TLC Inspirations http://inspirewireblog.com We itch to stitch. Sat, 12 May 2012 02:44:08 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Stabilizing Machine Embroidery http://inspirewireblog.com/stabilizing-machine-embroidery/ http://inspirewireblog.com/stabilizing-machine-embroidery/#comments Wed, 09 May 2012 13:21:40 +0000 tlcinspirations http://inspirewireblog.com/?p=2735 When I first purchased my Brother SE 400 Embroidery Sewing Machine, and started creating machine embroidery, I didn’t realize there is a lot more to it than meets the eye. Hoops, stabilizers, stitch density, thread color, tension, etc. It can be a little confusing at first, but with a little research into my manual, I now understand how important these things are in creating a beautiful design. Choosing the right stabilizer, and hooping your project properly are the most important steps to a successful embroidery project. In this post, I want to address the different stabilizers, and why it matters.

What is Stabilizer?

Stabilizer is used as a backing for your embroidery design, to stabilize your fabric when it is placed in your hoop. Embroidery sewing machines operate in multi-directional manner, which pulls and stretches fabric, and stabilizers helps to hold your fabric flat to minimize distortion of your designs.

Why is it important?

Without the use of stabilizers, your fabric will pucker, and your needle won’t sew smoothly. Using the right stabilizer with your fabric is key to a successful embroidery design or appliqué.

Types of Stabilizers

There are 4 main types of stabilizers:

  • Tear away (removed by tearing off around your embroidery design)
  • Wash away (water soluable and removed by dissolving in water)
  • Cut away (removed by cutting around your design)
  • Heat away (removed by heat of an iron)

Stabilizers are also available in different weights. And, while some are permanent, and will remain on the backside of your design, most are temporary and removed after your embroidery is complete. There are also fusible stabilizers and non fusible.  You can use a spray on adhesive for non fusible stabilizer. Fusible versus non fusible is just a matter of personal preference. It can be confusing, but once you learn the differences, it will make your embroidery projects smooth and easy.

Which Stabilizer Should I Use?

It is important to choose a stabilizer that is compatible with your fabric. You will need to consider the weight of your fabric when selecting a stabilizer. Here are some general guidelines for selecting a stabilizer:

  • Use Cut Away Stabilizer on knits, or loose woven fabric / available in light to heavy weight, and generally remain on the back of the fabric, except for what’s cut away around the design.
  • Use Tear Away Stabilizer for natural fiber fabric, with tighter weave/available in light to heavy weight, fusible or non fusible, and removable.
  • Use Wash Away Stabilizer for delicate fabrics, or a heavier water soluble stabilizer for lace work. Wash away can also be use on top of fabric for tracing designs in free motion embroidery, and fabrics with a dense nap to keep the stitches from sinking into the fabric. Available in plastic film, paper, spray, brush on, or liquid.  I have not used the brush on or liquid. (Adhesive backed film and paper available).
  • Use Heat Away Stabilizer for fabrics that are too sheer for cut away, or too delicate for tear away or wash away. Sulky Heat Away  is specially made to get “crisp” and brush off when heated with an iron (follow directions).

There are so many stabilizers on the market, it can be overwhelming, but the basic rules will help you make the right decisions, although some things are learned by “trial and error.”  Every project is different, and requires some planning for the best results. There are a lot of resources on the internet that offer help and guidance for your embroidery project.

Generally, the lighter weight the fabric, the lighter weight the stabilizer. Keep your stabilizers in a sealed bag, as wash away stabilizers can dry out from long term air exposure and become crisp, or become sticky in high humidity.

Our new Embroidery Stabilizer video may help you with selecting stabilizers, and hooping your fabric.  You can view it below, or on our YouTube Channel.  You may also want to take a look at our other crochet and sewing “How To” videos  on our channel.

“We itch to stitch.”

