November Embroidery Club 2008 Finale!!!

Hard to believe the last Embroidery Club meeting for 2008 is not that far away! Just think, by then all the election debates will be behind us and we'll know who the next president of the USA will be. I know who I'm voting for and I hope you will also cast a vote for your candidate.

Ok, back to something more fun. EMBROIDERY!!

For the November meeting we will be constructing a fun project of 3 small quilts each with a Christmas bulb that hang on a wire display. Perfect for a mantel, table or desk display. These each finish at 6 x 11 1/2" so very managable in size. Suzanne will be ordering the pattern and display stands for us. The size of one of these is perfect for the mega hoop, and I'll be providing the digitized version of these designs for sewing in class. If your machine does not take the oval hoops nothing to fear, I'll also have a version of this for your large rectangle hoop as well. You'll need to purchase the pattern but the class fee includes the embroidery designs, in your format.

Supplies for this class:

Pattern

Wire display stand

Fabrics:

1/4 yd of background fabric

1/4 yd of backing fabric

For each of the 3 only a single 2" strip width of fabric for the binding

For each bulb need 6" square fabric

fabric scraps for decorations on 2 bulbs

thread colors to coordinate with fabrics

For the greenery I used cotton thread - the heavier that we have in the store - think it is Madera.

The batting is just a very thin batting or even flannel.

October embroidery club
As a reminder, embroidery club for October is free to you for bringing a project from a prior club or embroidery project if you need help getting it finished. If you are interested in completing a project from a prior club that you missed attending let me know so I can have the instructions with me for you to purchase.

Other Information

Tasty Treat- Puppy Chow!

I found this site that lists all kinds of ideas to help you create that wonderfully unique quilt label.



There's also a terrific new free design at the Bernina site. Click on logo:

Everyone likes a SALE!!

October 18th all Bernina purchases over $1,000 can be financed interest free for 27 months that's ( Jan 2011).
Super Saturday Bernina day is 10/18, accessories are priced at 20% off regular prices. If you can’t make it in that day give us your shopping list and we’ll take care of it for you so you take advantage of the offer. Remember, if you don’t currently own the Bernina embroidery software this is the time to purchase. Or those feet you have tried – now is the time to purchase.

Nov 19-22 is sale days for OESD items. All will be 20% discount – that is the Isacord embroidery thread, organ needles and stabilizers. Yahoo!! Stock up now. Remember, even if we don't have it in stock we'll order it and give you sale price on it.

Fall Class Line Up

Well, we had a great time at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in August. Here are a few of my favorite photos from the vacation week.

Caitlin is totally obsessed with penquins! We were thrilled to find there was an exhibit at the aquarium. This little guy was just fixated with her through the glass. The rest of the little guys were just standing around like stuffed animals! It really was cute to see.

Back to business.

EMBROIDERY CLUB

Sept Club Supply List:

24 2” squares. I used a charm pack of a Halloween fabric for my top rows of the bag.
¼ yard for the bottom of the bag – I used same for the lining. If you want to use a different fabric just need another ¼ yard. If you’re using scraps a piece 6” x 9 ¼” is what you need for the bag bottom.
Batting – just a scrap 14” square. If you have pieces this is perfect. Remember the foot #10, sewn with a zigzag will attach those pieces for use in this project.
For the embroidery part I used 1/8 yd of a fabric where my embroidered words can be read. Once you make one of these you will want to make more for other holidays and you can make them larger if you want!
Bring the large hoop oval for your machine.
The embroidery thread will be the choice of your lettering. I used black since it was for Halloween.
If you cut your 2” squares before class you might still bring your fabrics.
Sewing thread for construction of your bag.
You will leave with a finished project.

October Embroidery Club :

My gift to you. Bring your unfinished projects and I'll be there to help you with any questions problems to help you get it completed. No charge for this class.

Digitizing The Duck

Also, we have the dates for the software class to work on digitizing the duck. Dates are Oct 29, Nov 5 and Nov 15. Anybody else remember the movie - "Disco Duck"?

