Tag Archive for 'Lin Miller'

Oh my! August.  Where is the time going? It doesn’t seem like I’m getting much done. Each week I look back and ask myself “What did you get done this week? What can you share?” Some weeks I have to dig pretty deep and other weeks the answer is easy.  This week I’ve been busy with a few things.
I’ve been working on some drawings and learning to use Paint.net.  This is a more sophisticated tool than the paint software that comes with many Windows operating systems.  It has quite a bit more functionality.  If fact I’m almost having fun with it.  I found the standard paint product very limiting and frustrating but I didn’t want a high powered tool like Adobe Illustrator.  I also didn’t want to spend too much money.  My objective was to find a tool that was at a not too complicated and inexpensive.  So last weekend I did a little homework and came up with Paint.net.

I’m still learning the tool and found the Rotate / Zoom function a whole lot of fun.  I’m hopeful this program will open up a new dimension in my sewing and embroidery.  Here is the link if you want to know more about the tool: http://www.paint.net/
Oh and it’s Free!
I’ve been doing a little smocking.  I have an Amanda Jane and am learning the nuances of creating an evenly pleated piece of fabric.  You would think it would be straight forward – put the fabric in, crank the handle and walla! Not true.  It does take a little bit of practice and care for the fabric being pleated.  If any of you have some tips, please share them.  I’m still getting some uneven folds in my pleating.

I also stitched out one of the Needlework Hand look designs introduced at Convention.  The design recommended cotton thread in a 30 or 40 weight.  My stash didn’t have the right colors and content.  So instead I went to my embroidery floss stash.  I’ve often wondered what I would do with the floss.  I knew I wouldn’t be doing any thing involving hand embroidery.  (Why would I?) OK back to the stash.  I went through the stash and found a number of colors that matched the knitted pattern in the sweater.  I do need to give credit to my GF (good friend) Brenda.  She has an eye for color and makes the matching process fun.  I pulled the floss strands apart and wound them onto empty spools. (I have a hard time throwing them away.) I was only missing 2 colors.  I picked those up at JoAnn’s.  One color was a thread spool and the other another skein of embroidery floss.  The design stitched out nicely.  I did use a larger size needle because the floss was quite heavy even with only 1 strand.  I slowed the machine and kept a good eye on the stitch out.  It did stop often since the longest strand when using the floss was 9 yards.  I had planned to use the sweater for a felted bag. When I do get around to that project the bag will have more interest.

I’ve also been playing with the Texture Hoop designs.  Here is design 221314 from 213 Texture Hoop Ribbons & Flowers. I have it on point intentionally.  I plan to share that project info in the not too distant future.

Here is a design I created using components of 221314. It’s still only virtual.  I’ll need to look for a place to incorporate the design.  Oh, I just love the 4D software!

That’s all that I have for the week.  I do have more items in the wings. I have the new 4D ExpressMonogram Wizard software.  I haven’t broken the seal yet.  I have a couple things that need to be completed before I start to play.

Sew Soon.

LIN