Over the Kitchen Counter: Angie's Place for Cooking and Crafts

Monogram Embroidering with the Janome 350e Embroidery Machine

The tree is decorated and the gifts are wrapped. Next week will be dedicated to food - menu planning, shopping, and baking! Today I'm staying in to finish a few last tasks and monogramming the kids' stockings was priority #1.

My now-adult children have used the same Rudolph and Disney Dalmatian stockings since they were little. Each has a stuffed animal head so it is really tricky (according to St. Nick, of course) adding anything larger than a chocolate bar into the slim leg of the sock. As my darlings got older and I ran out of ideas for little stuffers to tell Santa about, I migrated to adding a gift bag alongside the fireplace to help make things easier.

This year I gave in and decided to purchase larger Christmas stockings once and for all. The kids can save their old sentimental ones for their own children but now there is no way to tell these generic stockings apart. Santa may have a tough time filling them correctly so I excitedly chose to monogram each one. It has been quite a while since I used my Janome embroidery machine but it is so simple to operate I didn't have any trouble at all getting it set up.

I picked red, blue, and green for the initials (not only festive colours but long-time identifiers for each child) and used the beautiful, shiny jewel-tone Marathon threads. I'm so thankful I had a good stash of stabilizers too, knowing I'd need to both adhere the difficult stocking to adhesive sticky-back stabilizer as well as add a topping to the top. The plastic topper stabilizer allows the stitches to sit on top of denser nap fabrics, such as terry cloth or with the stockings, a wooly cuff.

It only takes a few minutes to embroider a single monogram and they turned out great! The first was not quite perfect as I adjusted the tension a wee bit, but it is barely noticeable that a few threads are protruding. I'm quite pleased and excited for the kids to see them when mom Santa fills them on Christmas Eve!

Here's a quick video showing the Janome 350e in action stitching out a monogram. I love the sound it makes!!!

Tidying Up & Creativity

I wasn't feeling any creative energy yesterday but that didn't stop me from getting into my workshop. Things were getting a little messy, disorganized, and cramped and it was making me feel claustrophobic, not to mention anxious at the clumps of lint and dust bunnies hiding under my cabinets. I spent the afternoon thoroughly dusting and vacuuming my space and it feels so good to have things put away back where they belong.

I know how fortunate I am to have a dedicated area for all my crafty pursuits but still, I accumulate project stacks and supplies as I'm working and don't tidy up every single night. Now that I have a fresh, clean studio I can focus on finishing up my stippling on the Wheels quilt and get it trimmed and bound. Next, I am going to get the embroidery machine uncovered and start the personalization of the t-shirt quilt.

While my Janome 350e is front and centre I'm going to try to embroidery my dog's collar. Yesterday I had a surprise when I went upstairs to put the vacuum away. There on my deck was a dog. I knew mine was in the basement where I just left him (he stays with me all day) so I was a bit shocked to see him outside. It only took a second to realize the visitor wasn't my Sam but a slightly fluffier lady. I opened the door and she was very friendly, hoping to just come on inside. Her collar was boldly and prominently embroidered with her name and phone number so we were quickly able to reunite her with her neighbour mum. I was  stumped how she ended up in my backyard since all the gates were shut (and still were). Her owner was stumped how she got out! We were chatting about this canine Houdini when a third neighbour admitted she'd popped the stray back into our fenced property, mistakenly believing she was our dog. Anyway, the incident made me recognize what a great idea it is to have the pet's name and phone number easily visible on the collar. It only took a second to notice, call the owner, and get the beautiful dog back where she belonged. I hope I can use my machine to get Sam's info on his collar. I figure if I could embroider a leather luggage tag I should be able to get through a polyester collar.

Now it's time to stipple....

Stabilizer Organization

A few weeks before I packed up my workshop for the sale of our home I organized my stash and supplies. One thing that I really needed to get to was my embroidery stabilizer drawers. I have so many different weights and styles and since they are all white and most are on rolls, it's really difficult to tell them apart - especially when you haven't used them in some time.

