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 :) )  

 

 

Shabby Key Fob

When I'm looking for a fast and easy gift for friends this is one of my "Go to" designs as they are quick, easy and i can use up some of my scraps! 

Created and developed by: GG Embroidery designs (Buy Here)

Cost:$7.50 (AU)

Embroidered on: Husqvarna Topaz 20

Size Available:   5x7 hoop - completed size approx. 3" long
                              6x10 hoop (small) - completed size approx. 3.75" long
                              6x10 hoop (large) - completed size approx. 4.5" long
                              7x12 hoop - completed size approx. 5.25" long

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

Skill level: Beginner to advanced

Time taken:  20 min (6x10 large size) after fabric cut out

Stabilizer used: I used medium weight tear away.

 

These Shabby key fobs are incredibly easy to stitch out. Upon opening the instructions you see everything is written up for you including sizes of fabric to cut out and all hardware supplies. If you have never done in the hoop designs before this is definitely something to start with as the instructions are so well done you are guided the whole way without any guess work. Two different versions are included too in each size - a wavy quilting stitch and a simple line quilting one. I chose to do the wavy one. You need a piece of thin cotton wadding/batting. I had lots of the warm and natural batting so I used that with no problems. 

GG designs also include Tips in there instructions which was fantastic. I had never used matching thread before in my bobbin but it is necessary so that you have a matching thread to the top of the flap which folds over. I just used the embroidery thread and wound it on as i do with normal bobbin thread and this worked fine. (They do recommend test stitching this though to see if this works for your machine satisfactory). For the final steps you also need pinking shears. This reduces the fray that the cotton and batting has and gives it a groovy looking finish. If you had the appropriate software you could add a name or monogram but i think these look cool just by themselves. Have a look at mine:

This is the large 6x10 and it fits my wrist easily.