Bonnie

]]> http://inspirewireblog.com/stabilizing-machine-embroidery/feed/ 1 Tote Tutorial ~ It’s a Cinch! http://inspirewireblog.com/tote-tutorial-its-a-cinch/ http://inspirewireblog.com/tote-tutorial-its-a-cinch/#comments Tue, 03 Apr 2012 20:56:16 +0000 tlcinspirations http://inspirewireblog.com/?p=2699 Our latest sewing tutorial is “A Cinch!” You can make this great tote, with minimal sewing knowledge! It’s a perfect tote bag for books, your laptop, a trip to the beach, or the market. The adjustable cinch ties on both sides allows the tote bag to be adjusted in size, making it appealing and practical. And, best of ALL, it’s handmade, by YOU!

Tote Bag Materials

You’ll need a sewing machine, thread, scissors, and fabric. A light weight to medium weight cotton fabric is suggested. Using a contrast fabric for the lining, underside of straps, and ties adds character. There are  5 parts to the tote bag, and below are the measurements that I used.

  • The body  Cut one 18″ x 36″ 
  • The lining Cut one 17.5″ x 36″  (allows lining to lay smoother)
  • The straps  4.5″ x 32″ Cut 2 from main fabric + 2 from contrast fabric=4 (these can be adjusted to your needs)
  • The casing Cut two 3″ x 12″ ( this can be altered up to 4″ longer, if you want more “cinch”)
  • The ties Cut two (I cut mine 1″ x 18″ but if you increase your casing length, you will need to adjust these accordingly, adding length)

Shoulder Tote Bag Video Tutorial

If you need help, feel free to contact me at bonnie@tlcinspirations.com.  Happy sewing!

Copyright © 2011-2012 TLC Inspirations. All Rights Reserved. This tote was designed and created by TLC Inspirations. Please feel free to make this tote for your own personal use, but this design and bags created using this design should not be sold, nor should this design ever be claimed as your own.

Sincerely, Bonnie :)

]]> http://inspirewireblog.com/tote-tutorial-its-a-cinch/feed/ 0 Crochet Basics: How to Weave in Ends http://inspirewireblog.com/crochet-basics-how-to-weave-in-ends/ http://inspirewireblog.com/crochet-basics-how-to-weave-in-ends/#comments Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:49:14 +0000 tlcinspirations http://inspirewireblog.com/?p=2670 If you’re just learning to crochet, you’ve obviously made some headway, since you’re weaving in the ends – you’ve just finished something! Congratulations! Weaving in ends in crochet is an easy task, so don’t worry. It’s not the end of the world if you don’t get it just right. The whole point is just to HIDE your tail (the same applies for dodging chores). :)

Two Ways are Better than One!
I learned to weave in ends in TWO directions for better results. It has less of a chance of unraveling that way. So, always leave yourself a good 6″ tail to weave in. Use a blunt embroidery needle large enough to accommodate your yarn and start weaving! Ideally, you should drop down a stitch, weave through the base of the stitch in one direction, drop down another stitch, and weave through the base going the opposite direction. Now, on a square or small project, you may be able to take your tail all the way across. But, in most cases, you’ll just work in a small section of the project.

One Final IMPORTANT Note
One important thing to note is that in weaving in the ends, it’s vital to keep it loose. When you pull your tail through, it will automatically pull your yarn too tight, so gently stretch your piece back out after each run through of the embroidery needle. If you can remember THAT, then you’ll do just fine. Clip the end when you’re done, and happy weaving!

Warmly, Rachel
TLC Inspirations

1. Complete last stitch. 2. Snip yarn & fasten off. 3. Weave down one stitch. 4. Weave thru base of stitch. 5. Keep going. 6. Weave down 1 more stitch. 7. Weave in other direction. 8. You're done! It's invisible! ]]> http://inspirewireblog.com/crochet-basics-how-to-weave-in-ends/feed/ 2 Create with Brother SE 400 Embroidery Sewing Machine http://inspirewireblog.com/create-with-brother-se-400-embroidery-sewing-machine/ http://inspirewireblog.com/create-with-brother-se-400-embroidery-sewing-machine/#comments Wed, 14 Mar 2012 14:23:16 +0000 tlcinspirations http://inspirewireblog.com/?p=2530