I re-watched my Craftsy class Stablizer Savvy with Terri Hanson and got some great tips for storing and labelling the products. I pulled everything out and went through them one by one, identifying the type (sticky back, fusible, wash-away, cut-away, tear-away, sew-in, etc.) and weight (light, medium, heavy, stiff, etc.). I tidied up the scraps and edges (my dog had pretty much eaten the end of one Nancy's Notions sticky-back roll I had!), attached any instructions provided, and grouped the rolls according to use.

I added an elastic to keep them from unrolling and slipped on a paper tag with the name and, if I could identify or remember, the manufacturer of each. This method works well because you can continue to use it as the roll size diminishes and there's no need to try to get them back into flimsy or torn packaging.

The Stablizer class may seem like a less than exciting choice of Craftsy class but it has been really helpful for a beginner embroiderer like myself. It can be confusing because there are so many choices of product and Terry gives great instruction on selecting the right one. Her guidance for proper usage is amazing and has saved me a lot of frustration and the storage tips are icing on the cake!

I have all my stabilizer rolls in one drawer unit and fusible fleece, fusible web, and interfacing in another. I feel so organized and it is much easier to find and select the right stabilizer for the project. Once I get in my new space I can have everything in view and ready to go - I can't wait to show it to you!!!!

Embroidered Pin Cushion

Typepad was having issues with photo uploading and I just couldn't post this without a pic of my adorable pin cushion! Sorry for the delay, folks! :)

I made this adorable pin cushion as the first project in the Machine Embroidered Applique by JoAnn Connolly Craftsy class. It is a great starter embroidery to learn how to apply applique in the hoop. I used some linen I had leftover from a coaster project so I used that as the base. I wanted the applique to pop so I chose a bright orange fat quarter from my stash with matching thread.

The machine does all the work, from outlining where the applique fabric should go,to the satin stitches, to actually finishing the pin cushion right in the hoop. All I had to do was trim the fabric, stuff the pouch with poly fill and hand stitch up the gap in the seam allowance.

I really did need a pin cushion to keep by my machine. I got sick of taking the little plastic container back and forth between my cutting table and sewing machine. The pins go into the cushion so easily and quickly and I can sew a lot faster because of that. I keep adding the pins until it's full and then empty them out back into the container for another round. I love the way it turned out and I think it's really cute!

While I was enjoying my day out at the craft convention, I picked up a bag of crushed walnut shells. These are perfect for filling pin cushions - they add weight and body and apparently also sharpen the pins. I am definitely going to whip up another pin cushion to try them in and keep by my other machine. It was a very fun project to make and was ideal for an quiet evening when I didn't want to start something more involved. I always enjoy using my embroidery machine and this was an easy, low-stress applique to stitch out.

This Machine Embroidered Applique class is a great way to learn the technique and make some cute things - from the small pin cushion, to a tote bag, apron, pillow, and even a blouse!! All the different machine formats are provided for each applique/embroidery design. Lots of fun!!

Sweet 16 Dust Cover - Part 3

To finish off my Sweet 16 dust cover I decided to make a name label and add it to the side panel. I named my machine Rosebud so I chose a pretty arc of roses from the built-in designs on my 350e embroidery machine. I used the on-screen editing feature to add the lettering under the arch and make sure it all looked the way I wanted it to before pressing start.

Choosing the thread colours was challenging since I only had a small picture of the design to go by. The machine lists Janome thread shades (which I don't have) so I wasn't sure whether 'meadow green', etc. was light or dark. There are 12 colour changes in the design and I wanted my roses to be shades of orange so I just did the best I could with what I have. Some of the shading is off and some colours are so close you can't even tell I changed threads, but overall I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out.

It took about 46 minutes to stitch out the whole design, which is very nerve wracking! You don't want any thread breakage or tangles at minute 38! I didn't run out of bobbin thread and the machine didn't stop for any errors so I was happy about that. It stitched out beautifully!

One thing that I wish I hadn't done was trim away the cut-away stabilizer from around the stitching. It shows through now on my background fabric and I can see the shadow of where I cut. I used a machine blanket stitch to attach the label and now my dust cover is complete.

I'd like to extend a big THANK YOU to Jasmine at Quilt Kisses for the tutorial, all the helpful emails, and her patience with me as I worked through the pattern. Please check out her wonderful blog and if you have a sit-down mid-arm that is getting dusty I highly recommend you make a cover for it using Jasmine's design. I am very satisfied with how mine turned out and I think it looks awesome.

