from the editor

During a recent quest to discover just the right combination of fabric, thread, stabilizer and motif, I smiled to think how much we embroiderers have in common with research scientists. Surrounded by our labs stocked with ingredients and tools, we start with our best educated guess for each variable. Sometimes the experiment works on the first try. More often it doesn’t, but we learn as we go, changing, adding and subtracting until we (with a little luck) achieve the outcome we seek.

My point? In embroidery as in science, testing is the best means to a successful end result. I’ve been embroidering for years and still require multiple test-stitchings on many projects. So the next time you need a “do-over,” give yourself a break and remember that finding what doesn’t work is a necessary path to finding what does.

Keep on testing!
Annette Gentry Bailey
Creative Machine Embroidery Editor

reader gallery

Take a look at what reader Lea W. made for her granddaughters for Easter! Our CME project “Messages From the Heart” in the January/February ’07 issue provided the inspiration. Innovative Lea changed the theme from a heart to an egg, and chose appropriate embroidery and lettering designs to finish the look.

Yours could be the next reader project featured in this new e-Update column. Send a photo and a note about your inspiration or process to me at info@cmemag.com. I’d love to hear from you!

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. Congratulations to Ann H. of Ontario, Calif., winner of last month’s “Soak” laundry wash drawing!

This month it’s the My-T-Fine cordless, electric scissors. If you're already a subscriber, you'll automatically be entered in the drawing. Watch for the winner in next month’s issue! And 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

When an embroidered motif finishes stitching, un-hoop, but don’t remove the fabric from the hoop. First, take a moment to inspect the design from the right and wrong sides. If you notice a problem, it can be corrected at that stage. However, once the fabric is out of the hoop, it’s virtually impossible to re-hoop accurately enough to make corrections.

Want more basic embroidery tips? Visit the Back to Basics section in our online CME Library.

wanted: time-saving tips

Thanks to reader Linda I. for sharing this tip:
To keep fusible web, water-soluble markers and glue sticks from drying out, place them in a zipped plastic bag with a clay round used for keeping brown sugar soft (available at your local kitchen store). Soak the clay round in water for approximately 45 minutes and wipe away the surface moisture before placing it in the bag. Re-soak the clay round once a month.

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 experience

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? There’s still time to share your feedback in our latest online survey. Thanks for taking a few minutes to share your input.

visit sewnshop.com

Missed CME's special Spring ’07 issue of Quilting & Embroidery? Filled with ideas that combine quilting techniques and beautiful embroidery for every skill level, it’s available at SewnShop.com.

Also at SewnShop.com, you’ll find our original embroidery designs, back issues of CME and our sister sewing-related publications, and much more. Bookmark the site and visit often to check out our latest offerings.

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