I absolutely love my Brother SE 400 Embroidery Sewing Machine. I guess you can consider this post a “review” of sorts. I just wanted to share my personal experience with what I consider to be one of the best sewing machines in regards to function and value. I have been sewing for years, and have always been fascinated with embroidery. So, when I discovered the Brother SE 400 Embroidery Sewing Machine, at a price that I could afford, I couldn’t resist. I think all embroidery is beautiful, whether it is by hand, machine, or free motion. If you haven’t seen a machine do embroidery, it’s enthralling to watch it transform a blank fabric into a colorful, simple or intricate design! This is the first computerized machine I have owned, and I was a little intimidated, but it’s amazing!  Technology never ceases to amaze me.

My Experience:

It has been 2 years since I purchased the Brother SE 400, and I have used this machine on multiple layers and thickness without any problems, as it easily sews over thicker fabrics, as well as sheer and knits, without stretching. Setting up for embroidery is easy, with beautiful results! I love that it is easy to thread (see our video “How to Thread a Sewing Machine”). I no longer contend with bobbin issues, like I experienced with other machines. The LCD Touch Screen makes it so easy to customize my stitches, and settings for all of my projects. One of my favorite features is the direct USB connection to my computer for embroidery. I have a Apple iMac computer, and there are very few options for Macs and Embroidery software, so the USB connection allows me to easily access any embroidery design and load it to the machine! A USB option is not available on many other embroidery machines.

The Brother SE 400 does it all, and is the perfect machine for all of your sewing, quilting, and embroidery projects. It’s not a high end sewing machine, but it has a lot to offer for the price. See at Amazon.  I know there are many functions that I have not used or aren’t aware of, but I will continue to explore the many options on the Brother SE 400 Embroidery Sewing Machine.

Some of MY Favorite Features:

  • Easy set up and operation
  • Embroidery (Easy Set Up)
  • Stitch Width Slider Control (When using the foot pedal to control your sewing speed, you can set the slider speed controller to change stitch widths during sewing!
  • USB connection to connect directly to my computer (this is best feature for me, as I have a Mac computer, and most embroidery software is not compatible with Mac.
  • Automatic Threader (invaluable since my eyesight isn’t what it used to be)
  • LCD Touch Screen ( just touch to customize your stitches, and settings)
  • Drop In Bobbin, with easy winding.  (I haven’t had any bobbin issues with this machine, so far)
  • Automatic Thread Cutter ( love it!)
  • There are 70 Preloaded Embroidery Designs (easy acces to your own collection, on your computer with the USB port)
  • 67 Built In Stitches with 98 Stitch Functions
  • 5 Preloaded fonts
  • 25 year warranty

Create with Embroidery:

What’s included with the Brother SE 400:

Feet: Buttonholer, Overcast Foot, Monogramming Foot, Zipper Foot, Zigzag Foot, Blind Stitch Foot, Button Fitting Foot, Embroidery Foot

 Accessories:  Seam Ripper, Bobbins (4+clip) Needle Set, Twin Needle, Cleaning Brush, Eyelet Punch, Screwdriver, Touch Pen, Spool Caps (sm, med, lrg) Extra Spool Pin, Foot Controller, Scissors, Embroidery Bobbin Thread, Soft Cover, Manual, CD, 4×4 Embroidery hoop

There are many other “feet” and accessories available for this machine, such as a side cutter.  Bobbins are a special size for this machine, and are also available at the Brother website or Amazon.

Final Thoughts:

I don’t really have any complaints about the Brother SE 400 Embroidery Sewing machine. I have sewn on thick layers of fabric with ease, created embroidery designs, sewn blind hems, made bags with zippers, sewn on knits, and denims without any problems. The one drawback on this machine is the 4×4 embroidery hoop. I sometimes wish I had a larger embroidery space of 5×7, but 4×4 has been adequate for most of my projects. You also learn how to manipulate designs, and add to your designs, as you practice, so the smaller hoop becomes less of an issue. I would also have liked more built in font choices, but I purchased additional fonts with Embrilliance Essentials (embroidery software for Mac users).