North Star Pillow

I wanted to make a pillow to go with my Downton Abbey DWR quilt but I only had fat quarters and some leftover backing to work with. I searched around for a pattern and ended up choosing a throw pillow from the Elegant Embroidered Quilts with Amanda Murphy Craftsy class. The project is the North Star Pillow and incorporates a pretty embroidery design in the middle of pieced star.

It took a moment to remember how to even get the included class embroidery design file into my machine (it's been a while since I embroidered!) but it all came back to me and I started my test design. I'm always glad I took the time to do a sample because it really helps me decide if I've selected the right thread colours. I can also iron out any kinks in placement, needle issues, stabilizers, etc. and I happened to also empty some leftover bobbins I had pulled from the machine after the low bobbin warning.

I used fat quarter scraps from my quilt to piece the points of the star and had just enough of the yardage to make my borders, cornerstones, and buttonhole panel. I used the Downton Abbey backing for the back of the pillow and the block background fabric for the binding. It worked out perfectly! All I had to buy was a new pillow form and some pretty blue buttons! I even had some interfacing in my stash to use on the back.

It was really simple to piece the pillow top and it's great to have the embroidery pieced in after it is done (no worries about placement or having issues and ruining an entire project).  Quilting the pillow top was super fun. I wanted to mirror the design with what I'd done on the quilt and I think I pulled it off while still keeping in mind the unique motif in the pillow. Also, I decided to quilt it entirely on my Sweet 16 and I had a blast with this first project. I stitched in the ditch first using my Fine Line Rulers from Patsy Thompson Design and they were so easy to use! I love them! Next, I did some straight line quilting around the north star to really emphasize that shape. I think it looks awesome. Of course, I used the same beautiful Aurifil Cotton Mako 50 weight thread that I used for the entire king size Double Wedding Ring quilt. #2310 matches the background fabric perfectly and quilts like a dream. I had zero problems with it on my Sweet 16 for this pillow and my Horizon loves it (which I used to quilt the quilt). I have used several spools of #2310 and didn't want to run out so I have a couple left over. I have more background fabric to use up and the cream shade is ideal for piecing so it definitely won't go to waste!

 

After that was done I added the feathers in the same fan shape as in my quilt blocks. I micro stippled between them and added another feather fan in the corner stones. In the borders I did the same circle-with-a-teardrop chain as I have in the DWR arcs and they turned out great. I used matching thread in each section of the pillow so the quilting doesn't show up quite as much as the cream thread I used in the quilt but the texture is there. I was very pleased that I had no problems with the different threads in my Sweet 16. I used my bobbin winder for the first time with excellent results and tested the bobbins in my TOWA gauge. I also used the basting stitch mode to baste the edges of the pillow quilt sandwich and the button panel. It works wonderfully! What a lot of fun I had getting to know my Rosebud better.

I used some fusible interfacing in the back of the pillow to add some stability and strength where the buttons are. I did switch to my Horizon 7700 to both make the button holes and attach the buttons. This was a new exercise for me (I have made both before but never more than one at a time) and they didn't quite line up evenly like I was shooting for! Still, the pillow stays closed and I don't think anyone will notice they are slightly off centre. I'm really happy that it turned out so nicely and I think it looks great on the bed with the quilt. I got to break out my embroidery machine, use up some 'free' fabric, and really get quilting on my new Sweet 16. This was another excellent project from the Elegant Embroidered Quilts class. Two of my favourites pieces ever are from Amanda Murphy - the Garden Walk Table Runner and now, this pillow! I am definitely going to add one of her quilts and maybe another pillow to my list of future endeavours.

Floriani Template Tearaway

Embroidering Monograms by Machine with Terri Johnson) is one of the newest Craftsy classes I joined. It's a wonderful and detailed course on everything you need to know about machine embroidering monograms. There is information on the placement of various styles of monograms on different kinds of things (towels, clothes, bags, hats, pillows, etc.) and several ways of getting, and editing, design files (built in on your machine, purchased, provided from class, or created from software).

