AnnTheBlogger

Embroidered Hot Cup Wraps

2008-02-09T07:29:00.000-08:00

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AnnTheGran Community Circle in Orlando - A Few More Hints

2008-02-02T07:22:00.000-08:00

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Japanese Embroidered Full Length Women's Wool Coat

2008-01-25T11:49:00.000-08:00

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I'm Having a Party, and You're Invited!

2008-01-12T08:43:00.000-08:00

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Framed Letters for a Personalized Nursery

2008-01-05T07:44:00.000-08:00

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AnnTheGran is Getting a Facelift!

2007-12-31T08:34:00.000-08:00

Dear Friend,

2008 is going to be quite a year for me, and I hope it will be for you as well. My big news is that AnnTheGran is getting a complete facelift! No, I don't mean me -- I like myself the way I am (well, most days anyway) -- I mean my site! You see, as we've grown, some of my site's users have run into issues getting around on the site, especially as we've added new services and products over the years to keep up with your requests and try to offset some of the costs of running the site. I certainly share some of that frustration, but there's a good reason for it. We started off as just a group of ladies sharing designs; the original site was never meant to do all the fancy things it does now.

Well, after compiling all your comments together, my team has spent a very long time and a ton of effort developing an absolutely incredible new web site, of which I am so very proud. I'm going to give you a few sneak peeks now and over the next few weeks, as we prepare for the official launch of the new site in February. Click on any of the images in this post for some enlarged screen shots of what we have in store for you.

You're going to be able to "do some really cool stuff", as my grandkids might say. First of all, the layout and navigation is going to be ever-so-much better and cleaner, and you'll be able to get around the site much more easily. If you're a shopper, the shopping experience is improving by a factor of about a million, as our new structure will allow us to offer you one-click access to all our most popular products and much better and more frequent bargains.

What I'm most excited about is our new Community section. I love it because it brings us around full circle to where we began, which is as the best place on the Internet to share the results of our creativity with others. With a simple mouse click, even the most basic computer user will be able to upload tips, projects, videos, design files -- pretty much anything really -- to share with our entire community. The most popular ones will even make it to the AnnTheGran.com home page, the busiest place in the embroidery universe! How's that for bragging rights on your latest project!

Some of our best features of all will be reserved for my biggest supporters, our Ann's Club members. We'll be adding additional benefits to all of the great things Club members already receive, with so many treats that I don't think anyone will be able to resist getting onto "the inside track" with us.

So stay tuned to this space over the next little while as I tell you about my new site and all the fun you are going to have on it. At the same time, please keep sending me your creations while we wait for the new site to go up, and I will keep posting them. If you're not sure how to do that, click here for info.

Happy New Year! All the best to you and yours in 2008!

Ann (AnnTheGran) Cobb

Personal Holiday Greeting from Ann (AnnTheGran) Cobb

2007-12-23T07:38:00.000-08:00

In December, 1996, AnnTheGran's Design Exchange had been online for 2 months, and it was all very, very new. Our small community had shared a hundred or so designs and I sent the Christmas greeting you see on your right, created around my greatest blessings at the time.

AnnTheGran, my Internet nickname and persona that grew out of those early days, is celebrating her 12th Christmas this year, and you can see on the left just how much those blessings have grown.

In the intervening years, I've traveled the country, and the world, meeting many of you and sharing our wonderful embroidery hobby. The travel hasn't always been about being AnnTheGran -- Bill and I both love to travel for pleasure -- but it seems that, everywhere I go, embroidery somehow ends up playing a role. For that, I have all of you to thank.

As we all gather with our families and friends for the holiday season to share our stories and experiences with those in our lives who are important to us, I thought you might enjoy seeing some of the stories that I've been sharing with those in my life, and some of the places that you, my embroidery friends in the AnnTheGran community, have afforded me the opportunity to visit. I've heard from many of you that you thought I'd disappeared -- some even thought I'd kicked the bucket! -- but I can assure you that rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated! In fact, I'm going to be announcing very shortly an opportunity where I can re-connect in person to those of you who've been so supportive to me over the years. I'm looking forward to a very special year in 2008.

