Did you know the nation’s largest event for sewing enthusiasts takes place right here in the Pacific Northwest? The Sewing and Stitchery Expo is a non-profit educational event that features inspirational seminars daily, hands-on workshops, style shows and vendors from all over the country with booths that specialize in the latest in fabrics, tools, and supplies! This year Sew Expo will be taking place February 28 – March 3rd at the Puyallup Fairgrounds. In addition to all the daily happenings, special guests, such as, Nancy Zieman, Mary Mulari, and the “HotFusing Chicks” will be flying in to make special appearances . Nancy and Mary will be presenting their second “Kick it Up a Stitch” and if you joined them last year, you know how much fun time with them can be! in addition, television host Ellen March, will be conducting a live audition for her television show “Sew it All”!
Be sure to check out Sew Expo’s website for all the details you need to know about the show. You can download a registration brochure which features all the seminar and class descriptions. Additionally you can register for the daily seminars on the Expo website. You can purchase Sew Expo tickets at all Quality Sewing locations while supplies last. Pre-sale tickets are only $10.00, they will be $12.00 the day of. The Sew Expo website also features an updated blog and some fun links including:
Pillowcase Patrol As a part of the “Million Pillowcase Project”, the 2013 Sewing & Stitchery Expo will be a collection point for handmade pillowcases. Create cheerful pillowcases for the children who are undergoing treatment at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital. Check out the Expo web site to download your free pillowcase pattern. Expo collected more than 5,000 pillowcases last year. How many more can we give this year?
Be Sure to Visit the Quality Sewing Booths – This year we will have an exciting notions and threads booth in the Pavilion. We have been shopping and negotiating with our various vendors for several months to bring you an amazing array of hot buys! We have combed our stores for close-outs and one-of-a-kind items that will all be priced to sell fast. We will also feature the new items that Nancy Zieman and Sue Hausmann will show in their seminars, all at special Expo prices.
We have many sewing experts on-hand this year and this will be a great opportunity to meet them. Across from the notions booth in the Pavilion, we have multi-needle embroidery expert George Moore and special guests long arm quilting expert Denise Applegate-Schober. Be sure to visit Simon Haskins, all the way here from Australia, over in the Showplex building. He will be showing his amazing techniques and designs along with his brand new designs that have just been released. In the Showplex, you will also find our main booth which will be filled with awesome special on machines and Floriani products. Across from our main booth, we will have special guest Ed Moore, the lead designer for Koala Cabinets. This event is not to be missed as it only happens once a year! View our 2013 Sew Expo Buyers Guide that showcases some of the fabulous deals to be had at this year’s event.
The Brother PR-1000 Multi-Needle Embroidery Machine
LED Indicator Lights
There were some things that I didn’t realize would be so useful:
One favorite feature is the way the machine remembers what colors I have on the spools. When a new design is selected it highlights the spools that need to be changed for the next design. For example: I was doing a set of designs from a collection. All the designs had similar colors with just a few changes for each design. As soon as the new design was selected the colors that needed to be changed were highlighted in blue, making it very quick for me to get the new thread colors in position. It remembered that Prussian Blue was on spool 3, and even though Prussian Blue was the first color in the new design it was automatically assigned to spool 3 instead of me having to move it to spool 1 or manually re-assign it myself. In many cases I only needed to change 2 or 3 colors for the new design.
The Name Drop feature has saved me more time than I dreamed possible, especially when it is teamed with the LINK function. The Name Drop feature lets you save series of names that it will place in the proper position on a design. As soon as a design is completed a message pops up and asks, “Do you want to do the next design?” If “OK” is selected the finished design will clear and the next name in the queue will load in the next design automatically. I used a design from an Anita Goodesign holiday collection with Name Drop and completed a monogrammed Christmas stocking for every member of the family. Everyone loved them!
Aligning with the Snowman
I have done plenty of large designs using the FF jumbo hoop and the alignment system in PE Design. I’ve never had problems with alignment, but I was careful and followed a “procedure” to make sure it lined up prior to stitching. Now I just divide the design in PE Design NEXT and let the Snowman® do the alignment. This requires no thinking on my part. I just need to be able to read and follow the simple steps that are displayed on the screen!
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If you have a multi-needle machine, what are your favorite features? If you don’t have a multi-needle embroidery machine, be sure to stop by your local store and take a look at one in action. You’ll be amazed at how much time you can save!
