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.
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.
We're so glad spring is here and while we're waiting for the weather to catch up, we're sewing up some spring and Easter projects here at the sewing center! Here are just a few of some ideas from around the web in addition to the great things we've got planned in coming weeks.
Did you know you can sew a kite with your sewing machine? The way this March has been it'll be "out like a lion" on March 31st; which will make it a perfect day for kite flying . The instructions are on the Husqvarna Viking Site click here to get the plans.
Are you planning an Easter dinner? Placemats in the shape of Easter Eggs are so much fun and make the holiday table a real celebration. Click here to get some ideas.
Need a lovely center piece for that holiday table? Try one of these spring flowers---come in and get the design today!
One of our sewing enthusiasts stitched out this magnificent Anita Goodesign for her church. She's working on a Footprints to donate this month. Come in and get the embroidery design.
Looking for a design pack to add a bit of pizazz to your Easter projects? This pack from the Husqvarna Viking line is so cute! These lovely designs can be added to home decor, handbags, tiny tee shirts, or stitched onto homemade crafted Easter baskets. Aren't they pretty?
We are going to be growing some spring flowers for a class next month but the designs are currently available for everyone who just can't wait to get started on this bouquet! Come in and see all of our great project packs, embroidery designs, notions, and sewing machines. Sign up for a class and join in on the fun!
Sewing with metallic threads can sometimes be a bit tricky. But with a few tips from the pros anyone can add a bit of sparkle to their embroidery project.
Use a good metallic thread like Floriani Premium Metallic. It helps to provide the thread with plenty of unraveling room---use a freestanding thread holder set a good distance from your machine. If you haven't been to the sewing center to obtain the thread holder and need to get your project done now, try placing the spool on the floor and threading it up to your machine.
And if you're in the market for a new sewing machine take a look at a Husqvarna Viking Designer Diamond Deluxe or Designer Ruby Deluxe with the unique deluxe Stitch System only available from Husqvarna Viking. This stitch system automatically handles the unique properties of metallic threads for you for trouble free stitching.
Feel free to post a question in the comment section of the blog and our team of experts will provide answers on future posts. Keep sewing!
Highland Sewing Center:
2845 Highway Avenue Highland, IN 46322 (219)838-5433 Fax: (219)838-5434 Hours: Monday-Friday 10-5 Saturday 10-2 Closed Sunday Merrillville Sewing Center
7752 Broadway Merrillville, IN 46410 (219)736-7748 Fax: (219)736-7397 Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00-5:00 Saturday 9:00-2:00 Closed Sunday
Class schedules are subject to change due to inclement weather and other unforeseen circumstances. Please check our website calendars for updates before you venture out. Most classes require registration in advance so we can be prepared for you.
Happy New Year!
We hope this finds you well and rested after the Christmas Season! We are getting lots of samples done and we are so excited to start a new season of classes!
We'll be quilting and embroidering. There are beginning sewing classes. Be sure to check our event calendars regularly, subscribe to our news feed so you won't miss a thing, and check our blog for news, tips, sales, and projects. This is just a sampling of what we've got planned this winter!
Advanced registration is required for most classes---simply call & come in for the project list---simple as that.
We love hearing from our customers! Have a safe and Happy New Year!
Computer Classes
5D Group 4-These classes teach everything you want to know about your 5D Extra software! Highland:1st Saturday of the month 8-10:30 AM Merrillville:1st Saturday of the month--- Digitizing 8-9 AM Software--9:30-10:30 AM Photo---10:30 AM
Quilt Classes!
Picnic Quilt-We're going to be starting the Picnic Quilt in Highland this month! This fun quilt is just covered with summertime fun like icecream cones, soda's, pies, corn on the cob, and, chicken legs. Learn how to use a specially included product to give your quilt a textured effect. Learn to make checkboards in no time at all! Sign up today for this really fun quilt. Highland---Wed Jan 30 8 AM
Learn to Quilt-Always wanted to make a quilt and don’t know where to start? We'll will walk you through all the proper steps! By the end of this class you will have a beautiful quilt top of your own! Merrillville---3rd Tues of the month 1 PM
Stipple- Learn how to stipple or come in, practice, and pick up some pointers. Become a pro. Merrillville---1st Fri of the month 8-9 AM
Sewing Classes!
