JenniferStern
Jennifer Sterncontributor
craft interests: embroidery
Member Since: 03/24/2008
Machine Applique Flip Flops right in the Hoop!
You can embroider these adorable flip-flops right in the hoop! If you’re new to machine embroidery, this is a great project to work on because it focuses on one technique...machine embroidered appliqué.
Handmade by RosiePink
Inspiration for wool felting projects infused with machine embroidery stitching.
All Crafters Need Inspiration!
Get Inspired at the StyleHive.
Do You Have Lots of Duplicate Embroidery Design Slowing Down Your Computer?
The Embroidery DeDuper can clean your computer right up!
Are You Wondering Which Book Is Best for Beginner Sewers??
Spend less time trying to figure out a sewing technique by keeping a great reference book beside your machine.
How to Tell If Your Fabric Has Enough Stretch for the Pattern You Picked Out
Have you ever bought a pattern designed for knit fabric, measured twice, cut once, and still ended up with a finished garment that was on the tight side? Maybe it wasn't the size you cut out; maybe your fabric wasn't stretchy enough for the pattern.
How to Machine-Embroider Your Own Refrigerator Word Art
Clever word art is just a push of a button away when you machine-embroider your own!
How to Place Pattern Pieces Straight on the Grainline
Here's what to do with that long, straight grainline marking printed on all your pattern pieces...
Quick Tip: Stitch and Place from Nancy Zieman
In this video, Nancy shows us how to get our embroidery designs to stitch out in exactly the right place.
How to Personalize Your Reusable Grocery Tote
Make a quick gift by adding a special message or name to a reusable grocery tote—or show that you recycle and reuse by personalizing your own tote!
Crafty Chat
If you want to check out what other crafters and crafty business people are doing, check out Crafty Chat for weekly on line chats about what's selling and being made
Did you have a sock monkey when you were a kid...
I was cruising around looking for cool embroidery, instead I found cool Socktopus! They remind me of one of my favorite childhood pals--my sock monkey
Transform Your Embroidery Mistakes by Changing Your Outlook
Mistakes and boo-boos fall into two different categories—Designer Details and Character Builders.
"Patching the Hole" in My Stabilizer to Do Multiple Embroideries Saved My HTML Tee!
Using a "patch the hole" method to embroider the same design over and over saved my shirt...and probably my machine when it got jammed.
Crafty in Connecticut
If your 4th of July social calendar isn't full yet, why not check out the 22nd Annual New England Arts & Crafts Festival in Milford, CT.
Stitch, Dissolve, and Distort with Machine-Embroidery Stitches
We pay so much attention to stabilizing so that fabric won't pucker. Try loosening up a little and go for the wrinkles, puckers, and crinkles.
The Last Stitch: How to Finish Your Hand-Embroidery
When it comes to the end of a design, a color change, or running out of thread, a secure finish without adding bulk is what you need! Here's how to make a clean finish!
Check Out SWAK Embroidery.com and Enter to Win a New Janome 350E!
Seal it with a kiss and enter to win this fantastic embroidery-only machine—it's the perfect companion to your trusted sewing machine!
Machine-Embroider a Tee with a Slogan: HTML Style!
Computer techies, express yourself by stitching some code. Embroider a bit of code on the back of a tee and display the results on the front! Recycle an old tee to deliver your "Go Green" message.
Be Sweet Products...Everything From Sweet Knitting Patterns to Felted Rocks and Pebbles!
Visit this website for out-of-the-ordinary knitting patterns and other unusual fiber arts...like wonderful felted wool pebbles.
How to Make a Mini Tote out of Embroidered Jeans
If you have some cool embroidered denim lurking around in your closet that you haven't worn in years...or maybe months, pull it out and remake it into a hip bag!
Hot Fashion at the Freedom of Expression Fashion Show
Gibbs College held its students' Spring Fashion Show on Thursday, June 19th.
The Laton Jacket Revisited
I checked in at the Plimoth Plantation to see the latest progress on this beautiful hand-embroidered re-creation. I was delighted to see that they were working on the lining fabric.
