Black Friday Crazies

I don't know about you, but around Western NY people are a little nutty on Black Friday.  I for one....am one of those crazies.  :-)   It's not about electronics, that sought after toy, or Walmart or anything like that.  It's the most glorious day of the year where QUILTERS can stock up!!  Bet ya didn't think that there was anything to do the day after Thanksgiving but hunker down and sew....  SO Wrong.

I am at the door of Joann Fabric & Craft Store 30 minutes before they open at 6 am.  The goodies that are there for the taking are awesome!

Even if you were planning on doing nothing but plopping on the couch rubbing your giant turkey belly, I encourage you to take a look at what they are planning while half the country is camping out in front of Walmart & Best Buy and likely leaving empty handed!

Joann Fabric Ad for Black Friday 2013

My shopping List:

First and Foremost HAVE THE COUPONS!!- there is a coupon you need  25% off your TOTAL PURCHASE (including Sale Items) coupon.   You MUST have this coupon in your greedy little paws from the flyer. It either arrives to your door via snail Mail, is available in the 11/27 or 11/28 newspaper.  OR....You can use them right from your Smart Phone!  Joann's has an app that displays ALL available coupons! You can get it from the app store HERE

1. Fiskars cutting stuff - 60% off!   + the 25% total purchase coupon...makes that stuff 85% off!!

2. Fat Quarters are 99 cents!   + the 25% total purchase coupon

3. Buy one get one Free on Thread - + the 25% total purchase coupon

4. DMC Floss - 3 for 99 cents - + the 25% total purchase coupon

5. Muslin - 50% off! - + the 25% total purchase coupon

6. 40 % all Batting and Pillow Forms!! - + the 25% total purchase coupon

7. Doorbuster - 75% off of all Flannel!!!   (the 25% total purchase coupon does NOT apply to doorbuster items)

Now....I just need the winning lottery numbers so I can REALLY get Crazy!!!  :-)

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November Embroidery Club

Stitching on paper cards!

The holidays are fast approaching and our lives get a little jumbled sometimes.  Join me for an afternoon of simple pleasure and stitch a card or two!

Class will be held at Amelia's Fabric and Yarn Shoppe on Tuesday, November 19 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm. You must register for the class so call (585-392-1198) today to sign up!

Here’s what you need to bring to class:

·         Embroidery machine and unit with cords

·         Design loaded in your machine or on a flash (USB) stick

·          5 x 7 embroidery hoop

·         Threads  for the design

·         Bobbin loaded with embroidery weight thread

·         A metalic needle in the machine if using metallic threads in your design

·         Small sharp scissors

Here’s what I will provide:

·         Embroidery needle for the project

·         the stabilizers

·          temporary adhesive

·          cards and envelopes

·         and lining papers!  SUCH A DEAL!

The designs I chose for this month come from a familiar vendor and can be downloaded right away. There are several suitable packs or single designs to choose from.  Just follow the link below for a great selection.

http://www.emblibrary.com/EL/Browse.aspx?Catalog=Emblibrary&Category=christmas/Cards+and+Ornaments

Hope to see you in class at Amelia's Fabric and Yarn Shoppe for some fun and frolic.

Keep that machine humming,

Vicki

"Seamly Stitching" - Part 3

Seamly Stitching - Part 3 

Welcome to Hand Embroidery 101 - The Embroidery Sampler!!!

Once a month, on the second Tuesday, I will be posting Hand Embroidery Stitches in a 12-part series for my local Quilt Guild.  We're just regular people with the desire to bring the skill into our personal repertoire!  A dozen or so of us decided that we all wanted to learn the basics of Hand Embroidery so I volunteered to "Lead the Pack" so to speak.  :-)  Here comes Part 3 with more stitches.

CHAIN STITCH, SATIN STITCH & LONG AND SHORT FILL VARIATION

If you are just starting with this series, previous parts can be found on the “Quilting Revolution Blog”– with clickable video link tutorials (compliments of Mary Corbet) here:

http://quiltingrevolution.blogspot.com/2013/09/seamly-stitching-part-1.html

http://quiltingrevolution.blogspot.com/2013/10/seamly-stitching-part-2.html

NOTE – It’s important to me to give credit where credit is due.  There are several places that have become a necessary and appreciated resource through this learning process.  I link and reference them often. 

 Mary Corbet’s Website - Needle ‘n Thread

Author Joan Waldman.  A book I picked up at Joann’s with a coupon!  

400+ Embroidery Stitches for Quilts & More (Love to Quilt Series)

1)  Chain Stitch - A decorative sewing stitch in which loops are connected like the links of a chain.

    Here are my Sample Stitches for "Chain Stitch":

Video Tutorial (Chain Stitch)

2) Satin Stitch - a satin stitch or damask stitch is a series of flat stitches that are used to completely cover a section of the background fabric.

