Embroidery software is new to me…

Aynaria 3 Comments

In preparation for my upcoming ‘crafty tech’ purchase… yes, I know it’s a embroidery sewing machine, but since it’s computerized I think it’s safe to say it classifies as ‘tech equipment’, right?

I’ve started checking out embroidery software. It made no sense to do it before, since the software packages I’ve been looking at also offer free trials and how could I test the software without the machine? My top priority is looking for a program that converts regular photos such as *.jpg, *bmp, *.png,  *.gif, *.wmf, *.emf, and other unsupported formats into a ‘workspace’.

From there I could convert it to *.pes which is the file format for Brother sewing machines. And while I looked at a few programs that did this, I wasn’t about to pay $400+if it’s something I don’t want to invest a lot of time with. I’m choosing Sew Art Embroidery Auto Digitiser. It does what I’m looking for and it only costs $75.

Features of SewArt (an auto-digitizer for embroidery files)

  • Reads raster or vector format images (supported input formats include *.bmp, *.png, *.jpg, *.gif, *.wmf, and *.emf)
  • Allows images in other (unsupported) file formats to be pasted into the SewArt workspace
  • Converts images to high-quality embroidery files for sewing
  • Supports output embroidery file formats including Brother (c) *.pes, Janome (c) *.jef, and Singer (c) *.xxx (these may be converted by SewWhat-Pro, or other embroidery editors, to a  much larger variety of embroidery file formats compatible with most home and commercial machines)
  • Contains tools for converting images into color-reduced, smoothed images suitable for digitizing
  • Includes a variety of pattern fills which can be applied to sew individual regions of the image
  • Supports both auto-digitizing and manual digitizing options to give substantial user control over the digitizing process
World of Warcraft Aggra
World of Warcraft: Aggra

 

How cool is that? Now that means I can (hopefully) convert my favorite World of Warcraft played character into an embroidery file. Well, I don’t actually play Aggra in WoW but I do (mainly play) female Orcs. Of course there are many other reasons I’d love to convert pictures to an embroidery file format…

I’ll definitely play around with it, before purchasing the full version and who knows as I advance with machine embroidery my needs might require that I purchase something more pricey.  At that time, I’ll start looking at other choices.

Guess what? My sewing machine is already in Maryland! It arrived yesterday the day I placed the order. Which means the warehouse where some of Amazon’s products are kept is close.  Although it’s here in Maryland, UPS has my package arriving to me on Monday so I’ll have to wait a bit longer. Unfortunately I won’t have time to play with it on Monday since I have a board meeting to attend that evening.

I’ve been frequenting machine embroidery forums, reading lots of information and I think I’m a well educated newb, hopefully that will be extremely helpful when my embroidery sewing machine arrives.

Gathering goodies for our Valentine

Aynaria 4 Comments
One of the free downloadable embroidery items available at the Brother.com website
One of the free downloadable embroidery items available at the Brother.com website

Our Lutheran church has many outreach ministries. Some of those ministries regularly visit a local nursing home throughout the year.

Many of the visits involve our church’s youth… they visit, play games, and even have piano recitals hosted at the location.  It’s a nice change for the residents and a great way to get the youth involved with interacting with the elderly.

I’ve attended most of the events since my daughter is on one of the children’s choirs and she also takes private piano lessons from the directory of contemporary music.

This February, all our churches children’s choir will be Valentine caroling’  at a local nursing home.  I know the residents will love that, they certainly light up when they see the children. The following week the adult choirs will be Valentine caroling at the same nursing home.

In honor of these events, the church had a ‘Valentine tree’ set up in our Narthax, naturally I was thrilled when I heard about this since  my daughter and I had fun with gathering gifts for our angel from the angel tree at Christmas.

With the ‘Valentine tree’ church members can choose a Valentine off the tree and purchase something special for a nursing home resident. Our church makes it easy for those who want to participate since they give helpful suggestions of what you can purchase for the residents.

