Machine Embroidery

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My Favorite Time-Saving Features of the Brother PR-1000

Friday, April 13th, 2012

A while ago I wrote about how excited I was to get the new Brother PR-1000 and how much time I thought it would save me. It has done that and much more.

The Brother PR-1000 Multi-Needle Embroidery Machine

LED Indicator Lights

LED Indicator Lights

There were some things that I didn’t realize would be so useful:

One favorite feature is the way the machine remembers what colors I have on the spools. When a new design is selected it highlights the spools that need to be changed for the next design. For example: I was doing a set of designs from a collection. All the designs had similar colors with just a few changes for each design. As soon as the new design was selected the colors that needed to be changed were highlighted in blue, making it very quick for me to get the new thread colors in position. It remembered that Prussian Blue was on spool 3, and even though Prussian Blue was the first color in the new design it was automatically assigned to spool 3 instead of me having to move it to spool 1 or manually re-assign it myself. In many cases I only needed to change 2 or 3 colors for the new design.

The Name Drop feature has saved me more time than I dreamed possible, especially when it is teamed with the LINK function. The Name Drop feature lets you save series of names that it will place in the proper position on a design. As soon as a design is completed a message pops up and asks, “Do you want to do the next design?” If “OK” is selected the finished design will clear and the next name in the queue will load in the next design automatically. I used a design from an Anita Goodesign holiday collection with Name Drop and completed a monogrammed Christmas stocking for every member of the family. Everyone loved them!

Aligning with the Snowman

I have done plenty of large designs using the FF jumbo hoop and the alignment system in PE Design. I’ve never had problems with alignment, but I was careful and followed a “procedure” to make sure it lined up prior to stitching. Now I just divide the design in PE Design NEXT and let the Snowman® do the alignment. This requires no thinking on my part. I just need to be able to read and follow the simple steps that are displayed on the screen!

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If you have a multi-needle machine, what are your favorite features? If you don’t have a multi-needle embroidery machine, be sure to stop by your local store and take a look at one in action. You’ll be amazed at how much time you can save!

Happy Stitching,
Carol


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Brother Pattern Alignment with the Snowman™, Innov-Eye™, and the Continuous Border Hoop

Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

A new Brother software upgrade will provide precise alignment tools through use of the Snowman™ and the Innov-eye™ Camera System on some models of Brother machines. When the software upgrade is added to the machine, the included Camera Pattern Alignment program will add new capabilities to make design alignment even easier.

The secret to having continuous designs line up accurately has always been in getting the fabric hooped correctly. The new camera pattern alignment program lets the camera work with 2 snowmen and the software does the work of making each design match up properly. Designs can match at 9 connection points and the points can be adjusted by sliding for a completely new look.

How does this magic work?

  1. Select this icon on the screen of the machine:
    camera alignment
  2. A new screen will open. Select the point on the grid where the next design needs to attach:Next design goes here!
  3. Stitch the first design.
  4. When finished, the machine screen will guide you through placing the 2 snowman markers where they need to be. It will scan the snowman locations. Remove the fabric from the hoop (DO NOT REMOVE the SNOWMEN) and rehoop the fabric for the next design segment.
  5. Select the point on the grid where the next design will attach to the previous design. The machine will scan the snowmen.
    This is where the next design will attach to the previous design.
  6. Choose the new design (it doesn’t have to be the same as the one used first). The software will align the new design to the previous one.
  7. Stitch the design (if you are planning to add additional designs, select the icon again prior to completing the stitching of this design. Select where the next design will line up to the design you’re about to stitch. This will let the software know you are planning to add to the design).

The Continuous Border Hoop is not just for borders! If you like easy hooping then this is the hoop for you.

If you have ever struggled getting the hoop together nice and tight; or if you enjoy working with specialty fabrics such as leather, velvet, some silks etc; then you owe it to yourself to swing by your nearest Quality Sewing Store and take a close look at the amazing Continuous Border Hoop from Brother.

