I was going to do a better job taking care of myself.  Since the year has started I’ve exercised at least three times a week, either going to the gym, walking, or joining my daughter at the YMCA. (The YMCA has been a lot of fun for us.  I’m not a member but on Fridays during March she could bring a friend or family member for free).  The closest YMCA is about 30 minutes from our home and is affiliated with rehab of one of our local hospitals.  Emily receives physical therapy there as part of her recovery from her rollover car accident last July. (PS. She is doing so much better.  She faces one final foot surgery this year and has been accepted into nursing school!  God is so good!)

I’m eating better and have lost 16 pounds, 14 more to go.  I’m determined to do this.  I’m reading and studying about “Autophagy.”  You can google it to find out more but it is basically a system in our body that clears away cellular waste and by doing things to activate it can improve our health.

I’ve tackled most of the furnace room – aka junk room.  That area of our home was out of control and I’ve taken several loads to charity.  It feels good to have space back and to move around there and find things.

Another big thing is I’ve been feeding my mind and reading much more than in 2017.  I rarely read fiction.  Most of what I read are true stories or business and self help books.  I’ve actually already finished more books this year than listed here, but I’m sharing here only the best ones that I recommend and think you might enjoy as well.

  • Josiah’s Fire by Tahni Cullen – This book was recommended to me by my friend Michelle who owns Needle Little Embroidery.  Oh my goodness friends, this boy is autistic and he writes on an iPad.  He sees God, Jesus, angles and his story is just so amazing I cannot recommend this book enough.  If you like books like Heaven is for Real and 90 Minutes in Heaven, you absolutely MUST read this book.
  • Believe Bigger by Marshawn Evans Daniels – I heard this woman speak on a podcast and just knew I had to read her book.  She speaks about being open to God’s plan for our lives.  I started to read this book and then started over as I knew I had to journal as I read it.  There are so many nuggets in this book and it would be a good read for a book club.
  • Glow 15 by Naomi Whittel – This book speaks about the autophagy I mentioned earlier and speaks about the science of improving our health.  Some of it I’m sure you’ve heard, but some of this is new to me and having been a nurse for many years I find anything with our health fascinating.
  • The Most Powerful Goal Achievement System in the World by Mike Pettigrew – When you are having trouble achieving your goals, this is the book to read.
  • Massive Action Equals Massive Results by Sunil Saxena – He says to believe you are capable of doing 20 times what you are currently accomplishing and suggests doing things like 30 day challenges, developing mini habits, setting a schedule, blocking uninterrupted time and believing in your goals.
  • Mini Habits by Steven Guise – This is an excellent book if you have a habit you want to create.  There is a huge benefit of doing mini habits.  They create success quickly and easily to propel you forward to even bigger habits.
  • Finish by John Acuff – If you are a starter and not a finisher, this is a must read.  Lots of great suggestions on ways to get through the difficult part of any project and finish.

Anyway, if you are looking for a good read, I think all of the above books were just excellent.

A final area of my life I wanted to work on was getting out of the house more and to be around others who share similar interests.  I signed up for a monthly class at a local sewing store.  You can see the applique April egg in the photo above.  We are gong through the months of the year making mini quilt blocks from the book Count on It – Art to Heart by Nancy Halvorsen.  I’m also enjoying my weekly handbell practices at church.

So now moving into the second quarter of the year here are my plans.

  • Continue exercise 3 times a week minimum
  • Continue eating healthy
  • Continue studying autophagy and try some occasional short-term fasting
  • Continue reading – I’m finished with my good books and need some more recommendations 🙂
  • Spend regular time outdoors – the yard needs lots of attention now that winter is coming to an end
  • Continue monthly applique classes at the sewing store – scheduled
  • Attend Michigan Embroiderers Spring event – scheduled
  • Attend a Kimberbell event – scheduled
  • Trip to Phoenix to see my in-laws – scheduled
  • Weekend trip to Mackinac Island here in Michigan for our anniversary – scheduled
  • Host a dinner in our home everyone who went to the Holy Lands with us – scheduled
  • Plan birthdays for my children – one in May, June and July
  • For my Embroidery It business
    • Blog more here – I’m feeling a calling to do more writing on this blog
    • Continued monthly sew-alongs
    • Continued free weekly alphabet letters
    • Plan the Embroidery It Birthday Party – Embroidery It turns 4 on June 20th
    • Plan to have new designs out every couple of weeks
  • Continued caring for my family and my mom’s needs

Whew, that seems like a lot but really most is easy, fun and relaxing.  I hope the first quarter of 2018 has been good for each of you and that you are following your path to reaching your goals for the year.

