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 :) )  

 

 

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!

Fascinator Bow ITH-Bobbin for applique

I have said it before and I'll say it again, I'm a sucker for a cute bow! This one took my fancy as it was something I felt adults could wear as well...which really helps me as i'm a last.minute.com kind of person who has an outfit but nothing accessory wise! This in the hoop project was simple and resulted in a beautiful unique bow. 

Created and developed by: Bobbin for applique (BUY HERE)

Cost:  $6.00 (US)

Embroidered on: Husqvarna Topaz 20

Size Available: 4x4 Requires more than one hooping. ***Cannot make the largest bow with this hoop*** 5x7 Creates 3” finished bow, 6x10 Creates 4” finished bow, 7x12 Creates 5.5” finished bow

Instructions: Yes (written and pictures are easy to follow)

Skill level: Beginner to advanced.

Time taken: 30 min after fabric cut out

Stabilizer used: I used medium weight tear away. 

 

Ok....my first mistake! Don't assume because you have made bows before you know what you are doing. Read the instructions first! When i went to put my bow together the first time i just glued it all down but this bow actually has a trick to it that makes it kinda stick outwards when in the hair which is a necessity.

When you open up the instructions there is detailed information on what materials are needed. It also tells you which file does which size. The actual stitch out is quite quick. A mistake I made was putting the felt, doubled over on TOP of the tear away rather than one on the top and one on the bottom. I thought i was clever until it came time to tear away thousands of tiny pieces from the detailed stitches so make sure you follow what the tutorial says. Other than that I was quite impressed with the end bow and would definitely recommend it to anyone who would like a unique looking bow that can be used in both kids and adults.

This is the 5x7 size in my 5yr olds hair

  

Build a Sundae felt play food embroidery design- Creative medley

The other day I was looking for a quick present for a 4yr old. I suddenly remembered that she had a felt board on one of her easels and wanted to make something to go with it. With help from miss 5 we decided on this fun and creative felt ice cream set. 

Created and developed by: Creative Medley (BUY HERE)

Cost:  $4.99 (US)

Embroidered on: Husqvarna Topaz 20

Size Available: 4x4 Hoop
                       5x7 Hoop

Instructions: Yes (written steps for each component!)

Skill level: Beginner to advanced.

Time taken: 30 min after fabric cut out( I made a cone and three "flavors")

Stabilizer used: I used medium weight tear away. 

 

 

Upon opening up the instructions each component is divided into its own separate instructions. For $4.99 (US) you get designs for an ice cream scoop, plain topping, topping with sprinkles, cherry, cone and bowl. I wanted to make a cone and three flavors so used different color felt for each one.To get the chocolate look I did use fabric on top of the scoop bonding it with heat and bond lite. Each design is finished with a second layer of felt underneath. A tip that I read on an embroidery forum was to use the stiff felt that they use for handbags. This makes them a bit stiffer and easier for little hands.I loved that you can make many variants and colors and the birthday girl loved it!!   

Christmas Stockings In the Hoop- Five star fonts

With 8 months to Christmas I know everyone will be asking "Why in the world would you bring up Christmas this close to having just got over easter!!". Well a tip that I read in a book about organization suggests that you should always be planning for events...even those 8 months away. If you own your own embroidery business or like to just embroider for family and friends imagine how nice it would be December 1st and you already have your stock/gifts done. Yes...All done!!! Start now. Make a decision every week or month from today, depending on how much needs to be done, you are going to embroider something for Christmas. Which brings me to today's post! Christmas stockings!  

Created and developed by: Five star fonts (BUY HERE)

Cost:  $9.99 (US)

Embroidered on: Husqvarna Topaz 20

Size Available: 4x4 Hoop - 2.99 x 3.89 Finished size - 2.85 x 3.75
                       5x7 Hoop - 4.74 x 6.98 Finished size -4.60 x 6.85
                       6x10 Hoop - 5.65 x 8.66 (fits Hus D1 & center of ART Mega Hoop) Finished size - 5.45 x 8.50
                       6.25 x 10.25 Hoop - 6.19 x 9.49 Finished size - 6.00 x 9.30
                       7x12 Hoop - 6.90 x 10.58 Finished size -6.75 x10.40
                       8x12 Hoop - 7.60 x 11.65 Finished size - 7.45 x 11.50

Instructions: Yes (In color and well written!)

