Creative Machine Embroidery Fall 2021

Dear Readers, Each year, the Creative Machine Embroidery team has to duke it out to decide our favorite season for machine embroidery. The top contenders are always fall and winter, Halloween or Christmas. Thank goodness we don’t actually have to pick a favorite! After summer adventures, fall is always a nice reprieve, a time to slow down, ponder the passing of time and get back to making. And don’t forget all the fall celebrations! We hope this issue of CME inspires you to do just that and more, no matter what you’re in the mood to make this fall. • If you’re looking for a cute addition to your autumnal cocktails, stitch up a set of Fall Felties (page 42). • Got a bag on the brain? Stitch up the…

PRESSED FOR TIME When embroidering bulky items such as towels, finger press tearaway stabilizer into the hoop to crease the shape before hooping. This extra step will keep the stabilizer from shifting when hooping it with the project. Mary B., email RIGHT SIDE DOWN To keep spray adhesive from clogging up, spray with the can turned upside down until the spray stops. Laurie D., email SANITIZER SURPRISE Clean up spray adhesive residue using hand sanitizer gel. It quickly softens the glue and wipes off in a flash. Carol E., Facebook NEST LESS When a thread nest occurs, use a concave carving knife blade on the backside of the embroidery to remove it from the machine. Christa G., Facebook FOOT LOOSE Keep your foot pedal from sliding when sewing on hardwood…

1. We all have that excitement when we finish a sewing marathon to complete a complicated project or just a lot of little ones—but we all know the physical pain that comes with it too. Luckily, Sew Healthy & Happy by Rose Parr will teach you the methods behind ergonomics in this book filled with useful visual guides of stretches, posture and tips to ensure you learn how to sew smarter, healthier and happier. You will get sew much of this book to keep you stitching pain-free! ($14.95; ctpub.com) 2. After much anticipation, the ultimate loungewear patterns have emerged from Closet Core Patterns. Both the Mile End Sweatshirt and Plateau Joggers will elevate your sweatsuit style, especially if you sew up a matching set! The sweatshirt features surprisingly subtle details…

DON'T PANIC Once a mistake is discovered, immediately stop the machine and walk away. Walking away for even a minute helps calm your nerves and gives you an opportunity to think about a proper solution. Once you’ve cooled off, return to the project, but don’t remove the fabric from the hoop. Keeping the fabric in the hoop increases the number of solutions. Make note of any design changes, such as sizing or rotation, and the design and needle position. Analyze the problem and review the possible solutions. THREAD NEST A thread nest is a tangled bundle of needle thread that appears on the fabric wrong side (A). It usually occurs during the first few stitches of a color change, accompanied by an audible noise. If you continue stitching, the thread…

VARIETIES Although once traditionally brown, burlap is now available in a variety of colors and widths. Choose large widths when making home décor items, such as table runners, curtains or wall hangings. More expensive burlap varieties are tightly woven, providing a soft texture. USES Commonly used to bale cotton, hold cattle feed and sack potatoes, burlap is also often used to make bags, garments, accessories, upholstery, costumes and home décor items. Burlap is durable, eco-friendly and a low-cost alternative to linen. It’s casual yet elegant when paired with other fabrics. SEWING TIPS • Burlap ravels easily, so serge- or zigzag-finish raw edges. • Press open seams to prevent the fabric from buckling. • Apply interfacing to the fabric wrong side before stitching buttonholes. Use a snap closure in lieu of…

STITCH ALONG WITH US Register at www.sewdaily.com now through Oct. 31, 2021 and get these three autumn designs and how-tos free! Stitch these pretty leaves with us completely in the hoop. In addition to the free design and video, you’ll be automatically entered to win a prize pack from Floriani when you register. YOU COULD WIN! Stitch up a pretty leaf wreath with us and you could win! When you register for the stitch along, you'll be entered to win the Floriani Fall Sampler, with stabilizer, thread and more to keep you stitching all fall and beyond! Change up the look of your leaves with the choice of fabrics. They can even work for summer when stitched in greens! Brought to you by…