Sending each and every one of you much love,

Nancy

be creative daily and live life beautifully

 

Free Applique and Free Standing Lace Alphabet Begins Now

Free Applique and Free Standing Lace Alphabet Begins Now

Free standing lace and applique alphabet letter A Christmas ornament

Dear Friends,

It is always a fun time as we begin a new alphabet set.  The letter A is free and ready for you to instantly download from the front page or home page of the website.  Just click HERE and scroll down to the bottom of the page.

applique and free standing lace alphabet Christmas ornaments

This embroidery design is a combination free standing lace and applique design.  It fits in your 4 x 4 hoop and uses 2 colors of thread.  One for the background and one for the borders.  It is good to have bobbin thread that matches the top thread.

Free standing lace monogram Christmas ornament and gift tag.

The original intent was these would be used as Christmas ornaments, but they can be used on tags for packages as well as identifiers on items like a backpack.  Attach one to your sewing/embroidery machine when you go to your club meetings.  Just imagine other colors to match birthday parties and other holidays.

The designs will remain free for one week and will then be placed for sale of only $1.50 in the Embroidery It store.

If you haven’t yet, sign up for the newsletter to receive notifications as each new letter arrives.  Most weeks, the letter is changed on Wednesdays, but occasionally the schedule dictates a change so I don’t want anyone missing out.

Make it a great day everyone and enjoy the new alphabet!

Nancy

Final Day of the Spring Celebration

Final Day of the Spring Celebration

Easter Mason Jar Alphabet set machine embroidery designs

Dear Friends,

Our Spring Celebration is coming to a close today.  As I type this, the sun is just peeking up over the horizon and it is a lovely 19 degrees Fahrenheit out.  Sarcasm.  Not lovely at all.  It is frigid and I’m ready for warm weather.

Well, I will go to church and then I will stay inside where it is nice and warm.  We’ll have some family time today and I’ll even get some stitching done this afternoon.

Easter mason jar alphabet set machine embroidery design on a onesie

machine embroidery Easter mason jar alphabet set

I’ve saved the best for last with today’s daily deal.  Until 9:00 AM tomorrow you can grab the full Easter Mason Jar Alphabet set for only $1.97.  It is designed to fit on a wide mouth mason jar.  Stitch on cotton fabric.  Then cut a 6″ circle around the design using your pinking shears.  Sandwich the fabric between the lid and the ring of the jar.  A bow finishes it off!

Just fill with your favorite Easter goodies or other small items like colorful spools of thread and you have an beautiful gift.

The design is adorable on an infant’s onesie or child’s t-shirt.

You can find the Easter Mason Jar Alphabet Set HERE.

Also, don’t miss today’s bonus design.

machine embroidery banner bunny design

Glue a pom-pom on for a fluffy tail.

Banner letters can be found HERE.

machine embroidery happy easter banner with bunnies

Machine embroidery banner bunnies

Have a blessed Sunday everyone,

Nancy

be creative daily and live life beautifully

Spring Celebration Day 3

Spring Celebration Day 3

Machine embroidery in the hoop plant pokes or plant cards

Dear Friends,

Happy Saturday!  What a lovely, yet cold, day today.  The sun is shining.  The robins are building their nests and as I type this, I can see 5 or 6 squirrels out in the woods just having the time of their life.  It is a good day through and through.

So I want to share with you today’s deal of the day plus a bonus design.  Woot Woot!!

Today is a set of 8 designs for you to turn into plant pokes or plant cards.  They are for your most common occasions.  Stitch these up ahead of time and then you will always have one ready to go.  Here are the sayings:

Machine embroidery blank plant poke or plant card for you to personalize

Blank for you to personalize

Best Wishes machine embroidery plant poke or plant card

Best Wishes

Congratulations machine embroidery plant poke or plant card

Congratulations

Get Well Soon machine embroidery plant poke or plant card

Get Well Soon

Happy Birthday machine embroidery plant poke or plant card

Happy Birthday

Thank You Machine Embroidery plant poke or plant card

Thank You

Welcome new baby machine embroidery plant poke or plant card

Welcome New Baby

With Sympathy machine embroidery plant poke or plant card

With Sympathy

Plant cards are stitched on felt and made in your 4 x 4 hoop.  It truly makes a heartfelt gift

You can find the set of set of 8 designs HERE.

And now for a fun bonus design today!

