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Fashion Flip | The Bandanna Sweatshirt
I recently came across this adorable sweatshirt. With a not-so-adorable price tag of $148. So, I decided to make it myself. I made mine for $22! Here is how I did it. I purchased an XXL sweatshirt from Target for $20. I liked the color, the feel, and the neckline looked like it would work well for this project. I purchase the two bandannas at Hobby Lobby for $1 apiece. (NOTE: You can make this Fashion Flip for even less, if you use a sweatshirt you already own, or get one at a thrift store or a store like Hobby Lobby, which sells them as blanks for projects.) Since the…
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Machine Appliqué Tips Part II
This series is written by guest blogger, Pamela Cox. Pamela is an expert embroiderer, designer, digitizer and all around wonderful girl! We are so happy to have her contributing to the Sulky Blog! In my previous Sulky® Blog post, you discovered that machine-embroidered Appliqué Designs stitch up quickly and are fun to create, combining different textures and prints of fabrics. The only “rules” cited for this process was to follow the digitizer’s directions: Understand what each color stop represents Follow the digitizer’s stitching order Do not color-sort/combine threads colors However, sometimes being a bit naughty and “coloring outside of the lines” produces a new twist to a design. Appliqués use…
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Machine Applique Tips
This series is written by guest blogger, Pamela Cox. Pamela is an expert embroiderer, designer, digitizer and all around wonderful girl! We are so happy to have her contributing to the Sulky Blog! Machine Applique Tips Applique designs are one of the quickest, most fun methods of machine embroidery. Quick, because fabric takes the place of fill stitches (check out the difference in thread count!). And fun because fabric color, print, and even texture combinations are endless! Owl with Heart: Sulky Embroidery Club #684 – American Sweetie Pie: Sulky Embroidery Club #762 (free download) – Heart and Megaphone: Original design Basic steps are involved with every applique. Although, the…
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Valentine’s Day DIY Photo Frame Mat
DIY Photo Frame Mat It’s hard to find a Valentine’s Day gift that can be used all year long. Candy is great, but in this household it is gone almost as soon as it is opened! Love those flowers and I do wish they would last forever, but sadly they don’t. But picture this… a photo frame mat! A framed picture of a loved one does last forever, and machine embroidery makes it easy to customize a photo mat, making it all the more special. Instructions given are for personalizing an 8” x 10” mat displaying embroidery designs of choice, including an area for a 4″ x 6″ photo insert.…
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Free-Standing Lace vs. Lace Effect
Free-Standing Lace vs. Lace Effect This series is written by guest blogger, Pamela Cox. Pamela is an expert embroiderer, designer, digitizer and all around wonderful girl! We are so happy to have her contributing to the Sulky Blog! We all know what lace is, but do we understand “lace” in terms of machine embroidery? Many design collections include the word lace in their title, and this is especially true for embroidery intended for Bridal or even Heirloom designs. However, lace in a title can be describing a “lace effect”, which requires a fabric foundation, a strip of lace to be used as an accent or even an item made of…
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Let’s Make It Waterproof! (Plus, The Giveaway Winners!)
Make it Waterproof Once you make something that needs to withstand the elements, you may ask yourself, “How do I make it waterproof?” Better yet, how do you KEEP something waterproof after stitching it, creating little holes for moisture to seep through? The answer is Sulky Stitch ‘n Seal. Gift Ideas When it comes to gifts, monogrammed items are always a favorite. Here in the south, we monogram everything from shirts, purses and jackets to shoes, lunchboxes and umbrellas. The problem is, once you have embroidered anything that is supposed to be waterproof, like a rain jacket or umbrella, the holes that were made by the needle for the embroidery…
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Handmade Gift Ideas from “Trash to Couture”
Hi there, Laura here from Trash to Couture! Need some inspiration and ideas for your handmade gifting this year? No worries, Sulky and I have got you covered. Not only are handmade gifts a sentimental gesture, they’re also fun to create. Below we have 4 DIY gift ideas you can make for just about everyone in your life. Get the details below : DIY Ornament: Hoop using Sulky’s Fabri Solvy – I usually do 2 layers. Use a free standing ornament design. I used a star from my Brother SE machine. Use Sulky’s Metallic Thread and metallic needles. Embroider away! Place in water and let the magic happen as the stabilizer…
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Remembering Nancy Zieman
Nancy Zieman Tribute It was with a heavy heart that I read the news of Nancy Zieman’s passing this morning. She was such an important and strong influence on my sewing life. I tried so many new things, techniques, and even machines (she gave me the courage to try using a serger) after watching her on TV. The sewing world will not be the same without her. For fans and friends wanting to share memories, condolences, and how Nancy impacted theirs lives, please head over to the Nancy Zieman blog. There is also information on suggested memorial gifts, Nancy’s biography, and lots of great Nancy Zieman resources. UPDATE A new…
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Cork Bottom Tote in 14 Easy Steps
DIY Monogrammed Cork-Bottom Bag in 14 Easy Steps Whether you need it for the beach, going to class, a game-day tailgate party, or to carry your latest sewing project, this tote is a perfect size and is always in style. I have made several of these as gifts and the recipients always love them. They always comment about how the cork bottom gives it just the right touch of sophistication. The best part is they are so simple to make! Supplies 4 Fat Quarters or 1 yard of fabric 2 pieces of cork fabric cut to 18″ x 4-1/2″ 2 straps, each 57″ long Clover® Wonder Clips Fabric Marker Sulky…
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DIY Clear Vinyl Bag – A Game Day Essential!
Clear Vinyl Bag Tutorial – A Game-Day Essential! Professional sports stadiums have required them for years, and now a clear vinyl bag is required at all college football stadiums as well. Don’t put your things in a zip-lock bag! Here is how to make an easy and adorable vinyl bag that shows your team pride! Supplies Clear Vinyl – cut 1 piece 22″ x 15″ Fabric for the top – 2 pieces 6″ x 15″ Fabric for the bottom insert- 13″ x 8-1/2″ Cardboard for bottom – 12″ x 3-3/4″ (You may have to adjust this to fit – fair warning) 17″ or longer Zipper 38″ Strap Hot glue or…
