Ann The Gran Community

What is a good embroidery project for a beginner, excluding lace.  I find I take on projects that are too advanced for what I know and never finish them.  Any input is greatly appreciated.  Margie

Hi Margie!

Machine Embroidery is addictive and many projects await you.

I first started on the 100% tea towels with holiday designs.  The fabric in these towels stays firmly in the hoop; therefore, the fabric does not shift and it might be a little early for you to start embroidering outside the hoop.

I figured if I goofed on one of these towels, it could still be utilized.  May be hidden in a drawer instead hung in my kitchen, but totally usable!

There may be more ideas for you as the forum ladies read your request.

Good Luck.

Joan/NJ

When I want to complete a project quickly (for the fun factor), I chose a simple design with few stitches.  And, better still, the design should have just a few color changes.  I have been known to do a design with a single color.  If the stitches lay in the correct directions, you still will see the design very nicely.

Lace is not difficult.  The only issue is to have the right stabilizer.  Some of those are very stitch intensive, going up to 15,000 and up.

Let us know what you complete because we ALL have incomplete projects, lovingly known as UFO's. (Unfinished Objects).  Up load a picture of whatever you do, we love to see your work!

Pat (The Avid Embroiderer) 

See my current Blog for an interesting discussion of ME.

Hi, Margie!

We've all been there - is it going to look wonky or cool?  Will it bore me? 

I use embroidery magazines for ideas.  They usually have something for beginners, intermediates and beyond.

There is an applique credit/business card case in the current issue of Designs In Machine Embroidery magazine (DIME).  That is a fun project.  I haven't made this one yet, but did make one they featured several months ago by another designer.  It was my first in-the-hoop project and it was fun to do - I didn't have to buy a thing, just used scraps.

There may also be a project at this site you might like to try.

Have fun and enjoy!

Pattiann

Hi Margie!

I am new to ME and ATG (LOVE IT!) too.

My first project was a set of towels for a recent high school graduate.  To keep it easy, I chose towels with a band around the ends (picture below) so I needn't worry about the nap of the towel.  Furthermore, I simply stitched her name only and stayed away from too much design.  I was afraid they would be boring but they turned out great and the recipient surely appreciated them as she'll be heading off to college in the fall.  She won't need to worry about a roommate mistaking these towels

Pic Note: The type isn't nearly as crooked as it looks in the photo - just the way the towel happened to be laying when I took the picture.

Welcome to ME from a fellow newcomer

Love that Avatar!!!  Who is actually doing the ME?  I'll bet it is the little one...

What a great idea to work with a towel without the excess loops.  I saw this and was at the store and - well, I will post a photo of mine when I get my camera back! 

Pat