The hoop is a clamp hoop. Lay the fabric in place on the soft non-marking base, and press one side latch. Then it is an easy task to make certain the fabric is lined up as desired, just check the alignment lines on each side of the hoop and press the other side latch to secure the fabric. The top side of the hoop has a rubber grip that will hold the fabric securely and will not leave any marks or “hoop burn.”

Brother Quattro Software Upgrade Premium Pack III

Brother Quattro Software Upgrade Premium Pack III including the Continuous Border Hoop

Happy Stitching!
Carol


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Why You’ll Love Brother PE Design® Plus Software

Friday, October 7th, 2011

Who needs more software? Many people struggle with the ones they already own. PE Design® Plus is a breath of fresh air for those who want good, really-easy-to-use software. The included tutorials will make learning a simple task.

One of the features that makes it so very special and different from other available software is that it includes the entire PhotoStitch™ program from PE Design® NEXT.

PE Design® NEXT has always been considered the benchmark of excellence in photo stitch programs. The stitch-outs are very realistic. The program will produce fantastic stitch-outs by just letting the software do the work of making the choices. It also includes many tools that are handy for those who want to make changes. It is easy to learn to use and there is an excellent training video on the Brother Sews YouTube site. The video demonstrates how to use most of the excellent tools and provides some useful tips to get the very best photo stitch:

There are 35 fonts that are instantly recalculated when resized. Underlay may be added and density (number of stitches) may be adjusted. The arc transformation for creating circles is also included.

There is an excellent auto-punch program that will turn simple clip art into an embroidery design in just seconds. It offers a choice of fill and outline stitches.

There is a design library of included designs. Designs can be imported and exported in most machine formats. The realistic preview mode and a sew simulator help determine if the design will stitch as desired. The stitching order of a design allows rearranging which part of the design will sew first or last. Designs may be resized with or without recalculation of stitches (this is useful when an existing design has too much or too little density.)

The program can also display thumbnail pictures of the designs in a file and show the details, ie: dimensions, colors, stitch time and much more. Brother hoop sizes are in the software, and additional hoops may be easily added. The print feature provides printing of actual size templates.

This software is compatible with nearly every machine available. It is easy to use. Best of all there are so many features you will actually use. Stop by one of our locations to learn more and pick up your own copy of this wonderful software!

Happy Stitching!
Carol


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Embroidering with Metallic Threads & the Designer Diamond deLuxe

Wednesday, June 29th, 2011

Have you ever embroidered with metallic threads?  I just love how they look.  However, when using these temperamental threads, one thing that needs to be considered is that normal tensions and sewing speeds don’t always work well for metallic threads. Even when the machine is adjusted for them they can be tricky.

I had a very different experience this past week.  Some of our stores had the privilege of having an educator from Viking come and show us the features of the new Designer Diamond Deluxe.  One of the most amazing advancements of this machine is the new automatic Deluxe Stitch System.

What is that?  This new technology is a secondary tension system that when turned on, replaces the traditional style tension disks of the machine.  It is a set of rollers that smoothly glide the fabric through and releases the appropriate amount of thread for the thickness of the fabric and thread that you are using. So no matter how thick or thin your project, the feeding of the thread is adjusted automatically.  In most cases, you will not even give tensions a single thought.

The project that we stitched out was a very sheer scarf using designs that were created on the machine and using metallic thread in both the needle and in the bobbin.

Metallic threads in both the needle and bobbin?! Are you kidding?!!! I said the same thing.

What makes this work so well is that we used the Deluxe Stitch System instead of the traditional tension disks.

It was really quite fascinating how the Deluxe Stitch System accommodated the metallic threads in both the needle and bobbin without making any adjustments at all.  There was no need to test sew, adjust tensions, test sew again.  The machine was even able to stitch with the metallic threads at a high speed due to this new System.

Before this experience, I really did not understand the advantages of the Deluxe Stitch System.  Once I saw it in action and tried it for myself it was very impressive.  I invite you to stop by one of our stores and try it for yourself.  It is something worth seeing!