Scattered around this post, you'll find a few pictures that reflect experiences that you have helped me enjoy; experiences that have influenced my growth as a person, even as they may have been fuelling stories of my disappearance! In 2002 Bill and I flew to Australia for an embroidery seminar; guess which picture is from Australia! Last year, I was lucky enough to be able to meet many of you during a visit to Holland; look for the photo with the background signs in Dutch. There is also one of Bill and myself meeting a future Iditarod champ in Denali, Alaska, this past September. Everywhere I went, I have considered myself an ambassador not only for embroidery but for the idea that a little creativity and a few of the right tools can make a real difference in someone's day, and maybe even in someone's life.

The last project I've posted for this year speaks to that sentiment. As you enjoy time with your loved ones and count your blessings, I hope you'll take a moment to have a look at this story of how some very charitable souls are using their creative talents to make a real difference in the world. You can view the project and the story behind it by clicking here.

It is with a full and grateful heart, then, that Bill and I wish all of you, who created AnnTheGran and have kept her going for so many years, the most wonderful (belated) Hanukkah, the merriest Christmas, the most fulfilling Kwanzaa, the happiest of holidays and a healthy and prosperous 2008. I can't wait to see what new adventures the coming year will bring.

Charity Project - Star Bunting with Polar Fleece Blanket

2007-12-20T06:33:00.000-08:00

Every child is precious but sometimes the families of certain little ones face unique challenges. The charity FHCS (Faith Hope & Charity Stitches) has a very special way of sharing their love of sewing and embrodiery. The tiny buntings and quilts they make are a wonderful gift to those babies, keeping them warm all winter long. Karen Munro and the FHCS show us how they serve others, making a difference in the world around them.

Karen's Description
This project is a star bunting, with matching polar fleece blanket, - made from a commercial pattern ~ 9965 Simplicity ~ and embellished with embroidery designs from Ann The Gran. Using polar fleece that we buy on sale - we cut out the pattern and stitch it up. We make as many of these as possible as soon as it gets cold and continue making them through early spring.

Step-by-step Description
Choose pattern pieces - smooth them out and lay them onto the polar fleeces fabric. Cut two pieces for the hooded top, one piece for the tassel, two fronts and one back. We also often cut a polar fleece piece of the same color to make into a blanket to match the bunting. The pattern calls for a 14 inch zipper but we buy them as inexpensively as possible and that often means buying longer ones and cutting them to size. The zipper is the first sewing operation. Leave the zipper it's full length until after installation. right sides tog. stitch front to back - keeping that long zipper tail free. Zig-zag or serge zipper tail to prevent unraveling. Stitch hood pieces tog. with tassel inserted into seam allowance. Turn back raw edge of hood facing and encase elastic to gently gather hood around babies little face. Stitch hood to body. Choose a baby-themed embroidery pattern and work the embroidery to front of bunting and a copy to that little blanket to match.

What Makes This Project Special
We have cold winters here in northern Ohio and the babies we send these buntings to often do not have parents that can afford store bought snow suits in newborn sizes. I personally have made these as gifts to grand children but for the charity we make as many as we can and send them along to babies all winter. The babies don't know we made them and the parents or care takers are grateful for the gifts. The thought of helping a young mom keep her child safely warm ~ warms my heart!

Skill Level
The bunting itself is fairly easy - the instructions for a hooded jacket could be used as easily using buttons or snaps instead of a zipper. This makes the project even easier. I think most sewing enthusiasts that can operate an embroidery machine would find this very easy.

Products
I used the "baby keys" embroidery found at Ann The Gran, polar fleece, standard threads to stitch, my serger,1/4 inch elastic in the hood, a standard 14 inch nylon zipper, colored threads for the embroidery, wash away - or soluble stabilizer for the embroidery work. I sew out embroidery on a little Brother sewing machine that serves me well.This project is just one of several from our charity group. We use embroidery on blankets, quilts, burial layettes and all sorts of items for the babies and children.

Time Investment
Because this is usually a group effort - cutting, stitching , embroidery work - I can only guess that in two hours it could be completed.

