Drag and drop blocks, fabrics, and now photos to create your own spectacular quilt

• Crop and edit your own scanned fabrics into EQ7 in minutes
• Easy to learn and easy to use, even for new users; do fun, quick step-by-step lessons to learn the basics and more
• Find help any time! The built-in Help buttons are everywhere and targeted to the task you are doing
• Instantly create original blocks without drawing
• Blocks size themselves—just drag and drop on the quilt
• EQ7 has exactly the same friendly interface—plus loads of new user-requested features

More details from our Sewing Advisors:

• EQ7 is the most user-friendly full-featured quilting software yet
• Activate the program on multiple computers and transfer activations from computer to computer
• Use EQ on netbooks in addition to laptops and desktops
• Includes complete user manual
• 22 printable full color PDF lessons (115 pages)
• Point and read info on each tool, now linked directly to Help topics
• 10 videos targeted for beginners
• 67 “How do I?” topics: printable stepped out instructions for doing everything from printing English paper-piecing templates to drawing a New York Beauty
• Built in Help buttons are everywhere, targeted to the task you’re doing
• New block tools for creating original blocks instantly without drawing
• Blocks size themselves-just drag and drop on the quilt
• 5,000 copyright-free blocks
• 5,000 new scanned fabrics, plus grayscale textures
• 120 new pre-designed quilt layouts
• Snap blocks to a quilt grid
• Instant border blocks with greatly expanded Auto Borders
• Print multiple photos on fabric
• Create original fabric designs from photos, then print on fabric
• Mirror and use myriad symmetries on photos
• Use dozens of artistic effects, making everyday photos look like watercolor or impressionist paintings
• 79 new features in all
• Complete reference manual
• Minimum System Requirements: Windows XP, windows Vista, Windows 7. 32 or 64 bit, Internet access, 750 MB of available hard disk space, CD-ROM drive. Internet required for activation, deactivation, and periodic validations
• Recommended: monitor with screen resolution of 1024 x 768 or greater, Adobe Reader, and sound card for demo videos

EQ7 Upgrade:

• If you already have EQ6, you know EQ software is easy and user-friendly
• See magic happen as you turn everyday photos into quilt art images, plus more with EQ7!
• Simply drag and drop blocks, fabrics, and now photos to create your own spectacular quilt
• Quickly crop and edit your own scanned fabrics into EQ7 in minutes
• It’s easy to learn and easy to use, even for new users; do fun, quick step-by-step lessons to learn the basics and more
• Find help any time! The built-in Help buttons are everywhere and targeted to the task you are doing
• Instantly create original blocks without drawing
• The blocks size themselves—just drag and drop on the quilt
• EQ7 has exactly the same friendly interface—plus loads of new user-requested featuresTo see more about Electric Quilt I have loaded video on the web site for you to view.

Go shopping at Hancock with the instructor and pick out your lining and outside fabric. You will receive a written pattern in class to follow for any other purse project you wish to make for yourself or as a gift. Learn to drawn off your pattern and cut the shapes out. Finish your seam allowances. We will also cover using the walking foot and inserting a zipper.

The monogram was added using the Singer Futura. Learn more about the Futura in our 2 day Futura seminars.

Fabric quilted Purse - Choose your favorite color combination for your  fabric quilted purse.

For fabric purse- Purchase 1 yd of purse body fabric to quilt. Buy 1yd base fabric and lining and fusible batting 3/4 yd of contrast for handles and trim and matching thread. You will also need an 22″ zipper and one 18″ zipper.

I will help you coordinate your purse and quilt your purse project. Bring your sewing machine, walking foot, open toe foot, rotary cutter and ruler. You will also need a fabric marker or a chalk pencil.  Enrollment fee is $40.00    1 session 10:00-4:30
^{Wednesday June 12th 10:00-4:30pm
Thursday July 25th 10:00-4:30pm}

In class embroider a multi-hoop design to create a border. Create your own monogram and construct a great bag for the spring and summer using the Futura.

