Journaling is a great way to record thoughts, memories, and dreams. It’s especially nice to have a beautiful book to hold all of your hand-written ideas and reflections. This embroidered cover is the perfect way to dress up a plain journal. With Mother’s Day just around the corner, you can make this in an afternoon … Read More
XV8550D
Fun Fabric Gift Tags
You are going to love these cute fabric gift tags. They are versatile and add a handmade touch to any gift. I love giving homemade gifts, but sometimes a gift card is really the best option (teacher gifts!!!) So, I started making these adorable fabric gift cards, so I can still give a bit of … Read More
DIY Bicycle Bag
Hurrah! It’s National Bike Month! Let’s celebrate the way we like best—sewing and creating with THE Dream Machine by Brother or another Brother combo machine with 5×7 frame. Let’s celebrate all that fun, healthy, outdoor cycling with this handy bike bag. Embellish it with a scenic bike design from iBroidery.com and learn to convert it … Read More
Embroider and Quilt a Fleece Baby Blanket
When I found out that a dear friend of mine was going to be a great-grandmother for the first time (whoo-hoo!), I thought this would be the perfect project to create and share. Follow the steps below to build your very own adorable fleece baby blanket! Skill level: Easy Machines used: THE Dream Machine® XV8550D … Read More
Custom Embroidered Insulated Drink Holder
Custom Embroidered Insulated Drink Holder Machine: THE Dream Machine® Innov-ís XV8500D Features: Embroidery, Droplight™ LED Embroidery Positioning Marker, Sew Straight™ 2 I don’t know about you, but I am constantly carrying around a bottle of water or juice. In the heat of summer, it doesn’t take long for the liquids to get warm. An insulated … Read More
Appliquéing Designs Larger than Width of Your Hoop
How to Appliqué Designs Larger than the Width of Your Hoop Have you ever wondered how appliqué designs larger than width of hoop stitch out so perfectly? The magic is using Alignment Crosshairs that are built into the design. These are stitched out as placement stitches so you’ll know where to align your needle up with. … Read More
Video How-to: Exporting a FCM File
Simply Appliqué™ Software – Exporting a FCM File Attention Embroiderers: Here’s the software you’ve been waiting for! Now you can make superb custom appliqués from a huge selection of exceptional designs and creative options. Even better, you’ll love the way Simply Appliqué™ fully integrates with ScanNCut/ScanNCut2 so you can easily cut out your appliqués with … Read More
Estimating Stitch Out Time for Appliqué Designs
Machine Used: THE Dream Machine® Innov-ís XV8500D I have been often asked how long does it take to stitch out an appliqué design on THE Dream Machine® Innov-ís XV8500D. While there is a time duration on the design when loaded, that is actual stitch time by the embroidery machine. As such, it does not include … Read More
Pete’s Dragon Sleepover Set – Part 3
The final installment in the 3 Part Series for the Pete’s Dragon Sleepover Set walks you through adding embroidery to a PJ set consisting of a T-shirt and shorts. Did you miss Parts 1 – Pillowcase/Drawstring Tote and 2 -Stippled Sundry Bag? Be sure to click on through for the entire Sleepover Set! Pete’s Shirt … Read More
Stabilizer How To: Embroider a Baby Bodysuit
It is so fun to have a new baby join the family! Yes, I am a new Auntie! A quick customized gift is in order, so how about an embroidered bodysuit? The little guy came a few weeks early, so a preemie size it is. This bodysuit is so small, it will be a challenge … Read More
Reversible Quilted & Appliquéd Block
There are times where I’ve wanted to add an Appliqué to a project, but I’ve known it would be seen from both sides, so it also had to look good from the back. Here’s how! It works with shapes that can be mirrored, so letters aren’t the perfect candidate. Here I’ve used a Bunny on … Read More
Beauty and the Beast Spa Wrap
Pamper your little beauty with this fanciful but useful spa wrap. Embellished with one of Disney’s NEW Beauty and the Beast designs from iBroidery.com and constructed on my Brother Dream Machine® Innov-ís XV8500D, it is a fun and easy project. My granddaughter loves hers for a beach cover up and for after shower. What a … Read More
Pete’s Dragon Sleepover Set – Part 2
Part Two in this Three Part Series, will walk you through how to make a Stippled and Quilted, Zippered Sundry Bag so he (or she) has a place to put his toothbrush and comb for that Sleepover! Download the Protector of the Wild design from iBroidery.com, load it into your Brother Embroidery Machine and off … Read More
Video Sew-A-Long: Manicure Bag Part 5 – Finishing up
Part 5: Finishing up the Manicure Bag Welcome to part 5 of the Manicure Bag Sew-A-Long! We’re almost finished! In this final chapter, I’ll demonstrate how to insert an exposed zipper. Depending on the width of your zipper, you might be able to use a standard J-foot. Otherwise, a zipper foot will be needed. The … Read More
Video Sew-A-Long: Manicure Bag Part 4
Part 4: Decorative Stitching Welcome to part 4 of the Nail Bag Sew-A-Long! In the first three parts we have assembled the bag, inserted the elastic, learned how to sew in the metal zippers and how to work with vinyl. Now we’re up to Decorative Stitching. This is the fun part! Whatever decorative stitches you … Read More
Video Sew-A-Long: Manicure Bag Part 3
Part 3: Inserting Zippers and Working with Clear Vinyl Welcome to Part Three of the Nail Bag Sew-A-Long! In this lesson we’ll finish the other side of the inside of the bag. Inserting zippers onto clear vinyl and creating pouches for the nail files – even cotton balls will fit into these see-thru areas. Supplies … Read More
Video Sew-A-Long: Manicure Bag Part 2
Part 2: Preparing one side of the inside of the bag – Sewing the Pouch for the Nail Polish Welcome to Part Two of the Nail Bag Sew-A-Long! This video will cover sewing one side on the inside of the bag. We will go over how to prepare the elastic casing and then insert the … Read More
Asian-Inspired Sleepwear on It’s Sew Easy TV
Embroidered Pajama Set with Asian Accents on It’s Sew Easy (Episode 1107-2) Embroidery educator and Sews Specialist Joanne Banko creates beautiful, Asian-inspired sleepwear with embroidered details and stylish closures. Using THE Dream Machine, she’ll show you how to create beautifully embellished Asian-Inspired Pajamas on this episode of It’s Sew Easy. Supplies: Brother XV8500D Sewing and … Read More