Why I Love This Project
The softness and detail attained quickly by adding the embroidery to the polar fleece. Knowing that an infant in Northern Ohio will be cuddled up snuggly this winter and looking cute at the same time - now that's precious!

Send Us Your Creations
Do you have any creations that go with a great story? If so, I'd love to hear about them, and see them! If I choose to post your project, you'll get a free $25 gift certificate to use in the AnnTheGran.com online store. Click here for details on how to submit your creation.

What Would You Do?
I know that many of our readers love to share their craft toward the service for others. What do you with your love of creating to help those less fortunate? Click on the Comments link to share your story.

Embroidered Shirt to Honor a Veteran’s Commitment

2007-12-12T06:59:00.000-08:00

Each of our veterans is a true hero who has made a commitment to serve in times of war or peace. Our veterans deserve the full measure of our respect. This project was submitted by Sue Ellen Parker. Sue Ellen used her creative talents to show her loved one and others how proud she was of their dedication and the sacrifices they have made.

Sue Ellen's Description
I decorated a sweatshirt for myself and a shirt for my husband for when we went to Washington, D.C. for the 25th anniversary of the Viet Nam Memorial. My husband co-founded the Tan Son Nhut Association for anyone who was stationed at or passed through the Saigon airport during the war. He was quite surprised by the designs I embroidered and the old patches I sewed on the shirt. When he wore the shirt, he met other veterans who served during the Tet Offensive in 1968. It was quite a conversation piece for him!

Step-by-step
Once I had the shirt and sweatshirt, I looked online for various patriotic designs: flags, eagles, etc. I chose the location to place them. Since sleeves are impossible for me to work on as a "newby," that's where I placed the old patches.

What Makes This Project Special?
It was for my husband. He does everything for everyone and never expects anything in return. It was fun surprising him.

Skill Level
Since I'm new to this craft, I'd say a beginner could complete it with patience.

Products
I used embroidery (40-wt.) polyester thread, iron on stabilizer (it's easier for me to use) and shirts we already had.

Time Investment
I worked on and off for about a week and a half about two to three hours a night.

Why I Love This Project
Because my husband needed to know I was proud of him as an Air Force veteran who had been in Viet Nam. It was something all the vets I spoke to around Veterans' Day needed to hear.

Send Us Your Creations
Do you have any creations that go with a great story? If so, we'd love to hear about them, and see them! If we choose to post your project, you'll get a free $25 gift certificate to use in the AnnTheGran.com online store. Click here for details on how to submit your creation.

What Would You Do?
As a novice embroiderer Sue Ellen avoided embroidering on the sleeves of her garments. Do you have a special technique for embroidering on hard-to-sew areas like sleeves? Click on the Comments link to share your technique.

Embroidered Greetings Cards

2007-12-06T06:45:00.000-08:00

Our international trend continues this week with a project from Jean Isley in England. Growing up during WW2, Jean did a lot of knitting and hand embroidery at a very young age. Her love of crafting carried over into her adult life and early this year she received an embroidery machine as a Golden Wedding anniversary gift. Already it is considered to be one of her most treasured presents and she is sharing her gift with others in both traditional and unique ways. Recently she took inspiration from some very old silk cards and has made some very special greeting cards for the most treasured people in her life. I'm honored that she is now sharing her story with our community.

Jean's Description
I am an English 'Crafter' very, very appreciative of your free embroidery designs. Using your free designs, I am busy making Christmas Greeting Cards to give to Members of our Carpet Bowls club. To date, I have made in excess of 30 cards - some in the form of postcards, some traditional cards.

Step by Step:
Download and convert design zip files to JEF format & Janome hoop sizes (or whatever format you need for your machine). Transfer to embroidery card ready for stitching design. To be 'frugal' with top and backing materials I like to use the B hoop and position designs to enable 4 designs to be stitched. I prefer to use muslin with stitch and tear stabilizer. When making 'envelope' cards in the style of WW1 sweetheart cards I use nylon to simulate silk with see through backing.

POSTCARDS: Templates of postcard back on computer - some plain reverse, some with designs on reverse. Stitched design is stuck on to this ready to accommodate the cut-out front. Various embellishments can be added to card for desired effect or before sticking to back, if preferred, front can be embossed.

