Although I have not officially classified launches for Custom Little Beasties when the shop first opened this is the first revamp of the shop which sort of classifies it as the second launch. The shop has come along way and I have learned a lot along the way. How to make things more efficient as well as experimenting with new ideas.
Learning how to use an embroidery machine is tricky enough so, let’s discuss some basics to make it easier to design with fonts. Softwares for embroidery are pricy but luckily there are some free options. Embrilliance’s free tier is called Essentials which allows you to add and edit fonts together. This means that all the designing is done on the computer rather than on that tiny screen of your machine. The program even allows you to add multiple font styles together to make it one step on the machine. Set a guide for your specific hoop size that will alert you if your design won’t fit. Simply design and then export it onto a USB just as you would with a design file.
Learning how to use an embroidery machine is not easy. It takes a lot of experimentation especially to go beyond the basics the machine comes with. Last week I shared my top tips for digital embroidery files so it is only right that this week we focus on fonts. If you are thinking the rules of files and fonts are the same you would be kinda right but would find yourself in some sticky situations like I did.
Although I would not say I am anywhere close to being an expert at embroidery, looking back I have learned A LOT. If you recently purchased a machine or are curiously researching machines, this next mini series is full of helpful information to get you started. Today’s focus is on digital embroidery files, which seems like an easy concept, however, there are things that can may catch you off guard if you are not careful. First realize that each machine has a set size limitation so depending on how large your embroidery field is depends on which files the machine is able to read successfully.
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.
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