One great tip I already love is Terri's favourite way to achieve accurate placement of the monograms (or any other design, actually). Floriani Template Tearaway Paper is a fantastic idea. The paper can be run through an ink jet printer to get the design and then there is release paper on the back so that you can just peel and stick the template to the fabric. That means perfect placement with no shifting!!! It is much easier to get precise placement and super fast compared to trying to eyeball or centre a design using the notches in the hoop. Since hooping is my least favourite part of the process I can't wait to try it out. I think this is going to be a miracle product for me!

There are so many other great suggestions and short cuts in the class. Hard-to-hoop items are discussed (I doubt I would go to great lengths to un-sew something in order to get it hooped but it's good to know how!). Terri also troubleshoots tricky fabrics like textured fabrics, open-weave fabrics, and lined garments. This lady knows it all and is an obvious professional! The class is specific to monograms and a very elaborate single-letter scrolled alphabet is included (all the different machine files are provided).

If you have an embroidery machine and want to monogram everything (the number one reason people buy an embroidery machine in the first place), you'll definitely want to check out this class. You'll learn everything you need to know.

Craftsy BLACK FRIDAY SALE!

From Friday through Sunday MONDAY*, Craftsy is hosting their Black Friday Sale! All Classes $19.99 or less! Now is a great time to get the classes you've been eyeing all year! Craftsy classes also make a great gift, so do some holiday shopping for the crafter in your life. If you have a free-motion quilter on your list I can highly recommend The Secrets of Free-Motion Quilting, the new class packed with modern, easy, free-motion quilting designs taught by Christina Cameli. By the way, you don't even have to pick the class for the gift certificate - the recipient gets to choose whichever one they want (but you can always suggest it!!)

*Craftsy extended their Black Friday Sale one more day! Through Monday, December 1st, All Classes $19.99 or less!

Marathon Threads Canada & Organ Needles

It is important to change your machine needle after about 8 hours of stitching or every 100,000 stitches. One of the first things my dealer taught me was that many problems can be avoided or fixed simply by changing the needle.  I'm not sure why many people ignore the advice, given that a needle costs less than a buck and problems created by not swapping out a dull, bent, or defective needle can potentially cost you much more in time, hassle, or an expensive repair bill!

I am a rule follower and totally believe prevention is better than the cure so I heed the professionals' good advice and change my needles often - in my embroidery machine, serger, and my sewing machines. Obviously I would throw out a bent or broken needle immediately but as a general rule of thumb I will change the needle with every new project, even if it has been less than a total of 8 hours of stitching.  It's simply an easy way to ensure I have a fresh needle.  I keep a good supply on hand of various sizes and types of specialty needles (I love my storage system: an embroidery floss organizer with lots of compartments) for each machine but for every day piecing and quilting my favourite needle is an Organ 90/14.  My Horizon loves it and I never have any trouble.

Given that I do go through a lot of this size needle and the Organ brand is so highly recommended, I find it cost effective and efficient to buy them in bulk.  I always shop at Marathon Threads Canada as I found with my research they have the best selection and the best price (not to mention all the other goodies I've bought from them and written about: stabilizers, all the gorgeous embroidery thread sets, and my favourite thread stand!).  It costs so much less to purchase 100 or more at a time versus buying those little packets of five at the quilt shop.  I never have to worry about running out or waiting too long to change out my needle because I only have one left.

For essentials and consumables like needles (no matter which size you prefer) that you will use continuously, it just makes good sense to get a good supply and keep them in stock in your sewing room.

You can visit the Marathon Threads Canada website for information about needles and to see their selection and if you are not in the habit, please be kind to your machine and change the needle often!

CRAFTSY SALE!

FYI, there is a big FLASH SALE at Craftsy for today and tomorrow!  Some classes are up to 50% off!  I love the new 3 Blocks 30 Quilts (w/ Kate Colleran) class - it's very meaty and I can't wait to make one of the quilts.  

Creative Quilting With Your Walking Foot is another great one I recently joined and I've already used Jacquie Gering's tips and designs in my quilt!

I just mentioned to someone that Craftsy is now a verb in my house, as in "mom is busy Craftsy-ing"!  It is crazy how much of my life I spend watching, learning, and creating because of this amazing on-line educator!!!  Have fun!