TRADITIONAL CARDS:
Made as above with an extra piece of card fixed to left-hand edge and folded back to form an opening card.

What Makes This Project Special

Making greetings cards has become a passion. I make cards 'in the style of' WW1 silk cards send home by the troops to loved ones back home. Very time consuming but everyone who sees them falls in love with them, so I consider it to be time well spent.

Skill Level:
When the software has been mastered the possibilities are endless. I'm sure most computer literate people would be able to master the techniques.

Products
I use a Janome 300E Embroidery machine with Digitizer Pro software. Also necessary for the project is a computer and printer, embroidery designs, thread, compact flash discs, embosser and all the usual glues, peel-offs, embellishments etc. for card making.

Time Investment:
Quite time consuming. Obviously an elaborate stitched design takes much longer than a simple one. Assembly of the card can take up to 1 hour, thinking time takes longer in some cases more than others!!

Why I Love This Project
My husband bought my machine for a Golden Wedding Anniversary gift in April, 2007. Before that time I had done nothing like this at all. As a very small child, during WW2, I always had craft projects, mostly making knitted socks, gloves, and dolls dressed in uniforms to sell for the war effort. I even remember embroidering tablecloths on flour sacks (I have no idea where or how my mother was able to acquire the materials when everything was dependent on coupons). When a friend come across some WW1 silk cards that had belonged to her Grandmother, I thought they were beautiful and wondered how I could make cards remotely like them. The embroidery machine enables me to do this, but they take even more time to make & are left for very special occasions.

Send Us Your Creations
Do you have any creations that go with a great story? If so, we'd love to hear about them, and see them! If we choose to post your project, you'll get a free $25 gift certificate to use in the AnnTheGran.com online store. Click here for details on how to submit your creation.

What Would You Do?
Jean received her embroidery machine as a present for a very special anniversary. Click on the Comments link to share with us when and why you received your first embroidery machine.

Christmas Tree Skirt from Table Runners

2007-11-28T12:14:00.000-08:00

To take a simple or plain idea and mold it into something personal and unique is always rewarding. Michelle Gauthier created a special Christmas tree skirt to become a focal point for holiday cheer in her home. Without spending a lot she gave of her time and love to bring special smiles to those around her. This is a clever and simple way to make a tree skirt, but if you insist on the Battenburg lace variety, you can find them on my site.

Michelle's Description
I made this skirt out of 3 1/2 table runners that I purchased from the Dollar Store. I chose to use two different colors, but three could be used, or it could all be made from one color. I have to give full credit to AnnTheGran embroidery design contributer Diane Carothers, whose snowman designs inspired me to make something out of them.

Step by Step:
I took the 4 table runners, purchased for one dollar each. I cut them in half so that I could double the tassled ends available to me. I chose to use Christmas red, and cream, and alternated, sewing together along the already finished seams. On the cream pieces, I embroidered the snowman designs by Diane Carothers. Once the embroideries were completed and the pieces were sewn together, I simply turned the top edge under and under a second time to form a pocket to run a fancy cord through.

The purpose of this is a drawstring to pull the top of the piece around the trunk of the tree and gather it to make it look fuller. Once the drawstring was fed through, it was as simple as tying the drawstring around the trunk and straightening the skirt out around the base of the tree.

What Makes This Project Special
I started with something simple and the result was an expensive-looking, original tree skirt that is one-of-a-kind. I am excited to present this easy, attractive and inexpensive idea to the sewing community. I hope that others are able to take my idea and expand on it in ways I haven't yet thought of - and then let me know how you have improved on the idea.

Skill Level
I think that this is a very simple project and might be good for beginner or budding seamstresses. I would also suggest trying applique designs on the panels, as this would be an attractive variation. Even to put padding under the applique would be really cute.

Products
Table Runners
Snowman Designs
Attractive Cord (for drawstring)

Time Invested
The entire project, once embroidery was complete, takes approx. 30 minutes. The embroidery is something you can do while doing other stuff around your house.

Why I Love This Project
My kids love the idea that the tree skirt is special and unique and their friends' families do not have anything like it under their tree. That is what makes it worth the work, I think. Seeing smiling faces at Christmas time is the best! I hope you can all enjoy my idea and make a tree skirt for your home that is uniquely your own.

