Embroidery Machine Hedgehog ITH Pattern

Who doesn't love a soft and cuddly toy! Today's review is on one very cute hedgehog which would be a perfect gift for a new bub or a child (Or actually anyone!- one of my friends claimed the second one pictured below!!).

Created and developed by: Dolls and Daydreams (BUY HERE)

Cost:  $10.99 (US)

Embroidered on: Husqvarna Topaz 20

Size Available:  8x12 hoop - Creates a 10.5 tall softie
                           7x12 hoop- Creates a 9.5" tall softie
                           6x10 Hoop – Creates a 8.5" tall softie
                           5x7 Hoop – Creates a 7" tall softie
                           4x4 Hoop – Creates a 3.5" tall softie

Instructions: Yes (VERY comprehensive with a list of fabrics, fabric sizes and colored pictures)

Skill level: Beginner to advanced

Time taken: 40 min after fabric cut out

Stabilizer used: I used medium weight tear away and a water soluble over the top in the fluffier areas.

Dolls and daydreams puts together a very comprehensive tutorial on this cute little hedgehog stuffie. Upon opening the tutorial you find an easy to follow table on all the different sizes and how much material to cut for each element.  For the body I chose fleece for my first one and fur for the second. You can also use minky or anything else stretchy. The limbs I did in fleece and then cotton to see which would look the best but found they both worked perfectly. The tummy on the hedgehog is done in either a diamond stitch or a basic stitch. Don't forget if you are doing the basic stitch to use a heat and bond and not trim too close to the edge otherwise it may fray away at the edges.


The hedgehog is stitched in two hoopings. The first is stitching out the limbs. The second is the body and putting it together by adding the arms and legs one at a time. A tip is when you are stitching on the limbs, slow down your machine and make sure your fingers are well clear of the needle (I speak with experience!!!).Once this is done you need to turn it and stuff it. The turning is a bit of a patience thing. Don't be tempted to use anything too pointy as it will tear the fabric. I use a thick plastic chop stick but you can purchase specific turning implements which will help make the job easier.  

Lastly you will need to do a ladder stitch to close. I love that a tutorial is provided on the dolls and daydream website if you are not sure how to do it. Here are my cute hedgys.

The first one is 6x10 and the second is 4x4..so cute!!

Buggalena- Butterfly BuggaBand

Sunday morning is set aside for me and miss five to do a project together whilst my husband watches miss destruction almost two. I wanted an in the hoop design which she could personalize but easy and quick to stitch out. What could be better than a butterfly buggaband!

A buggaband as described by Katherine, owner of Buggalena is "A headband accessory embroidery design. It is designed so that when you are finished stitching it, it will leave an opening between your layers of fabric which allows you to slip a headband into. They are super easy to make. The two key things are to use the same color thread for the last two steps and add felt to the underside of your hoop for the final step!" 

Created and developed by: Buggalena (BUY HERE)

Cost:  $5.00 (US)

Embroidered on: Husqvarna Topaz 20

Size Available:  4x4 & 5x7

Instructions: Yes (Its a generic one for all buggabands but using this and the stitch guide its easy to do)

Skill level: Beginner to advanced

Time taken: 25 min after fabric cut out (I had a 5yr old helping me though so probably could get it down to 15min)

Stabilizer used: I used medium weight tear away.

The first thing you need to decide before stitching this design out is what size headband you want to use. In my picture below i used a 3/8" purple headband i purchased from my local $2 shop. Included in my butterfly buggaband is a variety of openings to fit various size headbands all in letter categories- A= 3/8" B= 5/8" AND the butterfly design includes a "C" BONUS SIZE for 1" headbands! Once you have decided which size you want to do then it is just a matter of stitching it out like a big feltie.


If you have never done a feltie before the basics are - outline stitch, details stitch (This is where you would open up your PDF stitch file (included)to see what color goes to which detail and in what order), but with a buggaband you have an extra step of doing the tiny bit of outline on the front side (DO NOT PUT YOUR FELT ON THE BACK FOR THIS STEP- as it wont then have a hole to thread the headband in) then lastly you put the felt on and stitch the last step.


The above is all described in the instructions with pictures so you understand more but all in all it is very basic and a lovely quick stitch out. I used sparkly Vinyl from my local spotlight store and then miss five added her own personal touches with various gemstones. This would make a perfect and inexpensive gift and I LOVE the range of buggabands Buggalena has as you can get a design for every occasion or interest.

 

Miss five chose all her own colors and added gemstones for her own personal touch!