A new Brother software upgrade will provide precise alignment tools through use of the Snowman™ and the Innov-eye™ Camera System on some models of Brother machines. When the software upgrade is added to the machine, the included Camera Pattern Alignment program will add new capabilities to make design alignment even easier.
The secret to having continuous designs line up accurately has always been in getting the fabric hooped correctly. The new camera pattern alignment program lets the camera work with 2 snowmen and the software does the work of making each design match up properly. Designs can match at 9 connection points and the points can be adjusted by sliding for a completely new look.
How does this magic work?
Select this icon on the screen of the machine:
A new screen will open. Select the point on the grid where the next design needs to attach:
Stitch the first design.
When finished, the machine screen will guide you through placing the 2 snowman markers where they need to be. It will scan the snowman locations. Remove the fabric from the hoop (DO NOT REMOVE the SNOWMEN) and rehoop the fabric for the next design segment.
Select the point on the grid where the next design will attach to the previous design. The machine will scan the snowmen.
Choose the new design (it doesn’t have to be the same as the one used first). The software will align the new design to the previous one.
Stitch the design (if you are planning to add additional designs, select the icon again prior to completing the stitching of this design. Select where the next design will line up to the design you’re about to stitch. This will let the software know you are planning to add to the design).
The Continuous Border Hoop is not just for borders! If you like easy hooping then this is the hoop for you.
If you have ever struggled getting the hoop together nice and tight; or if you enjoy working with specialty fabrics such as leather, velvet, some silks etc; then you owe it to yourself to swing by your nearest Quality Sewing Store and take a close look at the amazing Continuous Border Hoop from Brother.
The hoop is a clamp hoop. Lay the fabric in place on the soft non-marking base, and press one side latch. Then it is an easy task to make certain the fabric is lined up as desired, just check the alignment lines on each side of the hoop and press the other side latch to secure the fabric. The top side of the hoop has a rubber grip that will hold the fabric securely and will not leave any marks or “hoop burn.”
Brother Quattro Software Upgrade Premium Pack III including the Continuous Border Hoop
Who needs more software? Many people struggle with the ones they already own. PE Design® Plus is a breath of fresh air for those who want good, really-easy-to-use software. The included tutorials will make learning a simple task.
One of the features that makes it so very special and different from other available software is that it includes the entire PhotoStitch™ program from PE Design® NEXT.
PE Design® NEXT has always been considered the benchmark of excellence in photo stitch programs. The stitch-outs are very realistic. The program will produce fantastic stitch-outs by just letting the software do the work of making the choices. It also includes many tools that are handy for those who want to make changes. It is easy to learn to use and there is an excellent training video on the Brother Sews YouTube site. The video demonstrates how to use most of the excellent tools and provides some useful tips to get the very best photo stitch:
There are 35 fonts that are instantly recalculated when resized. Underlay may be added and density (number of stitches) may be adjusted. The arc transformation for creating circles is also included.
There is an excellent auto-punch program that will turn simple clip art into an embroidery design in just seconds. It offers a choice of fill and outline stitches.
There is a design library of included designs. Designs can be imported and exported in most machine formats. The realistic preview mode and a sew simulator help determine if the design will stitch as desired. The stitching order of a design allows rearranging which part of the design will sew first or last. Designs may be resized with or without recalculation of stitches (this is useful when an existing design has too much or too little density.)
The program can also display thumbnail pictures of the designs in a file and show the details, ie: dimensions, colors, stitch time and much more. Brother hoop sizes are in the software, and additional hoops may be easily added. The print feature provides printing of actual size templates.
This software is compatible with nearly every machine available. It is easy to use. Best of all there are so many features you will actually use. Stop by one of our locations to learn more and pick up your own copy of this wonderful software!
Have you ever embroidered with metallic threads? I just love how they look. However, when using these temperamental threads, one thing that needs to be considered is that normal tensions and sewing speeds don’t always work well for metallic threads. Even when the machine is adjusted for them they can be tricky.
I had a very different experience this past week. Some of our stores had the privilege of having an educator from Viking come and show us the features of the new Designer Diamond Deluxe. One of the most amazing advancements of this machine is the new automatic Deluxe Stitch System.
What is that? This new technology is a secondary tension system that when turned on, replaces the traditional style tension disks of the machine. It is a set of rollers that smoothly glide the fabric through and releases the appropriate amount of thread for the thickness of the fabric and thread that you are using. So no matter how thick or thin your project, the feeding of the thread is adjusted automatically. In most cases, you will not even give tensions a single thought.
