Hello there! It’s June, and I haven’t posted in awhile. I apologize for that if you were looking for some updates. Life is just so crazy – all the time – and I need to do better!
Do you embroider – anything – ever? Do you use software, or are you thinking of using software? This is NOT a sponsored post! Not trying to sell you anything, just trying to share some knowledge.
I bought my sewing machine about 10-11 years ago. It had an embroidery component, but I had never embroidered anything before. Wasn’t sure it would be something I would use – I just wanted to sew fabric together. So I tried one day, and then something else, and then I kept going.
After a few months I started looking into software; I was looking at Mac specific software, as I am a Mac. I am NOT a PC unless forced to be a PC. So the same store where I bought my machine, they had software, Mac compatible. I know Embrilliance seems to be a popular choice, and I haven’t tried it so I don’t know much about it – but I do know my software of choice, there isn’t much out there for information on tips and tricks, how to use certain features, etc.
When I was initially looking at software (10-ish years ago), it was very expensive to buy the box, and I think it was called TruEmbroidery, something like that. Then it changed to various levels of Premier, Premier+, Premier+2. About 3 years ago, I dove in and bought the software. I was clueless. I can usually figure out software without too much trouble, but not having any background in this software, or the type of software, I was a little lost. Yes there was a very long PDF download for an owner’s manual. Yes, I found this one website that was supposed to be helpful, but watching the videos, it was like you were a 100-year old person that had never seen a computer before and was painful to get through.
I found another website that told you how to click buttons – I figured that part out already – but not why you were clicking, where to click, what this accomplished, why do you click like this and not like that… I was so frustrated, and those around me that knew I had software couldn’t figure out why I couldn’t just take this super detailed artwork and “click” make a patch for someone – after all there is an auto digitizing function, LOL. After a long time of being frustrated and not finding resources, I went to my old stand-by: Break It and then Fix It. Then you’ll figure it out.
Very slowly, that is working for me. I’ve learned how to do several things – my favorite being import fonts (already digitized embroidery font letters) and not have jump stitches! And Combine and Align. A new favorite.
Let me know if there is any interest in some screen-shot tutorials of some basic things. I use MySewNet – there is a steep learning curve and I haven’t even tried everything yet, but I like it. Again not a sponsored post. The software is available for Mac and PC – there are more modules available on the PC so I have to use those on my Surface, but I do all the font work, combine and align, and more on my Mac.
I made these cuties with the software – they all have names.
There has been some confusion lately as to where you can find the PDF files. I have moved all of the PDF files to my Facebook Group, but you can still find the projects and photos on the site here, such as the Crafty Pixel Quilt that has been so popular over the last 7 years! All of the information is still on the page with photos.
And the Floriani – Madeira conversion PDF. Yes, all the Madeira colors in the PDF were available at the time of conversion – most if not all are still available on their website. This is a reference and should be used as a guide – a starting point. Use your thread stash, project, lighting, etc. to make your final thread selections.
I have plans to add more resources to the Group in the future – just need to figure out some free time to do so. Until then, thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy creating your Rainy Day projects!
It seems like it has been a long time since an update! I have been busy behind the scenes, and in day-to-day life, that I have been bad about updating – sorry! First up are some new Tin Sets – these fun playlets have proven to be very popular. Do you remember the Pink Axolotls and the Rainbow Axolotls? I made a new Grey Series to match! More designs are on the way. If you have a specific request let me know in the comments. Find all of these in the Studio.
Look at these guys!! It was like a Gnomie explosion on my machine last weekend – Felties, Finger Puppets, Ornaments – aren’t they cute?!
My list is very long for what I am working on right now, and I keep bouncing from one thing to another. If you have an idea or a special request let me know! Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for the latest – I also update the Shows I will be at so you can come see things in person! I can’t believe Halloween is so close – gotta get back to work!
Between making new Holiday designs, restocking what’s popular, planning for Elf season, and more – I don’t really have a theme for any of these weeks and just switch it up as I go. I have been shocked as to how quickly the Axolotls are selling out. These Rainbow Axolotl Tins are my favorite, but the All Pink version is fun too – I need to restock both and am in the process of doing that! Do you want a version of Rainbow Axolotl Finger Puppets too? I have the All Pink set already.