My daughter and I will definitely include some purchased items within ‘Connie’s’  valentine bag and I’ll be sure to create and personalize a few of the items also. We’ve never met Connie, but it won’t stop us from doing something nice for her. The kindness of strangers can mean a lot to some people. I’m hoping we add a bright spark to her day.

You know where I’m going with this right? I’ll be taking advantage of my Brother SE-400 embroidery sewing machine, it’ll arrive in plenty of time for me to get comfortable with embroidering on a machine and turning some of my newly learned skills into some personalized items for Connie. I should be prepared for the unexpected. I purchased stabilizer, embroidery thread, additional embroidery needles and I’ll be getting fabric this weekend.

I’m pleased that Connie will be the first recipient of  a personalized item made with my new embroidery machine… of course I’ll post pictures. What’s even better is that my daughter can give her the items herself after the ‘Valentine caroling’ is complete. Over the weekend, she’s making Mrs. Connie (as she calls her) a nice Valentine’s card.

I just bought the Brother SE400 Combination Computerized Sewing and 4×4 Embroidery Machine

Aynaria 7 Comments
Brother Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine, SE-400
I’m looking forward to embroidering with this machine

 

Sometimes it’s hard to believe that I’ve been sewing for over 36 years…

My all time favorite sewing machine happens to be the one that my mother gave to me when I was about nine or ten years old.  It’s an all metal 1960s Singer sewing  machine. She taught me to machine sew when I was eight years old. Before that time I was hand sewing. I started when I was five or six years old. After learning to use the machine, I started using it more than she did. And made a lot of doll clothing (even though I didn’t play with dolls.) When I was in my teens, I started designing my own clothes. Which I loved since no one else had what I was wearing.

Yes… that machine and I have done a lot of creative sewing over the years, some of the items I’ve made have been in boutiques and local fashion shows too… and while I have a few other ‘modern machine’ they don’t impress me as much as the Singer. I’m more impressed with the all metal machines… not so much the plastic sewing machines of today…

But here I am looking for another sewing machine, more specifically an embroidery machine. After months of coming up with all sorts of excuses on why I wasn’t purchasing a machine, I finally placed an order for the Brother Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine, SE-400. It’s plastic, I’m not too fond of that but I’m impressed with its features and this machine is available at a reasonable price. For the most part, the reviews are great also. I also like that if I purchase the software, I’ll be able to come up with my own embroidery designs. The embroidery software package I’m currently researching is Embrilliance Essentials, it’s Mac compatible and seems to do what I want. I won’t purchase it…. yet but by the end of next month, I should have purchased an embroidery software package. It’ seems to be the season for purchasing crafting items for myself…

My first computerized sewing machine

This will be my first computerized sewing machine, threading the machine is simple as touching a button. Also, computer updates and downloading additional software are available via the USB port. I like that. I wasn’t interested in looking for a straight sewing machine, I have those but I needed something that would embroider. I’ve read some great reviews on this machine so I’m willing to check it out for myself.  Of course my nine year old daughter is excited about this machine also, since I’m letting her sew too. She’s been hand sewing since she was about six and started machine sewing last year. To complete my sewing machines I’ll eventually purchase a Serger sewing machine, but that’s a looonggg term want.  The one I’ll buy is over $2,000.  I could purchase it now, but I won’t since I haven’t budgeted for that. I’ll be setting aside funds for that and should purchase it towards the end of this year.

Repair for my embroidery sewing machine

Although I’m not anticipating any issues with the machine, if do have problems (After the warranty runs out) there are a few amazing sewing machine repair shops in our area.

Purchasing a few goodies for our new embroidery machine

This weekend my daughter and I will pick up a few items for the machine… mainly fabric and perhaps some stabilizer. We’ll take advantage of the 50% coupon which is available this week at AcMoore, and use it when we visit JoAnn Fabrics. We’re able to use two since my daughter purchases something also. 😉

Knitting super toasty mittens…

Aynaria 7 Comments

These mittens are quite deceptive although they are just one layer of worsted weight yarn, they are indeed quite toasty. My daughter loves them!

Toasty mittens to keep little hands covered from the cold.
Toasty mittens to keep little hands covered from the cold.