Beginning Sewing-Want to learn how to make a PJ pant from a pattern? Gwen will teach you all you need to know to get started sewing! Highland and Merrillville---Call for schedules
Kitchen Aide Cover -We're covering our Kitchen Aides with this fun class. An embroidery machine is required to embroider the Kitchen Aide design on your cover, but you can still join us with a regular sewing machine and stitch without the design. Stop by to get the project list and sign up.Merrillville---Feb 6 8AM
Applique Classes!
Teapot Quilt- Jan Brown's exclusive design full of Teacups, Teapots, and warm words of friendship. This class is just getting started---hurry and sign up today before it's filled up. Merrillville---Wed Jan 23 8 AM
Stitcher's Garden-This class teaches you how to use the special stitches and feet available for your machine. We're currently in the middle but everyone is welcome to come and join us after registering. Sign up today---make pillows or a table topper! Merrillville---3rd Wed of the month 9-2 AM
Embroidery Classes
Seeing Double Table Topper! This is a double sided table topper that you make in the hoop. Joan's made the store sample in hearts for side one and side two is full of shamrocks for St. Pat's Day. This is a great project that only takes a few hours of time. Highland Jan 16 8-2AM
Beautiful Heart Battenburg Lace-Learn all the tips and tricks of making freestanding lace with just thread and Aquamagic stabilizer. We have special thread and Aquamagic in stock for this project.Highland Wed Jan 23 8 AM-2 PM
Stitch a Prayer Wallhanging -Use an Anita Goodesign to make a wallhanging. Choose from the Serenity Prayer, The Lord's Prayer, or the Footprints in the Sand poetry. We have the designs in stock and choose one of our new hangers for purchase so that you can hang your beautiful quilt when you arrive home. This makes a great gift for a loved one in a nursing home or a shut in too. Make them for Easter gifts.Merrillville Wed Feb 6th 8 AM
Home Tweet Home-Join us for a class making an adorable door hanging! Jan is just getting the sample done, and it is so adorable. This is an Anita Goodesign Collection that includes designs for the whole year. Make one for spring, summer, fall, and winter and all the holidays in between. Purchase a hanger for hanging on your front door and welcome your guests to your home with your handywork! This is a fun class you won't want to miss. Merrillville Tenatively for Wed Mar 6 8 AM
Sew for a cause
Sewing for Hospice Give your time and use your sewing machine to help make hospice patients and families more comfortable. Come join us, enjoy the fellow sewing enthusiasts, share ideas, and pick up new skills. Highland---Second Thurs of the month 8 AM Quilts of Valor--- Sew quilts for the troops. Get together with other quilters and learn new skills at the same time. Merrillville---Begins Thurs Mar 21 at 2 PM
You are invited to a day of being dazzled by Husqvarna Viking. Come see all the potential your Husqvarna Viking Machine has with these two session events on August 23rd or August 24th. RSVP is required for each session due to limited space:
In the Morning Session it's all about 5D Software**:
You are cordially invited to our Trunk Show Event. At this event an expert educator from Husqvarna/Viking will demonstrate why the 5D Embroidery Software is the most innovative and easy to use Embroidery Software on the market. We'll have samples and demonstrations to show you just what you can do with this versatile sewing accessory that you can add to your sewing room. Plan to join us at one of these times:
In our Highland, Indiana store on Thursday, August 23, 2012 9AM-12PM**
In our Merrillville, Indiana store on Friday, August 24, 2012 9AM-12PM**
RSVP is required and because of space constraints we are limited to the first 20 people. Won't you come join us?
And in the Afternoon Session we're doing feet, feed, hoops and more! **:
You are cordially invited to our Trunk Show Event. At this event an expert educator from Husqvarna/Viking will demonstrate all the fantastic things that you can do with Husqvarna/Viking Sewing Machines. We'll have samples and demonstrations to show you just what you can do with all the versatile sewing accessories that you can add to your sewing room. Plan to join us at one of these times:
In our Highland, Indiana store on Thursday, August 23, 2012 1:30PM-4:30PM**
In our Merrillville, Indiana store on Friday, August 24, 2012 1:30AM-4:30PM**
RSVP is required and because of space constraints we are limited to the first 20 people. Won't you come join us?
The Instructor:
Follow us:
**Space is limited. Please call the sewing centers today to avoid disappointment!
Father's Day is less than a month away and even if you have a Dad who has everything, there's still time to sew something that will thrill and surprise Dad. Here are just a few suggestions and even some patterns to help you get started.
