from the editor

Technology is so much a part of our lives today that my kids can’t imagine never having a cell phone, computer or a DVD player in the family vehicle. Frankly, I can’t either. Though I can remember that, in high school, computers took up a lot more room than they do now and you certainly wouldn’t pack one up and take it on a plane. Cell phones were the size of soda cans and you only had a television in a car if you sat it on your lap.

My son just got a gaming system with graphics so clear, you would swear they were real people—and he can plug the system into the computer and play a game from our house with a friend who’s at his own home. All of this technology is trickling down to home embroiderers in ways we could only dream of a few years ago. Computerized embroidery machine? Check. Wireless technology? Check. Laptop to travel to embroidery classes? Check. You even can store embroidery files in your iPod.

In the May/June ’07 issue of CME, we cover the latest advances in embroidery technology in our “Back to Basics” column. (By the time your issue arrives in the mail, I’m sure several more amazing advances in technology will have come to light!) We also give a nod to the season of brides and babies. Know someone getting married? Make a beautiful centerpiece from a test sample (see “Practice to Project”) or make some elegant accessories for the bride-to-be (see "Wedding Ready"). For a new baby, embroider a basket full of gifts using blanks as bases (see “Welcome Baby”).

For those of you looking for new fashions, check out our ephemeral layered skirt (see “Light & Lovely” in the magazine and our "Only Only" bonus scarf right here); funky jean jackets that combine printed fabrics with embroidered accents (see “Creative Collage”); and a delicate crochet-look topper to wear over a tank top (see “Short & Sweet”). Plus we have two versatile free download motifs to use in exciting ways for traditional and reverse appliqué (see “Inside-Outside Embroidery”). For a look at the issue’s complete table of contents, click here.

Until next time,
Annette Gentry Bailey
Creative Machine Embroidery Editor

new at CME

Speaking of technological advances, we hope you’re enjoying the new look the CME Web site is sporting, along with our expanded content.

Our spiffy new CME Library includes “Back to Basics” to get you started or refresh your memory, “Article Archive” with projects from CME subscriber and special issues, and “Only Online,” which continues to grow with Web-only extras to articles featured in our bimonthly issues.

Stay tuned for more high-tech marvels, including Annette’s blog and video downloads. After you’ve had time to take a look around, please drop us a line at info@cmemag.com to tell us what you think.

and the winner is…

To show our appreciation to CME e-Update subscribers like you, each month we randomly select a winner of a special embroidery-related prize. This month it’s “Soak,” the biodegradable, rinse-free, phosphate-free laundry wash that’s safe for wools, baby clothes, fine washables and lingerie. If you’re already a subscriber, you’ll automatically be entered in the drawing.

Congratulations to Karen C. of Jackson, MI, winner of the fun new book, “Machine Embroidery Wild & Wacky: Stitch on Any & Every Surface,” by CME writers Linda Griepentrog and Rebecca Kemp Brent.

Be sure to tell your embroidery-loving friends to subscribe to CME’s e-Update so they’ll have a chance to win each month, too!

better embroidery

Keep a lint roller or masking tape near your machine for quick cleanups. Their adhesive surfaces come in handy to:

• remove clipped threads from motifs.
• capture threads left when stitches are picked out.
• tidy up thread spool end trimmings.
• clean up your clothing, projects and work area.

trend watch:
spring/summer colors

This season there’s a flattering color for everyone, from innocent pastels to the boldest brights. When planning your embroidered projects—especially garments, select fabrics and thread colors with the latest palette in mind. See the complete palette online.

wanted: time-saving tips

How do you save time or organize yourself for productivity? Share your best tips at info@cmemag.com and we’ll publish a selection of them in upcoming e-Update newsletters.

share your opinion

Do you have experience with commercial embroidery machines? Have you thought about starting your own business or are your machines already bringing in extra cash? By sharing your feedback in our online survey, you help us determine editorial content for CME. Thanks for taking a few minutes to share your thoughts!

find it fast

The CME 2006 article index has joined those from 2001 through 2005 at www.cmemag.com/ artindex.htm. 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!

visit sewnshop.com

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.

The CME e-Update is a free email newsletter. Click here to review our privacy policy.
Creative Machine Embroidery magazine is published by CK Media, Inc.,
741 Corporate Circle, Suite A, Golden, CO 80401.
Copyright © 2007 CK Media. All rights reserved.