 

If you are on a budget, and looking for a sewing machine that is computerized, and expands your creativity into the world of embroidery, this embroidery sewing machine combo is a great choice.

 

Tune in to our YouTube Channel for upcoming Embroidery tutorials!

Warmly, Bonnie

]]> http://inspirewireblog.com/create-with-brother-se-400-embroidery-sewing-machine/feed/ 4 The 28 hour Day: Finding the Time http://inspirewireblog.com/the-28-hour-day-finding-the-time/ http://inspirewireblog.com/the-28-hour-day-finding-the-time/#comments Mon, 05 Mar 2012 12:41:27 +0000 tlcinspirations http://inspirewireblog.com/?p=2486 Better Time Management Cartoon by Cathy Thorne

 

Sometimes, I wish the days were just a little bit longer. So many things to do, so little time. Am I right? As a business owner, crafter, mother, wife (and the list goes on), finding the time to complete the things I NEED to complete vs. the things I WANT to complete can be a crazy challenge. Seriously, even if I’m busy all day long, I sometimes wonder what happened to my day. Nothing on my “todo list” got done, because I was busy cleaning up a cat hairball, doing the load of laundry that my daughter didn’t do, running errands, picking up my daughter from school because she missed the bus (again), paying bills, talking it out with a child who had a bad day, fixing the computer, cooking meals, helping with homework, checking email, etc. Well, you get the idea. The day can get away from you (and me). What we need is better time management skills.

 

 

CHAOS + ORGANIZATION = TIME MANAGEMENT

There are several steps in time management.

  1. Goal – what are trying to accomplish?
  2. Self-motivation – you have to WANT to do it.
  3. Organization – both your space and your thoughts.
  4. Prioritize – deciding what is most important.
  5. Scheduling – physically writing it down.
  6. Follow Through – focus until complete.

Goal

In your mind (or written down), set your goal, or goals, for yourself. Are you trying to just complete daily tasks? Are you wanting to write for an hour a day? Are you trying to manage your time so you can start that new project on the weekend? Are you wanting to just be more organized on a daily basis? What is your objective?

 

Self-motivation

This is about you. Nobody can make you do it. You are reading this post because you have the desire, so that’s a great first step. You are already showing that you motivated to make a change! Now, hold on to that motivation through the rest of these steps.

 

Organization

This is more of a physical task. First, get your work space organized. Clean off your desk, file that paperwork, put away your supplies, and dust everything off. Trust me, you’ll immediately feel organized once you’re done. Don’t try to move on to any other steps until this one is complete. I mean it…don’t make me come over there. :o

Next, you’ll want to get your thoughts in order. This is a bit more of a challenge, as our minds are always racing in different directions. To help facilitate this step, I’ve created a DAILY PLANNING TOOL ➔ ➔ Daily Task planner worksheet. Print out several pages, punch holes in them, and throw them in a 3-hole Daily Planner binder. But before filling out the page in the morning, you’ll want to…

 

Prioritize

This is important. There will be things you NEED to do and things you’ll WANT to do. It’s up to you to decide what’s most important. Those items will go to the top of the list. They will be things that need to be completed in a timely, aggressive manner. They will require focus.

 

Follow-through

Follow-through is, by far, the most difficult task on this list. It means you have to avoid distractions, and stay focused on a task until it’s finished. It means turning your “todo list” into your “today list”. It may not be something you’re good at right away, but it will be paramount in getting you to the finish line successfully. Distractions are one of my biggest…well, distractions. It will be difficult at first, as you catch yourself floating away from an important task to do something mundane, but once you get in the habit, you will find that everything else can wait. That load of laundry isn’t going anywhere, unfortunately. :)
Rachel @ TLC Inspirations

 

 

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