 Here are my Sample Stitches for "Satin Stitch":

Video Tutorial - "Satin Stitch"

Video Tutorial - " Long and Short Shading - Lesson 1"

Video Tutorial - " Long and Short Shading - Lesson 2"

I encourage you to “Play” with your stitches as you learn them.   I don’t provide a pattern or an outline to follow because I encourage free-form play either on a Stack N Slash Quilt destined to be a crazy quilt or a Band sampler as described in the first post in this series.

http://quiltingrevolution.blogspot.com/2013/09/seamly-stitching-part-1.html

You can also follow Quilting Revolution on FACEBOOK too!  Just click HERE

"Seamly Stitching" - Part 2

Seamly Stitching - Part 2 

Welcome to Hand Embroidery 101 - The Embroidery Sampler!!!

Once a month, on the second Tuesday, I will be posting Hand Embroidery Stitches in a 12-part series for my local Quilt Guild.  We're just regular people with the desire to bring the skill into our personal repertoire!  A dozen or so of us decided that we all wanted to learn the basics of Hand Embroidery so I volunteered to "Lead the Pack" so to speak.  :-)  Here comes Part 2 with 3 more stitches.

BLANKET STITCH, FRENCH KNOTS & LAZY DAISY

If you are just starting with this series, Part 1 can be found by following the below link.

http://quiltingrevolution.blogspot.com/2013/09/seamly-stitching-part-1.html

1) Blanket Stitch - basic sewing stitch in which widely spaced, interlocking loops are formed, used as a decorative finish for edges.

Here are my Sample Stitches for "Blanket Stitch":

  

Video Tutorial (Blanket Stitch)

 2) French Knots - (in embroidery) a stitch in which the thread is wound around the needle, which is then passed back through the fabric at almost the same point to form a small dot.

Here are my Sample Stitches for "French Knots":

  

Video Tutorial (French Knots)

 3) Lazy Daisy - an embroidery stitch formed by an elongated loop held down at the free end by a small stitch. Often used as a flower petal.

Here are my Sample Stitches for "Lazy Daisy":

Video Tutorial (Lazy Daisy)

What's on YOUR Design Wall?

Bit of a tradition over at Patchwork Times.  Mosey on over and take a peek!

As for my Design Wall - another "Affairs of the Heart" Block is complete.   I really enjoyed this one. Reverse applique comes out VERY cool.

Check out more of our Shenanigans on our Facebook Page

Quilting Revolution

Whatcha Workin On?

Fashionably late for "Design Wall Monday".... but I'm ok with that.  :-)

Finally added the embroidery detail to my latest AOTH (Affairs of the Heart) Block.  I have another one almost done too, but I'll save that photo for next week.  :-)

Take a peek at other Design Walls here

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"Seamly Stitching" - Part 1

Welcome to Hand Embroidery 101 - The Embroidery Sampler !!!

Once a month, on the second Tuesday, I will be posting Hand Embroidery Stitches in a 12 part series for my local Quilt Guild. We're just regular people with the desire to bring the skill into our personal repertoire!  A dozen or so of us decided that we all wanted to learn the basics of Hand Embroidery so I volunteered to "Lead the pack" so to speak. :-) Here we go!

Every month, there will be 3 stitches, a multitude of links and resources, in digestible chunks for those that want to participate.  I am by NO means an expert.  But I will be. :-)  What I AM good at, is when I get an itch to do\learn something, I can find and organize valuable information relatively well. And when I teach - I focus particularly on mistakes and gotchas so others can learn from them.  So join in!   Comment, send me pictures, send me links, whatever tickles your fancy!

There is a new magazine that recently premiered called STITCH-IT-TODAY.  In issue #2 (on newsstands now) there is an inspiring article entitled - THE EMBROIDERY SAMPLER.   We start our meeting tonight reading this aloud to get a feel for how samplers came to be...

"The original Sampler was a sampling of stitches.  The word sampler (example) is derived from the Latin word exemplum, which means "an example to be followed".
Today, embroidery samplers are often viewed as stitched art created for decoration, but their use originally began as a method of recording information...."

 

Seamly Stitching - Part 1 

There are 2 Project Options for learning & recording your stitches:

   "Band Samplers" or a Stack & Slash Quilt

(here's a video tutorial on how to make a basic one Stack & Slash Quilt Demo)



http://pintangle.com/sampler-faq/

Materials Needed: (many items are available at Joann's and you can use coupons!)
  Aida cloth - 11-count or 14-count
  Linen
  Various Embroidery Needles for various size threads (See chart below for sizes)
  DMC Embroidery Floss
  DMC Perle Cotton Thread
  Embroidery Hoop or Frame.

1) Running (Straight) Stitch - a stitch that resembles a line when complete.