How to Hand-Stitch an Outline Stitch
Did you know that this basic stitch, primarily used for outlining, is actually made up of straight stitches that overlap? Learn the steps to making a graceful stitch.
Can you Machine Embroider a Bathing Suit?
Use the "Secret" to learn how to add hot embroidery to your own swim suit...and much more!
Bobbin Embroidery Takes Center Stage
Here is a new way for you to try out bobbin work: a cool technique that lets you stitch out embroidery designs on the underside of your hoop.
Initial Your Work with Snazzy Monograms
Monograms have long been symbols of elegance and luxury. Although they are fairly simple to make yourself, the hardest part is usually finding a cool monogram style to suit your personality. Here is a nifty embroidery tool that allows you to choose just about any font type for any size monogram.
Circles all around the Cocktail Party
This dress was created from hundreds of silk organza circles.
Amy Butler Jeans
I love quilting, but I rarely have the time...When I get the chance to add a quilting technique to a garment that I'm working on, I go for it.
Make Your Own Large-Spool Stand
I love to pass on new ideas I get from friends, teachers, students, and customers. Here is a great way to manage large spools of thread such as those used for your bobbin: Use the spool from packages of new, blank CDs.
Check Out the Hand-Stitching Wonder of Jenny Hart
Jenny Hart’s thought-provoking portraits feature breathtaking detail. See her work at a new exhibit at The Art Center in St. Petersburg, Florida from May 23 to August 16, 2008.
How to Make Your Embroidery Thread Behave
Whether you are hand embroidering or machine embroidering, how you handle your thread can make or break its performance. Here are some tips to keep your thread in line and running smoothly.
Embroiderers Style Accessories with Needlepoint
Needlepoint is making a huge comeback. The pages of fashion magazines are showing how this traditional, hand-crafted embroidery technique gives super-trendy flair to belts, bags, and home décor.
Use Specialty Bobbin Thread for Your Embroidery
Are you new to embroidery? Did you know that there is special thread that is made for use in the bobbin while you’re embroidering?
Embroidery Meets the Needle-Felting Machine
Have you tried those new needle-felting machines yet? They’re fantastic! It’s like embroidery with wool roving and other fibers (instead of threads). When I first got my hands on one, I used it to (of course) embroidery on my jeans!
Use these Tricks for Embroidering with Metallic Threads
I was inspired to share this information with you because I just finished making a cool embroidered skirt out of my favorite pair of old jeans. To give this restyled garment some sparkle, I embroidered with some metallic threads. I was happy to find that some true tricks of the trade made the project easier, and the resulting skirt is now a new favorite.
Restyle Alert: Vintage is Hot!
Vintage has exploded onto the pages of Vogue magazine, and embroidery designer, Hope Yoder, is way ahead of the curve! I almost swooned when I saw this dainty, girly shrug that was adapted from a new shrug pattern. It's so sweet, and sweeter still, Ms. Yoder says that there's more to come.
Quick Tips for Embroidering on Leather
Have you ever tried to embroider on leather? One would think it would be easy to work with because it’s obviously stable enough to support embroidery, but embroidering on leather has some surprising obstacles, such as stretching! Thankfully, these obstacles are easily overcome, and once you know what kind of stabilizer and needles to use, it’s a snap!
Always pre-wash fabric before you embroider on it
There is one major embroidery mistake that doesn't actually appear until after you have washed your creation for the first time: shrinkage. Too many times, I've completely destroyed beautiful creations. Luckily, this error is easily avoided if you just remember to take this one simple step.
Embroidery Term of the Week: Redwork
Today, the term "redwork" can be used to describe a general form of outline stitching, but this artful technique using red, cotton floss dates back to the 18th century when this craft’s simplicity and affordability made it very popular.
How Often Should You Change Your Needle?
Did you know that one of the simplest ways to keep your machine in shape and increase the time that you spend stitching beautiful stitches is to change your needle often? Here are some simple tips to guide you towards getting the best out of your machine stitching.
Cross-Stitching on Knitted Fabric
I may use my embroidery machine a lot, but there are times when only hand-worked embroidery will do the trick.