Here is a sweet chick to add to your banners.

Machine Embroidery Banner Chick

For these chicks I’ve stitched them on terry cloth.  You may also use cotton fabric, felt, minky and the list goes on.

machine embroidery banner chick design

machine embroidery in the hoop banner chick add on

You can find the banner letters HERE.

Make it a great day everyone.

Nancy

be creative daily and live life beautifully

 

 

 

Spring Celebration Day 2 – Easter Lollipop Covers

Spring Celebration Day 2 – Easter Lollipop Covers

Machine embroidery Easter lollipop covers

Dear Friends,

Welcome to day 2 of the Embroidery It Spring Celebration.

Machine embroidery in the hoop Easter plant poke

Today we can give the Easter Bunny a hand and stitch up a basket full of lollipop covers.

machine embroidery girl bunny Easter sucker cover

Machine embroidery boy bunny Easter lollipop holder

In the hoop Easter lollipop holder

There are 3 designs in the set and they are stitched using your 4 x 4 hoop.

In the hoop Easter Chocolate pocket

And you know what?  Those yummy chocolate squares fit inside them PERFECTLY.

We will be ready for Easter lickety-split.

Make it a great day Friends!

Nancy

be creative daily and live life beautifully

Embroidery It Spring Celebration Begins Now

Embroidery It Spring Celebration Begins Now

Embroidery It Spring Celebration

Hey Friends,

I’m so glad you are here!

In celebration of the first day of spring it is time for some fun.  Embroidery Its Spring Celebration begins today and runs through Sunday with all new designs, daily deals and some free goodies to make it a true celebration.

Machine embroidery in the hoop seed packet set

Today’s design set will get you ready to get your garden started and filled with beautiful flowers.  It is an in the hoop Seed Packet Pocket Set.

3 Designs in this set.

machine embroidery in the hoop seeds of kindness

machine embroidery in the hoop seed packets

For those of you who collect your own seeds, just place your seeds in an envelope and tuck inside the seed packet pocket.  Or you can purchase your favorite seeds to tuck inside.  Then, the seed packet pocket can be placed in a card and given to a special friend.

Seeds of Beauty machine embroidery in the hoop seed pocket

This would also be lovely to give at a garden party or ladies luncheon.

New designs will come out tomorrow 9:00 AM Eastern Time.

So have some fun happy stitching today friends.

See you tomorrow,

Nancy

be creative daily and live life beautifully

The New Embroidery It Web Store

The New Embroidery It Web Store

Machine embroidery embroidery hoop pockets

Friends,

I am just beyond excited.  Embroidery It is growing and has launched a brand new store for your shopping pleasure.

Up till now, Embroidery It designs could only be found on Etsy and Zibbet.  Starting today, you can purchase your designs directly from Embroidery It.  It is through your continued support and encouragement, I’ve been able to take my business to this next level.

Menu embroidery Hoop pocket

You may visit the store by going to the Embroidery It home page and entering through the big green Enter the Store button.

To celebrate, between now and February 17th, any purchases made through the store will receive a this free Embroidery Hoop Pocket Set, 4 designs in 2 sizes each.  These designs are created to help keep you organized as each one has a front pocket and is framed in a wooden embroidery hoop.
Receipts embroidery hoop pocket
While you are there, I would appreciate any feedback. If you see anything that seems “off” or needs to be changed, just hit reply to this e-mail newsletter and let me know.  I value your input and opinion.
Coupons embroidery hoop pocket
The Embroidery Hoop Pocket set is ONLY available as a free gift for purchases of ANY amount directly from the new Embroidery It shop.  This is not available for Etsy or Zibbet purchases.  Offer expires midnight February 17th Eastern Time.

This design set will be e-mailed to you within 48 hours of purchase.
Notes embroidery hoop pocket
Embroidery It will remain on Etsy and Zibbet but future links will go directly to the new store.

Friends, I cannot thank you enough for all your support, kindness and friendship that has helped me grow Embroidery It.

Much love and Happy Stitching,

Nancy

Why am I not getting my newsletters?

Why am I not getting my newsletters?

Why am I not getting my newsletters

Dear Friends,

This is a blog post that although not really embroidery related, I want to have this written down so when people ask me the question, “Why am I not getting my newsletters?” I have a place to direct them.

This is something that has puzzled me because every once in a while someone e-mails me with this question.  They say, “Nancy, I am signed up for your newsletters but I’m not getting them.”  I can verify the e-mail that all is correct and that the newsletter is actually being sent to the correct e-mail.  But why is the newsletter not being received?

