Ok, so now that i have this embroidery machine coming i need to learn howto use it, and what supplies I need. Can anyone tell me what type of stabilizer I will need to buy to use with it?? I know I need some sort of sticky back, but what brand is best? Can I still use heat and bond to stick down applique fabric, or will I need to use something else. Anyone have a recomendation for brands of embroidery thread or a source to buy it? HELP!!! I am a little overwhelmed.
Do you have a dealer nearby that you could register for an intro to embroidery or applique class? You would have to pay for the class but it would probably be worth it. I took a couple classes this spring that the dealer offered and learned a lot about stabilizers, hooping, etc...I bought the Nancy Zieman (Nancy's Notions) book on Machine Applique. Sealed With a Kiss website has a web tutorial that Heather Sue pointed me to a couple months ago. I was able to get the book from JoAnn's using a 40 or 50% coupon.
I think that different machines like different thread from what I've heard. You might want to go to sewforum.com and do a search to see what thread Janome owners like for embroidery/machine applique.
I have a Brother and use Polystar thread for embroidery and haven't had problems with it. It's supposed to be a cheaper version of the Pacesetter thread. Oh, also...do you have a seperate bobbin holder for bobbin thread? My machine has a bobbin holder that the dealer calibrated to use the Brother bobin thread for embroidery. Helps with tension, I guess? I pop in a different bobbin holder when I sew clothing, if that makes sense? I have colored dots on them so that I don't forget which one is in there.
I use Floriani stablizers for embroidery but I'm new to machine applique so I'm looking forward to what people suggest. Thank you for asking because I want to know too!
I seriously need to figure out how all of you do multiple quotes in one post. It may take me a couple years, lol, since it takes me a year to finish a skirt.
I am afraid that, yes, I am really THAT slow.
So many wonderful things posted in the last couple of days. I think I need to buy that Carla dress pattern for J. Love the rose dress made from that pattern! Stunning on your dd. I would also love to make a feliz like so many of you have. The Mickey jumper posted was super cute. I'm afraid it will be quite a while before I attempt to tackle something like that. I'm afraid of how to cut one of those patterns out.
I have coveted the Mary Poppins dress since the first time I saw it. So lovely, and $15 is very sad when you consider how much it costs to buy a costume at the
Disney Store. I am so, so sorry. That makes me really sad. I love that dress and I am sure many others agree. Such a pretty, pretty dress.
Thank you for the kind comments about J's twirl skirt. I was really nervous about posting it and I feel a lot better now. It makes me eager to get back to sewing. Tomorrow the boys are going with their grandparents to the circus so I am planning to sew some black polka dot ruffle capris to match a bee t-shirt for J. I am going to try to stitch out an applique too! We shall see....
I want to make Emily a nightgown using the Portrait Peasant pattern and KNIT. Any reasons why this wouldn't work? I'd make it an elongated (reeeeally elongated) instead of the original pattern. I've ony worked with Knit a few times, any tips or tricks to make this work?
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to all! I really need to get to bed because I have SOOOOO much to do tomorrow to get ready for my trip!
I can not find it anywhere. HELP PLEASE I must have this pattern ! LOL 