Embroidery Term of the Week: Weave Fill
This week’s embroidery term is weave fill, or the tiny stitches that are used to fill in an embroidery design. While there are several different kinds of fill stitches, weave fill is one of the most commonly used, especially when working with larger shapes or design elements.
Inspiration Everywhere—From Coast to Coast!
Wherever I am, at home or on the road, I am always on the lookout for embroidery inspiration. Recently, right from the comfort of my own home in Connecticut, I came across this amazing blog on the Metropolitan Museum of Art site. And last month, I found plenty of inspiration at the Craft & Hobby Show in California, where I met up with my Craft Stylish colleagues and got to partake in one of my favorite pastimes: fashion watching.
Embroidery Term of the Week: Topping
No, it is not an ice cream topping, but an indispensable tool for embroiderers. You'll get crisp, clear lines and your designs will look awesome. The name of the miracle stabilizer? Topping.
Using Hand Embroidery Stitches to Make a Personalized Card or a Vintage Valentine
After visiting the Plimoth Plantations’s website earlier in the week, I was inspired to dig out my own hand embroidery project.I love Lavender and Lace Designs, and I started this one a few years ago to celebrate my two daughters.
Laton Jacket Project
Plimoth Plantation is producing an incredible opportunity for embroidery enthusiasts: over the next few years the museum will be re-creating a 17th century laton jacket.
Quick Tip of the Week: Incredible Shrinking Thread
My friend Gail started experimenting with this cool thread to embellish a sweatshirt jacket she was working on. She used it instead of traditional decorative thread to stitch across panels of her jacket. After she was done, she steamed it with her iron. The thread shrunk up, creating interesting texture similar to smocking.
How to Create Signature Bath Linens
I love nothing more than stepping into my bathroom and being greeted with a fresh set of personalized bath linens. All you need to plump up plain-Jane towels and shower curtains is your embroidery machine and a bit of contrasting thread.
Embroidery Term of the Week: Dongle
“Dongle” is such a goofy-sounding word, when I hear people talking about their dongles, I always imagine something silly like they’re referring to their latest fashion accessory. Actually, a dongle is the security device that allows you to open embroidery software programs.
How to Make Corset Ornaments
Holiday decorations don't have to be the traditional red and green to be festive. These tiny symbols of fashion not only make great ornaments, gift tags, or saches, but they're also super easy to make: you can prepare, quilt, and construct them in less than an hour.
Quick Tip of the Week: Review of Embroidery Threads
Let's face it, embroidery is basically the artful application of a bunch of thread—I say that because it is so easy to forget how utterly confusing it can be when it comes to picking out the right brand and type of thread for a particular embroidery project.
How to Make a Coffee-Table-Worthy Scrapbook
I love to make things and I especially love to mix it up craft wise—so this totally unique and totally stylish scrapbook cover caught my eye. By simply combining paper arts, fabric, and a huge selection of fab embellishments you can transform any three ring binder into the perfect handmade gift or styling scrapbook to keep your memories.
Did you know you don’t have to hoop your fabric?
I recommend trying this simple “hoopless” technique the next time you embroider on tricky fabric.
Hooked & Pricked
Hi, my name is Jennifer Stern, and I am so pleased to have this opportunity to share my embroidery stories and adventures (filled with both designer details and character builders) with you. Oh, and be sure to check out the Pricked exhibit at the Museum of Art and Design.
Make a Bracelet in a Flash!
Try this fast, easy and fun project from our Sew Stylish: Gifts to Make edition.
The Electric Kool-Aid Dying Test: Psychedelic Sock Yarn Dying Is a Blast
Tina_Hilton | July 24th, 2008
Machine Applique Flip Flops right in the Hoop!