For Dads who golf how about an embroidered golfing towel? Golf club covers are fast easy. Put all your pent up creativity to work.
Does your Dad cook? A chef's hat and apron for that barbecue might be just the thing he needs. Get a handy pattern here. While you're at it stop by the sewing center for some Insul-Bright so you can make Dad a couple of grill mitts to match.
For Dads who hunt and fish a slip for a gun or fishing pole comes in handy. For the fishing pole try reclaiming an old pair of jeans. Cut the jeans in half, so that you have two separate leg portions. Sew up the waist of the jeans, add a Velcro or zipper closure on the seat and a tape measure down the side for measuring all those whales that Dad is going to catch once he has that lucky fishing pole tote. Here's a how to on the gun sleeve. (We recommend that you use your embroidery machine for embellishments)
Then there's the Dad with all the gadgets. But can he really ever have enough gadget totes? He'll need one for that phone, one for the tablet, and another for that laptop. No problem, with your sewing machine you've go all those gadgets covered. And don't forget to create some snazzy labels for all those bags. The Sewing Center has lots of in the hoop embroidery software specifically designed for the Dad in your life.
For those Dads that like to nap a lap quilt can be made in a day. I know; sounds unbelievable but we've got some designs that can be cut, pieced, and quilted in a day. I didn't think I could put together a quilt in a day either but a recent trip to the sewing center proved me wrong. I'm thinking of using some of the family photo's to make a memorable quilt that can keep Dad warm. And a nice cozy pillow, maybe with a monogram to make Dad a personal gift that is really as special as he is.
I'm going to get out the sewing machine right now and get started. Less than one month to go to make Dad something special and so many ideas to chose from. Come into the sewing center and gather your supplies.
Are you having problems finding designs that suit your projects? Still looking for embroidery designs that are just right for that pillow, quilt, or scarf?
If you believe that your creativity is all in the details and the details available are not quite what you need, it is time to try digitizing your own embroidery designs. And the top of the line software for digitizing is 5D Professional.
5D Professional makes it fast and easy to create your own designs with the following features:
Multiwave fills that shape and provide 3D effects to your embroideries. Make realistic leaves and flowers. Shape hair, skirts, coats, and shirts on your designs of people---put realistic fur on those cute puppies and kitties. With just a couple of clicks in 5D you can do things with a design that would take you a few hours to do in other software!
Create color gradients making your designs more detailed and realistic. Again, in a fraction of the time your design has more detail and looks more professional.
Have some clipart that you've can't wait to embroider on a pillow or quilt? A school mascot or slogan? Using the Express Design to digitize will get those designs from just computer drawings to embroidery in short order.
5D also organizes all your designs, allows you to change colors on all designs and provides a realistic view of embroidery right on your screen so you don't have to guess what your end results will be. Use your own library of theads to plan out colors and view right on the screen!
5D software helps you create projects never dreamed of. Stitch family trees, include old photographs. Or commemorate a family vacation, honeymoon, or reunion with stitched photos and memories. Create memorable, keepsake cards for family and friends. Digitize designs made just for your grandchildren's interests. Make a memory quilt that can be passed down from generation to generation.
And one of the nicest things about 5D is that we provide classes and support after your purchase. And Husqvarna Viking has a site full of fun and interesting tutorials and projects and ideas just for 5D software customers.
Today's heirlooms start with 5D software. And a special deal on this software starts tomorrow. Visit our website tomorrow for the details.
5D Professional Software can bring your projects to a higher, personal creativity level. Creating, organizing, and manipulating your designs has never been easier.
With this software package you can create a design, view it in 3D on your project and adjust colors and stitches right on the screen.
You get complimentary fonts, clipart, and frames to include on your projects or to embellish and create your own.
The software works with a variety of hoops and machines and for multi-hooped designs you're able to stitch helper stitches onto your project to insure your design is lined up each and every time.
And, just in time for Christmas, for one day only, on December 23rd, there is a special deal on this valuable software as part of our 12 Days of Christmas Gift to Customers.
Have you heard that we now carry a complete line of Floriani Threads! Hundreds of new colors to choose from---can you imagine what you can add to your projects? Is there a specific color that you've been unable to locate in other lines? The perfect color just might be in the Floriani line.
Floriani has very high quality standards throughout the factory. They control and track lot numbers back to traced right back to the manufacturing process.
The thread has been proven color-fast with a high tensile strength by an independent international lab.
