I need a little help with brainstorming. I belong to a quilting club at the local senior center. Most of the ladies there are retired and not all that technologically savvy. At our meeting today, I found that several of the ladies have embroidery machines that they have never used because they don't know how. They also have no designs to use with them. Additionally, most do not own computers.
They asked me today if I would be willing to give a class to help them learn how to use their equipment. This is at no charge. It is just for fun.What I need is a few embroidery designs that are available in multiple formats, so that they could all stitch out the same design to make teaching easier. I don't want to tromp on copyright, so does anyone have a suggestion on what I could use to get them started? We are going to work on threading the machine, hooping, and stitching out something with a few colors but simple. Do you have suggestions for designs? I cannot afford to buy designs for each of them. I look forward to some creative responses!! Thank you.
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May I recommend a Redwork design first where they use just one thread. Like a Sunbonnet Sue or Sam. Senior's love redwork on hand towels or a handkerchief. Next do a design that would use four or fiver colors. By doing it this way they get finished quickly and excited about the finished project. They get the "I Can" attitude and then are willing to tackle a design with more threads.
I've worked with little children and seniors and this process works best for me. cj
1 comment
by cj2sew
12 Sep 2012
Here is a Sunbonnet Sue 4-5 colors FREE
http://www.swakembroidery.com under freebies 12 rows down. Many other free designs there too.
19439I also would like to let you know that you may use any of my designs, that I have loaded in Designs by Cuties. Hugs Yvonne
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132773So many excellent responses from our great Cuties. That is why I love this site. So many willing to lend a hand or an idea. * :)
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by justonlyme
11 Sep 2012
I have to agree!! I didn't expect such a positive response. I'm psyched!!!
6196What a wonderful gift to all of these senions...I think it would be easier on you if they all did the same project with the same design, perhaps a holiday design for Autumn or Winter...like a kitchen towel or a pillow case...or something that almost everyone has and can use...they can pick their own colors, but everyone will be doing the same thing so teaching would certainly be easier. Keep us posted as you progress and bless you for your generosity...the gift of your time!
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by justonlyme
11 Sep 2012
Thank you! I think I'll enjoy this as much as they will! And I'll post our results in "projects".
318473It's so nice of you to help teach these ladies how to embroider. What a wonderful group of people here at Cuties to offer their assistance. I don't know how to digitize, but would only recommend something simple with minimal stitches. You'll be spending A LOT of time hooping and just explaining how to actually use the machines. Good luck to you!
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by justonlyme
12 Sep 2012
I appreciate your suggestions and suspect you are so correct. Everyone has to start somewhere. Thank you for the encouragement!!
985would like to hear an update on your progress. I too have been approached to help with some sewing lessons. I have no idea what they already know, so it's going to be fun!!!
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by justonlyme
11 Sep 2012
Once we finish our first "class", then I'll post to projects. I think it will be loads of fun.
Good luck with sewing lessons. I really enjoy it!
16529This is a great site,always someone to help,THANK YOU FOR YOUR KINDNESS,
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by justonlyme
11 Sep 2012
Yes, thank you everyone for your kindness and helpfulness!!
This IS a wonderful site!!!
7314The answers you have received, is why this site is such a great place filled with so many that are always willing to help!!
Hugs to all
Aleene
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19282I actually give classes to several ladies (I do charge, they want intensive info) and found that before we spent much time stitching, we had to go over how to hoop, stabilizers, threads (some thought they could just use sewing threads) etc. So first lesson was mostly the basics, then we hooped and stitched a small design. They went home with a fingertip towel, but lots of info! They have all come back!
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by justonlyme
11 Sep 2012
We will start out slow and work from there. And you are right. We have to start from the very basic and just use a simple design, and move up from there.
30992848It is so generous that so many have stepped up to the plate to offer their designs to help you out in your endeavor! It just feels good when things like this happen!
For the first project, I'd pick a design that is one color or could be stitched out in one color, that could be stitched out in the time alloted (maybe less than 2000 stitches?), and on a not too big a piece of fabric that can be made into something. I'm thinking of making a little tissue holder. These quilters will have a little bat and a little extra fabric to line it and probably finish it at home the same day.
You might want to include a lesson on organizing their designs!
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by justonlyme
11 Sep 2012
I'm thinking that a few simple designs with just a couple colors of thread will be the beginning steps. We are going to have to start at the very beginning, with learning to hoop and color choices, loading designs on the machine, etc.