Pickle Pie- Peek-a-boo crayon bag

Having two young children it is important when I go out that my bag is stocked with a few basic 'go-to' items. One item that I always have with me is this peek-a-boo crayon bag and it has saved many-a coffee dates, bank queue tantrums and even grocery shopping by keeping my little ones entertained.

Created and developed by: Pickle Pie designs (Buy Here)

Cost:  $10.99 (US)

Embroidered on: Husqvarna Topaz 20

Size Available:  5x7

Instructions: Yes (In color pics and very comprehensive!)

Skill level: Beginner to advanced (The instructions are very well written and if you are a beginner don't be put off by the perceived complexity of this case as the pictures will guide you the whole way.)

Time taken:  40 min after fabric cut out

Stabilizer used: I used medium weight tear away.

 

The peek-a-boo crayon case was the first design I did with vinyl. The first one that I made didn't turn out as I bought a plastic table cloth which was really thick with not much give and used that instead of the digitizer recommended 12 gauge or higher. If you go to the local craft store you can usually buy it off a roll and i found that perfect. 

 

The digitizer starts by giving you a list of supplies and measurements. I actually cut these fabric, vinyl and batting measurements out of cardboard first and then traced it onto the fabric. This serves two purposes. The first is you always have a template and if you store it in a zip lock bag together, you will always have it on hand. The next is when it references a certain size of fabric, rather than remeasuring you can just compare it to your template. 

 

You need batting for these cases as well as a POLYESTER zipper and tape to hold the various pieces in place. Every embroiderer will have a different opinion and brand. I use the surgical tape called 'transpore' which i buy at the local pharmacy/chemist. I love this tape as its not too thick and you can rip the pieces off as you need them.

 

Advice that i would give if this was your first time creating this bag is make sure that your needle is new and a 70/10..the sharpness of a new needle will make sure that it sews through the vinyl smoothly. Also turn your machine speed down if you need too. It is also written in the instructions but highlight the words "unzip 2/3 of the way" VERY IMPORTANT. This will ensure your bag will be able to turn correctly.

Once you have finished the case you have the choice of either hand stitching the opening shut or using fusible tape, which leaves a seam free finish.  Here's my completed case!

I put crayons in the front for my kids and then stickers and sheets of paper in the back pocket with no problems at all.

 

 

 

In The Hoop Smoosh The White Rabbit Easter Bunny Set FELTIE

Hi my names Nancy and I'm addicted to felties! With Easter coming up I was looking around for a feltie to accompany a cute little outfit. Now I am not a bow maker. In fact I can count on one hand just how many times I've made a bow so I apologize that my bow isn't perfect but what's that saying?

"It's the imperfections that make things unique"-Unknown

Created and developed by: Seven's Emporium (Buy Here)

Cost:  $3.00 (US)

Embroidered on: Husqvarna Topaz 20

Size Available:  4x4 (Finished size of the head is approx 3" x 3", tail is approx 1.25" x 1.35")

Instructions: Yes

Skill level: Beginner to advanced

Time taken:  15 min (4x4) after fabric cut out

Stabilizer used: I used medium weight tear away.

 

Upon opening the PDF instructions you see step by step written directions as well as a color stitch guide all on the one page. I loved having this color stitch guide on the instructions as it meant i could read what i needed to do as well as know what was being stitched out in advance and the stitch count. It also has a separate PDF with the picture of the bunny from the website. I have done many felties before so had no troubles with this design and in fact was able to whip up my bow AND feltie in just under an hour making it great for me as my middle name is lastminute.com!

 

If you are new to felties and have any questions the designer Kellie is fantastic and responds to messages quickly with fantastic advice and help. One thing that i didn't notice before i purchased this design is that it comes with a tail! I loved this idea... you can put it to the side or like me i actually added it to the back before attaching it to my alligator clip giving a really cute back!

See the cute little tail!!!

 

A list of in the hoop websites

I have been messaged a few times asking if I have a list of all the In-the-hoop digitizers I currently follow. Here is my list: I apologize in advance if I have missed anyone. I had to go through all my bookmarked pages and sometimes mistakes are made. Please note that these are just places which have in the hoop among other designs. If you would like this list emailed to you in a word document please message me on Facebook or send me an email. Thanks