Well, I’ve done a lot of research as to why and I have several possibilities.

Other than asking your spouse if they are deleting the newsletters for you – yes this does happen….

1. The first place to look is in your spam or junk folder.  If this is where they are landing, please put my e-mail, nancyjacobs@embroideryit.com in your contacts or safe senders list.

2. I read about people who were all of a sudden finding e-mails in unusual folders.  Here is an example, lets just say you have a folder labeled “medical”.  I have that folder so when medical related e-mails come in that I want to keep I file them there.  Well, I read people with gmail accounts were all of a sudden finding e-mails being automatically being sent to unrelated folders such as finding an embroidery e-mail in their medical folder.  This happened after an update.  I don’t know if the issue has been resolved.  So this is something to consider and perhaps you need to check other folders.

3.  If your mailbox is full – and this includes your trash box, your e-mails will bounce.  This is called a “soft-bounce”.  Be sure you regularly clean out all your mailbox folders.

4.From time to time your e-mail server will go down or be offline.  This also results in a “soft-bounce”.  For my newsletter provider, after 15 soft bounces, your e-mail is wiped clean from the list.

5. Businesses newsletters are sent out automatically by a newsletter provider.  There are many different providers.  I happen to use one called, “Mail Chimp.”  So although when you read that the newsletter is from nancyjacobs@embroideryit.com it isn’t really being sent from my computer.  I have designed the newsletter on Mail Chimp’s website and it comes from there.  When it is sent from Mail Chimp, it appears with my e-mail however, there is actually a hidden extension on it.  It isn’t anything we see, but your computer sees it.  Your computer may identify that this is a bulk e-mail going out to many people and so your computer may block it.  Your computer’s firewall or protection may be set that it won’t let bulk e-mails come through thinking they are spam.

6. In relation to number 3, some people sign up for newsletters using work computers.  I will see e-mails that come from government e-mail addresses or other businesses.  So now, the newsletter first has to go through the security set-ups of the business before it can even reach your computer.

7. This also relates to number 3.  If you have blocked or marked as spam other businesses newsletters who have been sent by the same newsletter provider, in my case Mail Chimp, your computer may see that hidden extension and think it won’t let anything with the hidden extension come through.  So although you blocked someone else who used Mail Chimp, now it won’t let anyone who uses Mail Chimp  come through.  (Note:  It is always better to unsubscribe from a newsletter than to mark it as spam.)

If you think it might be your security or firewall and you would like to make a change with it, my advice to you is to google your specific security system along with the words “allowing newsletter subscriptions.”  You should be able to find exactly what you need to do in order to let just the right e-mails in while still keeping out the real junk that you don’t want.  However, the first and easiest thing to try is to just add the e-mail sender into your contacts list.  In many instances, that alone will solve the problem.

I hope this helps those of you who have asked this question.

Nancy

Valentine’s Day Lollipop Covers

Valentine’s Day Lollipop Covers

Machine embroidery in the hoop Valentine's day Lollipop Covers

Dear Friends,

Here is a quick and easy project, especially if you are in the mood to do some stitching with pink and red thread.

These little Valentine’s day Lollipop covers can be whipped up in a snap on your embroidery machine.  3 designs in the set and made in your 4 x 4 hoop.

In addition to thread, here is all you need.

Supplies

  • Tear Away Stabilizer
  • 2 Pieces Felt 4” Square
  • Tape – I use painters tape.
  • Lollipops – I prefer the flat type of lollipops

Machine embroidery Valentine's day lollipop covers made in the hoop on feltin the hoop Valentine's day sucker covers made on the embroidery machine

Machine embroidery design in the hoop Valentine's Day lollipop cover pattern

Make a basket full for all your favorite Valentines.  Perfect for children to hand out in class.

The Valentine’s Day Lollipop Covers can be found HERE in Etsy

and HERE in the Embroidery It Zibbet store.

Update on Ease, my Word of the Year

2018 Word of the Year a Recap of 2017 and the end of the Embroidery Bee Club

Dear Friends,

For a number of years now, each year has had a theme to it, or a word/phrase which I have focused on.  Last year, the word which spoke to my heart was “TRUST.”

Little did I know at the time just how important that one word would be to me throughout 2017.  I spoke that word over 90% of all the days in 2017.  “Trust Nancy, Trust.”

I’ve been thinking about how I want to write this blog post without it coming across as a ‘poor me’ type post.  I’m just going to type here and see where it takes me.  My mindset for 2017 was in the tank.