 

To make them super duper toasty I could have doubled the yarn or knitted a liner for these mitts, but it seems my daughter is plenty warm with these. Gauge was a big help, I used my Hiya Hiya size 3/3.25mm knitting needles which made for densely knitted wool fabric.

If you read my earlier post you know that I started knitting these mittens in yellow, but I’ve decided to use that yarn to knit a super squishy blanket.

Knitting a super soft blanket with washable (merino) wool.
Knitting a super soft blanket with washable (merino) wool.

 

I’m making this blanket with an incredibly soft and washable wool (merino) yarn and it will gradually transition into other colors. If you know how to knit (k) and Slip 1 (s1) you too can make this blanket.

I’m calling this blanket ‘Shades of Autumn‘ since it will gradually merge into other colors. I love Autumn for many reasons, but one thing I regularly look for are the rich and vivid colors that can be displayed on leaves, simply beautiful! My daughter and I collect those leaves.  I’m still hunting for the colors I want to include. If you look closely, you’ll see that I’ve finally got around to using my Hiya Hiya Steel Sharps (large) set. The needle name and size are printed on each needle/cable. The needles I’m using are US size 11/8mm.

Once I finish the thumb gusset, the knitting part will be complete.
Once I finish the thumb gussets, the knitting part will be complete.

 

But back to those knitted mittens…

The good news is, I’m almost finished the mittens. The only thing left to do is to finish knitting the thumb gussets and the knitting part will be over. Then I’ll add some embroidery to the top of the mittens. I really loved knitting these mittens two at a time.

And then there’s the bad news…

I really disliked the yarn I used… Knit Picks Wool of the Andes. While some people don’t have problems with it, it really rubbed my poor hands raw. I would have been finished these gloves on Saturday, but I have to take breaks before knitting with this yarn. So you could call these mittens a true labor of love. I hated working with the yarn, but kept with it since my daughter loves the color (she picked it out herself during Cyber Monday at Knit Picks) and now she finally has her very own knitted mittens.  She’s been asking me for a pair for a few months.

Once these gloves are complete I highly doubt I’ll be using this yarn again. It’s a shame really, It’s a lovely color and I have several skeins of Wool of the Andes left… most likely I’ll gift them to someone who will adore them. 😉


Bangles: Hazy Shade of Winter

A long term want – iPad

Aynaria 10 Comments

iPad4I’ve been dreaming about the iPad since E-readers came on the scene. In fact, I blogged about them at a few technology sites where I wrote, and I along with other Mac fans speculated on when they’d finally appear.

Naturally when they were released I was thrilled! But I didn’t instantly log onto the Apple store and purchase one (Even though I had the funds to do so)… I waited. I originally wrote about purchasing an iPad  in 2010! Obviously money doesn’t burn a hole in my pocket, and it’s obvious I can sit on my wants for a loooooooooooooooong time. I’m zen-like with my patience. But now it’s time to think about purchasing an iPad and while I could purchase it now, I’ll hold off a few months longer. I’m starting to set aside money for this purchase and within a few months I’ll have one for myself.

I’m an avid book reader, but I’m running out of shelf space. I do know that one way I could reduce the amount of books I have is to simply transition to digital format for future books. Admittedly I’ve been fighting this, because I do love holding an actual book… but over the past few months I’ve been slowly getting accustomed to digital format by reading books on my desktop, laptop, and occasionally viewing things on the iPod that I purchased for my daughter at Christmas.

I’m still undecided as to which iPad I want, there’s a few generations available. I do know I want the maximum storage, and if it’s available I’ll definitely snap up a refurbished iPad to drop the price a bit. What I’ve always loved about Apple products is that you can get the same awesome warranty (Apple Care) on their refurbished products. I’m definitely not new to Apple products, I’ve been impressed with them since I purchased my MacBook Pro in 2006, since that time I’ve added other Apple products to our household. Apple makes great quality products and their warranty is awesome.

We love knitted cowls

Aynaria 6 Comments

Last week, I made this mock cable cowl for my daughter… the color matched my daughter’s knitted ‘Kitty Love’ hat, but that’s where the similarities ended.

