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Jan 31, 2013

New USB Sticks at Zede’s- Aren’t They Cute?

January 31, 2013 By Leave a Comment
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Want to carry around your designs in style?  We’ve just started carrying some new USB sticks that we know you’ll love to have in your sewing room.

They have a capacity of 2GB.  That’s plenty of room to carry around 100 designs or more.  Plus, they’re adorable!

They are available here for $19.99.  Enter code ‘USBSTICK” when checking out, and you’ll receive $10 off your order, so that you don’t have to pay shipping.

Right now, the “tape measure” is on back order until April 2013, so I don’t have those up for sale yet.  I only have about 20 in stock for now, so if you want one or two or more for gifts, make sure and order soon!

Hurry, before they’re all gone!

Filed Under: BuySewingThread.com, Random Thoughts, Sewing Products, Software Tagged With: , , ,
Sep 5, 2012

DIY: Daughter’s of the American Revolution Tote Bag

September 5, 2012 By 1 Comment
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Those of you in the Missouri area know that we have some really wonderful people working at Zede’s Sewing Studio. They are helpful, inspiring and energetic women who support the store and our customers in the best way possible.

One of those ladies is Victoria, say hello!

Recently, Victoria and her mother have been filing paperwork to become a part of a new local chapter of D.A.R. (Daughters of the American Revolution).  Members of this group can trace their lineage back through the generations to a member of the American Revolutionary Army- neat!  You can imagine how difficult this process can be, so Victoria asked for a little help in making a celebratory bag for her mother’s birthday.

After some tweaking in BERNINA V6 software, we created this design together.  Then we stitched it onto a tote bag using the Baby Lock Enterprise 10 needle embroidery machine.

The design was the brain child of Victoria and her daughter Colleen- so it was a great present for Victoria’s mother.  For those of you who are counting, that’s three generations of D.A.R. women!  We used an EmbroideryArts alphabet for the letters called Gothic 13, the star was from the V6 software, and I digitized the stripes.

One more thought before we go.  While we were stitching this design out on the machine, a woman walked into the store to check in a machine for service.  She too was a part of the new chapter!  Small world.

Have you ever created a specialized item for a group or club?

Happy Sewing!

Filed Under: DIY, Ideas, Random Thoughts, Software
Sep 1, 2012

DIY: How to Make a Needle Book from a Real Book

September 1, 2012 By 1 Comment
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I’d like to start off this post by saying that I am an avid reader. I love the written word and I love books. When I studied in Paris when I was in college, I took a bookbinding course in Montmartre with Eloise Baille.

I respect books and the wonderful history that goes along with their creation. So, when I butcher one later on in this post- I do so with the greatest love and respect.

I’ve been inspired by a lot of book purses that I’ve seen lately.  I think they’re neat.  So, I went to the Salvation Army near our shop and found a few hardcover books- 6 to be exact.  Then the nice lady told me that they were 10 for $1…so I got 14 more. I had A BALL picking them out.  There are books with the title “A Woman of Substance” or “The Life of the Party” and “California Girl”….how fun!  I did not find many pieces of fine literature- and that’s ok.

What I find the most entertaining about this process is finding books with funny/ironic titles- which generally are not the great works of our time.

Except for the book that I tore up this time!  Marjane Satrapi is the author of, among other books, the graphic novel Persepolis.  It is about her childhood in Iran and her experience growing up under a repressive regime.  It’s a revolutionary novel and Ms. Satrapi has my greatest respect as a writer and artist.

