from the editor

As a trend-follower (but not always a trend-lover), I’m positively giddy about the latest fashions. I was decidedly bored with fashion for the last half of the ’90s (how many pairs of khaki pants can you wear before you’re bored to tears?), and the skimpy clothing of the early 2000s wasn’t wearable for anyone over age 25 or 100 pounds. But the fashion gurus obviously have found new muses and are bringing us awesome trends that anyone can interpret as her own...skirts of all lengths...jackets with killer detailing...jeans for every body type...lots of layers and texture. And don’t even get me started on the purses, belts and other accessories! My heart is racing just thinking about my next trip to the fabric store.

Speaking of fashion, our latest addition to the Butterick/CME collection debuts in the March/April ’07 CME issue. Butterick 4992 includes two great jackets, one with a stand-up collar and peplum-effect hem band, the other a shirt-jacket with a fabric sash for even more waistline emphasis (see “Edge Your Bet”). Order the pattern for more than 70% off, thanks to our pattern partners at Butterick. Plus, download the border swirl featured on the “peplum” view absolutely free. Click here for both offers.

We have lots more to inspire your embroidery and sewing in this issue. Templates are an important part of the embroidery process—especially borders—and this month we cover all you need to know about making them in our “Back to Basics” column. We also explore some fun techniques for turning soy fibers into fabric (see “Oh Soy!”) and making creative appliqués (see “Totally Techniques”).

If your thoughts are on the impending Easter holiday, check out our pretty lace purses (see “Trio In Lace”) for little bags ideal for Easter or other spring occasions. For decorating panache, you’ll love the sparkling eggs I’ve designed. The embroidery is stitched on tissue-weight paper and applied with water (yes, water!); see “Extravagant Easter” for all of the steps. Or if you have little ones (or just want to make someone smile), our treat cups with bunny and chick faces are sure to do the trick (see our cover story, “Easter Treats"). Warning: Make them in multiples, because they’re sure to be a hit!

Created something you’re excited about? Share it with me by sending an electronic .jpg image or a note to info@cmemag.com. I always love to hear from you.

Until next time,
Annette Gentry Bailey
Creative Machine Embroidery Editor

about us

CME is a bimonthly magazine dedicated to the art and joy of machine embroidery. If you'd like more information on embroidering garments, home décor and gifts, subscribe today and start maximizing your machine embroidery potential!

Misplaced a back issue of CME? In addition to CME’s original embroidery designs, you also can purchase copies of past subscriber issues, and current and past newsstand-only issues of Quilting & Embroidery, Paper & Embroidery and Holiday Embroidery on our secure shopping site at www.SewnShop.com. For phone and other ordering options, click here.

better embroidery

If you’ve soaked freestanding lace embroidery and it’s still stiff, the washing machine may be the answer:

• Place the lace pieces in a mesh laundry bag (the kind used for washing lingerie and delicate items).
• Using laundry agents and water temperature appropriate for the lace fiber content, run them through a wash cycle with clothes that have similar care requirements.
• Dry the lace pieces flat on a towel or drying screen.
• Steam-press to finish, using an iron temperature appropriate to the lace fiber content.

express yourself!

CME wants to know your thoughts about embroidery-related online videos. Interested in learning new techniques or about new products via video? Would you subscribe to a video service? Let us know by participating in our Web survey. Your feedback will help determine if and how we offer such videos. Click here to share your input now!

2006 CME article index

Ready to try that CME project or featured technique you saw a while back—but can’t remember which issue? CME article indexes to the rescue! The CME 2006 article index has just joined those from 2001 through 2005 online. These absolutely free lists of CME articles are cross-referenced and include a short description with each listing. Now you can stop searching and start creating today!

prize perk

We appreciate you as a loyal subscriber to our free CME e-Update. To thank you, each time we send an e-Update, we’ll randomly select from among our subscribers a winner of a special embroidery-related prize.

Congrats to RuthAnn G. of Knoxville, TN, who won a set of circular templates in our first drawing!

This issue the prize is the fun new book, “Machine Embroidery Wild & Wacky: Stitch on Any & Every Surface,” by CME writers Linda Griepentrog and Rebecca Kemp Brent. If you’re already a subscriber, you’ll automatically be entered in the drawing.

Sound good? Be sure to tell your embroidery-loving friends to subscribe so they’ll have a chance to win each month, too!

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Creative Machine Embroidery magazine is published by CK Media, Inc.,
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Copyright © 2007 CK Media. All rights reserved.