2017 was a difficult year.  It began in December 2016 when mom had her heart attack.  (Other than slowing down more and being a bit more forgetful, she is doing well.)  January, February and March were spent with me taking her to cardiac rehab three times a week as well as many doctor’s appointments.

April rolled around and I fell off an ATV and broke a couple of ribs.  That threw me off for April and May.

Come June, our middle child Emily became engaged and we started up in full swing of wedding plans.  Then in July, she was involved in a roll over car accident when another car coming the opposite direction turned left in front of her.  God is so good as she came out of it with only 3 broken bones in her right foot.  Here is the thing.  I truly believe this is all God’s plan.  God was saying, Emily, you are going to go through a little pain now and this will save you from much pain later on.  Because after the accident, true colors were shown and in August she called the wedding off.  Emily also decided she wanted to get a second college degree and get her nursing degree.  This meant in July, August, September and October I was once again playing chauffeur and taking her to and from class, doctor’s appointments and physical therapy.  Emily is now able to drive though walks with a limp and continues with physical therapy.  We are probably looking at one more foot surgery this year.

November and December brought about holiday plans being in full swing along with my husband deciding to make a job change.

It was just a lot of things happening in 2017.  Looking back, much of 2017 seems to now be a blur.  I know I’ve focused on the difficult things here, as that is what really stands out in my mind, but many good things also happened.  I had started the Embroidery Bee club with it opening it’s doors December 2016.  That was a wonderful learning experience for me and was growth to my business.  Our oldest daughter’s house sold which was a huge blessing.  Hubby and I had our trip to Israel as well as a couple of local weekend trips in Michigan.  Despite me speaking about the negative, life was good.

Back in November, I felt the word EASE placed on my heart.  Now before fully accepting that word, I had made plans for Embroidery It and plans with moving forward with the Bee Club.  I had written my goals for all areas of my life.  However, the word EASE just kept swirling around in the back of my mind.

Finally with hubby’s decision to change jobs and in doing much reflection as well as family discussions, I decided to embrace the word EASE and let the Bee Club go.  I cried a bit.  It was like saying goodbye to a piece of me that I had nurtured and grown.  At the end, there were just shy of 200 of you in the club.  That, to me, was success.  In all truthfulness friends, it was like running two businesses and just getting to the point where I couldn’t do it all alone.  (You know I’m a one woman show here).  The club was running, whether you saw it or not, I felt like I was dropping the ball on the rest of Embroidery It.

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 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.

I can tell you having already embraced ease, I feel a sense of peace and a feeling of openness.  And I know that when I allow my life to be open, it enables good things to enter.  I have an anticipation of good things coming this year for myself, my family and my business.  We will just have to wait and see where this year takes me.  I’ll keep you posted.

If you have chosen a word or theme for the year, I’d love to hear.

Much love to you all,

Nancy

Machine Embroidery Sew Along This Tuesday

Machine Embroidery Sew Along This Tuesday

Machine Embroidery applique in the hoop coaster for sew along

Good Morning Friends,

Just a heads up to remind you that the Embroidery It sew along is this Tuesday, December 12th at 2:00 PM Eastern Time over on the Embroidery It Facebook page.  It will be live so you may ask questions and join in the chat.  This is PERFECT for machine embroidery beginners as you will see “real time” the making of this coaster.

This coaster is a free design for the month of December and the link to it is in the newsletter.  Not a newsletter subscriber yet?  Just sign up now.  You will get the newsletter tomorrow so you can be prepared and stitch right along with everyone.

Embroidery It sew along supplies

This is a great way to use up those little scraps and make a sweet gift.

applique and in the hoop coaster made on the embroidery machine

I also show how to turn this coaster into a sweet ornament!

How to applique a machine embroidery in the hoop design

As a reminder, this design coordinates with the other sew along coasters we’ve been doing.  The previous designs are available in both the Embroidery It Etsy store and Zibbet Shop.

in the hoop, applique coasters by Embroidery It

If you are reading this and the sew-along is over, never fear.  There is always something going on here at Embroidery It and like I said before, the newsletter is the best way to keep up-to-date with all the latest happenings.

See you Tuesday!

Nancy

be creative daily and live life beautifully

Machine Embroidery Candy Cane Sliders

Machine Embroidery Candy Cane Sliders

Dear Friends,

In the hoop snowman candy cane sliders made on your embroidery machine

Snowman Candy Cane Sliders are found Here in Etsy and Here in Zibbet.