33641I'll be glad to make a simple design in all the formats (except ART) they could all stitch at the same time and donate it. Just let me know what you'd like. Maybe they could all make a coaster. PM me with what you'd like!
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by jrob
11 Sep 2012
I can change PES to ART format for you if they have a need for it. Just PM me with your email.
by justonlyme
11 Sep 2012
I'm overwhelmed at the generosity I've seen here!! I will keep your offers in mind, and may contact you after lesson #1 when I start getting requests. THANK YOU!!
by castelyn
12 Sep 2012
Hi there, that is great that you will try and get them started. I see you have been given info for free design that can be used by all.
Will just leave ***for all.
Hugs Yvonne
59631What an awesome opportunity you have. I'm sure those ladies will be blessed to have you show them what seems to be on your heart! Go for it and enjoy every minute you have with them. Blessings, Avis
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by justonlyme
11 Sep 2012
I LOVE to teach. And yes, this is an incredible opportunity!!I teach quilting for the new folks, and love every second of it!
3003I do believe you have something to work with. i look forward to hearing how it goes. Have fun and don't stress too much all will be as it should be! If you have a helper it might make the day go better. Live Laugh Download Stitch!
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by justonlyme
11 Sep 2012
I had no idea I would get this type of CUTE response. I think that the class will be fine with me teaching solo. I teach quilting there already and it works out just dandy.
173694This is Awesome i would be thrilled to teach something like this hugs:);)
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360648What a generous bunch!! Although I can't help you can tell your ladies that here are many older than they are (I'm sure I am one)who have learned to use their machines, just take it step by step. One thing you might think aout is that most of them would probably love to make something for a grandchild.
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by justonlyme
11 Sep 2012
You are so very correct. Most are widowed, and have grandchildren or great grandchildren. I was thinking of making a flower and a children's design, just to get their feet wet, so to speak.
8230If you will IM me and send your email address I will donate one of my frog designs that I did .
lenamae
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32767Although I cannot help, I am just amazed at the help that Cuties have offered. You really are a wonderful bunch of people. Sarah.
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255054If you pm me your email address and some ideas that you are interested in, I would be happy to help with a small donation of some designs from my website with permission to use them for your class. The link to my website is below.
Alice.
www.eembroiderydesigns.com
6 comments
by fannyfurkin
11 Sep 2012
No biggie Sarah, we need to encourage people to participate in our sport. lol.
by lenamae
11 Sep 2012
Allice this is so nice of you .I to have designs I did that I would donate if she would in me her address.Lenamae
by justonlyme
11 Sep 2012
You are so kind! I visit your site often to browse through!
I'm starting out simple with few color changes. Could we use the angel pink ribbon? Many of my "students" have been touched with cancer. Thank you!!!
19430They could begin with the designs that are already on their machines. All machines come with designs ready to stitch and also have fonts built in with frames. When they are home it will be easier for them to go ahead on their own.
Having one freebie given is not going to solve their learning their specific machine.
Hugs Bev
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by pennyhal2
11 Sep 2012
It's pretty hard to teach a lesson unless everyone is on the same page! It is hard enough that they all have different machines. Once they get going, I suspect they'll go beserk like the rest of us.
by justonlyme
11 Sep 2012
It is so much easier to use the same design for everyone. Once they get the basics, then they can move forward from there. I don't expect to solve all of their learning problems. Just help them get started.
by justonlyme
11 Sep 2012
asterixsew, I think I would have to give computer lessons too if any of them were to join CUTE. :)
7875You are welcome to use any of my contribution of designs in DBC.
hugs Helen
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57492Hi Just, ALL my designs on DBC are 'free to do with as you please' so have fun!! Sorry but they are mostly FSL
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by justonlyme
11 Sep 2012
Thank you! I hadn't thought of that, but I'm sure FSL is a technique that they would love to learn!!
45070Why don't you start with a simple monogram? That would be something everyone likes and they would still all be different. There are alphabets in DBC but if you want something special, send me an email (or if you don't have that a PM) - I'd be more than willing to help you.
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by justonlyme
11 Sep 2012
Thank you so very much for your generosity. I didn't know that I could use the DBC designs. I'll just pick a couple simple designs from there. Perhaps for lessons on down the line, I might take you up on your offer!! :)
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