A Great Thread Tip for Machine Embroiderers

Dear Friends,
I have learned a thread tip that I'm implementing right away and here it is...

Limit your thread selection.

What you see in the photo above is my thread collection.  Actually that isn't even all of it, I have about another 40 spools that aren't on the pegboard.  I guess I have a thread addiction and it needs to stop.  You can easily see in the photo that I have quite a few pinks and reds.  Why, oh why, do I need every shade.  I don't.

I'm using up my thread and then I'm limiting the colors I purchase from here on out.  I'm limiting them to 50 colors - tops.  Four shades of one color is sufficient.  I don't need 50 shades of gray!  I have my favorite colors I often reach for and many times, the other colors just sit and collect dust {not good for our sewing machines.}

There are several benefits to cutting back on all the color choices.  By limiting thread colors, this will save me time on thread selection.  I will easily know which colors I need to re-order.  When someone visits and wants something special done for them, fewer selections will make the selection process easier for them as well.  It will save $$$ by not buying willy-nilly and then just having the colors sit unused.

Have you ever considered limiting your thread selection?  I've heard of several people doing this with good results and I can really see the benefits of doing so.  Definitely something I am doing.

Embroidery Blessings,
Nancy

Generations Software has Arrived

Dear Friends,
I've been like a child waiting for Christmas for my software to arrive.  I was fortunate to get the end of the year bundle from Generations.  So in addition to my software, I received a thread spool stand, thread rack, 30 spools of Robinson Anton thread, additional cd's with classes, a ton of stabilizer and some stabilizer wraps which are the yellow things you see in the picture.  The wraps are like those snap bracelets and they say things like "Tear Away" to go around the tear away stabilizer.  The instruction manual is the three ring binder you see and it is huge.  I've been diving right into it.

One thing I discovered before purchasing is that Generations software is sold through a number of distributors.  Each of those distributors had added to the software package with their own special bundle.  Be sure to shop around to get the best deal from the distributor you are most comfortable with.

Tomorrow I am getting a one-on-one orientation class about the software.  I can't tell you how excited I am to be jumping in with both feet and learning how to do this.

Happy Embroidering,
Nancy

Merry Embroidery Christmas To Me!

I hope each of you had a beautiful and joyous Christmas this year.  Our sweet Katie could not come home for Christmas, she is in the Air Force, but she comes home TOMORROW!  It is only for a few days but I am so grateful for even a few precious moments.

This year my sweet in-laws gave me the CD's you see above.  They are from OESD (Oklahoma Embroidery Supplies Designs) and I LOVE their designs.  My machine has been busy humming away.  I'm particularly fond of the ornaments and free standing lace designs. 

I know it is after Christmas, but I will show you soon what I've been working on.

Blessings,
Nancy