Just finished

I made a gift box for someone.

 

Kitchen towels, Alma Mater & Just for fun.  

Pretty Bathroom Towels. I'll let her wash away the stabilizer.

And then just for fun, some little bags.  I might make more for my store booth.  Think I'll gift these to my nieces.  

I am still learning about stabilizer and I recently found some I really like.  I was using Light Tearaway 1.5oz.  I ran out and went to buy more and bought Tear N Wash.  It is similar in weight and feel of the light tearaway but washes away.  I still use clear stabilizer on the top and it too washes away.  

I was struggling with that darn bird. I hate to admit, to get 4 towels I had to stitch out 7 times.  Two are not too bad and I think I will put on a quilt for my daughters, they are alum.  The third was a mess.  It all came down hooping.  I finally switched to my large square hoop, kept the position of the bird alone instead of flipping 90 degrees.  I did move the bird to the place I wanted but with my square loop I was able to ensure the towel was held firm along with stabilizer.  

I use to get so nervous when embroidering.  I have come to learn that it just takes some practice and a little knowledge which I have gained via trial and error.  Machines I have owned:  Brother PE (15 years ago), Janome 350E, Singer Futura, Janome 11000SE and now Baby Lock Destiny II. 

All good machines but with each up grade, definite improvement.  The Janome 110000SE is an awesome machine, you can pick one up used for a good price.  Make sure you get all the hoops. 

I have also learned to use good thread.  It's worth the money to avoid the headache.  I use Robinson-Anton because I can buy it locally and it's good thread.  I also use Sulky without any issue.  I have had problems any time I have tried to use Coat & Clark for embroidery.  I have lots of Coat & Clark embroidery thread so now I use it now for quilting if the stitching will be seen.  I use Schmetz Gold embroidery needles.  I love them!  I travel often and make sure I hit up quilt stores along the way.  

I'm going to Texas soon,  Time allowing I will post pictures of some of my favorite stores in the San Antonio area.   Happy Stitching!