Comments on: Handy Documentation

By: Sheila M

Sheila M — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:26:45 +0000

I ‘log’ my information on my computer under a separate folder so I can find it easily. Sometimes colors don’t ‘work’ for me and then I make a notation as to what I liked/didn’t like.

By: Nancy Z.

Nancy Z. — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 01:59:22 +0000

As a new commercial embroiderer, I found that I also document the actual stitch number of each thread/color change. This way I can quickly advance to this area of the design if it didn’t sew-out correctly…… OR if I want to use just one part of a design as a single element (i.e. just the flower and not the stem and leaves….). I also made a “generic table of contents” which cross references parts of a design I may want to use later: the golf club from a stock club crest. Luv reading all your helpful hints. Keep ‘em coming! NZ

By: Dorrie

Dorrie — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 18:53:51 +0000

I like to have a printout of the design and thread order with me when I do a stitch-out. While most programs have such a feature, I like to use the one with Ambassador. It shows, in color, each stop, and what’s being stitched, as well as an in-scale image of the design. When I transfer the design into Brody ( my machine), I do a quick printout, and store it in a folder in my sewing desk.

Before I start sewin’, I pull out the printout, and write down which brand and colors are being used on each stop, and the time I started and finished. That way, I don’t have to rely on my increasingly faulty memory to recall which skin tone I used if I want to sew it again.

Once the stitch out is complete, I jot down any notes I think I might need, then slide the printout into a document protector inside a recycled school binder. Document protectors are plastic sleeves with holes on the side - so I don’t have to punch any, or worry that the edge of the paper gets punched or torn. You can find ‘em in office supply shops, but I get ‘em from Dollar Tree.

It’s fun to leaf through what I’ve already done ! I can track my growing skills in that binder.

By: Verna

Verna — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:23:42 +0000

Having a notebook by the sewing machine is a great idea. I have been printing out my design with the colour numbers that my program recommends and then I make all my notes on this piece of paper. I never thought to include the type of fabric and stabilizer that I used. Once I am finished with the design I file the page in a binder with the embroidery designs that I have. Thank you very much for all the helpful hints.

By: Susan

Susan — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:00:52 +0000

You ladies have it going on, I commend you for being so organized. Happy Embroidery

By: Bridgett

Bridgett — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 03:32:13 +0000

This is a great idea. I also write down the time of the stitch-out. I usually will print out the stitch-out using my software, and add the notes to the blank portion of the paper. This way it keeps all the information together. Plus since I have 2 machines I will also write down which machine I stitched it out with.

By: Juanita

Juanita — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:56:22 +0000

This is a great tip. I usually write things down on scraps of paper that I can never find again. I don’t know why I never thought of a notebook or binder. Thanks for sharing, this is a tip I will certainly use.

By: Lynn

Lynn — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 08:00:58 +0000

You girls are so organized. I think I’m doing great when I complete the design, not even thinking about when I want to do it again.
My problem is finding what I wrote down, when I need it again. I tend to use lots of sub directories and you need to be a computer to find them. I will, however, try yet again, to be more efficient in my sewing room.

Thanks for the helpful comments!!

By: Lynda

Lynda — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 23:05:08 +0000

I do this also, and actually put in all details of the project, including the font, name & source of embroidery design, size esp. if I resize it, along with number and brand of thread. If I make the garment I include the pattern number and date the project. This way I can duplicate the project without having to do any guessing or planning again. Saves a lot of time, even if I want to change one thing about the project.

By: Grandma Ria

Grandma Ria — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 07:06:24 +0000

That is a great idea,I only put now Pink or Bright Pink never thougth of putting number now,I will from now on ,Thank you for a great and simple idea.
Ria