The project that we stitched out was a very sheer scarf using designs that were created on the machine and using metallic thread in both the needle and in the bobbin.
Metallic threads in both the needle and bobbin?! Are you kidding?!!! I said the same thing.
What makes this work so well is that we used the Deluxe Stitch System instead of the traditional tension disks.
It was really quite fascinating how the Deluxe Stitch System accommodated the metallic threads in both the needle and bobbin without making any adjustments at all. There was no need to test sew, adjust tensions, test sew again. The machine was even able to stitch with the metallic threads at a high speed due to this new System.
Before this experience, I really did not understand the advantages of the Deluxe Stitch System. Once I saw it in action and tried it for myself it was very impressive. I invite you to stop by one of our stores and try it for yourself. It is something worth seeing!
Have you upgraded your 5D software with the new FREE features Reva mentioned in our earlier blog post? They are amazing! The MultiWave Fill is powerful and beautiful. This impressive technique allows you to do fills with a default wave fill, or change the wave to any creative style you wish. By changing the line that controls the wave you can build movement into your design, add softness to the wave, intensify, overlap, or create an effect that is totally your own idea.
In the examples below, you will see three of the many ways you can create. Example A shows the default MultiWave Fill. Example B shows the default wave was not only manipulated with new curves, but you can also do straight lines and corners. Example C shows using Motifs in the MultiWave Fill, and there are hundreds of gorgeous decorative motifs in this software. You can also tell the software to wave in multiple directions.
You are the artist and 5D MultiWave Fill is your paint and brush. Capture your inner artist (no art class needed) and create something exciting, stitch it out and send us a picture for our Facebook page.
To get you started, here is a link to the Spring Leaf design above for you to stitch out, zipped for easy download: Spring Leaf.zip
Let me know what you think!!
If you would like to see this software, stop by one of our stores for a demo. You will be delighted at how easy this software is to use. If you have the software already, we offer classes to get you using this valuable tool. Take your embroidery to the next level with great software.
Enjoy your sewing adventures! Lana L Jones
Educational Consultant
Quality Sewing and Vacuum
This past weekend I was at the Puyallup Store and Audrey was giving a class on Cotton Theory by nationally sought after Author and Designer Betty Cotton. It has been a bit since I have made a project using the Cotton Theory. After seeing how much fun everyone was having, it has encouraged me to start another one. I think that I might make one that is fall on one side and Christmas on the other. I love 2 for 1 projects!
In a nut shell, how the process work is that you complete one section or block at a time: top, batting, backing and quilting. All of the pieces of fabric and batting are small enough to be very easy to handle.
There are several things that make this system so great to work with.
Some of these include:
It is fast! When the sections are stitched together, then that part is complete. Just move on to the next section.
It is easy to handle! Since each section is small in size, it is just as easy to make a queen sized quilt as it is a table runner
It is reversible! Since all the seams are finished as the sections are assembled, a completely different back fabric can be used so that you will have 2 projects in one.
It is dimensional! The texture that is created by the unique and easy seam finishing technique adds so much more personality to the project than traditional quilting can give.
It is fun! Such a fun way to explore working with reversible embroidery, decorative stitching, and beautiful threads.
Hey, did I mention fast? I know I did, but it is sure worth repeating! Those of us who are into more of an “Instant Gratification” type of project, this is right up our alley!
I encourage you to give this a try. I started with a table runner and many others have started by making place mats. Betty Cotton has several books and patterns available, check one of our stores to see what they have in stock and try this today! If you are near the Puyallup Store, go in and take a look at Audrey’s great samples (She is a Certified Betty Cotton Instructor) and while you are there sign up for one of her classes.
If you have made a project using the Cotton Theory by Betty Cotton, send us a picture or post it on our Facebook page. We would love to see what you have made.
There has been a recent update to the 5D Embroidery software. If you own either 5D Professional or 5D Suite, this is something that you will want to take advantage of right away. The new features are amazing!
The first thing that you will want to do to be able to take full advantage of the updates is to make sure that you have registered your software. Once you have done this, you can download the latest update.
After the update installs and your computer has restarted, you will have new Minidesigns and Frames, as well as features for the Cutwork Needles (both for use with existing designs and also to make your own).
You will notice on the leftt side of the screen, a button that you will take you to the Purchase Center where you will be able to download 3 new Superfonts for free.