Call Hancock to enroll. Fee is $150.00 for the 2 day event and includes your materials.  Bring your Futura and laptop with mouse and software loaded and ready to use. Hope to see you there. If you have any questions email me at jenny@jennys-sewing-studio.com

Teddie is a student from the November 2012 class.

Irene is a student from the November 2012 Futura class

Singer Futura Embroidery seminar will be held August 3rd and 4th 2013 Saturday 10-5pm  and continuing Sunday 12- 4pm. Singer has introduced quite a few Futura models and I will cover how to use them all including the CE150, 250, 350 or the XL400, 4-1, XL550, Futura Quartet or the SESQ6000 and more.  The software for all the machines is basically the same except the multi-hooping. I will show multi-hooping appropriate for the model you have.

You will cover how all the basic embroidery functions like loading a design, centering, printing a the template for positioning, changing colors, use the design browser, copy and paste designs, use the embroidery anthology, change the screen color, load the hoops, use the grid, use the lettering engine, learn the draw package and more. I will also cover all the options. Learn to use the auto punch, Hyperfont and Photo stitch. Once you create a design we will edit it using editing option. Make lace, make a simple applique, and add texture to your design. If you own the options you can create along with me. If you do not, watch the demos.  If you are interested in purchasing the options, order about 2 weeks before the class to make sure you get the option and have it loaded on your computer to use in class.

The Futura’s must be in working order and all software must be loaded in a laptop and ready to use. If you own an older Futura, all software updates must be applied before class. If you have a Futura CE100/200 you will need to upgrade the software before taking class. Jenny’s Sewing Studio has the upgrade for purchase.

I hope to see you in August ! dates are August 3rd and 4th. Class is $150.00. ( additional dates are Oct 5th and 6th)
Call Hancock at 410-677-3461 to enroll.

Free motion embroidery can be shown with many different technique. My favorite is a technique by Terry White. Here are some links to her video and products showing free motion embroidery. Any straight stitch machine can do free motion embroidery. Time and practice develop the skill.

The first thing to do is know what kind of shank your sewing machine has. Most machines are low shank, slant shank, or high shank. Before you purchase a foot for your machine tell the merchant your machine make and model. That way you are sure to buy the correct shank for your machine.

Juki has a great low shank open toe free motion foot with adjustable pressure that makes embroidery and quilting easier. If you do not own a Juki, I have a generic open toe free motion foot that will fit most low shank machines. My personal favorite is the rocker foot for the low shank machine and is made for Singer.

One final idea for free motion work is to have a flat wide sewing surface. Some machines have optional slide on tables you can purchase to make the quilting and embroidery much easier.  I also offer a generic table and custom cut tables called sew steady tables. Take a look. These tables are well worth the price for the support and extension they give.

If you are in the market for a hat hoop , Hoop it all has the best hat  hoop on the market  for the domestic sewing machine.  The hat hoop slides on to make positioning a breeze. A design template helps you to visualize the design location and appropriate size. Hats make a great gift so consider the hat hoop addition to your embroidery machine accessory today.

Wise?

Just how cute are these little owls!……..A friend had something similar ( she wouldn’t let me take it to pieces so I had to guess how they were made)….and if I knew where the original design came from then I would give them the credit!
This is how I made mine.. These pictures are quite self explanitory…..

The only thing when stitching is to make sure the point where the stiches meet is neat.. this folds over to form his nose.

Place a pin accross and stuff firmly
Fold over and hold with a few stitches..
Cut some felt circles and add sequins and beads for eyes,
Stitch on his bottom!…. cute! You can change the size and shape by making the ‘cone’ shorter, longer, wider or narrower… experiment!.. if you make one leave a link so I can come and see!

Singer has just replenished our stock of Futura XL400/ SESQ/ and XL550 bobbin cases. They have been out of stock for so long I have almost given up on ever seeing them again.