Skill level: Beginner to advanced.

Time taken: 30 min after fabric cut out

Stabilizer used: I used medium weight tear away(Instructions say to use a cutaway but i just didn't tear it from all the little spaces between the stitches and it worked OK)

I love Five star font designs as they are always accompanied with detailed instructions and pictures! This stocking is no different. When you open up the instructions there is information on supplies, advice on what to use and fabric measurements to prepare before embroidering.This design has 4 quilting styles included- Diamond, Stipple, Channel Vertical, Channel Horizontal. I chose the diamond style for my sample piece. Throughout the instructions I liked that it prompted you on when to add in your own personalization so you didn't have to guess. To add a name onto the stocking you do need to have software (I use Embird) and basic knowledge on how to add in a font. If you just want to do plain stockings that's fine too.

Following the steps is very easy and throughout I had no problems or questions. The only thing that I would emphasize is make sure you iron when it says so that your seams lay flat when it is turned inside out. (I thought I wouldn't bother and it was a touch bulky but my second one I did iron and it was perfect) 

Here is my version:

I used these at Christmas time as place settings. I put a fork, spoon and knife in each and a serviette at the back. They were a hit!

Rapunzel Set Over Sized-The little stitch shop

Created and developed by: The little stitch shop (BUY HERE)

Cost:  $5.00 (US)

Embroidered on: Husqvarna Topaz 20

Size Available: File includes head, arms & legs.
Dimensions of Head: 3.51" x 3.63"
Dimensions of Arms: 2.39" x 1.50"
Dimensions of Legs: 1.45" x 1.80"

Instructions: They are in individual jpg stitch files-arms head and legs

Skill level: Beginner to advanced

Time taken: 15 min after fabric cut out

Stabilizer used: I used medium weight tear away 

 

This in the hoop design is a fun design which you can use to add flair and individuality to your hair bows. Each body part is in individual folders and is quick to stitch out with the included instruction stitch files. These stitch files show you which colour is coming up next and which stitches it correlates too. If you have ever done felties before this is an easy design and you won't have any trouble. If you are a beginner and this is your first feltie the owner of the little stitch shop is very helpful and can help you with any questions you have.

 

Some of the tips after stitching this design is don't forget to put your backing on the head before the second last stitch, not the last. Also I didn't even think about it but in my pictures below my feet are actually backwards! Whoops. I love this Rapunzel based bow (as did my 5yr old) and will be purchasing lots more in all the different characters and designs!!

In the right picture I did a close up of my bling pascal!

Monogram Coffee Sleeves from Embroidery garden

Created and developed by: Embroidery Garden (BUY HERE)

Cost:  $11.99 (US)

Embroidered on: Husqvarna Topaz 20

Size Available: Actual design dimensions 3.52" x 10.15" (fits Brother and husqvarna 6x10 hoop)- please message Embroidery garden if you are not sure if it will fit in your hoop.

Instructions: Yes (In color and well written!)

Skill level: Beginner to advanced

Time taken: 40 min after fabric cut out

Stabilizer used: I used medium weight tear away 

 

When you open up the pdf instructions included in this design it first goes through the supplies and fabric measurements that you need for this design. Included in the purchase of this sleeve is 2 blank sleeves, one has the trendy applique circle that you can add a different initial to and one that is blank. (Handy if you want to do lots up in advance for craft shows). For this design i used cotton material, a thin cotton batting and 1/4" elastic. 

 

 The steps that follow are really easy to understand and perform. I had no problems with any of the steps and liked that they included little measurements on the pictures so i didn't have to guess how far anything had to be placed. If you notice in my picture, I didn't trim close enough with the circle applique so make sure you don't forget to trim closely and carefully all around before doing the satin stitch.

 

Once you have completed the coffee sleeve you turn it once and give it an iron (Don't skip this step!!!) It will mean that you get a nicer crisper edge when you turn it through again. You do not have to stitch closed the opening where you have turned it as after the second turn it is hidden nicely. You do however just need to sew on a button to finish it off. I put my coffee sleeve on a normal coffee mug that I had at home and it fit perfectly!   

 

Don't forget to check out Embroidery Gardens gift ideas at the bottom of the coffee sleeve purchase page :)

 

mmmmm...hot chocolates here I come!

 

 

I AM NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE COMPANY OR PAID FOR THIS REVIEW