 

Also known as:

Running stitch; Gathering stitch; Seaming; Tacking; Pad stitch; Darning; Prick/pin stitch; Tramming

Here are my Sample Stitches for "Straight\Running Stitch":

 

 

Video Tutorial (Straight)

2) Back Stitch - a stitch that resembles a continuous line when complete.



Here are my Sample Stitches for "Back Stitch":

 

 

Video Tutorial (Back)

3) Stem Stitch - an embroidery stitch forming a continuous line of long, overlapped stitches, typically used to represent narrow stems.

Here are my Sample Stitches for "Stem Stitch":

 

Video Tutorial (Stem)

Extra Resources:
Hand Work Inspiration Pinterest Page

How Do I .... in 5D Embroidery Software?

So recently, my son stopped over with 3 bags of t-shirts and a bumper sticker.

"Mom, can you digitize this and put it on all these shirts??"

Normally I would come up with some sort of excuse about how long digitizing takes and work my way out of whatever is asked. Then I got to thinking about it. Once upon a time I paid BIG bucks for 3D Embroidery Software to work with my Husqvarna Viking Designer SE. A few years later, my local Viking dealer had a software upgrade deal I couldn't pass up. So I upgraded to 5D Embroidery Software. I was going to digitize, make embroidery designs, create fonts, turn some of my cross-stitch patterns digital, etc and so on. I can't even tell you how much money I spent back then on this stuff. I don't use it! Well - I'm gonna! Dang nab it!  So I wanted to collect some resources on where to go to get support, motivation, tips and tricks and then hopefully, run with it. Thought I'd share!

First and foremost...the mothership... for Husqvarna Viking



5D Learning Center

 

Keep in mind - 5D for Pfaff is the same software - just different Logo's throughout.

5D Learning Center for Pfaff

 

My my....they have come a long way with support since those days!!  And they've released a version for MACs too.  Who knew? 

 

TruE Learning Center

 

First - let's sign up for the mailing list and see what that's all about - HERE

 

Next - let's sign up for the yahoo group 5DVikingEmbroiderySoftware Yahoo Group

 

Can always count on Erica's to have resources for ANYTHING you are looking for

 

Software Instruction Tutorials

 

Mr. Patience (aka Tim Frost) has always been a great resource for Viking\Pfaff Software too!

 

 

I haven't tried his new online training site - have you?  How about some feedback?!

Mr Patience Software Training

 

 

 

 

 

 



How's the progress?

Well big surprise, I'm behind on my OWN deadline.  <grin>  But, I'm still making progress!  This block was supposed to be done last Monday and a new one started. I really enjoyed the reverse applique on the outside edges.  I picked a crazy, marbled, zig-zaggy, explosion of color for the background instead of a solid.  I love the effect!  Only 8 more pieces to go on this baby and I'll be starting the next for my AOTH (short for "Affairs of the Heart")

There are two quilt shows next weekend that I want to visit in our area too.  If you are in Western New York, they are both worth a visit!

Patricia's Fabric House Summer Quilt Show and Sale is on Saturday, August 17th !!

Everything* is 25% off!!
(*sale excludes sewing machines, special orders,
and already discounted items)

And the other:

Caledonia Quilt Guild presents

A Garden of Quilts

at Caledonia-Mumford Central School 99 North Street Caledonia, NY 14423

Judged quilt show  (quilts FREE to enter/$5 to have judged)

CQG member boutique
CQG member challenge
Demos
Make and take workshops
Trunk show
Quilt appraisals by appointment

Be sure to follow us on Facebook 

here -> Quilting Revolution on Facebook

And you can check out other Design Wall Monday Progress HERE

August Embroidery Club

Ornaments Stitched on Sheer Fabrics

You asked for it and I listened!  This month we will be whipping up some sweet ornaments that are embroidered on nylon tulle (like the angel or tree) or sparkle organza (like the snowman).

Class will be held at Amelia's Fabric and Yarn Shoppe on Tuesday, August 20 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm. You must register for the class so call (585-392-1198) today to sign up!

Supplies needed for the class:

·         Embroidery machine and unit with cords

·         Design loaded in your machine or on a flash (USB) stick

·         4x4 embroiders hoop (a 5 x 7 embroidery hoop is OK)

·         Water soluble stabilizer – one hooping (heavier is better)

·         Threads  for the design

·         Bobbin loaded with embroidery weight thread – white is OK, colors to match the top for a 2 sided design

·         A metalica needle in the machine if using metallic threads in your design

·         Small sharp scissors

I will provide the tulle or organza (your choice) for one ornament during class.

The designs I chose for this month come from a familiar vendor and can be downloaded right away. Inspiration Mutz has several suitable packs to choose from.  Here are a couple of links.

http://www.inspirationmutz.com/christmas_delights.htm

http://www.inspirationmutz.com/white_and_gold_christmas.htm

Hope to see you in class at Amelia's Fabric and Yarn Shoppe for some fun and frolic.

Keep that machine humming,

Vicki