from the editor

better embroidery

be a winner

share your opinion

time-saving tip



from the editor

I recently attended a spectacular quilt show in Texas. It’s always a treat to be around other fabric artists. As I walked into the enormous hall I was greeted with an intoxicating energy that can only occur when a large group of creative women are together under one roof. We all shared a love of fabric and thread. That was evident not only from the one-of-a-kind quilts I encountered, but also by the beautiful garments the attendees were wearing—from jackets and embellished jeans to the gorgeous hats and bags in styles I had never thought of. It was a reminder of how we can be inspired and energized by everyday people. Make a point to share in special events around your community or state that celebrate the love of fabric art. You’ll discover fresh inspiration and plenty of new friends. 

In this issue we have several ideas to bring out the fabric artist in you. Celebrate a birthday by making a personalized banner with changeable name cards (see “Birthday Cheer”); sew a trendy bubble skirt with embroidered ribbon at the yoke (see “Runway to Reality”); make a special treat jar for Easter with embroidered paper details (see “Simple Chic”); or use our original downloadable alphabet to create a customized lounge pillow or framed artwork for your favorite photos (see “Lounge Act”).
Whatever direction your own creativity takes you, Creative Machine Embroidery leads the way with ideas to inspire your embroidery. And be sure to share your projects with me and other readers by sending jpg images for our “Reader gallery” section of the e-Update newsletter (mail to info@cmemag.com). I love to see what you’re embroidering.


Until next time,
Annette Gentry Bailey

Creative Machine Embroidery Editor


better embroidery

Using fabric paints, inks or markers with embroidery is a fun experiment in creativity.

  • Choose any design with an outline, such as a quilting design. Embroider the outline and “color” with fabric paints, inks or markers.
  • Use a fill stitch design and embroider only the outline portion. Paint it as if it had fill stitches. Forward past the fill stitches on the embroidery machine to the outline or use stitch editing software to eliminate the fill stitches to leave only the outline.
  • Embroider flower outline designs onto linen or cotton fabrics and use watercolor paints to add color to the stitches.
  • Use fabric paints instead of applique fabric. Embroider the applique outlines, remove the hoop from the machine, paint within the outlines and use a hair dryer to speed the drying time. Place the hoop back on the machine and embroider the satin or finishing stitches.


time-saving tip

Reader Patty K. of  Conroe, Texas uses zipped bags in several sizes to organize her projects and notions in her sewing room. She places fabric, stabilizer, pattern (on top) and any other notions needed for each project together in one bag. It’s zipped shut and all together when she’s ready to sew and embroider—no hunting for pieces. She uses the same concept to organize items that are hard to separate in drawers, such as angelina fibers, scraps of applique fabrics, ribbons, etc.

How do you save time or organize yourself for productivity? Share your best tips at info@cmemag.com and we may publish a selection in an upcoming e-Update newsletter.


share your opinion

Do you subscribe to CME? Pick up copies at a local store? We want to know! Please share your opinion on your magazine purchasing habits in our latest survey. By sharing your opinion, you help us determine editorial content for Creative Machine Embroidery. Please take a few minutes to fill out the form, and add any additional information in the “Comments” section. Go to www.cmemag/suvey to share your input now!

order back issues & original designs

Looking for a back issue of CME? In addition to CME's original embroidery designs, you also can purchase copies of past subscriber issues, 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.


be a winner

Thank you for being a subscriber to our CME e-Update. To show our appreciation, each month we randomly select from among our subscribers a winner of a special embroidery-related prize. This month it’s a copy of the new book Fill In The Blacks with Machine Embroidery, by author Rebecca Kemp Brent.

If you’re already a subscriber, you’ll automatically be entered in the drawing. Congratulations to Dee H. of Overland Park, KS the winner of the Oh-la-la Sewing Basket (9 3/8” x 6 5/8” x 6 1/4”) from Keepsake Quilting.

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

 


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