Stitching with Metallic Thread

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.

Using 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!

        

Sewing Tip---Helping You to Sew Better

Do you sometimes get those nasty birds nests underneath your hoop and into the bobbin compartment when doing machine embroidery? Sewing expert and Husqvarna Viking enthusiast Deb North says there's an easy solution to that problem.

And it's called the Straight Stitch Needle Plate or the Straight Stitch Plate. This needle plate has a smaller hole than the regular plate so it's not going to allow that thread to get all tangled up down there!

Stop by the sewing center today and get your fix to this pesky problem.  

Gifts from the Bride

We went net combing to try to uncover some great and unique gifts from the bride to all those who help make her day special:

**Wouldn't these sleep masks be original gifts for bridesmaids and groomsmen alike? See the sewing center for the how to's and design software for these great masks.

**You just can't go wrong with a special clutch or purse for those bridesmaids. Why not embroider each with a name or monogram to make it personal for your special gals? A couple of the patterns that I like are here and here.

**Then don't forget those groomsmen with a wallet. A monogram would look great on this pattern also.

**Don't forget the moms either; they'll need a special kit to get through the day. Why not fill this special bag with all the essentials they will need: hankie for those tears, aspirin, mints, sewing kit, a lip gloss, maybe even a tiny snack.

**Another idea I love are these beautiful fabric callas. Maybe give as mementos to all the guests or just the Grandma's?

**And, finally, I just love this ring bearer's pillow. So delicately beautiful!

Here's hoping your day is wonderful!

 May thy life be long and happy,
Thy cares and sorrows few;
And the many friends around thee
Prove faithful, fond and true.
May your voyage through life be as happy and as free
As the dancing waves on the deep blue sea

 


     

Tip of the Week

Curious about the different types of sewing machine needles and why you would ever step past that package of assorted size Universals?

Here are the top needles and the particulars on why and how they make different jobs easier, more efficient, and give better, professional results:

• Universal needles---the good old stand by. For general purpose sewing these guys are great. Different sizes handle different weights of fabric.These are the needles that handle most sewing jobs but for special situations, when the stitches don't exactly turn out as planned read on.
• Topstitch needle---Did you ever need to thread heavier thread into your machine, whether for decorative topstitching or a speciality, heavy seam. The Topstitch needle has a big eye for that big thread---making it easier to use for this kind of project than that trusty Universal.
• Embroidery needles are used for that delicate embroidery work. Embroidery threads can be more delicate than all purpose thread. To protect your embroidery thread and project the Embroidery needle has a special scarf (the part of the needle that interacts with the bobbin to form the stitch), a bigger eye, and a rounded point.
• Denim needle---while that heavy duty Universal may work just fine for some projects, you may want to include a package of Denim needles in your sewing supplies. Denim needles are super sharp to go through those heavy fabrics---canvas too. A Denim needle simply won't be shoved aside by heavy fibers!
• Quilting needles---sure you can quilt with a heavier Universal, but for some real help for both you and your machine, try a quilting needle. A quilting needle, with it's specially shaped point and ballpoint will absolutely glide through all those layers---even if you decide on a 10 layer quilt.
•  Stretch needle---if you have one kind of  needle besides your Universal/Embroidery needles , grab a package of stretch needles. Stretch fabrics need special handling for good results. These needles have a special scarf that grabs on and eliminates pesky missed stitches. Stretch needles can help out in a pinch with both genuine and synthetic leathers too.
• Ballpoint needles handle specialty knits with ease. With their special ball points they stitch through those knits without snagging the fabric; keeping the stitches and fabric beautiful.
• Leather needles are the best for leathers. Super sharp ---they were made just for this job.

Still curious? There are many great resources on the internet to answer any sewing question that may be needling you. Here are just a few:

• Husqvarna's Accessory Guide
• About. com's Sewing Parts of a needle
• Singer Sewing's Scoop on needles 

Tip of the Week

Thread----so many choices. If you're new to machine embroidery you'll soon be wondering about all those choices and not only about what color to choose.

Rayon thread's shine makes it a great choice for colorful, high gloss designs. Rayon comes in a 40 weight and heavier 35 weight. Be sure to swap out the needle on your machine---use an embroidery needle and keep the needle sharp for the best results.

For durablity, colorfastness, and washability Trilobal Polyester thread is had to beat. This thread is now being made with a glossy finish that comes close to Rayon. Again, a size 75/11 embroidery needle is recommended for this 40 weight thread.

When shine and sheen don't matter nothing ever beats good, old fashioned natural cotton thread. Vintage hand embroidery was done in cotton and now machine embroidery can also use this natural fiber. Cotton thread holds color very well---as demonstrated in all those heirloom examples that remain colorful from years past. A heavier cotton thread 20-30 weight makes great redwork designs (use a 90/14 sharp embroidery needle.) Cotton comes in a number of weights---use your embroidery needle in the correct size.

For your bobbin thread a lightweight bobbin thread is best. We carry pre-wound bobbins in black and white; a real time saver when you're anxious to start creating and don't want to be held up by winding bobbins. If  you would like your design's back to match the front then use a coordinating thread, otherwise it is perfectly acceptable to use white or black bobbin thread depending on your fabric and design choices.

We carry a wide variety of colors and types of threads in addition to bobbin threads and pre-wound bobbins. We carry R/A, Hemingworth, Coats and Clark. We've just added the Floriani line to the choices we offer to inspire your creativity. And if you are ever in doubt about what type of thread is best for your project----simply ask our staff.


       

Notion of the Week

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.





This package contains:

• 5D Family Tree
• 5D Express Monogram Wizard
• 5D PortraitStitch
• 5D Design Creator

For a complete list of features, benefits, and system requirements click here to review the brochure.

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.

Make 2012 a 5D Creative New Year!
  

Tip of the Week

Only 18 more sewing days to go! Need some inspiration for decorations and last minute gifts?

Point your browser over to these sites for patterns and designs.

And for your sewing supplies come see us with that Friends and Family coupon today for some real savings.

• Viking/Husqvarna
• Singer Sewing
• Coats and Clark
• Embroidery.com    

Tip of the Week

Today there are needles for all different sewing projects. Using the right needle for the job will make sewing easier and you'll get much better results.

For general all purpose sewing, the first thing you need to look at is the type of fabric you are going to sew. What weight is the fabric?

Needles have numbers and there are two types of numbering systems; American and European. The higher the number the heavier the fabric. A great chart comparing the two variations of  numbers can be found here.

What type of project are you working on? Use embroidery needles, stretch needles for stretchy fabrics, needles for leathers, microtex or sharp needles for synthetic leathers, denim needles, topstitching needles, and self threading/handicapped needles. There are quilting needles, and needles for heirloom sewing, and free motion sewing. And finally, there are twin needles and even triple needles for decorative and precise rows of topstitching.

All these needles have special features that perform the job professionally with ease.

Using the incorrect needle can cause problems such as skipped stitches, breaking or bending of the needle, or snagging and creating large holes in your fabric.

A more detailed online article regarding needles and needle usage can be found here.

And we're always here to help at the Kalamazoo Sewing Center. If you need assistance or advice, pack up your thread and fabric and come see us. We'll find the needle that you need for your project.