Sewing, Embroidery, Etc.

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A lot of y'all have asked questions regarding sewing and embroidery etc. Some questions I can answer... some I unfortunately cannot. But nonetheless, I'll do my best. I will start with sewing and move to embroidery...

I started sewing just weeks before Morgan entered the world 3.5 years ago. I was using Justin's grandmother's 1960 Singer Touch 'n Sew. When it bit the dust and wasn't worth repairing we decided we'd bite the bullet and go for a Viking Platinum 950E {which is no longer made-- so I won't link to it}. It is a sewing machine that also embroiders. I bought it on ebay {risky business & wouldn't recommend anyone else do, nor would I do it again!!} for $1100 in 2004. It came from Canada, took weeks to get to me and once it arrived it had no serial # plate on it {not good!}.

If you are interested in learning to sew but don't know where to start... this is my suggestion: First, see if you can borrow a sewing machine {perhaps from your mother or grandmother, MIL, etc}. I don't think anyone should run out and buy a machine to learn on. Once you try a few patterns {which I recommend you try anything that says "Easy to Sew"} and know that you like it and think you will continue to do it then I'd buy a machine. And from the "Queen of Cheap" please don't go too cheap. I'd recommend you buy from a local dealer who can offer you assistance with your machine and service it for you. Both sewing & embroidery machines should be serviced once a year. Now, with that said, I will contradict myself by saying that Kenmore (Sears) has fabulous sewing machines (and I'm not just saying that because my dad works for them). A friend of mine has one of their "computerized models" and I have borrowed it on several occasions and I absolutely LOVE to sew on it. It is a quiet machine, sews very smoothly, has a great bobbin winding system, and the buttonhole foot is simply a breeze to use {and practically does it all for you-- you drop the button in the buttonhole foot and it makes the buttonhole for you!}. FYI: Kenmore sewing machines are made by Janome. In fact, Erika just mentioned what a great gift giver Daddy Boy is, and I'd have to agree because for my birthday he got me this one which should be in on Wednesday and I can tell you more about it after I spend some time sewing on it.

If you are interested in a "Quick & Easy" pattern for boys and girls, I'd try "Holly & Hunter" (A-line jumper and boys romper) by Bonnie Blue. It comes in a wide variety of sizes and would be a great place to start!

I order most of my machine applique designs from: SewManyDesigns or Designs by JuJu.

My monograms are done with a program called Monogram Wizard Plus and this "alpha pak" is my favorite (& is the font/monogram you see on most of the girls clothes). Monogram Wizard would be one of the software packages you purchase for your embroidery machine (in addition to the software you buy from the manufacturer of your embroidery machine--- can you see the $$$ signs adding up!?)

Another fabulous site for embroidery fonts (which is where you can find the polka dot fonts I use) is Heirloom Letters.

I buy a lot of the girls "blanks" (100% cotton dresses, shirts, etc) to embroider on at Dharma Trading. They have super cute dresses and great prices!

Embroidery machines are a lot like computers {& technology in general} and are constantly being made with more bells and whistles, more options, and since I haven't upgraded mine in nearly 4 years... I know there are bigger & better out there. So, if you are in the market for one here's my advice:

-buy from a local dealer who can offer you classes to teach you how to use your machine {they're NOT EASY to use or figure out on your own}

- buy from a local dealer that you can call and ask any question and have the answer in minutes

- do lots of research and be sure you understand what is included with a machine {& what is not included}

- when calculating the cost of a machine be aware the most machines do not include the software that is required on your computer to create and customize designs {such software can cost as much as the machine}

- if you buy a machine be sure to take a class to learn the in's and out's of embroidery {ie, stabilizing different weights and types of fabric, the type of thread to use (which I can say: DON'T USE RAYON), and there's so much more!}

- there are a lot of hidden costs to embroidery (this is why you pay so much to have items embroidered at stores): software, stabilizers, embroidery thread, bobbin thread, and TIME. These costs are why I have opted not to use my machine for business purposes and when I do "occasionally" embroider for others I stress out that something may go wrong and I fear ruining their items!

Ok, that's all I can think of for now. If you have questions ask them in the comments and I will respond to them in the comments. So, if this is a subject you're interested in I recommend you check the box in the comments section to receive emails when other comments are posted.