If you are trying to learn Embird, our brand new Embird video tutorial CD is just what the doctor ordered. Volume I covers all the basics. Basics that you must learn before you can move on to more advanced techniques.

Learn to use Embird the easy way. The lessons on this CD will teach you everything you need to know about Embird Manager, show you how to transfer designs, change colors, add basting stitches, merge designs and much more.

This video CD is now in production. It will begin shipping July 2nd, but there is still time to pre-order this CD at a substantial savings. After the official release date of July 2nd, the price will revert back to the regular retail price. There is even a special bonus design set on this CD that has a value equal to the sale price of the CD alone. How can you lose?

Don't delay. Order your copy now and save!

Click here to learn more...

Watch for Volume II to be released soon, covering many more advanced editing techniques.

Here's a question submitted to Ask Mary! recently seeking help with sewing designs on terry cloth. I thought you might be interested in reading her answer.

Question:  How do I make designs on terry cloth pretty? The pile comes through and the stiches are irregular?

Answer:  Sewing designs on terry cloth requires an additional step that is easy to do. You need to use a water soluble topping to hold down the nap while you are sewing the design. Allow me to direct you to an article that we published on our web site some time ago that addresses this problem. It also includes a couple photos to show you the difference. I think you will find it explains the process quite well.

Water Soluble Topping

Good luck with your future projects.

If you have an embroidery question, don't hesitate to Ask Mary! for help.

These are the first three designs from a brand new series we currently have underway. They were designed to be as light as possible, and with a minimum number of stitches, making them perfect for even delicate fabric applications. More designs in this series will be released as soon as they are completed.

See these decorative flowers here...

I have been running this poll on our website for quite some time. It has been very interesting watching these numbers change over the past several months. At one time Brother and Babylock were neck and neck for first place. Now it seems that all that has changed. Babylock has dropped all the way to fourth place behind Brother, Viking and Janome.

I began to see Janome's popularity rise after the 11000 was released last year. Granted these numbers don't necessarily relate to actual sales, but it does appear the 11000 may have helped Janome grab a larger market share in the home embroidery machine market.

I thought you might find these numbers interesting, particularly if you are thinking of purchasing a new machine. If you haven't voted in this poll, but would like to add your vote, you will find it on our home page.

The results shown above were captured on Wednesday, June 20, 2007.

Do you have too many duplicate embroidery designs? Then the Embroidery Deduper is your AFFORDABLE solution!

The Embroidery Deduper is the ONLY solution to eliminate duplicate embroidery designs and files, while automating the extraction of archive files, such as ZIP and RAR files.

The Embroidery Deduper is the fastest and most thorough way to tidy up your embroidery folders. It's the perfect tool to clean up your "Downloads" folder before you categorize your designs.

We have fully tested this program and find it to be one that most embroiderers will benefit from. The price is right too. For all that it does, this program is well worth its modest cost.

Click the link below to learn how this inexpensive program can help you make short work of what could be a tedious and time consuming project.

Embroidery Deduper Version 2.50

Our thanks to Susan Cameron for submitting this helpful embroidery tip:

While a large topped quilt pin is good to keep most pinholes open on Fray Check and other "drop" products, the moisture content can cause rusting or change in the product color. I often use, with success, the longer nylon tags (that attatch clothing tags). No problem with discoloration or rust, and they will maintain the pinpoint opening and yet accommodate the cap to the original container.

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

• Sew & Quilt Embroidery Festival - June 28-30 Cincinnati, OH
• Embroidery Extravaganza - June 29-30 Louisville, KY
• Sew & Quilt Embroidery Festival - July 6-8 Saratoga Springs, NY
• ISS Show New England - July 19-21 Providence, RI
• American Sewing Guild Conference - July 26-29 Sacramento, CA
• Indiana Embroidery Conference - July 29-August 2 Columbus, IN

One thing that you may not think about often is changing your needle. Needs do get dull and it doesn't take them long. Dull needles can be the cause of many different embroidery failures.

You should change your needles often, especially if you use your machine every day. It's not always easy to tell if your needle is dull, but if you listen to your machine it will tell you.

If you use your machine often enough, you will become accustomed to the sound the needle makes when penetrating the fabric. If you hear a change in pitch or volume, that's a pretty good sign it's time for a new needle. You may notice more of a thumping sound with a dull needle than you do with sharp needles.

Needles are among the least expensive items you use. If you have any doubts about when you last changed your needle, go ahead and install a new one. The dividends are huge!

Two (2) lucky winners in every isssue!

Today's lucky winners are:

If your email address is shown above, you have won a complete set of our exclusive Monogram Coaster design set. Please contact us within 5 days to claim your prize. Be sure to let us know what format you need so we can get the designs on their way to you.

Others interested in this set can purchase it here.

Something for the boys in your life. What little boy doesn't like baseball? Both are simple redwork designs that sew in the 4x4 hoop. Enjoy them with our compliments.

Available to subscribers only. Not available through the Archives.

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