So this week had a few Dog Bum Bookmarks, a few new Kitchen Towels, the start of the Learn the Letter Words Tin Sets for A and B, and some other things I am working on behind the scenes that I can’t get into right now…
Check out these and more at the Studio or on Etsy. Anything specific you are looking for? Let me know! I am working my way through my very long list. Have a great rest of week and weekend!
It has been a busy summer so far, but I do have a few new things I just listed for this week and working on many, many more! I am trying to get ready for a local Toy Convention at the end of the month so my boys are very helpful in what I should make – I only need 4 more machines and a million more hours to achieve their goals.
This weekend I made 5 new towels and 3 new Bum Bookmarks. They are so cute, and so many more on the way – they match the Bum Poo bags!
Let me know if there is anything you are looking for. As always everything will be at the Studio and some items on Etsy until they sell out or expire. I’ve started adding to Facebook shop too. Find my Facebook page and Like it to follow along. I also have a Facebook Group, very helpful with the PDF files if you want to make the Minecraft Quilt!
Previews below – but use the links above to navigate to where you want to go. Thanks for stopping by – have a happy, healthy and safe week!
I recently made several Business Card Holders in both Standard and Moo Square sizes – in a variety of colors. The Moo Square is shown holding 20 business cards, this is what I use. I don’t have 20 standard business cards to stack but I would guess the Standard should hold about the same. I borrowed a business card for the preview – thanks Marceline! Check these and more out on Etsy – for all but Yellow Dragon there is only one available so if you like it, grab it! Thanks for stopping by – have a great Wednesday!
Aren’t these the cutest things you’ve ever seen?! If this doesn’t make you want to take Pooch on a walk I don’t know what will! There are currently 17 different breeds available (shown below) – may be more in the future. They are all made on high grade upholstery vinyl with marine vinyl appliqué. A zipper to insert a roll of bags (one roll included with purchase) and a Lobster Clasp off the side to attach to a belt loop, leash, etc. Previews below and you can find these at the Studio or on Etsy.
Is there a breed you are looking for? Let me know!
Hello! I hope you all had a nice Christmas with whoever you were able to spend it with. I am sad to see several of the items I shipped out well before Christmas still have not arrived. I just wanted to give a quick update from the little I know.
As I’m sure you are all well-aware, the US Postal Service is overwhelmed with an unprecedented amount of package deliveries, and understaffed due to Covid. I am not going to reiterate that here, but I just wanted to share a quick example. If you ordered something from me and received a Tracking Number, I PROMISE it was dropped off at the US Post Office for processing, but they don’t scan all the items right away. I have been watching all of the orders I shipped out to see what was scanned, what is still “label created” and allegedly not moving, and what has been delivered. Yes I have been tracking them all for over a month. I think it bugs me even more than it bugs you because I created and shipped as quickly as I could to get the orders in your hands in time, and the Postal Service failed me and millions of other Small Businesses this year.
I checked in on all the packages again this morning, and I have a screen shot of a good example. This doesn’t give away the item or where it is going, but you’ll see in the screen shot below that the label was created December 15th. It said Pre-Transit for 10 days as if I had it still sitting in my office, not dropped off to the Post Office. I dropped it off right away, but it was never scanned. Suddenly (10 days later) it has reached a regional postal processing center in New York. Luckily this package has a NY destination so I am hopeful this will be delivered very soon.
I appreciate that most have been understanding and patient about the delays. Once I mail the package it is at the mercy of the Postal Service, which again, they are overwhelmed and understaffed. I am still working my way through a few last-minute orders that came in just before Christmas. If you had one of those, I am hoping to make them all this weekend and get shipped out early next week. Thank you so much. Hope you are all having a Wonderful Holiday Season!
Just a quick post – it’s not much but I am so happy that I was able to create something from start to finish that will also help my son with math this year! I have more that I am making, but for now I was able to finish the first 5 of many math wheels. I really want him to pop out the numbers and just know them in his head, so I am hoping these will help the end result. From the first placement stitch to the final satin stitches I created the math wheels. It may not be a perfect design, but I think it is a great start for my first design product. I just thought they turned out so cool, I had to share! More coming soon.
