How to Combine fonts on an embroidery machine

Alright so this post is going to be a little specific to my ladies that do embroidery...or maybe you don't but you might one day.  Some of you may know I got an embroidery machine on Black Friday.  I have been wanting one for so long because I have been wanting to do my own monogramming.

I have the Brother PE700II Embroidery Machine with USB Port and love it.

So I started to try and do monograms and bought some fonts and things and realized that I would have to calculate where each letter starts and ends and how  line them all up together...it was a big headache and all my designs came out horrible.  I was really discouraged and decided to look up what I should do.

I found the Combine Design Program Version 1.1.112 software.

This is a software program created to merge PES files together and save as one file.  It will allow you to save in a 4x4, 5x7, or a 7x5 hoop size.  This software is perfect for those needing to combine letters from a digitized font and save the word, name or monogram as one single file to load to your machine.

So what is does is take your fonts that you import into the program and lets you arrange them to suit you then you save them as one file and transfer it to your embroidery machine.  Then you can set up your machine and it will do it all as one, no stopping and figuring out where to put the next letter and you don't' have to calculate it.


It works with Windows 7, 8, vista, and xp.  Unfortunately it does not run on Mac software or iPads or android tablets.

Watch the tutorial below:

The best thing is that this program is just $11, yes there are nicer programs out there but really this is all I need it to do.

I have been so happy with this program and highly recommend it if you are struggling with combining/arranging your fonts when embroidering.

DIY Button Tree Canvas Tutorial

In response to my image transfer tutorial here is the finished product:

I used my image transfer tutorial to draw the tree on my canvas 

Then I gathered a collection of buttons and glued them onto the tree.  I just used normal Elmer's craft glue.    

TaDa!  And here is the button tree!

-Erin

DIY Image Transfer Tutorial

So here goes another DIY tutorial!  

So you want to make a cool piece of art or lettering but you can't draw a straight line?  Step right up to learn about Image Transfer.  

This is such a simple strategy and all you need are 3 things:

-canvas or whatever you are going to use for the art piece

-a printout of your selected art 

-and a pencil

1. Use the pencil and shade the BACK of the picture, covering the lines of the picture.  Make sure your shading is dark.  

 2. Flip the picture over and trace your design on the canvas, etc.  I didn't' have to press down very hard to get the image to transfer. 

*Tip: I suggest taping the picture down on the canvas, etc.*

3.  Pull up the print and you will have a light tracing of the design on your canvas, etc. 

 4. Then you can go ahead and paint away.

Check later to see the finished product of this image transfer.

Blessings,

Erin

DIY: Mason Jar Soap Dispenser [Tutorial]

I love the look of mason jars and I have seen them all over Pinterest.  When I saw one used as a soap dispenser I fell in love.  Here is my version of a tutorial on the Mason Jar Soap Dispenser:

What you Need:

- Mason Jar (I used a medium size.  You can go as big or as small as you care to)
- Scissors
- Srewdriver
- Hammer
- Large Nail (I just used one I found in the house)
- Soap Dispenser (I used one off of an old soap bottle that I liked)
- Spray Paint (I used a silver mettalic but you can use whatever color you want)
- and not pictured but you need some glue (hot glue, or any other type of sealant)

Optional:
-Clear Sealant Spray Paint


Directions:

1. Using a nail hammer the top of the mason jar in various places.  I used the screwdriver to widen the holes.  Do this until it is just wide enough for the soap pump to fit inside securely.  You might have to cute the straw part of the soap pump, that's fine.  Cut off however much to fit on the bottom of the soap jar.    

*Be careful of the underside of the lid.  It is VERY sharp!!!!!*

2.  Glue the soap pump to the lid of the mason jar. 

3. I chose to spray paint my lid and pump to match.  I placed a piece of newspaper under the lid and screwed the lid to the jar creating a cape.  Then I spray painted it the silver color and let it dry.    

I also chose to use a clear sealant on mine after I painted the color.  I feel like this further protects the paint from wearing and chipping. 

sorry it's sideways...

 4. Fill it up with your favorite soap and start pumping!

Hope you enjoyed this tutorial.  I would love to see pictures of your creations!

Let me know if you have any questions!


-Erin