A Whole New World

Shelley at work

The machine at work

Look what I made!

 

We got this pattern. . .

Just a close up. . .

and this pattern. . .

Didn't get this one. . .

but sort of wish we had.

Definitely got this pattern!

A little over a week ago, I opened an e-mail from a San Antonio Quilt Shop and advertised there was a 2 day workshop for this weekend.  I recently purchased a new sewing machine that I intend to devote solely to embroidery and here was a 2 day event to show me all the magic at my fingertips.  Shelley (close friend, fellow quilter, owner of an identical machine and general partner in crime) and I decided very quickly that we could probably get a tip or two out of this so we signed up.  Oh My Goodness!!  We had no idea what we were about to be exposed to and it was just a spectacular two days.  The workshop is sponsored by Brother sewing machine and Anita Goodesign embroidery manufacturer.  There were 90 people at 9 different tables each with 2 $5,000 Brother embroidery machines.  The presenter would show us a method of embroidery and then each of the 5 people at a machine would take a turn making the sample.  Shelley handled the cutwork design.  I made a small stocking.  The machines made amazingly beautiful stitches.  We each bought some embroidery patterns and remained grateful that we couldn't even entertain the notion of buying one of the machines.  What we both want and need now is a clear path to making a business out of what we love so much.  There were 90 people in that room, some of whom came from quite a distance to take this workshop and a handful of them purchased not just the $5,000 machines but the multi-needle professional machines that can hold up to 10 different thread colors and sell for $14,000 to $20,000 each!  I am so looking forward to the next few projects that are just now forming in my overwhelmed brain.  Last night I personalized 2 projects for Desiree's boys to help me finish when they get here in a few hours and today I emboridered a bluebonnet on a beautiful piece of linen - guess I'll make a purse out of that.  I am convinced that the world is my oyster and I am limited only by my own creativity (oh, and my job, money, laundry, family, etc.) and I am ready to get busy!