Reva


Posted in Home Decor, Machine Embroidery, New Products, Projects and Techniques, Resources, Sewing, Tips & Tricks | 2 Comments »

5D MultiWave Fill

Friday, June 24th, 2011

Have you upgraded your 5D software with the new FREE features Reva mentioned in our earlier blog post? They are amazing! The MultiWave Fill is powerful and beautiful. This impressive technique allows you to do fills with a default wave fill, or change the wave to any creative style you wish. By changing the line that controls the wave you can build movement into your design, add softness to the wave, intensify, overlap, or create an effect that is totally your own idea.

In the examples below, you will see three of the many ways you can create. Example A shows the default MultiWave Fill. Example B shows the default wave was not only manipulated with new curves, but you can also do straight lines and corners. Example C shows using Motifs in the MultiWave Fill, and there are hundreds of gorgeous decorative motifs in this software. You can also tell the software to wave in multiple directions.

You are the artist and 5D MultiWave Fill is your paint and brush. Capture your inner artist (no art class needed) and create something exciting, stitch it out and send us a picture for our Facebook page.

To get you started, here is a link to the Spring Leaf design above for you to stitch out, zipped for easy download:
Spring Leaf.zip
Let me know what you think!!

If you would like to see this software, stop by one of our stores for a demo. You will be delighted at how easy this software is to use. If you have the software already, we offer classes to get you using this valuable tool. Take your embroidery to the next level with great software.

Enjoy your sewing adventures!
Lana L Jones
Educational Consultant
Quality Sewing and Vacuum


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Sewing with Betty Cotton

Tuesday, June 14th, 2011

This past weekend I was at the Puyallup Store and Audrey was giving a class on Cotton Theory by nationally sought after Author and Designer Betty Cotton. It has been a bit since I have made a project using the Cotton Theory. After seeing how much fun everyone was having, it has encouraged me to start another one. I think that I might make one that is fall on one side and Christmas on the other. I love 2 for 1 projects!

In a nut shell, how the process work is that you complete one section or block at a time: top, batting, backing and quilting. All of the pieces of fabric and batting are small enough to be very easy to handle.

There are several things that make this system so great to work with.

Some of these include:

  • It is fast! When the sections are stitched together, then that part is complete. Just move on to the next section.
  • It is easy to handle! Since each section is small in size, it is just as easy to make a queen sized quilt as it is a table runner
  • It is reversible! Since all the seams are finished as the sections are assembled, a completely different back fabric can be used so that you will have 2 projects in one.
  • It is dimensional! The texture that is created by the unique and easy seam finishing technique adds so much more personality to the project than traditional quilting can give.
  • It is fun! Such a fun way to explore working with reversible embroidery, decorative stitching, and beautiful threads.
  • Hey, did I mention fast? I know I did, but it is sure worth repeating! :) Those of us who are into more of an “Instant Gratification” type of project, this is right up our alley!

I encourage you to give this a try. I started with a table runner and many others have started by making place mats. Betty Cotton has several books and patterns available, check one of our stores to see what they have in stock and try this today! If you are near the Puyallup Store, go in and take a look at Audrey’s great samples (She is a Certified Betty Cotton Instructor) and while you are there sign up for one of her classes.

If you have made a project using the Cotton Theory by Betty Cotton, send us a picture or post it on our Facebook page. We would love to see what you have made.

Hope to see your pictures soon!

Reva


Posted in Crafting, Events, Fast Projects & Gifts, Home Decor, How To Guides, Machine Embroidery, Projects and Techniques, Quilting, Sewing, Sewing Celebrities, Show and Tell, Tips & Tricks | No Comments »

Free 5D Embroidery Software Update

Monday, June 13th, 2011

There has been a recent update to the 5D Embroidery software.  If you own either 5D Professional or 5D Suite, this is something that you will want to take advantage of right away.  The new features are amazing!

The first thing that you will want to do to be able to take full advantage of the updates is to make sure that you have registered your software.  Once you have done this, you can download the latest update.

After the update installs and your computer has restarted, you will have new Minidesigns and Frames, as well as features for the Cutwork Needles (both for use with existing designs and also to make your own).

You will notice on the leftt side of the screen, a button that you will take you to the Purchase Center where you will be able to download 3 new Superfonts for free.

To take a look at the features of the update, click here.