Little did she know that she would tempt me to modify one of her later works entitled “Embroideries”…what better book to transform into a unique needle book/sewing kit?  I could not resist!  I also can’t wait to read it- the insides are intact and waiting to be read.  Will I make a new cover for it?  I don’t know.  That seems a little silly.
This is not an in-depth tutorial, that will come later.  That’s because I got so excited while making it that I didn’t take detailed pics- so enjoy this abbreviated version of my needle book!
First of all, I cut out the “guts” and started to lay out the things I wanted in my kit.  I made a list of helpful sewing tools beforehand, and then adapted my needle book accordingly. This gave me a good idea of what would fit in my book- and it definitely changed as the process went on.
Next, I created a liner for my book.  This is the life of the needle book.  It is what I will sewpockets/elastic/magnets to in order to keep my stuff in place.  After I get it figured out- I’ll just glue it in.  I cut two pieces of fabric and serged the edges with YLI Candlelight thread to make it pretty- I like shiny things.  Once it was the right size, I could really get down to business.  Woohoo!
Now that I’ve got my foundation and all my sewing jazz, I start to space it out.  It’s clear that I’ll need to cut down my notebook, because it’s too long.  Also, I don’t use a seam ripper, I use a razor blade- so I’m planning on adding in some magnets under that needle flap to secure the razor blade.  Also, the needles will affix to the magnet and keep the razor blade covered.  I won’t give up my razor blade, and that’s that.
BTW- this is not ok to take on a plane. I’ve also got a thimble and some Metrosene thread- I won’t use ANYTHING ELSE for sewing construction.  I also find those stork scissors to be adorable- so there they are!  Also, an ink pen, a marking pen and a sewing guage.   Would I like more stuff in my sewing kit?  Of course.  But I’ve got some limitations.  If you have a larger book, the sky’s the limit! You can add in pages and zippered pockets and stuff- and then you can send it an email to show us!
Next thing on the list, I add in elastic straps to keep things in place.  ”How did you get your elastic to be so beautiful?”, you may ask.  I serged it with the Candlelight thread!  It retained it’s “stretchiness” and it’s gorgeous as well.  I laid out the whole thing on my book cover to make sure everything was still fitting- I have not glued it down yet.
But wait! I did something else really cool that Eloise taught me- I added an elastic strap to keep my book shut.  I punched two holes in the back of the book with a buttonhole cutter, threaded the elastic through, and glued it to the inside of the book…BEFORE I glued down my new sewing “guts”.
Oh and here’s a shot of the razor blade magnet-keeper-thingy.  I love that I have my razor blade tucked away safely like this!
Now, It’s time to glue it all down.  I used 450 Adhesive.  That’s important- it is a fast drying glue that does not stain fabric.  Believe me, you don’t want to sew all that elastic down and then get glue daubs all over your book….use 450.  I glued the sides down and I placed glue on the places where I sewed down the elastic- just to keep them a little more stable.  It’s working so far!
Here’s a shot of the needle book all closed up.  I think it looks great!  If Marjane Satrapi sees it, I hope she likes it too!
What do you want in your needle book?
Filed Under: BuySewingThread.com, Clothes & Garment Sewing, DIY, Inside Zede's Sewing Studio, Software
Feb 28, 2012

MonogramWorks: A “Small” Embroidery Software With A Big Punch

February 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment
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The embroidery software marketplace can be tough terrain to navigate when you’re new to the field.  There are lots of different products out there, and you have to keep in mind the type of embroidery machine you have as well as what features you want in a program when looking to purchase software.

At Zede’s Sewing Studio, we carry Baby Lock and BERNINA software.  We love them both!  When a new embroiderer comes into the store to explore embroidery software options, they’ll hear about everything we carry so that we can find the right fit for them.

Lately, for a lot of our customers, MonogramWorks has a been a comfortable fit in both features and price range.  MonogramWorks retails for $169.99.  Plus, you can try it for free before you buy it!

MonogramWorks allows you to combine designs.  So, if you own a Sofia2 or an Ellure Plus, this software will let you put “Tommy” under that teddy bear design so that you can visualize them both on your computer screen, get the spacing correct, and maybe even change the baseline of the text.  Then you just send it over to your machine as a .PES file and watch it stitch!  No more guessing.

MonogramWorks has 40 fonts that don’t come in the BERNINA software.   Let’s do the math here: $169.99/40= $4.25.  Now, tell me where you can get quality digitized alphabets for $4.25 a piece.  You can’t.  So, even our customers with “bigger” software have MonogramWorks.  It supplements their alphabet library at a pretty low cost!  This also means that if you later upgrade to a software program with more features, you’ll still be happy that you have MonogramWorks.

MongramWorks can be installed on as many computers as you like, and you don’t need a security device or “dongle”.  It’s easy to edit designs on any computer in the house, or while you’re on the go.

The only drawbacks to MonogramWorks is limited sizing capabilities.  You can only go up and down by so much and the program does not recalculate stitches for you.  But, that’s why it’s a “starter program” or a “supplementary program”.

When you’re first starting out with machine embroidery, you don’t want to break the bank, but you do want the process to be enjoyable.  MonogramWorks will make that happen!

If you’re interested in MonogramWorks, come to Zede’s Sewing Studio or find a Baby Lock dealer near you.  You can purchase it from the Designer’s Gallery website, but if at all possible, get it from a dealer.  At Zede’s, you get guide classes with your purchase, and we even let you apply your club discount if you are a member- plus you don’t have to pay shipping!

Do you have MonogramWorks?  How do you like it?