Not only that, the Floriani company has a real dedication to the environment; making sure that the dyeing and manufacturing process has as little environmental impact as possible. The company has been known to change the use of certain dyes to become more environmental friendly.
Add some sheen and luster to your projects today with some Floriani Thread!
Highland Classroom Open---Come join us for a class!
Christmas comes early to Highland---
Joan, the manager of our Highland, Indiana store, finally has her classroom!
The store looks completely different and has a brand new classroom set up for classes that start this Friday, October 21st.
The project Joan will be teaching the class to make will be the Christmas Red Quilt by The Stitch Connection. This totally adorable quilt is made up of snowmen, hearts, trees, and snow angels and can keep your home cozy and comfortable the whole winter through.
Classes begin at 8:00 on Friday and there still maybe a space or two open. Call the store at (219) 838-5434 or make an inquiry on our webform for more information.
Even if the current scheduled class is filled up, a second class is a possibility if enough people would like to join us.
We're also getting together a round of beginning sewing classes. If you're interested send us an inquiry and let us know what you would like to make as projects. Let us know what you think.
Won't you come join us?
Quilts, Prayers and Pillows Planned in Merrillville Sewing Center
Meanwhile, in the Merrillville Sewing Center, Jan is busy scheduling and planning classes in her well established classroom.
For the next two Sunday mornings students will be gathering together to make one of two choices of wall hangings; The Lord's Prayer or The Serenity Prayer.
And on October 27th this beautiful Christmas pillow with embroidered cardinal, dove, tree, and stars will be made in a class beginning at 10:00 AM. Come join us in making this elegant pillow.
There are also classes being held to make the every popular Advent Calendar---just in time for the season.
And I'm so excited to tell you about the class projects that Jan has planned in the next few months! She has a wonderfully adorable snowman quilt.
And, if you've been in the Merrillville store, I am sure you noticed that wonderful Hummel Quilt hanging on the wall. Well guess what? We're going to get a chance to make it. I am positive that this class will fill up fast so call Jan at 219-736-7748 or make an inquiry on the webform if you're interested. Plans will be finalized as soon as we hear from you.
We sure hope you can join us. At Northwest Indiana Sewing Centers we're always creating and having fun. We're looking forward to meeting your sewing needs.
From your friends at the Northwest Indiana Sewing Center.
Don't forget that you can save 25% through October 13th at myembroideries.com. All you have to do is enter the code MYEMB25 and your 25% savings will be applied to your online order.
And don't forget to enter Northwest Sewing Center as your dealer of choice. We're here to help you create for home, family, and business.
Northwest Indiana Sewing Center looks like Santa's workshop today as the busy sewing ladies put the finishing touches of embroidery and quilting on projects of all types.
Everyone is completing projects started at previous classes so this is called a "Mudd Day" where everyone finishes up under the gentle guidance of instructor, Janice.
There are a couple of Tea Quilts being worked on and even though the same embroidery patterns are used the results couldn't be more unique and individual when the ladies add their special colors, fabric, and personality to the projects.
Working on Tea Time Quilt
Floral Quilt
There are gorgeous floral quilts being embroidered in burgundies and violets that will bring gardens inside for the winter and keep loved ones warm.
The true elves are working on Advent calendars.
Cindi's is coming along in spite of some technical difficulties earlier in the week at home. Cindi plans to donate her work to the St. Mary's Hospital fund. Last year volunteers raised thousands of dollars for new equipment for the hospital from donations like Cindi's masterpiece.
Barb's advent calendar was a little further ahead and just as stunning:
And projects were at every stage imaginable; some were being quilted instead of embroidered today:
Almost finished quilt square; very elegant!
And best of all, everyone had help with advice, supplies, and stitch removal when boo boo's arose (no pictures of those and I'm not telling who!)
The Northwest Sewing Center is all decked out for Christmas, and has a full schedule of classes planned just like the fun projects seen here. The machines available do the sewing for you, leaving you to be creative and sit back and receive the laurels; just like all the ladies today.
Sample of the Machines available just in case Santa stops by
So tell your Santa that you need a new Sewing Machine, accessories, or a couple of classes as stocking stuffers for Christmas this year and stop by and see all the beautiful things that you can do with a new machine.
embroidered cardinal, dove, tree, and stars will be made in a class beginning at 10:00 AM. Come join us in making this elegant pillow.
planned in the next few months! She has a wonderfully adorable snowman quilt.
