Have you ever been perplexed by the numbering system used to designate various size needles? If so, you're not alone. Most of us in the US are unaccustomed to using the metric system, so measurements given in milimeters sometimes don't compute.

Normally needle sizes are denoted by a set of two numbers divided by a forward slash, something like this - 75/11. You may also see the same needle size designated as 11/75. They both mean the same thing, just in a different order. So, what do the numbers mean?

The larger number is the European size. It indicates the exact diameter of the needle in hunderdths of a mililmeter. This measurement is normally taken just above the eye of the needle. In the example above, the diameter would be .75mm, or 75 hundredths of a milimeter.

The smaller number is the American size designation. These are arbitrary numbers that do not relate to an actual system of measurement. As with the European system, larger numbers indicate a larger needle.

Looking at the chart to the right, you can see how the two numbers increase as the size increases. The smallest size would be a 60/8 needle and the largest size a 120/19 needle. The most common sizes used in machine embroidery are 75/11 and 80/12. Smaller or larger sizes are sometimes used if the fabric and/or design calls for special handling.

One example of when you might prefer a smaller needle is when sewing on very light weight fabric. You might also want a smaller needle when sewing with lighter weight thread. Larger needles may be required if you are sewing on particularly heavy fabric such as leather or heavy weight denim, or you are using heavier weight thread.

If you never remember any of this, the important thing to remember is the larger the numbers the larger the needle.

We have just released a new Embossed Monogram set. This set has a different border from our first set and a much fancier font. Many of you asked for a fancier font, so we went to work creating a new set with you in mind. The pictures don't do them justice. They look much better in real life.

Fancy Embossed Monogram Set

His & Hers embossed designs is two sizes. The small size sews in the 4 x 4 hoop and is perfect for smaller towels. The large size is best for bath towels and sews in the 5 x 7 hoop.

Embossed His & Hers Design Set

Here's a question submitted to Ask Mary! from an embroiderer seeking advise on digitizing software.

Question:   I would like to try digitizing, but I am not flushed with cash. What program would best? I have a Janome 10001 that was a gift from my Mom. Thanks.

Answer:  The answer to your question depends on your budget. Most of the really low end digitizing programs are not very good and I don't recommend them. Like most things, you get what you pay for.

Two middle of the road programs that are worth mentioning are Embird and MasterWorks Lite. Embird would be the least expensive of these choices. You would need to purchase both basic Embird and the Studio plug-in module to be able to digitize.

MasterWorks Lite, from Baby Lock, is a scaled down version of MasterWorks II. It is actually quite good and includes more features than you might expect in a lite version. We thought so highly of it that we created a set of tutorials that significantly lower the learning curve.

As I said earlier, there are cheaper options, but don't expect much from them. Most low end digitizing programs do everything automatically and offer no manual control what so ever. I doubt you would be happy with the results.

Our thanks to all of you that responded to our question regarding Designs on CD. To our surprise, nearly half of you would prefer to purchase your designs on a CD rather than download them.

Purchasing designs on CD does eliminate loss if your computer dies or your hard drive crashes. If you aren't diligent with your backups, you stand to lose every design you ever purchased. It is also a way to eliminates download problems if you have a slow dial-up connection.

In response to our poll, we have begun to offer select embroidery design sets on CD. These are readily available and may be ordered online. Shipping normally occurs on the next business day after you place your order. A small charge has been added to cover production costs and postage.

Watch for this logo on our design catalog pages.

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

Recipe Name:  Veggie Pizza

Prep Time: 20 Minutes

Cooking Time: None

Serves: Lots

Ingredients:
1-8oz package of cream cheese (softened)
1-500ml (1/2 quart) of sour cream
1-package of onion soup mix (remove the dehydrated onions).
3-cups of shredded cheese
1-cup of tomatoes, diced
1-cup green pepper, diced
1-cup of diced mushrooms
1-cup diced green onions (Any diced veggies will do really, put on what you like)
1-bag of white tortilla chips (scoopers are the best)

Directions: Beat cream cheese until very soft. Add sour cream and blend together. Slowly blend in the onion soup mix, just enough for your taste. I find too much is horrible! I use about 3 tbsps. Blend all very well until smooth. Spread the cream cheese/sour cream mixture into a shallow dish about 10X13. Sprinkle on the cheese to fully cover the mixture. Add the diced vegetables to the top.

Chill for about 30 minutes until set.

Serve with chips and be prepared...this is a VERY addictive dip.

Submitted by: Tracey Cameron

If you want to make patches, either for personal reasons or for a customer, Colman & Company has recently released a new "Patch Kit" that you may want to investigate.

According to Colman & Company, "The Patch Material is an ideal background stabilizer, while the Heat Seal Roll will seal the threads and allow you to apply directly to the final garment. The Patch Hot Knife and selected Universal Tip gives you that finished edge. Patches can even be used inside those unique Tumbler cups. Use your imagination to discover numerous other uses."

The image shows a starter kit that can be purchased as a package, or you can purchase the components individually. The kit includes one yard of white (or black) patch material, one yard of heal seal, a hot knife and universal cutting tip. The backing material itself comes in a variety of colors, so you should be able to find one that will work in your project.

This product may not be the answer if you need to make a large quantity of patches. While the concept sounds intriging, it is designed mainly for small projects.

For more information visit the Colman & Company web site.

Our thanks to Charlene G. for submitting this helpful embroidery tip:

To add an interesting shading to a design I use two contrasting threads together instead of just one thread (the original color and a match in a different shade). Just make sure to use a needle with an eye large enough for two threads to slide easily. Thread both through the needle eye one at a time. Use a thread stand for the second thread color if your machine only has one spool holder. Remember to reduce the speed of your machine to minimum. This technique does not work well in small areas or with very dense embroidery.

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.

Tips submitted by our readers have not been tested by us. We make no claim to their viability or usability.

• Sewing & Stitchery Expo - Februrary 28 - March 2 Puyallup, WA
• The Quilt Fest of New Jersey IV - February 28 - March 2 Somerset, NJ
• Decorated Apparel Expo - Februrary 29 - March 1 Kansas City, MO
• Original Sewing & Quilting Expo - March 6-8 Duluth, GA
• American Embroidery Conference - March 26-30 Atlanta, GA
• Original Sewing & Quilting Expo - March 27-29 Cleveland, OH
• International Quilt Festival - April 11-13 Rosemont, IL

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 very popular set can see it here. Be sure to visit our customer showcase while you're there. See some of the creative ways other embroiderers have found to use this set.

If you are wondering about embossed designs, what they are or how they look, here's a perfect opportunity to try them out. This issue includes two free embossed designs, a heart and a shamrock. Both sew in the 4 x 4 hoop.

Please enjoy them with our compliments.

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