Wildflowers

This class is back for another encore. Dates are being firmed up as we're going to be ordered fabrics so we kits can be prepared. I'll keep you posted. If you haven't taken this before this is a beautiful project to build confidence in handling your embroidery machine. This makes a generous lap size throw.

FREE THINGS

Zundt is a provider of fine Swiss embroidery designs. I received an email from them for several free designs to download, which is very unusual so I'm sharing this link with you all. Just click on the picture to get to the page. They will email the design file to you.

Check out their prices and you should really appreciate being able to download these beautifully done designs at no charge!

NEWS

I've figured out how to create a hyper link. That's where you can just click on wording that shows in a different color and usually is underlined. When you place your mouse over the wording you will see an indication that you can click on the link (the arrow usually changes to the finger, indicating there is a link attached).

A new collection at the Embroidables site by Dolly Lama's - Men are Animals! It really is cute so click on the title to see.

I almost forgot! The lastest book from Jenny Haskins is finally available! Check out Jenny's Heritage now. The price of the book includes all embroidery designs needed for every block in the quilt. Just contact the store or email me to have a copy reserved for you! This is the book that I talked about in the first post on this blog after the academy in June. This quilt started as 16+ pillows that everyone convinced Jenny to make into a quilt and that lead to this latest publication from Jenny and Simon.

Here's another beautiful floral shot that I captured from a web site that I wanted to share with you all.

Take time to smell the flowers!

V5 Tip

Here's a good piece of information regarding transferring your design from the V5 over to your machine. The hot question is why do we have to save it as V4 to send it over to the machine to embroider?
Here's what I've found:

As long as you use the Write to USB or Write to [machine] using the Bernina Embroidery software you can save in V.5. The software automatically changes the format to .EXP - this is why you will see 3 files for one design on the USB stick. The 2 extra files are stitch and color information that the machine 'reads in the background'.
The problem occurs when the drag & drop method is used to get a design onto USB sticks. Drag & drop is done on the computer, not within the software. The file is simply selected and dragged from it's location on the computer onto the stick. No changes are made to the format. This is when saving as V.4 must be done as the machines recognize files up to V.4 only.

I think this also answered our question during the Portfolio exercise when the software created the additional record when it was converted to .EXP!

I have to admit that I've just adapted to using this drag and drop method within windows explorer to place the design onto my USB stick all this time. Now I'll be using the Write to USB option within the software to see which method I prefer . If you have the 440 or an older machine that doesn't use the usb stick then you'll just continue to do what you've been doing.

So hope this helps to finally answer that question!!

This is a Vietnam Dragon Fruit. Isn't it very unusual, but beautiful? I just had to share it with you all.

More notes from Bernina University regarding the 830 machine:

EMBROIDERY

a.. 3 Embroidery Design Collections from noted designers- Diane Gaudynski (22 designs), Louisa Meyer (59 designs) and Susanne Müller (33 designs) plus another 39 general designs.

b.. Ability to bring into the embroidery side any stitches from the sewing side. Once there, you can skew, mirror-image, resize or duplicate these stitches.

c.. Import combi-mode stitches into embroidery too!

d.. There is no longer an edit 2 menu on the embroidery side- all the icons are now located on just one screen- easy, peasy!

e.. Endless embroidery- very, very easy to repeat and embroidery design- the machine will rescale them for you if necessary. Registration mark choices! Now I want an endless hoop!

f.. Re-sequences colors in endless embroidery mode!!!

g.. Free arm embroidery with small, medium or large hoops

h.. Use the mega hoop with no repositioning of hoop necessary

i.. Jumbo hoop- 260 x 400- no clips necessary, new way of opening/closing hoop (jumbo hoop is optional accessory)

j.. Automatic Hoop Recognition

k.. Automatic Feed Dog drop for embroidery - maybe I imagined this, but I don't think so!

l.. Existing artista hoops will still fit

m.. Touch any part of the embroidery design on screen to automatically move the needle to that exact location- absolute check!!!

