but I'm wondering if anyone with that same program can set me on the right track, give me some pointers/clues/help. There doesn't seem to be anyone in this area who can give me the lessons I need.

I've had some wonderful responses to my plea for help in creating the Pencil Toppers and I feel very confident now that I can go ahead and succeed with the information you have all offered me.
A huge and grateful Thank You to you all for your input.
Alma.

Alma, I see you have your answer, which is a good thing, cause I couldn't help you. hehehe. But I definitely am looking for cute Pencil Toppers and Sucker Covers. So when you get them done, let me know where to go to and I'll purchase some from you. Hopefully you can get a good variety to use. :) Can't wait to see what you come up with. :)

1 comment

by almag 03 Oct 2010

I hope you don't have to wait too long but it could be next year before I perfect the skill - I only have five more weeks before I leave for America.
There are some good PT and ST sets at http://www.sewweird.com/designs.h...
I really want to produce my own PT's for my daughter to sell on her dance studio stall in AZ, America. Alma.

Hi, I have 3D Pro and I could help you.
Pencil toppers are simple ITH projects. All you have to do is digitise an outline - you could draw it first in the 'Image' section or go straight to the digitising section and use the Freehand stitch (single), that is used as a target line. Then in a different colour, so your machine would stop, digitise the same outline, leaving an opening at the bottom for the pencil. Use the Freehand Triple Stitch for this if you want to cut it out with pinking shears or do it as a single stitch, followed by a satin stitch in a third colour.

When sewing it out, hoop stabiliser, stitch the first colour, place your felt (or other material) on top, stitch the design you want, put a piece of felt on the back, stitch the second colour.
If you digitised the triple stitch, unhoop and cut the material back to a couple of mm's.
If you digitised the satin stitch: embroider the second colour, take the hoop out of the machine, cut back and front back to the stitching line avoiding cutting the stabiliser, put the hoop back on the machine and stitch the satin stitch.

Hope this makes sense, if not send me a PM.
Martine

1 comment

by almag 03 Oct 2010

Martine, thank you for this valuable information. The parts about the Image section and the different Freehand stitches are going to put me on the right track.
Had I read the second part of your message before I stitched out a set of 8 angel PT's last night I would have saved myself some cutting-out trouble!
And, Yes, it does all make sense. It's like my sketchy knowledge is like a pile of jigsaw puzzle pieces and some fell into place when I read your message.
Thank you, again.
Alma.

If you have 3D pro you will also have the programs to watch how it is done and than try yourself.
Takes time. Also see the yahoo group mentioned, there is a lesson there from Vickey which is very helpful. Did it quite a while but and did not keep it up unfortunately. Not enough time lol. Good luck.

1 comment

by almag 03 Oct 2010

I will get stuck into the tutorials again. I had a look at them when I first got the program up and running and I was so confused I wondered what I had taken on. Now with some slow learning behind me it is making more sense.
The amount of knowledge available in that 3D Pro. program is amazing. Now the 5D is coming out and I wonder what more it has to offer. I'm satisfied with the 3D - I'm sure it will do everything that I want and need.
Also, in my case, it's a matter of discipline and determination and I wanted to concentrate my time and efforts on learning this one skill without being sidetracked.
Alma.

Wishing you the best. This is something I have not been able to do. H&*

1 comment

by almag 03 Oct 2010

Thank you for the good wishes. I guess that once I conquer this skill I'll look back and say, 'Gosh, this is so easy!', but right now it's my next hurdle... and then there'll be another one. Addressing these challenges makes life very interesting and whole lot of fun. ... :}
Alma.

Hi AlmaG! I have just sent you a PM. I have 4D Pro and I think maybe I can help you with your digitizing. Looking forward to hearing from you!

1 comment

by almag 03 Oct 2010

Thankyou, Sharon. I've sent a PM to you.
Alma.

Every one of us has a different learning style. I know I learn best when I am shown how to do something. Others prefer to read a huge book full of difficult words which they happly read. Sounds like we learn the same way

1 comment

by almag 03 Oct 2010

Exactly. I skim read and to buckle down and plough through an instruction book is a real discipline to me. I can do the exercises in the manuals without much trouble. It's just a whole lot easier to ask someone what to do and how to do it as the need arises. I'm thinking that my 'needs' might be racing ahead of where I am at in the digitising arena. It would be so nice to be able to have someone next to me showing me what to do.
Alma.

Here is a group that should be able to help you with any questions you have.

1 comment

by almag 03 Oct 2010

Thank you for that link. I'll pursue that and it might be just what I need or at least second best to having someone right here telling me what to do.
Alma.

You know Alma - I don't think I would have the patients to learn - but stitching out one or two of the pencil toppers - would give you a better idea - of the way they are made and might actually help you learn what others have done - to create them. Just a thought - keep on stitching, Shirlene

1 comment

by almag 03 Oct 2010

Hi Shirlene - I have stitched the pencil toppers and they aren't much different from teabag holders. A dim light did go on this afternoon and I think I might have a handle on this challenge after all. At least I think I now know what section of my manual might be helpful.
I'll certainly keep on stitching - I just want to create some PT designs myself.
Alma.