from the editor

All things retro are popular again—especially in the kitchen. Aprons, stainless steel countertops and appliances, and those double wrap-around potholders that Grandma used top the list of “new again.” And who doesn’t feel nostalgic around the holidays? Awaken those warm memories of holidays past with our original snowman pattern and design to create a whimsical wrap-around potholder (see “Too Hot to Handle”). Make several to share with your family or use as hostess gifts throughout the season.

If you’re looking for other last-minute gift ideas, this issue of Creative Machine Embroidery has plenty to offer. Embellish sheets with leftover applique test samples (see “Practice To Project”); make a table runner with dimensional pieces that can be removed for the seasons (see “Top This!”); or make quick gifts with ready-made organza napkins (see “Square Up”) and towels (see “Back To Basics”).

After the holidays embroider just for yourself. Begin with a great coat for winter (see “Knot Necessary”); or if you live in a warmer climate, make our gorgeous capelet with hand-dyed silk velvet embellishments (see “Midwinter’s Dream”). Learn to manipulate fabrics in clever ways (see “Terrifically Tactile”) or how to use specialty needle designs (See “Totally Techniques”). We also share ideas for embroidering for your home and making fashion accessories.

For even more gift and decorating ideas, see our latest issue of Holiday Embroidery now on sale. The issue contains fashions that sparkle; loads of gifts to make; decorations for the home from whimsical pillows to an elegant dining room ensemble, plus our free original appliqué design and instructions to make a card holder (also the perfect gift for the friend that has everything!). Look for the issue at fabric and book stores; order at our easy-to-use and secure shopping site, www.sewnshop.com; or call (800) 590-3465 or outside the U.S. (303) 215-5657.

Don’t forget to share your own projects with me. Send your pictures to me in a .jpg format at info@cmemag.com. I’d love to feature them in our Reader Gallery.

Until next time,
Annette Gentry Bailey
Creative Machine Embroidery Editor

better embroidery:
raw edge applique

Use complete or closed outline designs for raw edge applique. This is especially fun with fabrics that ravel such as denim, linen or flannel.

• Hoop the base fabric and place a piece of fabric that ravels onto the base (use a light mist of spray adhesive, if necessary, to hold the applique fabric in place).
• Embroider the outline design. Remove the hoop from the machine, but do not un-hoop the fabric.
• Trim around the design within 3/8” to 1/2” of the stitching line. Snip into the allowance up to, but not through, the stitching line every 1/8” to 1/4” around the entire edge.
• Un-hoop. Use a chenille brush or wash the project to “fray” the raw edges. This is also a fun technique to experiment with satin stitch edge finishes as well. Complete the entire design, trim, snip and brush or wash.

reader tip

Pat G, of Crestview, Fla., uses a large three ring binder made for business cards for needle packet storage. She can instantly locate the size and type of needle and also see at a glance whether she needs to stock up on more of any type. In addition, the binder travels well to classes, ensuring she’s never without a replacement needle for a project.

Do you have a great idea to stay organized or save time? Share your best tips at info@cmemag.com and we may publish a selection in an upcoming e-Update newsletter.

share your opinion

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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 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.

win with CME!

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 the book “Oh Sew Easy Table Toppers,” by Jean and Valori Wells.

If you’re already a subscriber, you’ll automatically be entered in the drawing. Congratulations to Cindy F. of Columbia, Tenn., the winner of the five 1100-yard spools of Floriani Mixed 2-ply embroidery thread from RNK Distributing.

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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