Dear Readers,

As a newbie to machine embroidery or a veteran of 20 years, there’s

always something new to learn. Once you’ve made the initial investment

of a state-of-the-art machine and countless design collections,

you’ll crave new techniques, tips and tricks to further your craft.

Many CME readers tell me that they subscribe to this magazine

because they live in a remote area, far away from the nearest

fabric store and need the inspiration, lessons and community that

CME offers. Some of these readers even make one trip per year to

gather fabric, stabilizer and other supplies for their creative endeavors.

I’m so lucky that I’m able to go to several stores every week

(every day if needed) to gather anything I need to make a project!

I’m also able to travel the globe, attending sewing, quilting and

embroidery shows across the country. These shows are always a

springboard for my creativity, leaving me energized and enthusiastic

to get to the sewing machine. Quite a few great shows are happening

this spring. Creative Machine Embroidery editors will be at the

Puyallup Sewing & Stitchery Expo from Feb. 28 to March 3. (Follow

our twitter feed @cmemagazine for up-to-the minute coverage on

our Sew it All Casting Call event. And visit sewnews.com for more

information.) The Original Sewing & Quilt Expo takes place

in Atlanta from March 7 to 9, Lakeland, FL from March 14 to 16,

Cleveland from March 21 to 23, Chicago from April 4 to 6 and New

England from April 11 to 13. Some of the contributors in this issue,

such as Lynn Lunoe and Dini Yan, are staff, teachers and vendors

at these events, and they’d love to meet you in person!

Sometimes a show, expo, convention or class environment

just isn’t an option. In this issue, Jenny Haskins speaks to a reader

who isn’t able to attend classes and is yearning for a hands-on environment

to expand her skills. Jenny has some great advice (see page

64), and helps navigate the web to explore a number of alternatives.

Whether you’re able to find a class in person, online or at a

sewing show (or not at all), I’m confident that this issue will expand

your knowledge of machine embroidery and have you running

to your sewing space to stitch something fabulous.

Thanks for reading,

Ellen March

Editor-in-Chief

Download Editor letter here.

Appeared in:

March/April 2013