Archive for the 'Teaching' Category

4D Embroidery – Icon Size

Published on January 24, 2010, there are 5 Comments

In a recent class I noticed that some of the students were using the small icons in the 4D software.  The small icons are difficult to see and take more focus to click on.  Here are the steps to adjust the icons so all of you can save your eyes from some strain.

The option is adjusted in any of the software modules.  Click on View and select Customize.

Next move to the Option tab.

On the Options tab check the Large icons option.

The icon size will adjust.  There is no need to reboot your computer or relaunch 4D. The icons resize is immediately.

Sew soon. LIN

5 Comments

Announcing Sewing Machine Cover Pattern

Published on January 18, 2009, there are 10 Comments

The machine cover pattern I’ve been working on for quite some time is now available for purchase.

For our lovely machine

machine-cover1

Please NOTE the design on the cover above is from Kaleidoscope Elements and is NOT included in the pattern. You can put any design you want on your cover.  Designs are available through your local Viking dealer, MyEmbroideries.com or other embroidery sources.

The cover fits many machines.  Two sizes are included; one for the Designer Diamond and one for the Designer SE/I.  It also fits other machines of approximately the same size.  The cover is designed to cover the embroidery unit with the skirt unfolds from the zippered area.  If the embroidery unit is not on, the skirt tucks away.

The pattern has some great techniques for learning to use your machine.  Included in the package are instructions for programming stitches, and use of an invisible zipper and cording.  If you haven’t used your machine for these techniques this is a great way to get familiar with them.

I’ve also updated MY teaching schedule. I’ll be teaching the machine cover in Elsmere, KY on February 21, and at  Bueter’s Spring Sewing Retreat in Howe (Elkhart), IN on March 12 – 15 .

Just click on the Shopping tab above to order the pattern.

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UFOs

Published on January 11, 2009, there are 14 Comments

As part of the new LinSews I’ll be telling stories and sharing projects.  This week is about sewing UFOs, UnFinished Objects.

In November, I was cleaning up my sewing room.  We were having company for Thanksgiving and I like to talk about and share my sewing creativity.  I thought our visitors might want to see some of my work.  So I should at least have my space tidy – right?  As I was organizing and putting things away I decided to put all the started projects in one area.  I designated a box lid for collection. As I came across these unfinished items they went onto the lid. I’m thinking – I have to finish these!  Some of these would make great gifts or could be used for show and tell when I teach.

I had projects that hadn’t been started, like the knit top with the embroidery template pinned to it.

Then there were the long overdue projects like the alphabet book.  This is a new baby gift for my great niece, Faith.  She’ll be one year old in January.  (This will need to move up in the priority quick!)

There is the unfinished Lazy Girl bag inside a finished Lazy Girl bag. (So appropriately named)

And sew on . . .

UFO Pile

OK, so now I have my UFOs in one spot.  (Well maybe not all of them.  But the ones I came across).  Now, to whittle down the pile.

The Simon Haskins table runner was only missing one hooping. That should be an easy thing to complete.  I found the directions and the color selections and matched one of the three.  The other two are very close.  Unless you knew they were different and you put the designs from both ends right next to each other and really looked hard you wouldn’t know.

Simon Haskins table runner

If you want to see the table runner, stop in at Bueter’s in Elkhart, IN.  Brenda will have it for your examination.  Let me know what you think.

Next on the list is getting the alphabet book complete.  When it was rediscovered the embroidery was complete through “P” penguin.  All the letters are now embroidered.  Next, is to decide what the cover should look like, what complimentary fabric to use and how to finish it off.  Here are some fabrics I’m considering.

alphabetplan

I have some other UFOs that should be pretty quick.  I’ll keep you posted on how they are progressing.

Lazy Girl - one complete, one ready for assembly

Yes, I do have a New Years resolution to not add to the UFOs.  And hopefully complete at least a few more.

Do you have UFOs?  How do you manage them?  Here’s a challenge.  Complete a project and send me a picture.  I’ll post it.

Sew Soon

LIN

14 Comments

4D Embroidery Resize and Scale

Published on October 26, 2008, there are 9 Comments

Resize and Scale are the two functions in 4D Studio to increase or decrease the size of designs. This tutorial is on 4D Embroidery Resize and Scale.  The two functions allow for changing the dimensions of a design, larger or smaller.  Scale maintains the stitch count and Resize alters the stitch count. Click above to view the video.

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Have you ever gone to a sewing retreat?

Published on October 12, 2008, there are 8 Comments

Are you wondering where this weeks tutorial is? Well, I’ve been away, but for a good reason.

I’ve been away this weekend leading a sewing retreat and teaching embroidery software. It was a small gathering with a lot of fun. My sewing sister, Brenda Miller (no relation, although we’re really like sisters) and I organized this retreat, which was attended by a small group of great women. The facilities were a church-camp retreat overlooking a lake in Northern Indiana.

Remember how you used to stay up late talking when you were a teenagers or sorority sisters? Well it was like that only all sewing! Lots of fun. Friday night, or should I say 2 a.m. Saturday morning, I called it quits. Saturday night, I bailed at midnight. Others stayed up much later. And … it was all about sewing.

We each brought things for show and tell, and as we finished sewing projects, those items went onto the show and tell table. We shared ideas and asked each other for color and fabric opinions. We shared talents and asked for help.  I especially appreciated Carla’s skill in preparing pleated fabric for smocking. 

Here’s Carla’s $3 hand bag.

Carla's $3 hand bag. 

Here is Carol’s handbag quilt top.

Carol's handbag quilt top.

Here’s the jacket Brenda has been working on.

Brenda's jacket. 

And of course, no sewing retreat is complete without a visit to fabric shops! We went to Lolly’s and Yoders in Shipshewana, Indiana.

If you have never attended a sewing retreat, get your friends together and organize one. It’s a hoot! You’ll get lot’s of sewing done and get caught up with friends and make some new ones!

LIN

8 Comments