In Michigan the snow is coming.  We have about 4 inches and it is expected to continue much of the weekend.  This means it is a good weekend for hunkering down at the embroidery machine.  Today’s afternoon schedule at our home has me in the kitchen making Christmas cookies followed by making some embroidery gingerbread men as well.  The plan is to make plates of cookies for the neighbors and include one of these little candy cane sliders in with each plate.  A sweet finishing touch.

Machine embroidery candy cane holders

Machine embroidery gingerbread candy cane sliders

Frosted Gingerbread Cookie Candy Cane Sliders are found Here in Etsy and Here in Zibbet.

Here are several embroidery candy cane ideas.  They stitch up quick and easy.  And they are perfect for giving to co-workers, neighbors, club members and attaching to gifts and packages.  Add them to your tree or tuck in a stocking.


Bow Candy Cane Sliders are found Here in Etsy and Here in Zibbet.

In the hoop Christmas machine embroidery design

Merry Christmas Sweetheart Candy Cane Slider is found Here in Etsy and Here in Zibbet.

Ho ho ho machine embroidery in the hoop candy holder design

Ho Ho Ho candy cane slider can be found Here in Etsy and Here in Zibbet.

In the hoop machine embroidery Christmas snowman candy design

The Snowmen Candy Cane Sliders were part of last months Embroidery Bee club designs.  To find out more about the Embroidery Bee Club, just click here.  You will get fresh and fun designs delivered to your inbox on the 1st of each month.

The candy cane sliders just add that special homemade touch to your Christmas gift giving.

Stay warm everyone,

Nancy

be creative daily and live life beautifully

Free Standing Lace Modern Script Alphabet

Free Standing Lace Modern Script Alphabet

Free Standing Lace Machine Embroidery Alphabet Set

Dear Friends,

This is such a sweet freestanding lace alphabet set.  I found it fun to get back into free standing lace for a change.  The size of the letters is nice as they make a sweet tag or even a tree ornament.

Machine Embroidery Free standing lace alphabet set with rhinestones

My favorite thing was to add rhinestones for some extra bling!

Machine Embroidery Freestanding lace alphabet set with rhinestones

I’m going to warn you right now…I’m on a rhinestone kick and you will be seeing me add rhinestones to more of my designs throughout 2018.  Love them!

There is no placement for the rhinestones.  Just add as many or few as you like.

Glue rhinestones to free standing lace alphabet

The rhinestones shown here are 3 mm “hot fix” rhinestones.  That is what I just happened to have on hand.  I used clear drying fabric glue as I feel trying to heat set the rhinestones would cause the polyester embroidery thread to melt.  FYI, I think a 5 mm rhinestone would look even prettier.

You can get rhinestones at any craft store and I have also purchased from “Rhinestone Genie” and “Heat Transfer Warehouse” with good results/good customer service.

Rhinestones added to machine embroidery

As an FYI, I stitched the letters on two layers of water soluble stabilizer.  Then I didn’t over-rinse the stabilizer out.  I wanted to maintain a bit of the stiffness.

Machine embroidery free standing lace baby banner

You can find the Modern Script freestanding lace alphabet set HERE in Etsy and HERE in Zibbet.

Happy stitching everyone!

Nancy

Pilgrimage to Israel

Pilgrimage to Israel

Jerusalem – the old city

Dear Friends,

My husband and I were blessed to have the opportunity to join 43 others in our church family to go and experience the Holy lands of Israel.  We saw where Jesus was born, lived and died.  It was truly a trip of a lifetime and we all came back changed.  It was an honor to carry your prayers with me, and each day as we celebrated mass they were placed at the foot of the alter and prayed for.  I was humbled at all you experience and the prayer requests you sent.  Know that although on the last day, we left all the prayers there in Israel for future pilgrims and visitors to pray over.  You all continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

I hope you enjoy this photo montage of my experience and time in Israel.


Beautiful paintings in the churches.  Here in the city of Bethlehem.  I think I’ve seen this one turned into a Christmas card.

Homes of the wealthy

Homes of the poor

Church of the Holy Sepulchre built over Calvery.  This was the most moving and memorable place for me on our trip.

Morning sunrise coming up over the Sea of Galilee.  It was sunny every day of our trip with temperatures in the 80’s.

On a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee to the city of Capernaum.

Synagogue ruins in the city of Magdela where Mary Magdeline is from.   These were discovered in 2007 under 2 feet of dirt.  This was just opened to the public 2 months ago and they are some of the best preserved ruins.  This the the tile floor of the synagogue and they are 99% certain Jesus taught right here.