To take a look at the features of the update, click here.
I have had so much fun playing with the new Cutwork features in the software! It makes it so easy to automatically add the cutting lines to traditional Cutwork embroidery designs that I own. No need to even have to know what the settings should be, it does it all for you (you will find this in Stitch Editor under Modify). It has been so much fun to take designs and adjust them so that they needles will cut out the fabric for me. This has worked beautifully with my AnitaGoodesign Cutwork and My Fair Lady Cutwork designs.
If you want to make your own designs from artwork, you will use the Design Creator portion of your software. Here you will find tools that are all set up to create cutwork with just a couple of clicks. Again, there is no reason to worry about knowing exactly what setting to use. The software does it for you.
To learn more, click on the “Learning Center” button on the left side of your 5D Embroidery Screen (up dated version). There you will find video demos on how features in the software work.
Not familiar with Cutwork needles? Check out my previous blog about them.
A good tool is valuable; a great tool makes the job easier. A great tool always saves money in the long run because it saves time and frustration.
I bought my Brother PR 600 in 2004 and have always relied on its workhorse ethic. It has always been ready to tackle any job. In fact recently I was asked to complete an order for a shop that couldn’t complete in time to meet a deadline. The only issue occurred when the customer questioned why some hats were “cleaner and more precisely stitched” than others. The shop owner was quite distressed to find out that his customer preferred the hats that had been stitched on my machine!
The Brother PR1000
My machine has paid for itself a dozen times over. I have never seriously considered a different machine (even though I will confess to looking). New features became available, but I’ve never been seriously tempted to upgrade until now.
The new beauty that has caught my eye is the Brother PR 1000. It isn’t just the beauty of the design, the larger hoops, support table, new software integration features and new accessories that make it attractive. Isn’t that enough? Hooping an item consistently perfect is always a challenge, so I am confident the Innoveye™ camera will save me lots of rehooping time. The new hat hoop embroiders up to 14” wide – ear to ear without rehooping. This feature will also be a big time-saver for me. I can do the cap front and 2 side designs without rehooping!
Link: lets one computer control up to 4 PR 1000 or PR 650 machines. Each machine can be working on a different task with up to 100 designs in queue.
Name drop: names can be typed or imported from a spreadsheet. The software will place them in the proper position in the design and save them all in one quick process. I used to do this task manually and I had created a routine to be efficient – this tool has reduced my design prep time by 90%
Database provides printing a catalog of designs for customer viewing and selection. (This is huge because different design color and font choices may be printed–to be viewed by group members prior to a decision.) It has a special page that can be printed with all the design and item information included for easy filing in your records.
It also includes manual and auto digitizing, photo stitch, impressive resizing capabilities, editing and much more.
Time=Money. Saving time in my work process will create more income for my family. I will be taking a PR 1000 home to join its older “Brother” in my sewing room. I’m looking forward to using the exciting new features.
Stop by one of the Quality Sewing locations and see this beautiful machine in action – it truly is amazing!
Until recently, I had never heard of this technology either. Thread portioning is a patented thread delivery system just introduced on the brand-new Viking Designer Diamond Deluxe. What is it? It’s a very clever system for delivering exactly the right amount of thread – the correct portion – for every stitch, embroidery design, and fabric. The engineers at Viking have been working on this technology for almost ten years and introduced it to the world at the Viking Dealer Convention last week. I had the opportunity to attend the convention and spend an afternoon hands-on with this incredible new machine.
We started by sewing a wide satin stitch and admired the uniform, slightly pulled underside… a perfect satin stitch. We got to test various stitch combinations and learned that the portioning system spools the perfect amount of thread for each stitch and varies automatically with changes to width and length of stitch. What if the fabric is extra thick, sheer or has a deep pile like velvet? The thread portioning system compensates by monitoring the thickness of the fabric from the sensor foot along with the exact location of the thread knot making a perfectly formed stitch no matter which fabric we chose.
For the next project we embroidered a flower motif onto a sheer scarf. During embroidery you really see the positive stitching performance of the thread portioning system. We used matching metallic threads on both top and bottom. Even though the thread was extremely fragile, we did not experience the thread breakages I would have expected. The most impressive thing however was the beautiful embroidery stitches that were uniform top and bottom. If it weren’t for the wash-away stabilizer on the bottom it would have been difficult to determine which side was top and which side was bottom!
Those of us who are into more of an “Instant
Gratification” type of project, this is right up our alley!