n.. Dragging/dropping on screen- you can still use the multi function knobs for precise placement

o.. View design in artistic mode is now default

p.. Horizontal & Vertical fonts now preset - 10 fonts total still

q.. Use multifunction dials to arc your words

r.. Cuts jump stitches!

s.. Easy connect "smart" module

t.. Embroider with the extension table in place

u.. Built in basic basting designs - easy to move so they are right next to design

v.. FAST FAST FAST- up to 1000 spm

w.. ART Design Software V1.0 included- 40 designs and TT fonts

SEWING

a.. ECO mode is back!

b.. Jumbo Bobbins- 40% more thread- same as in industrial systems, no damage if the needle breaks, allows for high speed sewing with no skipped/missed stitches- up to 1,100 spm, even with your widest stitches

c.. Ability to not only choose how much fill we want on our new jumbo bobbins, but also at what speed!

d.. Redesigned extension table with easy release button

e.. Seam Guide can be positioned onto extension table at any point and it stays in place.

f.. Diagonal lines on the stitch plate

g.. One-hand-tastic threading!

h.. Customize auto secure- you can now program the # of securing stitches and more!

i.. Presser foot recognition by machine so if you're using foot #8, the machine will limit you to center needle position.

j.. Stitch Altering Area now shows your actual double or triple needle stitches if you have first selected that needle. Just beautiful! A perfect audition for ALL your stitching. Fantastic multiple needle play!

k.. 4 Personal Programs! Name your personal programs.

l.. LOTS of new stitches

m.. Ability to adjust buttonhole slit width

n.. Entire new stitch families such as novelty, tapering, filigree, skylines & tassels menus.

o.. Existing classic style feet still fit!!!

p.. Amazing clearance between presser foot and stitch plate- 15mm!

q.. BSR standard with 830 & 820

r.. Over 60 instructional animations

s.. Update your machine from the Internet

t.. Illuminated Buttons

u.. TFT (thin film transistor) LCD centrally located, 7 inch screen- can be viewed from any angle

v.. 2 new fonts in sewing- Comic Sans & Quilt

w.. Stitches can be sewn in any direction- 360 degrees with 1 degree increments even while you are sewing- stitch combinations too.

x.. Infinite stitch length and stitch width adjustments on ALL stitches

y.. Connecting stitches available in editing mode for all your stitch combinations!

z.. Presser foot now has hover position- can use button to lower or raise. This can be programmed to suit your sewing needs.

aa.. LED Lighting

ab.. Digital clock- US or military time and an alarm that you can add notes to!

ac.. Built-in Dual Feed (BDF)

ad.. Ability to use USB stick to download info from your machine to take into your technician for diagnostic work

ae.. Easy to adjust bobbin tension for incredible bobbin work- easy to return to normal stitching tension

af.. Machine remembers what you were doing even after it has been turned off- sewing & embroidery!

ag.. Nice heavy stylus with holder included ah.. Cover case (soft) included that will hold cord, foot control and extension table and protect the machine from dust.

August Embroidery Club

Hope everyone enjoyed July's Embroidery Club! Above is Patty Young's "Vivien". Isn't she spectacular? Didn't you love her story on how creative she was to find her bag of fabric to use as her applique fabric stash? The trims were the perfect finish.

Now, the project for August should be fun too! It's an all day class as we start the day with learning the monogram feature in V5 of the Bernina embroidery software. If you don't have the software you're still welcome to come and use one of the store computers. Then we'll break for lunch and then come back and construct our cute market bag. Once the bag is done we'll attach the monogram piece to the bag.

Supply List for August - REMEMBER due to my vacation our class will be August 16th

MARKET BAG
2/3 yd fabric for bag
1/3 yd fabric for handles(depends on how you want to hoop this)
1/8 or 1/3 fabric for monogram piece
embroidery thread for monogram
sewing thread for use in constructing the bag and handles - the handles will be topstitched.

