Hello March

2009 is already 2 months old and I am still running way behind.  Of course part of the reason I am so far behind is that I was teaching most of the month of February, one event being the Bernina National Teacher’s Reunion where I had my first introduction to the new Bernina 830.  All I can say is WOW!!  What an amazing machine!!

It does everything but cook dinner for me (and I hear they are working on that one) and its physical size is impressive.  The machine is very intuitive and easy to navigate around all the different onscreen icons.  There is no bobbin case and the size of the bobbin is giant size.  For those of you that embroider, the mega hoop is, well, large.

For those of you wishing for more information, click www.berninausa.com.   Now I know there are many of you that are in love with your own brand of machine, but just indulge me for a few minutes and let me dream.

What's New?

In the last newsletter I introduced my first online video workshop, Seasons in My Garden.  Allow me to clarify a couple of points.  First, the videos are not on a CD or DVD.  When you purchase a video, you will receive an email with a link to a web page.  You click on the link and viola! the video starts playing!  You will also receive similar links to your printed material.

Second, before you buy a video, click on this link, What is Thread Painting, and if you can play this video, then you can play any of my online videos.  When the black video screen appears, click on the white triangle to start.  A dial-up Internet connection will not work. 

If you have paid for a video and find that you don’t have the proper connection, please let us know as we may be able to help.

Some of you have been nice enough to email me with your comments on the video:

Mary V.  from Bangor, Maine said, “Thanks so much for the detailed video.  From the video to the PDF instructions everything was so clear that I had no problems completing the project." 

 Susan B. from Murphy, NC said  “I live in an area where it is difficult to get  to a quilt show or shop for lessons and I have wanted to try thread painting for a long time.  Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to learn in my sewing room on my own schedule.”

Kay P. from Denver, CO said, “I have always thought thread painting would be hard, but with your step-by -step instructions I am now confident enough to thread paint a project I have wanted to do for a long time.  Thanks for taking the time to simplify a process I thought might be out of reach.”

So drag out your sewing machine and give the video workshop a try.  You won’t be disappointed.

Tips for You!

What size and type of hoop do I use to thread paint with?

I use a 6” wooden machine embroidery hoop.  I use a 6” because the larger the hoop, the more distortion; the smaller the hoop, the less distortion (distortion shows up as ripples around the edge of the design).   Distortion cannot be totally eliminated but with the proper stabilization and especially the right size hoop, distortion can be minimized.  The hoop is about ¼” tall so that it will fit under most presser feet, has a strong screw assembly and is very sturdy.

What type of foot do I use to thread paint with?
 
I use an open toe free motion foot.  A free motion foot floats above the throat plate when the presser foot is lowered.  Standard machine feet will rest on the throat plate when the presser foot is down so if the foot you are using does not float above the throat plate, it isn’t a free motion foot.

I use an open toe because I get good visibility and can see where I have been, where I am going and where I need to go.  Most machine manufacturers make an open toe foot so check with your machine dealer for specifics on the free motion foot that will fit your machine.

Many machine manufacturers make an oval clear foot for free motion, but visibility is practically zero with this foot.   So always look for an open toe  foot.  Click here for a short video presentation on free motion feet. (This is a snippet from my video, Setting Up Your Machine for Free Motion)  
 
Why do I use water soluble stabilizer rather than a tear away when I thread paint?

I use a water soluble stabilizer simply because I want the stabilizer to disappear when the project is complete. Also, the water soluble backing, OESD Aqua Mesh (roll) or (2yds) is soft and feels like fabric making it easy to hoop.  Tear away stabilizer could be used as a support for designs thread painted on fabric, but some tear away stabilizers are just too stiff to hoop properly.