We would like to take this opportunity to send a warm holiday greeting to all of our readers and their families. May you and yours have the happiest of holiday seasons and best wishes for the coming new year.

We trust you have enjoyed each and every issue of Thread Times this year and we look forward to bringing you an even better newsletter in 2007. Watch for more great articles as well as the release of many new designs and design sets for your embroidery pleasure. We have many more special promotions and sales on tap and don't forget the free designs that are available to subscribers only.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Embird users are by now aware of the new Embird 2006 release. This new version is a major upgrade that registered users of Embird 2004 can purchase at a reduced price. You can visit the official Embird web site for complete details.

Recently we were contacted by the folks at Embird regarding an article we published earlier this year. The article, "PES File Conversions - Unwanted Stitches," discussed a major problem we discovered when using Embird to make design format conversions. Their note indicated this problem had been fixed in the new Embird 2006 release. Not that we didn't believe them, but we had to run our own tests to confirm it.

We ran new tests in Embird 2006 using the same design files and conditions that were used in our original tests with Embird 2004. Test results indicated that this problem has been fixed. We found no evidence that Embird 2006 is adding unwanted stitches during format conversions. Our conclusion is that Embird can once again be relied on to make accurate design conversions.

Our hats are off at the folks at Embird. They actually listened to our concerns and did what was necessary to fix this problem. Embird is now a more valuable tool than ever. We highly recommend this product.

Just released! A brand new set of Redwork Leaves. This set consists of 10 unique designs in sizes for both the 4 x 4 and 5 x 7 hoops. A total of 20 designs in all that would be perfect for just about any size quilt squares.

Special Introductory Price - 50% off!

On sale through Sunday December 24th.

Redwork Leaves

Book review

If you are seeking help in understanding basic concepts of machine embroidery, this new book may help. First published in June of this year, Creative Beginnings in Machine Embroidery may be a book that you'll want to add to your library. If you are relatively new to machine embroidery it will help you understand many of the basic concepts associated with this hobby.

Written by Patty Albin and published in paperback form by C&T Publishing, this book covers many of the things you'll need to know in order to achieve good results. A few of the topics include are:

• Getting to know your machine
• Threads, Stabilizers & Needles
• Embroidery Designs
• Getting Ready to Embroider
• Stitching a Design
• Finishing the Embroidery
• A Word About Software

This weekend only our Stick Kitty design set is on sale. You can purchase the entire set of 10 unique and exclusive designs at this special price for three days only.

Special Offer - Save 50%!

Sale ends Sunday December 24th.

Exclusive Stick Kitties

Our thanks to Dore L. for submitting this helpful embroidery tip:

I use a small pipe cleaner to clean out the lint from the bobbin and under the bobbin case. It is bendable and easily gets all the lint out.

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.

We have only a limited number of these sets available and they're going fast. If you would like to own any of these sets, act quickly before they are gone.

Buy now to save 50% off the regular price!

In-The-Hoop Project Sets

If you use sticky back stabilizer you may have a problem with your needles getting gummy. A nifty little product called "Sewer's Aid" can help. Apply a tiny drop on the needle before you begin sewing and most of the sticky residue will not stick to the needle. Be extremely careful not to use too much. It could stain your project if you over do it.

Some folks advocate using Sewer's Aid, or similar products, to lubricate your thread. We don't recommend this practice since the lubricant could damage your tension disks. If you do intend to use it for thread lubrication, be sure it is applied right before it enters the needle.

Available at most sewing centers and online.

A few designs to help you celebrate the new year. Four designs in all for both the 4 x 4 and 5 x 7 hoops. DST, HUS, JEF and PES formats included. Please enjoy them with our compliments!

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