The time seems to fly by quicker each year. With only 16 shopping days left until Christmas, that means the new year is not far behind.

My guess is many of you are like me and are no where near the end of your shopping list. Every year I marvel at those organized enough and determined enough to finish their shopping early. I often wish I could be like them. They are my heros.

One thing is for certain. If you are ordering any of your gifts online or mailing packages to loved ones, you had better hurry. Delivery times may not be guaranteed if you wait too long. Be sure to allow sufficient time for your gift to arrive before Christmas. The heavy volume this time of year puts high demands on the Post Office and other package delivery companies.

If case you haven't heard, the folks at Generations recently released an update to their digitizing software - Version 1.5. Registered users can download and install this new update at any time directly from the Generations web site. Also available are installation instructions and a PDF document detailing the new features that have been added. Be sure to download these as well.

We have downloaded, installed and tested this update extensively. We find it to be an exciting and worthwhile update that was long overdue. We've written a review covering some of the new features and bug fixes that were included in this update.

You can read our complete review here...

Just released! A brand new set of Quilt Block Bird designs in redwork. This set consists of 10 unique designs sized for the 5 x 7 hoop. They are the perfect size for 8" x 8" or larger quilt squares.

Special Introductory Price - 75% off!

On sale through Sunday December 10th only.

Quilt Block Birds

If you own a serger in addition to your sewing and embroidery machine, here's something you might not know.

There is an alternative to the nylon thread you may now be using. Superior Thread manufactures a polyester serger thread called Polyarn. Unlike nylon thread, Polyarn is heat resistant. If you have ever melted nylon thread with your iron you know exactly what I'm talking about. Using Polyarn will put and end to all that. Your ironing and drying worries will be over.

Polyarn is a 100% "wooly-like" texturized polyester serger thread that is ideal for for rolled hems, flatlock and chain stitch. It does not yellow or fade in sunlight or chlorine and its wolly-like texture results in increased coverage. Polyarn comes in 1,000 yd. spools and is available in 36 colors.

We have four sergers in our dust cover shop and use Polyarn in them every day. Take my word for it, Polyarn is good stuff. We wouldn't use it or recommend it if it wasn't. If you own a serger, do yourself a favor and try it.

To learn more click the Polyarn logo below.

Colorful and fanciful tropical fish designs. This complete set of 10 unique designs is on sale for three days only - now through December 10th.

Special Offer - Save over 60%!

Sale ends Sunday December 10th.

Colorful Fish

Our thanks to Ruth Nickens for submitting this helpful embroidery tip:

I have found that by using serger thread for Free Standing Lace (FSL) Designs that they are 1/8th" larger after washing the stabalizer out slightly, or all the way such as a table scarf. And they have a good feel to them.

Want to win FREE designs? Submit your tip or trick to us. If we publish your tip you will win your choice of any design or design set we offer for sale on our web site.

Do you love "In-the-hoop" projects? Looking for new and unique ideas? If so, then have a look at three new in-the-hoop project sets we now have available. Each project comes with a detailed supply list, printable workbook and intruction videos to guide you every step of the way. You can't miss and now is the perfect time to buy because they are all on sale.

Now On Sale at 50% off the regular price!

In-The-Hoop Project Sets

When you are using Chizimi thread!

Just the other day I read a good article in the latest issue of "Creative Machine Embroidery" magazine about this thread. It is relatively new so you may not be familiar with it.

Chizimi thread is a polyester thread that is used the same way as normal thread, but when steamed it will shrink approximately 30% leaving a beautiful drawn or puckered fabric. Currently it only comes in white and is manufactured by Ozeki Co., Japan.

Here's a link to a PDF document published by Husqvarna/Viking that outlines its use.

Chizimi works well with any standard or decorative stitch from your sewing machine, or it can be incorportated into some of your embroidery projects. If you try it let us know. We'd love to learn how it is being used by other embroiderers.

In our last issue we told you about Wilcom Truesizer 2006. This is a great little program, but unfortunately right after our newletter was published the link to this software we removed by Wilcom.

We do not know why this happened, but we do know that Wilcom has now made Truesizer 9 available for download. We are uncertain what the newest version of Truesizer will ultimately be, but for now you can give this one a try.

If you'd like to try Truesizer, download it free here...

A set of three simple redwork designs for the 4 x 4 hoop. Please enjoy them with our compliments!

Don't miss out on any of our free designs. Subscribe to "Thread Times" today.