Filed Under: DIY, Ideas, Software, Tips
Feb 21, 2012

How to Make Monster Bookmarks: Free Embroidery Designs

February 21, 2012 By 2 Comments
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I got the idea to digitize these monster bookmarks from Pinterest- the original pin is on our “Project Ideas” board. The bookmark I saw was made of paper, not fabric, so I decided to dive in and digitize my own version of this super cute concept, using BERNINA V6 Embroidery software.

Let me tell you a little secret before I give you the design for free: I am OBSESSED with digitizing “in-the-hoop” projects. I do them all the time. Keep a look out for more. If anyone ever tells you that digitizing software is a waste of money, they aren’t having nearly as much fun as I’m having!

Moving on…

Watch this video for full instructions.  Even if you don’t make the monster bookmarks right away, you’ll learn a few things!

YouTube Preview Image

Here are the files in .ART and .PES format.  If you need to convert files, download ArtLink here.  You don’t have to have a BERNINA machine to download this program- but it’s a wonderful tool for those without software!  Read more here.

ART Files

Angry Monster Bookmark.ART60

Crazy Monster Bookmark.ART60

Silly Monster Bookmark.ART60

PES Files

Angry Monster Bookmark.PES

Crazy Monster Bookmark.PES

Silly Monster Bookmark.PES

These designs are for personal use only.  Make them for your friends and family, share this post with other embroiderers. Please do not sell them. If you wish to sell them for fundraising purposes, please contact zedessewingstudio at gmail dot com.

 

 

Filed Under: Classes at Zede's, DIY, Ideas, Patterns, Random Thoughts, Software
Feb 19, 2012

BERNINA ArtLink 6 Embroidery Software- For Everybody!!!

February 19, 2012 By 9 Comments
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Do you have embroidery software?  Do you need it?  Well, come to Zede’s Sewing Studio and ask us about software- we’ll figure out which one is best for you.

In the meantime, if you need to visualize designs, convert designs from one format to another, or write designs to a BERNINA embroidery machine download ArtLink V6 here!  For free!

NOTE:  To download the software, click on the “Support” link below the banner that pictures a computer.  It will reveal a link to download the file.  DO NOT click the “Support” link at the top.

Even if you don’t have a BERNINA embroidery machine, you can use this software.

Here’s the deal.  Download ArtLink V6.  Ok?  Good.

Now, you can open any design file: .ART, .HUS, .PES, .PCS, etc!  That’s right guys, you can open those proprietary .ART files without purchasing embroidery software.  So, feel free to purchase whatever designs you want!

After you open your designs, you can save them as any file format that ArtLink allows. Awesome!  If you do have a BERNINA, ArtLink will let you send your files over to your machine in the proper format as well.

Even if you own the full version of BERNINA V6 Embroidery Software, you can download this for convenience.  You don’t need a dongle to open it.  So, if you don’t need to edit a design, just open up ArtLink to send designs over to your machine.

ArtLink V6 won’t let you combine designs and it doesn’t have any fonts, but it will let you resize a design up or down by 20%.  This is a great program backed by a reputable company- so you don’t need to feel nervous about downloading and using it.

When you go to the webpage, there is a menu on the right-hand side, click on the “download” tab and then you can download the zip file.  It’s a little confusing, but you can do it!

Happy Sewing!!!

Filed Under: DIY, Ideas, Random Thoughts, Software, Tips
Nov 16, 2010

Expert Advice For Those Interested in Machine Embroidery

November 16, 2010 By 4 Comments
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I admit that the reason I even purchased the machine embroidery unit to my sewing machine was because my husband urged me to do so.  I was truly just interested in the Bernina Sitch Regulator(BSR).  However, I was so busy learning how to use the embroidery unit, and having so much fun, I didn’t even open the BSR for about a year and a half after the purchase! 

So imagine my delight when I met up with Jenny Haskins at the International Quilt Festival!  She is the Editor of the magazine, Creative Expressions, which features machine embroidery and quilting ideas and techniques.  Jenny has also edited and authored several books, created award winning quilts, taught her techniques to others in her-Jenny Haskin’s Accreditation Academy, recently released her own Premier fabric range-When Dreams Flower,and so much more!

Watch as she gives her advice to someone who is new to machine embroidery.

YouTube Preview Image

The book that contains the technique that she describes is called, Jenny’s Heritage , by Jenny Haskins.  If you need a copy, contact Zede’s Sewing Studio and they will get you one!

jenny-haskins-ed

Jenny has a website at www.jennyhaskins.com  where you can get a glimpse into all the remarkable things she has done!

Exploring machine embroidery,  Linda B.

Filed Under: Clothing, DIY, Home Decor, Ideas, Quilting, Sewing Books, Software Tagged With: , , ,
Feb 7, 2010

What a Great Start to 2010!