JenniferStern | July 24th, 2008
Fantastic craft books and a summer sale
susanstars | July 23rd, 2008
Re: Repurpose, Recycle, and Reuse: Cutting Edge Creations From Cast-off Sweaters
Hey Tina...I have a pile of sweaters waiting for me to do something with. I was on Nantucket this past week and I saw some really cool bolero jackets make from recycled sweaters (The whole open edge of the jacket was created from the oversized scoop neck opening of a vintage sweater.) They were incredible. As soon as my apartment cools off so I can stand working with all my hot sweaters, I'm going to give it a go.
posted: 2:44 pm on July 23rdRe: Beating Crafty Burnout
Thanks for posting about this creativity issue...I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one. Making the adjustment to working at home has been a challenge. (Especially since I was the overtime queen at the sewing store I worked at for 10 years!)
posted: 2:37 pm on July 23rdWhen I get a creative cramp, I usually step back and clean something or do a load of laundry. I find that making more order in my small apartment clears my mind and allows me to be creative. Visiting my favorite clothing store, Anthropologie always helps...I personally think there is something magical in the air.
Finally, my favorite way to get new ideas for creative projects is to ask someone who typically does not sew or embroider what they would make if they could. For example, I asked my sister (who doesn't even own a sewing machine) what kinds of projects she would imagine could make cool embroidery posts. She came up with some pretty great ideas. She has a completely different point of view because she doesn't sew. I think it's partially because she's not bogged down with the mechanics of how to do it--
Re: Do You Have Lots of Duplicate Embroidery Design Slowing Down Your Computer?
I know...I was surprised at how many doubles I had too! I think it's a great idea to run it every day to clean up downloads. (You should see my desktop!!)
posted: 2:13 pm on July 23rdRe: All Crafters Need Inspiration!
Fantastic, I'll look for you there!
posted: 2:07 pm on July 23rdRe: Free Julie Cuff Pattern from Blueprint Crochet
I love these bracelets...I wonder if I can make one even though I don't know how to crochet....????
posted: 3:59 pm on July 21stRe: How to Place Pattern Pieces Straight on the Grainline
Thanks for the comment artlikebread...congratulations on your new sewing machine! I would love to see what you're working on, post some pics in our member gallery!
posted: 9:00 am on July 21stRe: yoga mat bag
Hey boredandcrafty...I discovered yoga too...and after a month, I LOVE it! (I am one of those sport loving girls, but after turning 40 I realized I had to find something slightly more gentle on my bones than trail running...I still roam around out there every now and then, but yoga is definitely becoming my favorite new thing to do.)
posted: 7:00 pm on July 4thI have been kicking around some ideas for a yoga bag myself...thanks for sharing yours! (I love the print.) Does your mat stick to the sides of the bag when you're taking it out or putting it back in???
Re: How to Make a Mini Tote out of Embroidered Jeans
Please do exercise those decorative stitches...I love to see what you come up with!
posted: 6:51 pm on July 4thRe: "Patching the Hole" in My Stabilizer to Do Multiple Embroideries Saved My HTML Tee!
Hey you guys, thanks for all the good wishes and comments--I was so excited when I realized that my tee wasn't done for. I save all my pieces of stabilizer in ziploc bags too! Reading theninaline's comment reminded me of another good $$$ saving tip..Put scraps of water soluble stabilizer in a small spray bottle, add some water, and you have home made spray stabilizer. Play with the strength by adding more scraps or water! .
posted: 4:24 pm on July 3rdPS--I've down graded to a large bandaid.
Re: Machine-Embroider a Tee with a Slogan: HTML Style!
Thank you for the idea and the comments...don't worry, the ringer tees have arrived! I'll keep you posted.
posted: 10:34 am on June 29thRe: How to Cover Gadgets of All Sorts
Oh my goodness....those little usb cutie covers are the best!!...Do I have time to learn to crochet????
posted: 3:27 pm on June 27thRe: Amy Butler Jeans
Thanks MomtoZoe--you can have these pants...you can make your own pair using my original jean pattern. Visit my website www.jsterndesigns.com and shoot me an email and I'll give you all the particulars!
posted: 10:05 pm on June 26thRe: Be Sweet Products...Everything From Sweet Knitting Patterns to Felted Rocks and Pebbles!
