Embroidery Tip---Bobbin Thread

Today's machines do so many wonderful things, especially those wonderful machines that do embroidery. Sometimes optimal results require a bit of tweaking.

Starting out with a quality digitized design is the first step to obtaining great results. Installing a fresh, sharp embroidery needle of the correct size for your project is very important. Also using the correct stabilizer is imperative.

Then there is the thread. For projects where the back isn't going to be the same as the front, it is best to use a bobbin thread made specifically for bobbin embroidery applications. Bobbin threads are lightweight so more thread fits on the bobbin and that means less bobbin filling and swapping in the middle of your project. And bobbin threads reduce bulk so your design isn't a wedge of thread sitting on your fabric.

We carry good quality bobbin threads and can recommend an appropriate thread for your project. Threads come in cotton, polyester, and filament polyester(nylon).  No matter what thread you choose, you should run a design test and adjust your tension accordingly to insure that your project turns out perfect.

An Inspirational Fourth of July

We'll be getting patriotic this week at the Highland Sewing center as Joan holds her "No Pole Required" Class this Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday---plenty of class times available for you to sign up for this popular class.

And there is still plenty of time to sew casserole covers, flags, and picnic décor for the holiday. So here's just a sampling of  inspiration and ideas from around the net to make your fourth sparkle:

Need a casserole carrier? We found this tutorial here.

Decorations are great and the Aesthetic Nest Blog has a great Fourth of July post covering napkin rings, table runners, and garlands to sew and hang for your fourth picnic.

And for a whimsical set of placemats how about these from A Spoonful of Sugar Designs made with the pockets off of old blue jeans for cutlery holders? Be sure to have some denim needles on hand for this project and make sure your machine is set for heavy fabric! 

We also have a limited supply of these Old Glory designs in the Highland store---what a great hostess gift this little angel would make for that fourth of July picnic host!

Last two Weeks for these Sizzling Deals!

If you've been meaning to come in and take advantage of the 24 month interest free financing on Husqvarna Viking 5D Software, Sapphire 875Q, or the Topaz Sewing/Embroidery machine---what are you waiting for! There are only 2 more weeks left on this great deal. Take that new sewing machine or software package home today for 24 equal monthly installments and don't pay a cent of interest! See the store for complete details.

     And don't forget about our deal that comes with every purchase a Designer Diamond Deluxe now through June 30th, 2013. With your purchase you will receive a H|Class 100Q ABSOLUTELY FREE! That's an outstanding value worth $499.

So hurry in because these deals are almost all gone.

Alphabet Helpers

Accuquilt Alphabet Collection Close out prices on our website!

School will be starting before you know it. With a set of Alphabet letters play time can also turn into learning time.

We have a limited supply of Accuquilt Alphabet sets available in our website store. With these alphabet dies you can create more than quilts for your little ones.

Over at the Happy Together Creates.com blog little ones are playing with an Alphabet Rag set of letters. Our Accuquilt set of letters can make it even easier to create this fun play set.  While you're making one set for your little ones why not create two from your scraps and donate one to your child's school? Any teacher would be happy to have this fun classroom activity.

As the kids get older, a sign for that lemonade stand, banners for rooms, or birthday wishes could be fashioned with this versatile Accuquilt set.

Joan has set the date for the No Flagpole Required Patriotic Centerpiece class in Highland Sewing Center---won't you join us on June 26, 27, 28, or 29th from 8:30AM-2:00PM for this fun class?


No Flagpole Required

 

And our Merrillville store has a fresh coat of paint and new carpet and should be ready for new students next month, so watch our calendars for some new and exciting classes. And come by because we're open during construction with some great deals on sewing machines and notions!

 

Merrillville Sewing Center---Construction but plenty of room to shop!

  

   

Notion of Note---Moroccan Tiles Embroidery Design

The Husqvarna Viking Moroccan Tiles embroidery design is such a versatile design. The designs can be combined into an infinite number of designs and really look great in monotone or color blocked too.

The examples on this design's cover show pillows and a cushion cover but I can envision this design on so many projects. This would look equally beautiful in a kitchen, parlor, or powder room.

Use a combination of the designs as a valance over a kitchen window, then include toaster and mixer covers for a counter splash of color to bring it all together.

As well as pillows for your sofa, why not stitch out a holder for all those remotes using this design. A fabric basket to contain all that clutter attractively would add an elegant touch.

For the powder room  a pocket bag with this design could hold essentials---tiny soaps and bottles of lotion and why not a window valance here too---in different colors this design looks like a complete original! Come by the sewing center and get yours today. A limited supply is available. For a complete view of all the designs on this multi-format CD click here to go to our website.     

New Sewing Class Forming in Highland Sewing Center

This is just one block of a Reverse Applique Quilt technique that Joan is planning to teach in a new class in the Highland Sewing Center. This quilt is easy and is done in the hoop using a special technique developed by Jenny Haskin.