1. www.acreativemedley.com
2. https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/Oopsidaisi
3. www.akaapplique.com
4. www.akdesignsboutique.com
5. www.appliquejunkie.com
6. www.appliquemarket.com
7. www.appliquemomma.com
8. www.thebeanstitch.com/
9. www.beestitchin.com
10. www.bellableuembroidery.com
11. www.bigdreamswmbroidery.com
12. www.bobbinforappliques.com
13. www.Cinch2stitch.com
14. www.cookiescreations.com
15. www.creatingawruckasdesigns.com
16. www.digistitches.com
17. www.facebook.com/DisorderlyThreads
18. www.dollsanddaydreams.com
19. www.dreamcatcherdesigns.net
20. www.eandmedesigns.com
21. www.emblibrary.com
22. www.embroidery-boutique.com
23. www.embroiderygarden.com
24. www.embroitique.com
25. www.essentialappliquedesign.com
26. https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/HugLonger
27. www.etsy.com/shop/EmbroideryOutlet
28. www.etsy.com/shop/thelittlestitchshop
29. https://www.etsy.com/shop/KatieLDesigns
30. www.etsy.com/au/shop/KatsKreations1205
31. www.etsy.com/shop/UncleMattsCrib
32. www.facebook.com/FrenchFrills01
33. www.fit2bstitched.com
34. www.fivestarfonts.com
35. www.ggdesignsembroidery.com
36. www.goodgreif.com
37. www.gracefullygeekydesigns.com
38. www.hatchedinafrica.com
39. www.happilyafterdesigns.com
40. www.jazzyzebra.com
41. www.justpeachyapplique.com/
42. www.kreativekiwiembroidery.co.nz/
43. www.krisrhoades.com
44. www.missybstitchin.com
45. www.mollymine.com
46. www.mommamcdesigns.com
47. www.moosebstitchin.net
48. www.newfoundapplique.com
49. www.nobbieneezkids.com
50. http://www.omasplace.com/
51. http://ofnahshop.com/
52. www.picklepiedesigns.com
53. www.pnw-embroidery.com
54. www.sanfranciscostitchco.com
55. www.savvystitchesapplique.com 
56. www.etsy.com/shop/sevensemporium
57. www.sewgrammie.com
58. www.sewingforsarah.webs.com
59. www.skeldalehouse.com
60. www.smartneedle.com
61. www.stitchdelight.com
62. www.StitchSoup.com
63. http://www.sweetpeamachineembroiderydesigns.com/ 
64. www.theappliqueplace.com
65. www.theitch2stitch.com
66. www.unlimitedstitching.net
67. www.urbanthreads.com
68. www.valleyofembroidery.com
69. www.zippydesignz.com 
    

Embroidery Garden- Zipper Cases Set

Apologies on the lateness of this blog...life got a bit hectic for a few days with sickness and kids.
Today I am doing a review on an in the hoop pattern which I believe is a staple to any in the hoop embroidery collection. If you only are able to buy a few patterns to start with, this would be one of them as its versatility in gifts extends to all seasons, holidays and celebrations.

Created and developed by: Embroidery Garden (Buy Here)

Cost:  $14.99 (US)

Embroidered on: Husqvarna Topaz 20

Size Available:   5x7, 6x10 & 8x12 Zipper Case

Instructions: Yes (It tells you all supplies needed including sizes and then it has color pictures showing you each step)

Skill level: Moderate to advanced(Beginners can certainly do this but it may take a bit longer- Embroidery Garden are fantastic at offering advice if you get stuck and have their own fan group to help with any questions)

Time taken:  30 min (5x7) after fabric cut out

Stabilizer used: I used medium weight tear away.

 

Upon opening the instructions the first thing to note is that if you would like to have your zipper case quilted, you must do this first.There is instructions on how to this. In my example I chose the stippled. There is many cases you can select to do using the various files including a Debit/Business Card Case, iPhone Case, 5x7 Case, 6x10 Case, 6x10 Diaper & Wipes Case version and an 8x12 Case. I did the 5x7 case and found it great to hold a few items of first aid things in my bag (Band-aids, small bandage, alcohol wipes, beta-dine wipes etc). The instructions also add "Each case is included with stipple quilting and with stripe quilting. You can add a divider to any of these cases. Ribbon tabs or straps can also be added." The instructions use an alphabet system so you know which piece is what size and when it is to be used. A tip is that i used a washable marker to label each of my pieces so i knew what was what after cutting. I found the instructions easy to follow. My tip for this pattern would be, make sure you read it through before stitching. Don't forget to have your monogram/name loaded before you start and finally UNZIP YOUR ZIPPER HALF WAY in the final steps which require it. In fact highlight this if you print out your instructions. Trust me, nothing worse that getting your bag out of the hoop to find it all sewn up! I love that this design also has no exposed seams. You do need to do a little hand stitching as the final step and the digitizer recommends using a whip stitch (Video tutorial click here).  Here is my bag :)

 

 

No exposed seams!!!