This morning after I had a cup of coffee, I decided to get started again with my new embroidery machine. I was able to pick up a free design from Stitchtopia named Coffee Before Reality. This is a high quality design with over 20,000 stitch count. I am learning that all designs are not created equal.
I really like this design because it also only uses 3 different colors of thread. Each time, I have to stop to change the thread color, it causes a slight delay. I used white bobbin thread for the whole design rather than changing the color of the bobbin thread to match the front of the design. I learned that tip from watching various embroiderers on YouTube.
I also used two new purchases for the first time today. I bought a 5 x 7 magnetic hoop which is an optional accessory for my machine. I really like using this hoop and floating my fabric on top, as opposed to physically inserting the stabilizer and the fabric inside the regular hoop. My sister showed me how to use the magnetic hoop last week when I was visiting her.
The hoop came with six very strong magnets that kept my stabilizer and fabric so tight, that I decided not to use the re-positioning fabric spray. Ordinarily, I would spray the adhesive on the stabilizer and then adhere the fabric to the stabilizer to keep it from moving while the machine is working. I decided to try using the magnetic hoop without the spray and it worked. I also used the water soluble stabilizer on top since I was embroidering on a towel. I don't know if I will do it that way each time, but it worked.
While I was at the end of my second thread color, I received a warning from the machine that my bobbin thread was almost out. I had just put on a new bobbin before I started too. I stopped the machine, put in a new bobbin and started again but the white thread came through to the front.
I stopped the machine again and reseated the bobbin in the case. Now, I had to deal with a new issue. How do I go back to the correct position on the letter R? I had to call my sister who owns the same machine to get help. She told me what button to push to basically "rewind" the design.
I left the white color thread next to the orange thread because it looks kind of cool to me. One thing that I did not like using was some new stabilizer that I bought from Amazon. It was the right size, but not the right consistency. It felt and looked like artisist paper instead of interfacing. I am returning it today for a refund, because I bought 100 precut sheets.
All in all, I learned a lot today. I feel more comfortable with my new machine and I know that I will be tackling another project this afternoon. First though, I have to return this stabilizer to a nearby retail store so that I can get my refund from Amazon.
Enjoy your day!