I just love the kaleidoscope of colors! Don't you?

There's a great sale on Singer Sewing Machines. We have some great models that great gifts for Father's Day---men are really getting into sewing today! A sewing machine also makes a great wedding or baby shower gift---it's the gift that keeps on giving and will give years of service. Give the Singer tradition of excellence and the recipient even gets a free class to learn how to use the new gift!

     
And don't forget to call and register for the No Flagpole Required class to make the patriotic star that can go on your door, be the center of your holiday table, or be made into some festive place mats for your 4th of July patio! Call us today.

And here's a real talented customer who stitched this lovely jacket on the Husqvarna Viking Sapphire 875Q. Every inch of this jacket is expertly quilted to perfection. The best part about sewing is having a wardrobe like no one else. Become your own fashionista and get your new sewing machine today! 

Come see us for all your sewing needs. We teach sewing from beginner to advanced, machine embroidery, quilting, and all our sewing machines come with free classes so you'll get the most out of all the great features.

 

Sewing Machine Issues? First check this.

The other day I was sewing out an embroidery design on a piece of ribbon that I was going to attach to a quilt as a label. All of the sudden, half way through stitching out the design my normally well behaved machine gave a clunking noise and, after stopping the stitching, and examining my project I found a birds nest that could have accommodated an ostrich underneath my project.

So, as many of us who enjoy sewing, I started the process of troubleshooting. I first checked the threading---making sure that the thread hadn't become caught coming off the spool or come out of the lifter arm on the topside. I examined the bobbin thread and made sure that it was properly threaded and flowing out of where it should be.

Then I examined the needle and realized I hadn't changed out the needle from a large quilting project that I'd worked on last. Well, no wonder my poor machine was experiencing technical difficulties! Not only was the needle the wrong kind for my current project, but the needle was dull from all that quilting. I changed to an embroidery needle of the proper sized for the close woven ribbon and had no other problems after that.

Today's sewing machines do wonderful things. And they are very sophisticated and designed to work with the tools we have available today. That means that a home sewing enthusiast needs to brush up on the needles and feet that are available and when and how to use them.

Vintage machines like Grandma and Mom used could, and often did, go years on the same needle. (Although running on the same needle for years is not something I would recommend---those poor machines are not at their best with an old, dull needle.) In fact quite frequently we have customers come into the sewing center and brag that the same needle has been in the machine for years. But the modern machines that handle tension control and automatic adjustments for you need to have good sharp needles that should be swapped out after each project, sooner for those large quilting projects.

And today's needle assortments come in all sizes for all different uses. We have specialized needles not only for embroidery, but for delicates, denim, stretch knits, quilting, and others. Each of these needle types have a special design making them a solution for their designated purpose. For example, a Microtex needle has a specially designed tiny, sharp point to get through those delicate, sheer fabrics---a solution that wasn't available to Grandma's vintage machine.

So if you're having issues with your machine, after checking the threading, try another needle.  Head over  to our website to check out all the types of needles we have available. Come see us in the store to stock up so you'll have plenty of needles on hand for your next sewing projects.

Sizzling Hot Summer Deals and Projects!

Sizzling Hot Deals!                                                                          

	Highland Events | Merrillville Events | Sewing Machines| Indiana Sews Blog
	Get a free H|Class 100Q with the purchase of a Designer Diamond Deluxe! Our summer of sizzling deals is heating way up with this deal---a free machine---that's a $499 deal! 24 equal monthly payment 0% financing!  Get a Designer Topaz, a Sapphire 875Q, or select editions of 5D Embroidery software for 24 equal monthly payment 0% financing My Embroideries---50% off!   Don't forget to tell them that we're your favorite store! Join us for a class: New class at our Highland store: Come join Joan and stitch this Anita Goodesign project and show your pride in the stars and stripes! This design has a multitude of uses---from a door decoration to placemats or a centerpiece for that 4th of July table! Joan is firming up the class schedule now so call the sewing center to reserve your spot.   **Please see store for complete details for all as additional restrictions may apply.	Highland Sewing Center: 2845 Highland Ave Highland, IN 46322 (219)838-5433 Fax: (219)838-5434 Hours: Mon-Fri 10-5 Saturday 10-2 Closed Sunday Merrillville Sewing Center 7752 Broadway Merrillville, IN 46410 (219)736-7748 Fax: (219)736-7397 Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5 Saturday 9-2 Closed Sunday email: mail@indianasews.com Class schedule is subject to change. Please give us a call if the weather is inclement. Having issues with your sewing machine? Whether it's bobbin thread in the wrong place or thread breakage---the first order of business is the needle. Use the right kind for your project and a new needle with each new project. View all the options by clicking the picture: Get the free monthly project---a humbug bag! Click the picture: Share and Chat with us:   Follow us:
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