1st Place Winner International Quilt Festival at Houston, 2007
Found this stunner at Zundt web site.
Now this would take some time to embroider all this out! The sashing is constructed from 2 sets of Zundt designs. I'm convinced she had to have used multiple machines to have stitched all these embroideries out. As beautiful as it is I think I would have lost interest if I had to use just one to sew all these designs.;) She did a beautiful job though.
The floral inner border is one of the sets used in the sashing. The outside border is a free standing lace design from Zundt. Then you need the beautiful block designs and those are from Embroidery Online. If you aren't familiar with Zundt they create wonderful Swiss embroideries. They are not inexpenisve but you'll not see a more exquisite piece of finished embroidery.
Here's the link to see all for this at Zundt web site:
https://www.zundtdesign.com/Projects/CustomQuilt5.htm


Then to see the block designs at Embroidery Online:
http://www.embroideryonline.com/products/PackInfo.aspx?ItemCodeID=1597756631


Send me your completed Vivien and I'll post it here to share with the group!

Enjoy what's left of July as we near the end of summer, 2008! Thank goodness.

Greetings from Kansas City! Missouri that is.

This is looking towards the downtown area from my window in the Hyatt. All I can say is humidity is here in full force. I walked to a shoe store everyone was raving about today during lunch. It was a little overcast so wasn't too bad. Until about half way back when it started to sprinkle. At least it never was a full downpour so I didn't get soaked.

Anyway, the big news here is the new 830 and all. If you have checked Suzanne's blog she has pictures there so check them out!

I had a class this morning where we constructed a Christmas stocking in short order! I mean really pushed us so we didn't dilly dally. Gave me an idea for a class project. We did some decorative stitching, added some embroidered peppermint candies, used the ruffler to add a ruffle trim around the top. It was a cute stocking and I gave it a good pressing tonight with the steam iron and it looks a whole lot better. Wonder how it will look by the time the Delta baggage guys are finished tossing my bag around going home tomorrow!

Then in the afternoon had a couple of lecture classes. The first with Pat Bednar, if you own the serger book you purchased in the store no more than 2 years ago that is the same Pat. This class was Couture Touches. Good ideas for classes. She really likes the My Label software and had a Chanel style boucle jacket on that fit her very well that she'd made using the software.

Then the last class of the day was with Michelle Griffith - from michelles-designs.com fame. Finally, another California gal! Wow! Did I get some class ideas from her and her Bernina side kick in the class was Nina McVeigh from the Bernina videos from the Quilt Show. Between the two of them there were lots of wonderful ideas flowing. The room was packed and no one said anything when they went into overtime! As soon as the class was over we all 'hurried' down to her booth to check out her books and all. I wasn't aware that she had created instruction books to go along with her designs to help with projects. So I'll be checking those out too with the intention that we might be able to get some of these projects and all in the store for us. I first met Michelle about 7 years ago when she did her first embroidery convention in Las Vegas. Her designs are wonderful! She filled a void that there was then and it's wonderful to see her designing is now full time for her as she's retired from her Interior Decorating business.

Tomorrow morning I have a class with Louisa Meyer from South Africa. She's the lady that brought tassles to machine embroidery. Psst....there's even a new grouping of stitches in the 830 that are her tassles - for sewing stitches! Anyway, am anxious for the class because we really don't know what the project will be. In the BU store they had a new embroidery collection complete with a project book so of course I had to purchase that because it might be something I need for the class! I must try to remember to have her autograph it for me.

Then the last class for this gal at the 2008 BU is with Kaye England and Vicki Tracy. I think you all know who Kay England is. Vicki Tracy is a Bernina shop owner from Texas who has just a large Texan sense of humor! You may even own her first embroidery collection she did for Bernina - the little clutch made in the embroidery hoop. I was looking through the OESD booth this evening and saw that she has one or two more embroidery collections coming. One is Travel 'N Style. I think this will be a lot of fun projects so we'll be watching for this one.