My daughter showing off her knitted cowl...
My daughter showing off her knitted cowl…

 

The next morning, my daughter promptly wore this to school and proudly showed it to her friends. I purposely made it long, so she can fold it in half if she likes when the weather isn’t windy. Also if she leaves it up (as shown in the picture) it will protect her if she’s playing in the snow. Wishful thinking (I know) since this winter we’ve only received a dusting of snow.

Of course I’ve received ‘requests’ from her classmates (girls and boys.) I admit it feels great that she loves my creations so much that she likes to share what I’ve done with others and it’s nice that her classmates are equally impressed and want me to make things for them. And while I won’t fulfill some of their elaborate requests, I have no issue of eventually making smaller items for her entire class. I just need to decide what I’ll make. Last year I made her classmates crocheted bookworm bookmarks and they loved them! It took about six hours to make all of them and what I loved was that I received thank yous for making the items, and some of them still use them this year. There are plenty of readers in the third grade, and it seems there are a lot of readers in the fourth grade also.

But back to this project… Mock cables have intrigued me for a while. I do love seeing cables in knitted wear and enjoy knitting items with cables, and so I was curious to try my hand at ‘mock cables’.  I must say that I was very pleased with the results.

Because of the stitching and the fact that it’s wool, (merino if you really want to know) this cowl will keep her warm on the coldest days and it has the added benefit of staying securely around her neck… which is perfect for someone who spends most of their times outside running… yep she’s definitely my daughter. I tend to do the same thing.

Knitting - Mock Cable Cowl_2 - Copy

Which reminds me, I’ll need to cast on one for myself and I’ll do it…. eventually. 😉

 

 

Hiya Hiya Sharps – Knitting two mittens at a time…

Aynaria 10 Comments

When I’ve had some down time, my Hiya Hiya 5″ Sharps Steel (small) Interchangeable set has been getting a serious workout.

Yesterday I casted on two mittens at a time..

Knitting two mittens at a time with my Hiya Hiya Steel Sharps.
Knitting two mittens at a time with my Hiya Hiya Steel Sharps.

 

I’m using my US size 3/3.25mm circular needles and Knit Picks Canary Swish – Dk weight superwash merino wool.

Knitting two at time, is one of the numerous benefits of using interchangeable needles. You can  make a variety of items two at a time such as; socks, mittens and some adventurous knitters even tackle knitting two sleeves at a time. Of course you have to have a circular cable that’s long  enough to accommodate your work.

Knitting - two at a time mittens_1

 

I enjoy the process of knitting two things at a time, and last evening I had the perfect opportunity to knit while chatting with my daughter. The time flew by while we chatted about a variety of topics. Today, while looking at these mittens in progress, I’ve decided that I don’t like them too much. Although I love this color, I’ve decided that I don’t want it for these mittens, and I’ve also decided that I want use a fancier stitch.. So, say goodbye to these mittens since they’re about to be frogged (stitches ripped out.) I don’t mind frogging my work.

Hopefully by tomorrow I’ll have settled on an appropriate color. Because I’m making two at a times mittens, I don’t have to write down my design on paper, I’m doing a pair of mittens at a time, remember? So the ideas I have for the one mitten will immediately be transferred to the other. How awesome is that?

I’m sure some of you are tired of hearing me gush about my Hiya Hiya Sharps, but here is another place where Hiya Hiyas longer taper is extremely helpful. Because the longer taper on my Hiya Hiya Sharps (in comparison with my Knit Picks Options – nickel plate) picking up M1 (make 1)  stitch was a breeze. Sometimes the M1 stitch can get a bit tricky depending on the yarn and sometimes it can get a bit tighter on subsequent rows. I didn’t have an issue with my Hiya Hiyas. In the same scenario, I would have struggled a bit with my Knit Picks Options.

 

For those knitters who want to learn how to knit two things at a time, check out Liat’s video… although it’s for mittens it will give you the general idea of how the ‘magic’ happens. Watch and be impressed by its simplicity.