We have also received the Futura XL400/ SESQ/ and XL550 needle plate.

Another back order item that is also now in stock is the Singer extension table for the 7258, 7412, 7258 model- 052017

If you have been searching for any of these items I have a few to offer you at time time.

Jenny

Some neat new tricks can be achieved with applications on your computer. The new Windows 8 system is an extremely different way to use the computer. The apps are called tiles and can be grouped, added or removed to give your computer the personalized appearance. The apps take you to the internet, news, weather, or to use of your games, or office programs instantly. Using your mouse you would scroll the app to see the “whole information ” or with a touch screen you would swipe to see the entire screen. To get back to the start menu tap on your windows key on the keyboard or swipe to the lower left and see you start menu and touch it to find home.

Touching the Windows button on my key board always brings me back to the  start menu if I get lost. 

Windows 7 is also running on the desktop. The desktop is available as an app. If you enter the internet from Windows 7 the title bar look more traditional.  You can pin tabs to the bottom of your screen for easy access to programs and sites you love to use.

One of the uses of Windows 8 is to interconnect many computer devices into one by using the cloud to store information that each device can see at any time. If you have a cellphone, a computer, or a tablet they all will benefit. I have yet to explore this.

I love Skype. I have found that calling people lately on the phone is hard because the sound quality is poor. I have been struggling to hear what they are saying. With Skype and my head set I can dial them up through my computer and have a very comfortable conversation.  Email me and I will call you when I am on-line. jenny@jennys-sewing-studio.com

I have found most of the software I owned need a new driver for windows 8 so ask your manufactor for more information. Both Singer and Compucon Stitch and Sew have upgraded me to Windows 8 with new drivers.

I still am working on the email. I am not comfortable with any one  new email browser. I will let you know what I find out as I discover the new system. I have been working on it since November.  In April Wor Wic will offer more on Windows 8 and I plan to be in the front row of class.

Till then….

 For purchase information click on the link provided.

To encourage our beginner Knitter’s and Crochet students I have started a Crochet and Knitting circle to meet a few times a month at Hancock Fabrics.  Each meeting is $15.00 and you will receive the featured project pattern and instruction.  Take a look at our first couple of  projects. You will find a Crochet Purse, Crochet Flowers, Knitted Slippers, Blue Ripple Afgan, and a Crochet wash cloth.

Do not miss our next Rigoletto scarf class Monday February 25th from 1:30-3:30pm! Call Hancock at 410-677-3461 to enroll.

Here are some of our recent students ! If you have not joinned the fun in class please enroll for our next session. If you are out of town, join us at Pinterest where you will find free pattern links and pictures of thing that interest Jenny.

 In the next couple of weeks I have many quilting classes starting. Learn the Quick Trip, Log Cabin and Braid in a Day quilts and make a quilt top in a day. Finish the quilt top in our 2nd class called “ Finish the Quilt” . Learn how to quilt, and bind the quilt for a perfect finish.

These and many more classes are available at this link. Hope to see you there.

Jenny

Stitch It Straight is formerly the Embroider’s Friend! 

 The SNAP EASE ( standard size)- This Embroidery Accessory eases the stress of hand hooping with household embroidery machine hoops. It cuts the fatigue of hooping, reduces the risk of carpel tunnel syndrome and simplifies alignment of your work. No more tired and sore hands, wrists and forearms from hand hooping. Use the Snappy with almost all brands of household embroidery machines.  Also in Large hoop size. Watch the video to the formerly Snappy to see how this tool works.

Embroidery Placement tool is a must have product for all who want to embroider shirts, tees and blouses. It provides perfect industry standard positioning for left chest, center front and other embroidery placements. It comes in adult and child’s sizes.

I have created both a crochet and knit Pinterest site and have been collecting some easy patterns for you to try from both Red Heart and Lion yarns.

I hope you will join us at Hancock in January for class.