Anyway, back to my class. This should be a another fun class but using the serger for a project. All I know is that we had to bring about 64, 7 inch squares so we'll see if this will be something for a serger class. A serger is a wonderful accessory and we're sorely lacking in classes to show their potential.

So tomorrow I will know! Unfortunately I will have to leave before the class is finished so I can get to the airport in time.

I'm all packed and ready for my last day tomorrow so time to call it a night and get some sleep.

Take care all.

Following are just a couple of shots of garments displayed that will be featuerd in the fashion show tomorrow night.

Jenny Haskins Academy

Well, I am officially a Jenny Haskins Accredited Instructor now! There were about 50 of us in class eager for the first day and looking forward to all sewing and embroidery we’d be able to do. By the middle of the week we were dragging. Sewing until 9:30pm every night was catching up with us, not to mention the 3 hour time difference for a lot of us. Jenny Haskins is this tiny little Australian lady, but full of ideas and suit cases and walls full of her completed projects. While we
didn’t have time to make all the projects that we are now licensed by Jenny to teach, I have several that will make some fun projects for us in the near future! Cutwork, appliqué, shadow
embroidery, floating diamonds, tassels, linen projects, and the list just continues. Her designs and projects have an old world, Victorian flavor which are absolutely beautiful. She now has her own embroidery thread, stabilizers and even quilting software systems that we were able to use. Just watched a demo on the quilting software, I’m told we have something to play with on a dvd that was in my kit but who had time to even turn on the computer? Not me, for once! My roomie and I would drag ourselves up to the room at night and crash early! This was such a wonderful experience and I can’t wait to do some of these projects in class.
We graduated last night, receiving our diplomas and our official Jenny Haskins Accredited Instructor name badges. Even had our picture taken with Jenny, and then took a class picture with all of us!
The weather folks here were predicting thunderstorms here and it is now raining pretty good so hope it gets it all out tonight before my flight leaves tomorrow.
We also were very fortunate to have Sue Hauseman here to help us with the machines (Vikings) all week. I’ve sewn on a Viking before but their brand new machine just came out at their Viking convention 2 weeks ago so she was here to show us all how to sew and embroider on their new “Diamond” top of the line machine! Nice machine and I made a list of the features I liked on it. I’ll take that with me next month to Bernina University when we see the new Series 8 machines so I can see how they compare! Sue asked me what I sewed on when I told her a Bernina she didn’t flinch, just said “Well, if you see anything we can improve on please let me know!” She has such enthusiasm for sewing, Viking is truly fortunate to have her on their team.
I also had an email from our friend Jan in Arizona . Most likely when I get home I’ll have the design cards and cds waiting for me. She went ahead and sent them on to me, without giving me a chance to send her payment AND she didn’t even charge us any postage for shipping! Truly a sewing friend and guess she was more serious than I thought about cleaning out her sewing room!! I need to get some of that infection, ha ha!!
For those of you that come to SP for 1st Saturday I’ll have them for you.
Oh, almost forgot. The best news is that in a couple of issues of Creative Impressions our names will be listed as being a JH accredited instructor! Whooohoooo!!!
Take care everyone and have a lovely weekend.
Sewing is great therapy so give yourself a nice long treatment.



This is lovely Laura in her own garment that was photographed in issue 19 of Creative Expressions. Several of her garments are in this issue, all worn by models - they look more lovely on Laura herself!






The above pillow used ribbon loops in place of fabric in the applique design. Was very cute. Notice use and placement of the floral striped fabric also.

Good news! While at the academy was able to locate the source for Amanda to order the Jenny Haskins magazine, Creative Expressions for us. It was the sponsor for the academy,duh! So please let Amanda know that you want to be added to the list if you are interested in receiving your copy of this magazine. If you're not familiar with her work, go to her website:

http://www.jennyhaskins.com/

While at the academy I was fortunate to be able to preorder her new book, Jenny's Heritage.

Jenny told us the quilt actually started as something like 12 pillows, and then someone suggested she make it into a quilt.