Beautiful people make beautiful things (2024)

12 Household Tools for the Machine Embroiderer

By Eileen RocheWe are excited to have Eileen Roche, Editor of Designs in Machine Embroidery share this content with you, which was originally posted on Eileen’s Machine Embroidery BlogDigital Camera– best design tool in the house (besides pencil and paper). I use a digital ca... [More]

Your Other Stash

We all know that a stash generally refers to a lot of fabric and notions that we buy but never get a [More]

Embroidery Advisor Presents : Traveling Made Easy

Vacations & traveling can be fun! What isn’t so fun is all the hoops you have to jump thru to get to your destination though. With all the heightened security since 9/11, going thru airport security can be an adventure. Making sure everything in your luggage complies with all... [More]

Crazy Patch Heart

A couple of blogs ago, I wrote about crazy quilt stitches. Now, we'll put them to use making a basic [More]

Tension is A Breeze

I hope that you have just the right amount of tension for your machine and your life. Too litt [More]

Amazing Lace Bowl from a Doily

Untitled DocumentWhen is a doily not a doily? When you make it into a bowl! Start with the Lace Doily collection from Dakota Collectibles. https://www.annthegran.com/Product.aspx?t=1&i=42329First, create the butterfly doily shown here as a bowl. It's pretty neat the way this in-the... [More]

Keeping It Simple -Quick Wrap Up for Mom

If your Mother is like mine she really, truly doesn't want anything for Mother's Day. And we k [More]

Great Gifts for Mom

Mother's Day is just around the corner. Don't panic if don't have any good ideas. Here aresome [More]

Tips and Tricks, A Place for Everything

With all there is to know about embroidery and with all the gadgets to help you, why do we still nee [More]

All Water-Soluble isn't Made Equal

All Water-Soluble Stabilizers are Not Created EqualThat’s right – there are three main varieties:Lightweight (about 20 microns) – used for topping on lightly textured fabricsMid-weight (about 35 microns) – used a topping on more deeply textured or plush fabrics,... [More]

A Teacher Gift They Really Will Use

It's nearing the end of the school year, and parents across the nation are once again looking for a [More]

It is just time. I need an apron - one with pockets. I am always wondering where I laid [More]

Tips and Tricks for Newbies and Seasoned Embroiderers

As embroiderers, we have a lot to consider when deciding on a project. This is how I try to vi [More]

Decorative Crazy Patch Embroidery Stitches

Embroidery machines revolutionized hand stitching. What once took days or weeks to prepare now varies from minutes to hours. Embroidery designs aren't the only things you can stitch out. Some of the easiest embellishments are made with decorative stitches.Regardless ofyour embroidery mac... [More]

Monograms Made Easy

Monograms are the oldest form of identification in the world, dating back to Greek and Roman times. First used as a form of currency in the barter system, monograms served many roles from indicating social status to serving as a signature for royals and artists.Perhaps most obvious, they identifie... [More]

The Skinny on Small Lettering

Working with small letters can be frustrating. Chances are that you think your small lettering looks distorted, bunchy or just plain amateurish. The truth is, is probably not your fault. That’s right. Your good technique can only go as far as the data allows. In other words, if the fon... [More]

Avoiding This Newbie Mistake - The Hoop Monster

In Part 1, Puckering, Crooked Placement and Bad design SelectionIn Part 2, No Discovery Sew, No Org [More]

Keeping It Simple Storage Cubes Big and Little - Part 3

Tired of boxes yet? I'm not. I am hooked for sure. This one is VERY simple. I made a bunch of these little ones in no time at all. Some for me and some for the girls schoolroom. But this is the last one, Here is my smallest storage cube:What you need:One 15&qu... [More]

Tips for Getting Inspired

It's the time of year when it's easy to get in a creative rut. Winter is almost over. Spring is almost here. You are tired of being inside, maybe even tired of sewing the same old stuff. There are many ways to get inspiration, most of which, can be done from the comfort of home at little or ... [More]

Keeping It Simple Storage Cubes Big and Little - Part 2

This sewing room organization may take all year at the rate I am going. It's a great idea to give everything a "home" but I had no idea that I has so much stuff. Anyway I said I would do a tutorial on different ways to make those little fabric cubes. I have to warn you that... [More]

My Top Mistakes That Make You Look Like a Newbie, Part 2

Iguess no one wants to look dumb in front of friends, family or even strangers.The [More]

Keeping It Simple - Storage Cubes Big and Little - Part 1

Organize, organize and organize some more. I decided to give my sewing room a makeover of sorts. The goal however, is to repurpose as many items as possible without spending much money. Well, this could take all year -that is how bad my room is. But as it comes along I will s... [More]

New Quick Font Lettering Eliminates Guesswork

Ever want to add a line or two of text to a project but didn't because it's just too much of a pain? Don't want to invest in alphabet libraries? Hate lining up letters? Tired of stitching fonts that don't turn out regardless of how well they are stabilized? Afraid to install (and lea... [More]

Embroidery Advisor Presents: Unique Sports Applique Alphabets

Sporting events have been around for a long time and as a parent you are more than likely going to be attending some of these events as your children are growing up. Whether they win orlose the most important thing is how you look at these sporting functions. To help you look as sh... [More]

Can you trust your thread?

Well, let's assume that you have at least decent eyesight, but can you trust what you see? The [More]

It All Comes Down to Color

Color plays such an important role in our lives from what we wear to the vehicles we drive. As embroiderers, we have artistic license to experiment with color. The possibilities are virtually endless when you mix fabric and thread combinations.I'm using the same design in several different way... [More]

Best Stabilizer for Stretchy Performance Knits? It’s in the Bedroom!

I just want to pass on the latest trend in stabilizers that is actually a blast from the past! The new thin and stretchy performance knits with brand names like Under Armor and DriWick have given commercial embroiderers fits. After trying all available sources, they have turned to an “old sc... [More]

In-the-hoop Cookies

The girls love to play with the kitchen that their dad made for them. Their play kitchen isn't [More]

The Zen of Mars

Everyone who has been on this site for more than a short time is aware of Susan Mars and her w [More]

Ann's Sweetest Heart Collection: Perfect for Your Sweetheart

Ann's Sweetest Heart Collection makes it fun and easy to create a variety of special valentines you can't find in any big box store. And, for a limited time, purchase the small, large, or full collections, and get a Valentines Sayings pack absolutely FREE.Intricate, yet delicate, the des... [More]