The excitement is really starting to mount. I'm nearly as anxious to find out who wins as you are. In just a few days we'll be holding the drawing for this brand new Baby Lock Emore embroidery machine. Each and every newsletter subscriber has a chance to win this fabulous prize in our exclusive Ghosts & Goblins Giveaway.

We'll be picking one lucky winner by random drawing on Halloween, October 31, 2007. The winner will be announced right here on November 1, 2007.

Be sure to forward our newsletter to everyone you know so they can sign up and be entered in the drawing too. It's not too late and it's the only way to win.

If you're in the St. Petersburg, FL area be sure to visit our co-sponsor A & A Crossroads Sewing Center. They have the best prices around on all your favorite Baby Lock machines and accessories.

Click here to learn more about this fantastic giveaway.

If you have trouble understanding all the different types of bobbins, you're not alone. There are such subtle differences between many of them that's it is easy to become confused.

Most of today's embroidery machines use either a Class L or Class 15 bobbin. Many can use both. So what's the difference? Class L and Class 15 bobbins are the same diameter. The difference between the two is thickness and how much bobbin thread they can hold.

In this drawing you can see what I mean. Both bobbins are 3/4" in diameter, but the Class 15 is about 1'8" thicker, thus it holds more bobbin thread.

Most of the newer embroidery machines today are designed to use the Class 15 bobbin. Using the Class L bobbin is OK, but a center pin or spacer may be required to take up the remaining space in your bobbin case. Without this spacer the Class L bobbin may bounce around and cause problems when sewing.

Here's a tip:  If you use any cardboard sided bobbins, two or three sides removed from empty spools make really good spacers.

Another term you may hear is Class M. The Class M bobbin differs greatly from the Class L bobbin. It is considerably larger, about 1/4" in diameter, and can not be used in a Class L machine.

Both the Class L and Class M bobbins are the same thickness.

For the most part Class M bobbins are used in longarm quilting machines and other large commercial embroidery machines.

There are many other less common bobbin sizes, but for the most part these are the terms you'll hear most often. Check your owners manual to be certain of the type bobbin your machine is designed to use.

Here's a question submitted to Ask Mary! from an embroiderer with a question about viewing thread colors in artificial light.

Question:  Once again I am frustrated trying to tell if the thread is gray or gray-green or gray-blue. The light by my machine is not the best and I wondered if there is a light bulb that shows the more true colour. The bulb in my lamp is one of the new fleurescent bulbs.

Any idea would be appreciated.

Answer:  I know exactly what you need. It's called an Ott light. They are designed to omit natural light that will make your color matching a breeze. We have several in our shop and they are a big help. Here is their web site:

ott-lite.com

Several different models are available at JoAnn Fabric if you have a store in your area. If not, you can order online from a variety of vendors.

A unique collection of country windmills not unlike those you might spot anywhere around the world. This set included 10 designs the 5 x 7 hoop.

See the entire collection here.

Designed to get you in & out of the kitchen fast and back to your embroidery machine.

Recipe Name:  Really Quick Baked Beans

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Cooking Time: 10 to 12 Minutes

Serves: 12-15

Ingredients:
1 commercial size can of Baked Beans
1 Jar Orange Marmalade

Directions: Mix the baked beans and orange marmalade and place in a microwave-safe dish. Cook in microwave for 10 to 12 minutes, depending on the power of your microwave. Can also be baked in oven, on top of stove, or on a BBQ Grill side burner.

Tips: I actually prefer them cooked in the oven so they get a brown top, but they will take longer.

Submitted by: Sandy R

Frequently we receive questions about the two different types of USB connectors. Most of the newer embroidery machines now come equipped with one or two different types.

Unfortunately many embroiderers are confused about the difference between the two, which to use and how to use them. Both have a specific purpose, but with the end result being the same - getting a design into your machine.

The connector on the left is a Type "A" connector used for connecting a removable storage device such as a flash drive. The connector on the right is a Type "B" connector used for direct connection between your computer and embroidery machine using a cable.

To help explain these connectors in greater detail we've written a summary that explains both types and how they are used. Hopefully it will help those of you that don't understand the difference. If you need extra help, you can access the full article by clicking the link below.

USB Connectors - Click here to learn more.

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

When using sticky back backing, I place a sheet of waxed paper under the item after it has been hooped. This makes the needle slide easier and less gum on the needle.

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 from our online catalog.

• Original Sewing & Quilt Expo - October 25-27 Kansas City, MO
• CreativFestival - October 26-28 Toronto, Canada
• International Quilt Market/Fall - October 27-29 Houston, TX
• International Quilt Festival - November 1-4 Houston, TX
• Original Sewing & Quilt Expo - November 8-10 Minneapolis, MN
• Original Creative Festival - November 9-11 San Mateo, CA
• Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival - November 15-17 Puyallup, WA

We strive to make Thread Times one of the best embroidery newsletters in the business. We want it to be both informative and helpful to you and we would love to know how we're doing.

Your comments and suggestions are most welcome. Let us know if there is something you would like to see more of around here. How can we make Thread Times even better? If there are some areas where we're not doing a very good job, we would like to know that too.

So, drop us a line and let us know what you think. We'd love to hear from you.

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 extremely popular Retro Restaurant Advertising design set. Please contact us by email 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.

Three beautiful holiday candles to light the way as you work on your upcoming holiday projects.

For the 5 x 7 hoop

Available to subscribers only. Not available through the Archives.

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