Monday 20 July 2015

MichiGeek Designs- 20 sided die snaptab

OK this is going to come as a shock but when I was young I was very into gaming. No not Nintendo 64 Mario cart or any of those games, I was a serious LAN addicted girl who could put the boys to shame with my battle skills. So when a new digitizer popped up, the designs were definitely on my 'must buy now' radar. They are not only unique but they are very geeky and here is a review of a  snap tab that I just love! 


20 sided die Snaptab

Created and developed by: MichiGeek designs (BUY HERE)

Cost:  $4.00 (US)

Embroidered on: Husqvarna Topaz 20

Size Available:  4×4 and up.

Instructions: No

Skill level: Beginner to advanced.

Time taken: 20 min after fabric cut out

Stabilizer used: I used medium weight tear away. 

This is a simple snap tab design. For those who haven't ever done a snap-tab before the steps are simple. Stitch out the placement,   Place the top fabric on, stitch out the details and then put the backing on before the final stitches. You then just need to cut it out and apply the KAM snaps.  I love snap tabs because they are quick and easy as well as appealing to  men, woman and even children (Bag tags!!!). MichiGeek die stitched out beautifully. I was worried about the small stitches but i had no problems at all. A tip is I usually find trimming between the numbers tricky but by using a sharp sewing Awl and VERY carefully slipping it under the thread, you can lift it up and trim it easily and quite close to the ends.


MichiGeek certainly has unique but awesome designs, check them out today! (Oh and tell them i sent you :) )  

 

 

Saturday 4 July 2015

In the hoop Doodle it! - A Creative Medley, Sevens Emporium and Dreamcatcher Designs

When i first saw a doodle-it I had no idea what it was for. Here is what I found out-

"Doodle-Its are a softie design you can stitch on cotton fabric and kids are able to color in the lines with washable markers, fabric markers, or crayons. When done throw it in the washer to remove ink and then color again and again. Possibilities are endless. Use permanent markers to create your own one of a kind design that will last forever."

Awesome idea!! I couldn't wait to stitch one out for my little ones. Even better was that three of my favorite in the hoop designers had released them in a collaboration. A Creative Medley, Sevens Emporium and  Dream catcher Designs all have these designs in different characters and themes available on there websites. The most common question asked about doodle it's is- What kind of fabric should I use? Whilst i used calico (I'm from Aus), homespun and drill the designers recommend poly-cotton, cotton quilting fabric/muslin, twill, and cotton knit. All have worked well. So.... I decided to test one doodle it from each designer and here is my reviews: 


Doodle it Pig

Created and developed by: A creative medley (BUY HERE)

Cost:  $5.00 (US)

Embroidered on: Husqvarna Topaz 20

Size Available: 4x4 inches, 5x7 inches, 6x10 inches, 7x11 inches, 8x11 inches

Instructions: Yes, written (No pictures but honestly it is soooo easy you do not need them)

Skill level: Beginner to advanced.

Time taken: 15 min after fabric cut out

Stabilizer used: I used medium weight tear away. 

 

The doodle its are easy to stitch out and are really quick as well. I used a medium weight calico and a fleece for the back. There is two stitches to this in the hoop design so you can't go wrong. My advice would be iron your fabric first. If you have any wrinkles then it is hard to get them out afterwards. Also i am not sure if it is just this design but there is a third stitch to get you back to the middle. DO NOT RUN THIS STITCH. With a quick and easy stitch out I will definitely be purchasing more as it kept my 5yr old entertained for about 30min (and then later on again after I washed it!) and can see these being a hit at parties. 

My very arty 5yr olds creation on the right!


Doodle it Carousel Horse 

Created and developed by: Sevens Emporium (BUY HERE)

Cost:  $3.00 (US)

Embroidered on: Husqvarna Topaz 20

Size Available: 4x4, 5x7, 6x10 and 8x12 sizes

Instructions: Yes, written and a picture of each stitch (generic design)

Skill level: Beginner to advanced.

Time taken: 20 min after fabric cut out

Stabilizer used: I used medium weight tear away. 

 

This design, as above was quick and easy. I stitched this onto natural homespun with a fleece background. With the stitching of this design please be aware that it is different from the other two designers just in the order that it stitches out so make sure to always read the instructions before you start.I loved the intricate design of this horse, and the stitch out was once again flawless. I loved that the second stitch of this design shows you the closure line so that when you are hand stitching it closed, you have something to guide you. Another favorite at parties! 

I may have started this one....mindfulness coloring is all the rage at the moment! Very relaxing :)

Doodle it Robot doodle


Created and developed by: Dream catcher designs  (BUY HERE)

Cost:  $5.00 (US)

Embroidered on: Husqvarna Topaz 20

Size Available: 4×4, 5×7, 6×10, 7×12 sizes

Instructions: Yes (Written, as well as a fact sheet)

Skill level: Beginner to advanced.

Time taken: 15 min after fabric cut out

Stabilizer used: I used medium weight tear away. 

 

One of the biggest problems I have as a business is providing a variety of boy products. So I was VERY excited when i saw this on dream catcher designs. Hopefully you have worked out now that these designs are quick and easy and this one is no exception. This doodle I stitched out on a natural drill and between calico, homespun and drill this was probably my smoothest and easiest to iron and color on fabric wise.A tip with not only this but with all the doodle-its is use matching bobbin thread for a nicer finish. I tried to take a photo to show you the difference:

On the Left is matching bobbin thread and on the right is where I just used my standard white. Definitely worth changing it to match!

I can see this design being given a lot as gifts and the perfect stocking stuffer!  
Best photo i could get of my 5yr old...was too excited coloring and playing with her 'iron' robot ;)


PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO VISIT AND LIKE ALL THREE OF THE PAGES ABOVE ON FACEBOOK (That's where new releases will be shown and coupons announced) AND WHEN YOU LIKE THEIR PAGE LET THEM KNOW NANCY SENT YOU!