Send Us Your Creations
Do you have any creations that go with a great story? If so, we'd love to hear about them, and see them! If we choose to post your project, you'll get a free $25 gift certificate to use in the AnnTheGran.com online store. Click here for details on how to submit your creation.

What Would You Do?
Michelle used simple $1 runners to inexpensively create an item that can sometimes be quite expensive to buy. Click on the Comments link to tell us about the most creative item you have used to make a decorative project.

Simple Baby Quilt for Cold Northern Winters

2007-11-23T07:50:00.000-08:00

Creating keepsakes for loved ones is such a joy for those who love to sew. With her simple blankets, Sue Kerlin shows us how she continues her love of giving to family even when life is too full for intricate details.

Sue's Description:
I picked this pattern of baby quilt because I am not a detail quilter. I was sent a picture of a quilt with "outside seams" and thought it looked easy enough. The effect it gives the quilt is inviting, warm, cozy and so soft, just perfect for a "northern winter" baby. I have sewn for years, but working full time and sewing, I have lost interest in real "detailed" items. In my book, this is a "simple" quilt.

Step-by-step:
I used blue and white checkered flannel for the squares that I embroidered, and a blue cloud flannel for the strips between. The small squares are a solid light blue. The larger squares are 10 inches and the stripes between are 5 inch by 10 inch pieces. The small squares are 5X5. You can determine the size of blocks by what size you want your blanket. I embroidered the larger blocks, using mostly patterns I got from AnnTheGran web site. To assemble, I used a 5/8th inch seam toward the front of each piece. After it was completely put together, I attached it to a fleece back that I also embroidered with name, date of birth, weight, and length. I also sent my love and signed the blanket with embroidery. Each of the little blocks are also tied to the fleece with doubled yarn knots with one inch pieces left. This holds it really solid for washing. On the front reversed seams, I clipped them about every inch. Each time it is washed, it becomes fuzzier and softer.

What makes this project special:
This was first made for my 3rd granddaughter, then for my first grandson. The granddaughter's theme was ducks, so I used them in the pieces between the embroidered blocks and ducks for some of the designs on the blocks. My grandson's theme was wild animals, so I changed the block size and did his a bit different and it was a little easier to do. It is so nice to have ultrasounds and know ahead of time what designs can be used. Notice the little boy with the side-ways hat is on both. That design fits the way their daddy looked when he was growing up, I am so glad we found it. I made different blankets for the first 2 granddaughters, but I liked the look of this so much that I made a full sized one out of denim and patterns that my 15 year old granddaughter could relate to for Christmas last year. The blocks of it were denim with flannel cat fabric between since she was called "kitten" by her uncle when she was little.

Skill level:
This is VERY simple. Centering the design in the middle is so easy, I folded it in quarters and chalked a dot for the middle. I then lined my embroidery hoop so the dot was in the center of it. Assembly is also easy. If you can sew a straight line, you can make the quilt, and I find it very relaxing to do.

Products:
I have a Brother PE-150, a small embroidery machine. I never thought I would use it as much as I have, but find it fun and a nice way to personalize things. I work full time, but hide out and play often in my special room.

Time Invested:
I have no idea. Each block took at least an hour, but while they are stitching, I also did other things with my regular machine, so time flew by. It was fun watching the different designs progress.

Why I love this project:
It was fun, not stressful at all and is a great keepsake for my grandbabies. They will always know I stitched it with love. The free patterns available at AnnTheGran.com are wonderful. If I would have had to pay for all of the designs I used, I simply could not have afforded to do it.

Send Us Your Creations
Do you have any creations that go with a great story? If so, we'd love to hear about them, and see them! If we choose to post your project, you'll get a free $25 gift certificate to use in the AnnTheGran.com online store. Click here for details on how to submit your creation.

What Would You Do?
Sue has found fun ways to keep on sewing even when life consists of a full time job and growing family. Click on the Comments link to tell us about your favorite stress free project or past-time.

A Little Treasure - Should I Or Shouldn't I?

