Texture is one of the first things that can make or break a design. The weight and stretch ability can create a comfy textile all while creating a sewing nightmare. It was not until recently when I sewed minky fabric for the first time that I realized we would have a love hate relationship. If you have ever touched pinky it is a luxurious plush with either a dot texture, a cute design or solid. Basically it is a cuddler’s dream and quite popular in the baby industry.
The candy store otherwise known as the fabric store is my kryptonite. I love looking up and down the aisles for unique prints and characters. Although I often purchase fabric with the intention of a project there are those spur of the moment deals that I cannot pass up. If you see it, you like it, you best get it while you can. Yes, there are those fabrics that will always be in stock but there are also some that are rare gems. For example, rummaging through the clearance fabric there are items that will not come back to the shelf. Needless to say I have accumulated a lot of fabric over the past few years.
After editing this video I’ve come to the conclusion that I really should pause on buying anymore and instead use up what I have. In order to accomplish this I shouldn’t even browse but I’ll let ya’ll know if I cave in and splurge on something new. Prior to editing I was going to share what my intentions were for each piece of fabric from pajama sets to blankets, however, I underestimated how much I had and it became a bit out of control. If you are curious on a particular scrap project and want to know what I made with it let me know and I would be more than happy to share with you. I hope you all enjoy peeking at my stash and let me know which fabric is your fabric from my collection. Of course if you have any crafty or content ideas please also leave me a comment. (:
How to: Create a Larger than Hoop Embroidery Project
When I first started exploring machine embroidery it wasn’t until my first couple projects that I realized that the hoop size really mattered. With a 4X4 hoop machine it can seem like a creative jail so today I am going to show you how to escape. In the video below I will be demonstrating the tips I am discussing here which is the method I used for today. For those that are not aware I currently have the Brother PE550d embroidery machine which is a 4 X 4 hoop machine.
Continue reading ➞ How to: Create a Larger than Hoop Embroidery Project
Back with another requested video on how to create an appliqué on the Brother PE550d machine. For this tutorial I did not practice or do a prior attempt, this is in fact footage of my first time trying to create an appliqué. The hardest part of creating an appliqué in my opinion is finding a file with the correct format. In order to create a “proper” appliqué the file needs to have three layers.
Continue reading ➞ My First Time: Appliqué Edition Brother PE550d
This tutorial was requested awhile ago however I have been procrastinating making it. In the tutorial you will see the raw footage of me winding my first bobbin on the PE550d. While I had created bobbins on my sewing machine I never really thought of it being any different, but it is a little. What I mean by that is there is a vital part that differentiates the average embroidery machine from a sewing machine, the foot pedal. That being said it is relatively easy to do as the machine prompts you through the entire process, so do not let it intimidate you.
Continue reading ➞ How to: Wind an Embroidery Bobbin Brother PE550d
Starting a new hobby always adds up fast and embroidery is definitely not an exception which is why when I first ordered my machine I sought out a cheaper thread alternative. Popular thread brands add up way too fast but is it really something to skimp out on? Well today I finally decided it was time to do a THREAD WAR and purchase one of the most popular craft store threads for embroidery, Sulky, and see if it is worth the hefty price tag.
Throughout my embroidery journey there has been many struggles, some I have shared others I have not, simply due to if I have found a solution or not. No, this is not a post ranting about the machine however, I must state that the customer service for Brother has not made a good impression thus far. When I first started having issues with my bobbin thread showing up on the top side I read the manual for quick fixes and then reached out to their service department with a photo and description of the issue. All I was given was links to their FAQ section. After three attempts to get a real solution I was then directed to find a service department to take the machine in to be properly looked at. FRUSTRATING.
Prior to purchasing an embroidery machine for the first time I had little knowledge as to how it worked including the file capability side. All I kept reading is that it was a learning curve which is why I have been and will continue to update you all as I learn more about the machine embroidery world. Hopefully you are learning from my mistakes or basking in the humorous side of all my mistakes and frustrations, either way here we go again.
Interested or recently purchased the Brother PE550D embroidery machine? After purchasing the machine I did as most people do, went to Youtube to teach myself the basics. While yes, there were a few videos available they lacked the teaching aspect; it was more of watch me embroider this item kind of “tutorials”. I crave the basics whenever I try anything new which includes how to thread the machine and most importantly what the heck all the buttons do. Although anyone can read the instruction Manuel to gain this information some people like myself prefer to see it in action as well for a quick reference or simply for a visual. Also let’s be honest, not everyone reads the instruction booklets.
Continue reading ➞ Brother PE550D Embroidery Machine Tutorial
This one has been a long time coming and I could not be more excited to share this new journey with you all. Branching into a new form of art is always a learning curve so it is expected that it will come with mass frustrations alongside joy. First I want to address the mass inflation that has been happening in the crafting world, since people are still jumping onto the hands on art of creating, companies are fluctuating prices so make sure to do some research if you too are looking to start a new craft.
MaddieAutumn 