They have amazing yarn too..
posted: 2:57 pm on June 25thRe: Make Your Own Large-Spool Stand
Thanks for the tip SharlaOTR...That's a great idea to weight down the base...I'll give it a try.
posted: 9:43 pm on June 24thRe: How to Make a Mini Tote out of Embroidered Jeans
Hey StatGirl...you don't need embroidered jeans to make this bag. You can use any pair of jeans you don't wear any more. Add decorative machine or hand stitches ...even a zig zag looks great. If you want an embroidered look, stitch on some embroidered patches...you can find them at any big sewing store...give it a try!
posted: 9:39 pm on June 24thRe: How to Make a Mini Tote out of Embroidered Jeans
Hi everyone...I'm commenting on my own project! I just wanted to tell you that since I finished this bag, my other "purse" has been on a vacation. Initially I was hesitant to cut up those jeans, because I loved them...even though I never wore them. Now, I'm glad I trusted my creative spirit to transform those jeans into a new favorite.
posted: 9:17 am on June 24thRe: How to Embroider a Greeting Card
Diane, I love your embroidered note card, beautiful job!
posted: 4:25 pm on June 18thRe: Make a Bracelet in a Flash!
Hi wiloy, I'm not sure how they make those button bracelets...I'll try to find out.
posted: 8:59 pm on June 16thRe: Amy Butler Jeans
Thank you trusk4u...they are lot's of fun!
posted: 8:55 pm on June 16thRe: Initial Your Work with Snazzy Monograms
Thank you for the tip on hand embroidery...even though my specialty is machine embroidery, there is nothing like handwork...it's always worth the effort. I'd love to see some of your monograms!
posted: 8:55 pm on June 16thRe: Beat The Clock with These Father's Day Last Minute Gift Ideas
I love the map card...I'm going to make one to go with the tomtom I got my Dad...I'll wake up early!
posted: 10:01 pm on June 14thRe: Free Patterns from Amy Butler!
Thanks for telling us about free Amy Butler patterns...I'm going to check it out. I love her fabric too...Last year I was designing a collection for a fund raiser fashion show, and I was having a hard time with the color scheme. The answer came when I had a chance to meet Amy and see her fabrics in Houston at the Quilt Festive. She's great! I chose five different prints and then mixed and matched all my other fabrics to go with them. I posted some pics of the jeans I did using her fabric in the gallery.
posted: 9:17 am on June 13thRe: Quick Tips for Embroidering on Leather
Hi Katrina,
posted: 11:22 pm on June 7thThank you for your comment. Those are my original designs. I am in the process of getting them ready for purchase. If you shoot me an email at info@jsterndesigns.com, I'll keep you posted as to when they will be available!
Re: How Often Should You Change Your Needle?
Hi all,
posted: 11:08 am on June 5thI used to think you could sharpen needles when I first started to sew...I've discovered that it's best not to try. I like the idea that Crafty gal had for using old sewing needles to hang pictures with, I'm definitely going to give that a try.
I'm going to find out about how often you should change you hand embroidery needle...I tend to loose them so frequently that I never need to consider trading in an old one for a new one! I suspect that MindlessPursuits is correct in assuming that fabric comes into play... in general synthetic fabrics dull needles faster than natural fibers (in Machine Sewing) I'll find out the answer for hand stitchers!
Re: 3d Embroidered Flowers Bouquet
I love how you used Pam's 3d flowers to create your bouquet...very cool.
posted: 10:51 am on June 5thRe: Use these Tricks for Embroidering with Metallic Threads
I just loaded two pictures of the completed denim skirt! Thanks for all of the comments.
posted: 6:09 pm on May 29thJen
Re: Restyle that Old Sweater with Stitch Lounge and CraftStylish!
I've been saving a cashmere sweater...with some small holes...I'm going to cut it up and see what I can come up with. Thanks for the inspiration!
posted: 12:13 pm on May 23rdRe: Use these Tricks for Embroidering with Metallic Threads
Thanks for the comment halfaperfectpair...Pictures should be coming along soon. It's featured in an upcoming downloadable project--you'll be able to make the whole skirt!
posted: 11:22 am on May 23rdRe: Did you know you don’t have to hoop your fabric?
Hi Cowgirl53,
posted: 5:35 pm on May 14thThanks for the suggestion. Because most of the posts so far seem to apply to machine embroidery I will do my best to specify hand embroidery in the title to differentiate. I hope that helps.
Michaela Murphy
Managing Editor