King David’s 23rd Psalm – Valley of the Shadow of Death.  The sun never reaches areas of it.  Thieves would hide in the shadows yet travelers wanted to take the trails their to be out of the heat of the sun.

We were fed well.  Buffet breakfast and dinner.  Note:  I was expecting to eat a lot of beans.  I wasn’t sure what we would get to eat.  We had seafood with every meal.  Always hummus and bread.  Stuffed grape leaves with supper.  Always amazing desserts.

Streets of Old Jerusalem

This is also in Old Jerusalem and it is open to air.  It is more modern, yet it is just an open shop and we just walked right by.  We could touch the meat hanging there as we walked along the cobblestone streets.  🙁

More beautiful paintings

In Cana.  We had just finished renewing our wedding vows.  We wore the ear pieces in each church so our guide could speak quietly and we could all hear what was being said.

Delivering coffee and tea to the merchants.

Spices for sale

We spent an hour of prayer at a church here at the Garden of Gethsemane.  It was from 9 to 10 pm.  Like Peter, I could not stay awake.  Some of these olive trees are over 2000 years old.  I imagine they would have been quite young and small when Jesus prayed here.

Jordan river.  People were getting baptized here.  Behind us is a rope with buoys.  The other side of the rope is the country Jordan.  Signs all around stated do NOT cross the rope or you may get shot!  If you look past all that has been added by man, you could just imagine Jesus getting baptized by John among the reeds.

One cannot see these things and remain unchanged.  I think about this trip every day since my return and how it has brought the Bible to life.  One of the greatest things to see was the strength of the Christian faith and the community of believers from every country around the globe.

Much love to you all,

Nancy

Gratitude Lollipop Holders Machine Embroidery Designs

Gratitude Lollipop Holders Machine Embroidery Designs

Machine embroidery in the hoop gratitude lollipop holders

Dear Friends,

Thanksgiving will be here in the blink of an eye.  Make a basket full of these sweet machine embroidery designs to give to your children, grandchildren and friends.  Stitch these quick and easy, in the hoop designs in your 4 x 4 embroidery machine hoop.

Machine embroidery Thankful Lollipop Holder

Machine embroidery candy holder grateful

Machine embroidery in the hoop candy holder blessed

Customer, Dawn, chose to turn these into an adorable fall bunting!  What a great alternative to candy.

Gratitude bunting in the hoop machine embroidery design

Eliminate the final color which is the eyelets and turn into coasters as another fun way to use these designs.

Machine embroidery in the hoop coasters

Designs are available in Etsy and in Zibbet.

The Gratitude Lollipop Holder designs were part of the September Embroidery Bee club.  Not a member yet?  Find out more about this fun club HERE.

If you enjoy these lollipop holders, take a moment to check out these blog posts!

Machine Embroidery Design Set Halloween Lollipop holders made in the hoop

Halloween Lollipop Holders

Cowboy and Cowgirl machine embroidery in the hoop lollipop holders

Cowboy and cowgirl lollipop holders

Machine embroidery candy holder for Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day Lollipop Holders

Birthday Lollipop Holders Machine Embroidery Designs

Birthday Lollipop Holders

Easter Lollipop Holder Machine Embroidery Designs

Easter Lollipop Holders

Christmas Lollipop Holders

Happy stitching!

Nancy

be creative daily and live life beautifully

Pumpkin Mason Jar Alphabet

Pumpkin Mason Jar Alphabet

Machine Embroidery Pumpkin Mason Jar Alphabet

Dear Friends,

Ok, I’m asking this in all seriousness….Where has this year gone????  How in the world can it be October already?

Dang.  Time has just flown.

Machine Embroidery for canning jars

Well, with October here, I’ve been getting out all the fall decor.  Here is a fun project for all of you who like using Mason or canning jars.  It is the Pumpkin Mason Jar Alphabet.  Just fill your Mason jar with your favorite goodies.  How about a layered cookie mix?

Gifts in a jar embroidery ideas

Stitch the letter of your choice on cotton fabric and sandwich between the lid and the rim.  Trim around the fabric with pinking shears and add a ribbon around the lid.  Makes for a beautiful gift presentation.

Machine Embroidery Plastic Christmas bulb

The other fun thing is that this fits perfectly sandwiched in a plastic ornament.

Machine Embroidery Fall Alphabet

You can find the Pumpkin Mason Jar Alphabet HERE in Etsy

and HERE in Zibbet.

