ITH Meow Purse

Resolutions are often health related and that is certainly fine. Why not also resolve to learn more this new year!

Machine embroidery is a learning process. After 25 years, I’m still learning. This year, step out of your comfort zone and experience a technique that is of interest.

Have you ever wanted to try something new? Make more stitching time for yourself? Master the many capabilities of your machine? Now is the time! You probably have at lease one machine embroidery design that you have not stitched yet.

Applique couldn’t be easier to stitch. Your machine stitches the area where you need to place fabric, will tack it in place, and stops so that you can trim away the excess fabric before finishing the stitching. See a video tutorial and download a PDF here.

Does cutwork look too complicated? It’s really the reverse of applique. Remember that your machine will stitch the area you need to cut away, allow you to stop and cut fabric, then finish edges with satin stitching. See how easy it is to do here.

How about an in-the-hoop (ITH) project like zip bags? It is so nice to have the machine stitching seams and inserting zippers in addition to embellishing items with beautiful embroidery.

Anybody in your family getting married this year? Learn about monogram rules and create lovely table linens or towels with decorative alphabets.

Does freestanding lace make you nervous? It really couldn’t be easier to do. Just stitch and rinse.

Ready to stitch on something other than fabric? Consider using cork, vinyl, or paper.

What is the worst that could happen? Grab some scrap fabric (or an old shirt) and a machine embroidery design and give it a try! If you don’t succeed, try again. Practice makes perfect!

What will you learn this year?

Debbie SewBlest