Hello there folks….

I am sitting here in my sewing room, yes I do have one and just so you feel better I can tell you that it is total disaster area at the moment.  I am actually sitting with my laptop on my ironing board and writing to you as my Quattro is humming along.  You might wonder what I am up to, well actually I am giving my little “snowman” a challenge.  For those of you who might be scratching your heads and wondering who the “snowman” is, it really is a positioning sticker and once you use it, you are hooked.  You begin to look at using the “snowman” as a challenge….hmm how can I trick it?  Why did it rotate the design?  What exactly does the InnovEye technology “see” when it finds the “snowman” on the sea of your fabric.  I find it intriguing.  I am sure my husband is wondering what in heavens name I am doing with my Quattro when it keeps “binging.”  What he does not know is that I can turn off the reminder sounds if he asks me to.  I have to tell you though I really like having the sound as a gentle reminder when a color is completely finished sewing.  The Quattro also lets me put 5 different screen savers in the machine….one for each of our grandchildren.  Now my little Tyler will be able to see his happy little face as my screen saver or he can see one of his favorite Disney characters.  Some of you might remember me telling folks how this little fellow has been known to saunter into my sewing room and turn on my machine to “watch the D- channel.”  Now he has a viewing choice.

Back to my “snowman” challenge, I had actually re-opened the Brother no. 31 memory card that had those beautiful exotic flowers.  If you remember, there was a beautiful floral arrangement that you could make by constantly “rehooping” your fabric at different angels.  This was surely a diagonal challenge.  The fabric was appt to pull in the opposite direction that you wanted it to.  I have discovered that the little “snowman” can help me angle the design while the fabric is on grain in the hoop.  I have to be honest, it does take some time to think about what you goals are with this project but if you are like me, a challenge intrigues you. Without going into great detail here I would like to make a few quick suggestions:

• Cut the fabric at least 12 inches larger on all sides then the design itself.  This will allow you to move the hoop around to reach the 10 different areas.
• Use stabilizer.  Cut away stabilizer is a good place to start.
• Older machine models used multi-position hoops to organize parts of the flowers to make them larger.  Today’s machines have an “embroidery edit” feature that will easily let you organize these designs on the screen of your Brother machine.  Here is a hint that will make the vertical alignment process easier: the A setting is +150, B is 0, C is -150. 
• This is a big design and would look really great on the back of a denim jacket. You might however, be afraid that you will make a mistake and damage the jacket.  Read my next tip.
• Consider embroidering this design on several layers of organza.  When complete, carefully trim away the excess organza.  Spray temporary spray adhesive to the back of the design.  Position the design on your jacket.  Using monofilament thread, using free-motion stitching techniques to attach the design to your jacket. No more puckering!
• Don’t be limited to jacket backs, why not consider applying the design over a shoulder area.  Now that you don’t have to worry about getting that challenging area into the embroidery hoop the possibilities are limitless. 

Many participants in this blog are concerned about pricing and paying for a new Quattro or other new machines from Brother.  Participating Brother Innovis dealers have been able to extend these terms for you.  Visit our web site to check out the variety of financing plans available to you. 

Another popular topic of discussion continues to be ‘how to pick the dealer that is right for you.”  As you have proven, there are lots of reasons for choosing your Brother Innovis dealer.  Maybe it is the classes or how much gas it takes to get to the dealer location.  Whatever the concern is, consider the opinions of friends but think what will work for yourself.  If you do pick a dealer that is further away then you would like, find a friend who also shops there and carpool.  One of my best dealer friends in Texas used to offer a gas card to their customers.  Ask a dealer if they have begun to offer “online classes.” 

Updating vs upgrading a machine….another hot topic.  The engineers at Brother have really met this challenge on so many levels.  Let me explain a few:
• Updating- Brother has discovered a few issues that need to be “fixed”
o The Brother web site has a software update area that lists the updates that have been created for many machines
o Transfer the updates via floppy disks, thumb drives or USB cable to your machine
o Follow the directions carefully and the process is done in minutes and at no charge
• Upgrading-  Brother engineers have created new features that will make your machine do more things or offer new designs
o Brother Innovis dealers stock these upgrades
o Upgrades, most often, include hardware as well
o The customer can easily install the upgrades themselves at home.  No need to bring your Brother machine to the store.
o Upgrades often require that your machine be updated to a particular version.  The instruction manual for your machine will tell you how to determine machine version. 

The holidays are coming.  Are you prepared to find new ways to share your skills with friends?  Whether you are going to adorn those “plain Jane” towels to make them a special gift or personalize that cloth handbag or backpack, now is the time to make your list and check it twice. 

As the sewing machine sponsor for Project Runway, I have met lots of folks who want to learn how to sew or start to sew again.  Have you considered giving that as a gift?  Remember when we used to get a “babysitting” coupon from our parents?  Why not give your friend or grandchild a “sewing coupon?”  You would be surprised what you know that others want to learn.  Make it a package that includes lunch at your home.  That will give you the chance to show off those embroidered napkins that have been languishing in the buffet since you made them.