We all know that a stash generally refers to a lot of fabric and notions that we buy but never get around to working with.  When I look at mine, I often feel like I really should send it all to - - - - I don't know where.  There is no 'sewing type of used items' store.  Perhaps there is an idea there(?)

As embroiderers, I feel like we have, give or take, 5 different stashes.  Each one holds a special place in our hearts and all have their own story to tell.  You may have a different viewpoint, but we all have some things in common.

The initial and most expensive stash is probably our machines.  I have never been really involved in sewing but when embroidery came my way, I was hooked really big time.  One thing that I noticed was that many of my peers had more than one machine.  Some of my colleagues had their first machine as well as their second machine and multiple variations of types of machines. I am one with just four machines. 

I was at a training class over the weekend and they asked who had the most machines.  There was a woman who admitted to having 14 machines.  I will assume that some are for regular sewing, serge activities and an embroidery machine or two.  You may know that they have embellishers, quilting, felting, blind hemming and hand-held machines on the market just to mention a few.  Here at AnnTheGran, they not only have PE770, the (IMHO) best embroidery starter machine on the Internet.  I could go on and on about it, or you can see my forum information on it.  

AnnTheGran ALSO HAS (drum roll here please): the Project Runway Limited Edition Sewing/Embroidery Machine!!!!!  This one has so many features it is unbelievable!  All of this for just $600!!

• Alphabet Xpress
• Font Bundle, with 7 different fonts
• PE Basic
• PE Design Lite
• 70 built-in embroidery designs
• five monogramming fonts
• 120 frame pattern combinations
• 67 built-in stitches
• 98 stitch functions
• 10 styles of one-step automatic buttonholes
• Totally portable - take to classes

If you only have a single machine or just 2 or 3, you know that each one of them has their own specialty.  If you were constructing a house, you would not have just one or two power tools, you would have a lot of them to do the best and most effective job. 

I have a commercial machine now.  I never thought I would be doing that!!! And, my kids joke that my hobby is buying embroidery machines.  However, they all figure perfectly in my overall plan. 

My first consideration is to create beautiful embroidery items for my bridal site. 

• The commercial machine, which is a single head and quite compact, has taken my work to another level. I have plenty of ideas to further make my sales site head and shoulders above others.
  • I have multiple hoops of the same size which came with the machine. It allows me to prepare for the next project as my last is in progress.
  • It is faster and more efficient than my other machine was.
  • I needed the ability to be able to be SURE my design was properly centered. Placing a hankie in a hoop does not guarantee that it is in alignment on the vertical/horizontal plane.
  • There are lots of other things that make it special for me as well, too many to mention here.

• The embroidery only machine, a nice work horse, the PE770 just like the one I noted above. Why do I still have this machine? Let me count the ways. . . .
  • It is a back up when I need more projects going on at the same time or if the commercial machine is not working. (However, with my commercial machine, I got all the extra parts needed in case of a malfunction and a phone/email person to work with me - so, not functioning is rare.)
  • It gives me a working area when I want to test new ideas while my big machine (did I mention it was 15 needle? and less expensive than I ever imagined?). I want to test my ideas and still keep my business going.
  • About 95% of my work is done on a 5"x7" frame, that makes this a great way to be able to have flexibility and innovation.
  • And, just an FYI, I did not get half of what the offer is on the Project Runway machine!!!  That bundle is over $500 worth of extras and are included! 

     

• I have an embroidery/sewing machine. I do mend and sew occasionally and it does come in handy.
  • Last year I had to go to Phoenix for my brother who was very ill. I was able to take that machine with me, include my threads/stabilizers and computer and was able to keep up my business. I would have had to close otherwise and that was not an option. When you must be away from home for 2 months, funds fly out the window. . .

• Then there is my serger. It is perhaps the least used, but just the same, there always is something that needs to be done on it.

I expect many of you have additional machines for your own reasons.  Do you still have your first machine, whether it is embroidery or sewing?  Do you keep your babies because it is sentimental for you?  I will bet many of you have a machine that belonged to a mother or grandmother and is dear to you.  Share with us about your beloved machine, we would l to hear your story - every machine does have a story.