I often get some emails asking me different questions. Depending on the week I either have the time to answer them or don't.. and I feel really bad when I don't. So here are some of the answers.
What kind of sewing machine do you use?
I have a Brother PC 6500. Which is a sewing machine and embroidery machine. It is no longer made but the current version of mine would be Innovis 1200. But I would look into buying the Innovis 1500 D. do not buy any embroidery machine with a smaller hoop size than a 5x7. Over time a 4x4 hoop will give you many limits.
What kind of thread do you use?
I sew with Gutterman thread for sewing and embroider with Mettler Poly sheen. Mettler makes all the difference. I use drop in disposable bobbins, no more bobbin winding for me.
Where would you suggest buying a machine?
I would go to your local store and try them out, get as much information as the stores will give you. Then call Poncho Sew and Vac I have had 5 friends buy machines from them this year. They are the best price around and don't charge shipping or tax. If you are someone who needs lots of instruction you may want to buy it at your local store to have one on one teaching with.
How do I get all those cute fonts that you use?
There are two areas where you will spend your money when doing embroidery; the machine and the software. You could spend as much on the software as you do on your machine.
What software do you use?
I use Amazing Designs. The company has made some big changes so I still don't know all their new software. you can find much better deals online or from Poncho Sew and Vac. They are very userfriendly and all their programs work together.
Personalize and Stitch is a monogram program
Digitize and Stitch is where you can digitize any design - this would be the last program I would buy if money is an issue. It is so great to have, don't get me wrong, but it may be a bit overwhelming at first.
Edit Express this program is what helps you to manipulate your designs, make them bigger, smaller, merge designs. this would be the first program i would buy.
What software program do you use to make all your cards and such?
I use a program called Scrapbook Factory Deluxe and Printmaster. But mainly SFD. I bought it at Costco for about $20. I do not use any of their premade designs or clip art, so when you open it and start using it you will not find any premade simple designs. You must make them yourself. It may take a little time to figure out and the best way is to just play around with it.
How do you keep track of all of your photos?
I use a website called Smugmug. I have used it for 4 years and love it. There is no limit to storage. I can have be a private site or open to the public. The staff is great and are willing to help you learn how to use the site, but it is very self explanatory.
It is only a few dollars each month. If you use my email ( pinkeverythingpink@yahoo.com ) or this code ( 8Ngokedgv6XzM ) you can get $5.00 off. You can also try if for 7 days for free.
Please, Please if you have any questions put them in the comments and I will answer them there for everyone to get more ideas and more resources.
22 comments:
I'm glad you posted about your sewing machine. I told Adam this is what I want for my birthday and when I went to check them out I was amazed at the $2700 price tag. I hadn't anticipated that. I will have to look at yours to see if it's any better. If not I won't be getting one. I tend to think if I'm going to spend that kind of money it's going to be on photography equipment.
my machine was $999. you should be able to still get a brother for that price.
brother's are made by the same company who makes Bernina just under a different name.
it is a simialar hobby to photography the more gear you have the more you can do. but you really should be able to get into it at around $1100.
we have a embroidery email group where we help each other out, girl you would love it and it is a great investment.
my machine also sews you just take off the embroidery unit so it is like 2 in one.
Wonderful post! I have wanted to ask so many of those questions. Great idea.
Love the good mail, as always!
Thanks for all the great info!!
You answered a few of my biggies!! Thank you... Also, I bought the SFD program online (same price) and just downloaded it. The best part about that is that the automatically update it for me for a year. :-) It really is a fun little program and pretty easy to use (barring my question last night...it worked, thanks!).
Amen on the photography hobby. Most of my lenses are more expensive than the camera... and the classes and photoshop...
BUT--the new free photo editing software called Picasa is great. It is easy to use and does a great job at organizing.... just another plug for a great program...
How do you embroidery in the Mister Giggles font?
I want to get a program with it for my Mom's Brother Embroidery Machine.
She needs lots of cute fonts (the one's she has are very generic and plain).
Here is a question for you...
Will you ever make your bags again and sale them? :)
kari,
she would need a digitizing program . i have not used the new one i talked about but i think now you just type what you want and it will recognize any true type font (2pes fonts work)
it will cost about $200.
there may be better ones out there than amazing designs those are just what i know.
she must have a card reader to transort it to her machine.
let me know if you have any other quetions.
dana. someday i will and my mind is full of other ideas it hurts
I have another question I've been meaning to ask you. Where do you buy your heavy weight cardstock? I either find packages of the crappy thin stuff, or have to buy it sheet by sheet in 12X12 at the scrapbook store to get a nice weight and finish. Then I have to cut it down to print on it. Big pain.
Sooooo paper?
Fun post! I bought the SFD after hearing you talk about it a few months ago and I've *loved* it for tags and cards and things. Thanks for the suggestion!
Thanks for all the info, I had been wondering about that, especially the fonts and pics!
tasha.
my favorite paper to use is 100 lb. most cardstock is about 80lb.
you mostly find it in 8.5x11 in white or cream.
i would look in your phone book under paper suppliers. i found a great place in nashville and have found two here in D.C.
i buy 125 sheets for about $7.50 of the 100 lb.
or xpedex in utah when you are there.
You are always so generous with your good finds and information! Thanks!
Thank you much Kristi!
Could you put this post on your sidebar so we can refer back to it? Such useful information!!
Thanks!
kari, i put it on the top of my blog.
thanks
How cute that you have your own FAQ's, you should get commission for all of these products!
This is a brilliant thread, Kristi. You thinked a good thunk there!
Can you give me a quick 'Dummies guide' to the Xyron things you use? I'm interested in designing and printing my own stickers but I haven't a clue how to start off. Thanks!
You are a gold mine, Kristi. If anyone needs a great idea or resource, you really ae the gal. Thanks for sharing! You are amazing. Hey - how are you planning to end world hunger? You have an idea for everything else - and a resource, too - I just thought I'd ask! HA HA! :)
What great resources, thank you. I am just borrowing my Sisters Embroidery machine for four months and I can't believe how much I have spent on designs, thread ect. I had no idea.
Kristi,
I love to read your blog! What an inspiration you are with your wonderful ideas!! I am curious to know what kind of printer you use to print your precious notes,etc. Also, do you use the same printer to print pictures?
Amy S.
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