February 7, 2010 By Leave a Comment
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I can’t believe that January is already over!  But it is amazing what we accomplished in January.  We got back in the swing of things after the holidays with a super club.  It was full of great prizes, fun games, a ton of opportunities to sharpen your sewing skills, and of course an outstanding show and tell!  But we were just getting started!

We rolled right into our first lock-in of the year.  Several took the opportunity to create a Simply Chic Carry-All to help organize our sewing equipment or to use when traveling.  It was exciting to see the different fabrics and embellishments that were chosen.  I can’t wait to see these at the next club.

Then we kicked off our new group, Serge Ahead!  Many of you showed up to learn more about your sergers.  We started out by making cord covers to help organize our sewing areas.  As was presented in club, we will work our way through the projects in Georgie Melot’s Book, Ready, Set, Serge. But don’t feel bad if you couldn’t make the first session,  in March we will complete a new project.  So check the classes section to sign up.

Several got wrapped up in making fabric wrapped bowls with Pat F.  I was fortunate to see some of the completed projects at the shop.  Some were even motivated to create other items!

Then we were excited to have a great group for the Meandering Method of Quilting class.  I was excited to see how quickly the students were replicating fun machine quilting patterns on their class samples.  I can’t wait to see how they use this skill on their projects in the future!

In the mean time, we kept busy with a wide variety of guide classes.  Many got to know their new Bernina Artista Software under the guidance of Joanne, and their BabyLock machines better with the help of Jane and Linda T.

Of course Rocci kept our next generation of students busy, and those of you that participated in Embellisher Enthusiasts know what fun Pat and Jane had planned for you.

It seems like there is always something happening at Zede’s Sewing Studio.  If you haven’t checked us out lately, please feel welcome to come in and see what is happening.  Or better yet, why not join us for club this week, or sign up for the Jelly Rolls into Coins class and find out what you have been missing!

Always on the look out for sewing fun, Linda B.

Filed Under: Classes at Zede's, Home Decor, Ideas, Kids Sewing, Quilting, Software Tagged With: , , , ,
Nov 17, 2009

Lots more Artwork to convert to Embroidery

November 17, 2009 By Leave a Comment
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clipart-folder CorelDRAW Essentials 4, one of the newest additions of Bernina Embroidery Software Version 6 comes with lots more pre-loaded graphics than what is found in the Artwork folder (under My Designs).  There are hundreds more graphic files in a folder that comes with the CorelDRAW addition called Clip Art.

The files included in the Clip Art folder are CorelDRAW files, which are Vector files.  Vector files are the types of files you can easily convert to embroidery using the ‘Convert to Embroidery’ button on the Art Canvas Tab.  However, the folder these files are in can be a bit difficult to find when trying to load artwork inside Version 6.  So here’s an easy way to find the CorelDRAW ‘Clip Art’ folder and create a shortcut directly in you’re ‘My Designs – Embroidery Software 6’ folder so you can easily find them again.

To create the shortcut to the Clip Art folder from CorelDRAW.

  • Open up the My Designs – Embroidery Software 6 folder.  To do this go to the Start Menu -> My Computer -> (C:) -> My Designs – Embroidery Software 6
  • Go to the Start Menu -> Programs -> CorelDRAW Essentials 4, then right click on the Clip Art folder and choose Copy.
  • Go back to the My Designs – Embroidery Software 6 folder you opened, inside that folder right Click and choose Copy Shortcut.

Now you will have a shortcut that will point you right to the CorelDRAW graphics files that come installed with that program inside your My Designs folder.

Have fun!

Filed Under: DIY, Software, Tips Tagged With: , , , ,
Oct 6, 2009

Easier Auto-Digitizing in Version 6

October 6, 2009 By Leave a Comment
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In previous versions of the Bernina Embroidery Software, you had to know how to prepare your artwork before you used the Auto Digitizing tool.  There were two different tools available, Artwork Preparation and Outline Art work Preparation.

With Version 6, auto-digitizing gets even easier as Image Preparation is built right into the Auto-Digitizing tool.  In this version, when you click on the Auto-Digitizing tool and select your image an Image Preparation box is automatically displayed.

image-prep

To use the new tool in version 6, you are automatically prompted to prepare your image and both artwork prep types are available from the same screen.  You can choose prepare your artwork by reducing colors – best for non-outlined designs, or prep by outline appearance by just moving the slider until your outlines are dark and strong without turning your entire image into an outline.  Once you’ve chosen your image prep options, click OK and you can continue on with the Auto Digitizer tool.

Filed Under: Software Tagged With: , , , , ,
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