59631✽
Has anyone else learned that Machine Embroidery is NOT for Wimps?
I can't believe how many times I have had to step out of my comfort zone to try new things, to take apart my machine...
Comments (13)
943✽
Did not know that thanks for the info tho its a little late. Also its not cheap! THATS WHEN THE CHOCOLATE COMES OUT !! ~ ; )
2 comments
There are times when I have had to try try again, and remember that the third time is the charm. I don't know if there is any other time where I have to be so exact. Like when just before you start a design you have to remember to go through a checklist of things:
Is the design pointing the right direction?
Is the thread in right? Is it the right thread? Is it the right color? Is the tension just right? Is the bobbin just right? How about the stabilizer? Is it just right for the purpose? Should I also use a top stabilizer? Is there anything folded under the fabric? Is the needle just right - not too tight, not too loose, is there a cat sleeping behind the hoop, will it move without bumping into anything, and it goes on and on... I GUESS I'D better make sure I have an ample supply of chocolate on hand too!
Is the design pointing the right direction?
Is the thread in right? Is it the right thread? Is it the right color? Is the tension just right? Is the bobbin just right? How about the stabilizer? Is it just right for the purpose? Should I also use a top stabilizer? Is there anything folded under the fabric? Is the needle just right - not too tight, not too loose, is there a cat sleeping behind the hoop, will it move without bumping into anything, and it goes on and on... I GUESS I'D better make sure I have an ample supply of chocolate on hand too!
Lol good thing you checked for the cat!
463429✽
Yes, sometimes when I'm doing a really hard project I have to take a break and get my nerve up to try again. Oh yes, and eat chocolate too.
1 comment
AT first, I had to talk myself into trying again. I have to laugh when people who don't do ME say something like, "You just put it in the sewing machine, and it just sews it - right?"
I've sewn for about 50 years, but this is really different. It's challenging and tons of fun too. But I have to admit, it's been difficult to learn enough to have confidence it will turn out as planned.
I've sewn for about 50 years, but this is really different. It's challenging and tons of fun too. But I have to admit, it's been difficult to learn enough to have confidence it will turn out as planned.
20661✽
Oh yes always eat CHOCOLATE first.
1 comment
I like that, Eat it First.
"Life is Uncertain. Eat Chocolate FIRST"
"Life is Uncertain. Eat Chocolate FIRST"
20582✽
by
emily16838
10 Jan 2011
+7✽
I so agree.... this old dog is forced to learn new tricks...I just wanted to be a sleeping dog. I eat chocolate too. I have a cute little jar right next to my computer/sewing machine. When friends come over they away ask for treats.LOL
1 comment
I think I need one of those cute jars! Trouble is I am diabetic and if there is chocolate, I'm going to eat it all. Every last crumb. Then, I'm going to have to refill it. And, if I refill it, I'm going to have to eat it. Every last crumb....
23163✽
by
greysewist
10 Jan 2011
+6✽
I think we need a design that says that :) Chocolate makes me itch though, so I need to hit the coffee instead! And I'm still on decaf, having had my gallbladder out recently. As I sew for work as well, I always seem to have a machine apart for dusting out properly. They do play better when it happens often though, and we learn so much about the PCs through out sewing, as well.
3 comments
Oh Yeah, I had to learn how to use the PC software too! And there was learning how to use the digital parts of the sewing machine too! You have to be pretty brave to take apart our expensive machines to dig out a little bitty piece of thread! Have you ever eaten those coffee nip candies - ohhhh Danger!
No, never heard of Coffee Nip Candies. Will have to look them up -or perhaps I shouldn't! Nip seems to suggest alcohol, which I don't drink either -I'm very boring!!
Nope coffee nips are a hard caramel candy that tastes like fresh brewed coffee. Addictive! I like the chocolate filled ones too! Suzanne
6596✽
It definitely makes you take a deep breath sometimes. But, it can also be great therapy when a project comes together like you hoped. =0)
1 comment
I lOVE that feeling! It is really fun when we can make something that just fits someone to a T! I think that is what keeps me going. I love how we can personalize thing, don't you? What designs have you enjoyed stitching?
63126✽
Nope, or whiners neither...you just get up wipe yourself off, dry up your tears and JUMP back in like a cat with ALL claws holding on...LOL You should have seen me before I got use to just putting a blue dot...ROFL ;D *2U
1 comment
What do you mean about the blue dot??? I don't know about the blue dot?? Oh no - something else to learn. I've made it two years and I didn't know about the blue dot,,,,,,,,,
63126✽
Nope, or whiners neither...you just get up wipe yourself off, dry up your tears and JUMP back in like a cat with ALL claws holding on...LOL You should have seen me before I got use to just putting a blue dot...ROFL ;D *2U
2 comments
I sure wish I knew what the blue dots are!!
I think she's talking about marker dots. I've heard new machines can read a spot that you mark and put you center there.
22354✽
by
sewfrenzie
11 Jan 2011
+4✽
I know how you feel! I'm still learning myself! The first few days where really frustrating because I couldn't figure things out. Then once I got the hang of the programs to down load designs. I found out my machine only does 4x4 and smaller. Of course that was after months of downloading 5x7's I will never be able to use, of course unless I win the lottery and buy another machine. I hadn't done much research on embroidery machines but mentioned I wanted to get one. So he got me this one for my birthday/christmas present just over a year ago. If I ever get another embroidery machine it will ONLY be after much research and saving of course. It have a brother project runway and do not recommend it to anyone who wants to expand into bigger and better things. Don't get me wrong, I love having the machine, just not what I would have picked if I had done my homework. AND I love that my husband got it for me. In a few years once I've learned how to digitize and resize designs so they actually work, then we'll see. I wish there was a tutorial web site for fixing issues that come up with the machines. It gets expensive to have someone tell you it just needed the needle changed or the bobbin box replaced. Which I could do myself, instead of paying someone else to do it. I love the challenge though. And who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks, lol! Not that I'm old mind you, lol! I love responses you've gotten so far. Great topic!!
211079✽
by
shirlener88
11 Jan 2011
+3✽
Jan, I got a kick out of your question and all the answers - Hehehe! Yes, we do have to get out of our comfort zone - if we are going to learn to use these machines and all the things that go along with it - my goodness - had we known when we went to purchase our machine everything involved we would have walked right out that door and said - I don't think so - not in this lifetime. But nonetheless - once you get into it and work with all the different techniques and processes needed to do the vastly different embroidery designs and ways to use those designs - it is so a wonderful feeling to say - I did make that on my embroidery machine and who cares if everyone thinks you just push a button and turn it on - you know better and they would too - if they had an embroidery machine and had to step out of their comfort zone. Hehehe! Keep on stitching. *4U
255054✽
Have so enjoyed reading all these comments. My DH always says "that getting old is not for sissies". Now I know that "Machine Embroidery is not for Wimps". Thank you Hightechgrammy.
7875✽
111390✽
Yep you are right! You have to be brave adventurous and willing to try new things and fail. You have to keep at it until you succeed. Most of all smart to figue out the ins and outs of things and porblems. Suzanne