Other Mason jar alphabets include:

Machine Embroidery for Mason Jar Lids

Birthday Mason jar Alphabet found HERE in Etsy 

and HERE in Zibbet.

Machine Embroidery Alphabet Set Valentine Mason Jar Lid

Valentine Mason jar alphabet found HERE in Etsy 

and HERE in Zibbet

 

Free A is for Applique Machine Embroidery Design

Free A is for Applique Machine Embroidery Design

Dear Friends,

I’m excited to share with you that the new alphabet “Embroidery Words” has began today.  You may click the link below to get the letter A.

Each letter will remain free for one week and will then be available over in the Embroidery It Zibbet Store.

**************Just click the link below*************

Emb It Embroidery Words Alpha A

********************************************************

Enjoy the new alphabet and thank you for sharing this with your embroidery friends so they can get in on the beginning of the new alphabet.

Nancy

be creative daily and live life beautifully

Sew Sweet Chicken Sew Along – Embroider Along is Tomorrow!!

Sew Sweet Chicken Sew Along – Embroider Along is Tomorrow!!

Sew along embroider along with me tomorrow

Good morning Friends,

I hope you are waking up to a beautiful day.  For my Florida and southern state friends, oh gosh, please know my family and I are lifting you up in prayer.  I’ve shared before that our home was affected by hurricane Charley back in 2004 when we lived in the Sarasota/Bradenton area of Florida.  It didn’t have near the severity that you are dealing with, but I remember watching the water rise in the living room and pour in through the ceiling light fixtures and the door frame of one of the bedrooms. Buckets were strategically placed all around to catch the water.  Stay strong.  And for my Texas friends, I hope you are finding your way into a new routine and getting your repairs taken care of.

Applique, in the hoop chicken coaster

On another note, I want to let you all know the Embroidery It sew along is tomorrow at 2:00 PM Eastern Time zone.

All are welcome to sew-along / embroider-along with me on Facebook Live on the Embroidery It Facebook page.

Applique Sew Along Machine Embroidery Design

This is geared to the new embroiderer, but EVERYONE is welcome.  So if you are new to machine embroidery and would like to try a simple project where you can learn how to applique and make an in-the-hoop project, here is your chance to embroider right along with me and ask any questions as we go along.  All you will need are a couple pieces of felt and two small scraps of fabric.

The design is free for newsletter subscribers but just through the month of September.  Just sign up here on this website and I will be sending you a link to the design as well as a supply list.

Applique and in the hoop machine embroidery coaster design

The apple was August’s design.  If you missed it, you can get it HERE in Etsy or HERE in Zibbet.  All monthly designs will have a similar feel to them so you can make a fun coordinated collection perfect for gift giving.

Please share your finished coasters on Facebook and Pintrest and use the hashtag #EmbroideryItSewAlong

This way we can all find you and see your finished work!

One more thing, I would truly appreciate you letting your embroidery friends know about this so they can join in and learn about Embroidery It. ~ Thank you!!

Update, Here is the Youtube video:

See you tomorrow!

Nancy

be creative daily and live life beautifully

 

Kombucha Machine Embroidery Designs

Kombucha Machine Embroidery Designs

Kombucha machine embroidery designs

Dear Friends,

If you recall, from this post HERE, I’ve been learning how to make Kombucha.  It has become a summer project for me to learn about and follow the process and you can google kombucha to learn more about it.  Essentially, it is fermented tea that is very low in alcohol, yet plentiful in probiotics and B vitamins and is said to be very healthy for us.

I’ve created a design set for all you kombucha lovers.  These are great stitched on a koozie to go around the kombucha bottle or stitched on a t-shirt or apron.  For anyone who enjoys kombucha, stitch up some related items, add a bottle or two and it makes a great gift basket.

Yes, I’ve gone a little overboard trying different fruit flavors.

And because this is a process that can change with each batch, kombucha brewers keep a notebook of all the details for each batch.  This design can be used to decorate the brewer’s notebook.

Machine Embroidery Kombucha brewing design

There are 3 designs total in the set and all fit in your 4 x 4 hoop.

machine embroidery kombucha design

Kombucha machine embroidery designs

Kombucha tea brewing machine embroidery designs

Kombucha embroidery designs can be found Here in Etsy and Here in Zibbet.

And if you haven’t tried Kombucha yet, grab a bottle at your local grocery store, it is located in with the refrigerated produce. Let me know what you think as I think blueberry is wonderful!

Make it a great day,

Nancy

be creative daily and live life beautifully