I have had so much fun playing with the new Cutwork features in the software!  It makes it so easy to automatically add the cutting lines to traditional Cutwork embroidery designs that I own.  No need to even have to know what the settings should be, it does it all for you (you will find this in Stitch Editor under Modify).  It has been so much fun to take designs and adjust them so that they needles will cut out the fabric for me.  This has worked beautifully with my AnitaGoodesign Cutwork and My Fair Lady Cutwork designs.

If you want to make your own designs from artwork, you will use the Design Creator portion of your software.  Here you will find tools that are all set up to create cutwork with just a couple of clicks.  Again, there is no reason to worry about knowing exactly what setting to use.  The software does it for you.

To learn more, click on the “Learning Center” button on the left side of your 5D Embroidery Screen (up dated version).  There you will find video demos on how features in the software work.

Not familiar with Cutwork needles?  Check out my previous blog about them.

Reva


Posted in Crafting, Machine Embroidery, New Products, Projects and Techniques | 1 Comment »

The Right Tool, The Right Time

Friday, June 10th, 2011

A good tool is valuable; a great tool makes the job easier. A great tool always saves money in the long run because it saves time and frustration.

I bought my Brother PR 600 in 2004 and have always relied on its workhorse ethic. It has always been ready to tackle any job. In fact recently I was asked to complete an order for a shop that couldn’t complete in time to meet a deadline. The only issue occurred when the customer questioned why some hats were “cleaner and more precisely stitched” than others. The shop owner was quite distressed to find out that his customer preferred the hats that had been stitched on my machine!

Brother PR1000

The Brother PR1000

My machine has paid for itself a dozen times over. I have never seriously considered a different machine (even though I will confess to looking). New features became available, but I’ve never been seriously tempted to upgrade until now.

The new beauty that has caught my eye is the Brother PR 1000. It isn’t just the beauty of the design, the larger hoops, support table, new software integration features and new accessories that make it attractive. Isn’t that enough? Hooping an item consistently perfect is always a challenge, so I am confident the Innoveye™ camera will save me lots of rehooping time. The new hat hoop embroiders up to 14” wide – ear to ear without rehooping. This feature will also be a big time-saver for me. I can do the cap front and 2 side designs without rehooping!

Brother PE Design NEXT Software includes some amazing business features that are designed to save time:

    Brother PE Design Next Software

    Brother PE Design Next Software

  1. Link: lets one computer control up to 4 PR 1000 or PR 650 machines. Each machine can be working on a different task with up to 100 designs in queue.
  2. Name drop: names can be typed or imported from a spreadsheet. The software will place them in the proper position in the design and save them all in one quick process. I used to do this task manually and I had created a routine to be efficient – this tool has reduced my design prep time by 90%
  3. Database provides printing a catalog of designs for customer viewing and selection. (This is huge because different design color and font choices may be printed–to be viewed by group members prior to a decision.) It has a special page that can be printed with all the design and item information included for easy filing in your records.
  4. It also includes manual and auto digitizing, photo stitch, impressive resizing capabilities, editing and much more.

Time=Money. Saving time in my work process will create more income for my family. I will be taking a PR 1000 home to join its older “Brother” in my sewing room. I’m looking forward to using the exciting new features.

Stop by one of the Quality Sewing locations and see this beautiful machine in action – it truly is amazing!

Happy Stitching!
Carol


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New Viking Diamond Deluxe and new Deluxe Stitch System

Friday, June 3rd, 2011


Have you ever heard of Thread Portioning?

Until recently, I had never heard of this technology either. Thread portioning is a patented thread delivery system just introduced on the brand-new Viking Designer Diamond Deluxe. What is it? It’s a very clever system for delivering exactly the right amount of thread – the correct portion – for every stitch, embroidery design, and fabric. The engineers at Viking have been working on this technology for almost ten years and introduced it to the world at the Viking Dealer Convention last week. I had the opportunity to attend the convention and spend an afternoon hands-on with this incredible new machine.

We started by sewing a wide satin stitch and admired the uniform, slightly pulled underside… a perfect satin stitch. We got to test various stitch combinations and learned that the portioning system spools the perfect amount of thread for each stitch and varies automatically with changes to width and length of stitch. What if the fabric is extra thick, sheer or has a deep pile like velvet? The thread portioning system compensates by monitoring the thickness of the fabric from the sensor foot along with the exact location of the thread knot making a perfectly formed stitch no matter which fabric we chose.

For the next project we embroidered a flower motif onto a sheer scarf. During embroidery you really see the positive stitching performance of the thread portioning system. We used matching metallic threads on both top and bottom. Even though the thread was extremely fragile, we did not experience the thread breakages I would have expected. The most impressive thing however was the beautiful embroidery stitches that were uniform top and bottom. If it weren’t for the wash-away stabilizer on the bottom it would have been difficult to determine which side was top and which side was bottom!

-Paul LaPonte
Owner of Quality Sewing & Vacuum


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News from the Viking Convention!

Thursday, June 2nd, 2011

Guest post from Lana L Jones

As we traveled to Reno for the Husqvarna Viking Convention the excitement of seeing the new Diamond Deluxe was on our minds. What features could they add that no one else has thought of yet? If you have a top-of-the-line machine, you know it has lots of the most technically-advanced features that make sewing and embroidery effortless, enjoyable, and extraordinary. What could they have added?

After we arrived at the Grand Sierra Resort, we were immediately directed into the Grand Theater for our dinner and the unveiling of the most marvelous machine on the market today, the Husqvarna Viking Diamond Deluxe.

Picture this: a Boeing 747 lands on the stage of the Grand Theatre, executives and educators deplane, each carrying a brand new Husqvarna Viking Diamond Deluxe. Marilyn Monroe starts singing “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.” Then, who should do the official introduction… the educator extraordinaire deplanes to a standing ovation… Sue Hausmann!!

airplane

As Sue goes over the incredible features the new Husqvarna Viking Diamond Deluxe and all the exciting products that have been created to ignite your sewing and embroidery projects, you can’t help but wish everyone could experience this very moment. As we feast on delicious desserts, Sue continues to dazzle us with more designs, new machines and fabulous software. We couldn’t wait for the next day so we could start playing with it all.

Tuesday finds us in front of the Husqvarna Viking Diamond Deluxe. What are the new features… what is all the excitement about… WOW! Thread Portioning and Thread Tension, design shaping, 1222 decorative stitches, 205 built in embroidery designs, on-screen embroidery customizing, undo!!!! There’s more… but I will just talk about the features that wowed me. For the rest, you will have to stop by to see them for yourself.

What are Thread Portioning and Thread Tension? We already know about thread tension. Thread Portioning is available for sewing and embroidery. It continually measures the thickness of the fabric to deliver the perfect amount of thread while stitching so both the front and back look superb. You can select thread tension or Thread Portioning, or set it on auto and let the beautiful Husqvarna Viking Diamond Deluxe take care of everything for you.

Design shaping uses decorative stitches or designs to build creative embroideries right on the beautiful Ultimate Interactive Screen. Made a mistake? Not a problem; you now have Undo! Yeah! The new Ultimate Interactive Screen is easier to navigate and the extremely high resolution allows you to see stitches in striking 3D precision.

Everything you love about Husqvarna Viking sewing machines is still there, just better and more! Stop by Quality Sewing and experience this amazing machine.

What’s in the new 5D Embroidery Suite Upgrade to 9.3? New Fonts, Super Fonts and mini designs, modify frames and lettering even after your right-click to set. And my favorites: create or modify designs for Cutwork Needles, and the Wave Fill. Amazing, fun, and super exciting changes that you have to see for yourself. If you want to take your embroidery to the next level you need software like this!

Our last night there was a hoot. The Viking Educators were split into three teams and given one hour, two machines, one with embroidery, and a bag of “stuff.” Their mission: to create a wearable outfit and use everything in the bag. This was so much fun to watch! Some of the effort, commotion, activity, merriment, hilarity… whatever you call it, was enjoyed by all attending.

Enjoy whatever sewing adventures you embark upon and stop by and show us the results.

Lana L Jones
Educational Consultant
Quality Sewing


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