2007-11-20T07:15:00.000-08:00

Hi, Folks,

I'm in a bit of a quandary. When I set up this blog, I made it clear to the team here who help me get this to you that I really wanted the blog to focus on projects contributed by the AnnTheGran community. So far, you've all been great with that, and we've seen some great stuff and heard some wonderful stories. What I absolutely didn't want was for this to be was a place to try to sell you more stuff. Everyone has to make a living, so I have AnnTheGran.com to help me pay my bills, and I figure you'll tolerate a few harmless links to my site from here, but I wanted to make very sure that I never crossed the line.

I was contacted the other day by the fine people at Gaballi, whom I've known in one capacity or another for a quite a long time. If I didn't really like the gals who run the place, I wouldn't have even considered it, but I figured, as most of this particular group of products isn't stuff I sell on my site, and if I actually like it, I could justify letting you know about it. I'm counting on you to let me know if I'm crossing the line here (use the Comments link below).

In fact, I'm quite excited to share this little treasure with you. The gals at Gaballi actually offer 6 different product lines, 4 of which are embroiderable, and one of which I sell on AnnTheGran.com. Apparently, they are clearing out some of their inventory. Anyway, they called me and wondered if all my ladies (and a few gents too!) would be interested in a WHOLESALE DISCOUNT on all their products. That's 40% off the retail price of everything in their store. So I replied, "I don't know, I'll ask them!"

So, now I'm asking you. Are you interested? If so, take a browse through their site by clicking here. The way I figure it, your embroidery can add the finishing touch to many of their
products for your family, friends and loved ones, so it could be a great source for holiday shopping and gift giving. I also feel obliged to tell you, because it's the kind of person I am, that I will receive a small commission if you order anything. There are no minimum orders and no sign-up is required. Just be sure to enter the coupon code GRAN in the shopping cart when you check out and the 40% discount will be calculated automatically!

And keep sending me those projects! Click here for details on how to submit your creation.

Best Wishes,

Ann

The Perfect Gift - Embroidered Wine Bottle Bags

2007-11-16T10:42:00.000-08:00

Tuck a bottle of their favorite beverage inside a festive wrap - no wrapping paper required. Trisch Rosema's embroidered gifts of wine got rave reviews even though they were quick and easy. What a lovely hostess gift one of these custom wine bags would make! Or you could do as Trisch did and make a special beverage wrap for everyone on your list.

Trisch’s Description
Easy to make wine bottle bags. These will fit a standard 750ml wine bottle but you can adjust the measurements to fit any size. Make it extra special by embellishing with beads, hot-fix crystals, craft shapes, holly, bells etc – let your imagination run riot!

Step-By-Step Instructions
Below is how to make them out of felt or any other fabric that does not require overlocking. If this doesn't fit what you are doing, leave me a comment here on Ann's Blog and I'll see if I can help.

Measure your wine bottle and determine the size of the red fabric by taking 75 % of the length of the bottle. Do the same for the white, using 25%. Remember to allow for seams and keep the width of the fabric a little looser around the bottle to allow for easy insertion.

Hoop up the red fabric, centered on a large hoop with the bottle length of the fabric running vertically. Embroider the holiday design of your choice. Stitch white fabric to red fabric at top. (Tip: use pinking shears or decorative scissors to finish off the top edge of the white).

Stitch up sides of combined fabrics. Stitch bottom closed (Tip: to remove bulk, stitch a 45degree seam on both sides to make an ‘envelope’ effect and trim away bulk).

Insert bottle of wine. Loop green ribbon around the neck and thread beads to end of green ribbon. Tie securely.

Embellish with additional sparkly stars or include a cute festive cork and personalise with a gift tag.

What makes this project special
Because Christmas is in the heat of summer in the Southern Hemisphere, gifts such as fresh fruit, nuts and wines are top of the list when we’re invited to friends for dinners during the Festive Season. We are so lucky to have some of the finest vineyards in the world here in South Africa, so making a special gift bag is a way of making sure we show our appreciation for the hard work our winemakers have put into their product!

Skill level
No need to be a skilled seamstress. As long as you can stitch straight lines, you can make this bag!

Products
1 piece red fabric 13.2" x 12"

1 piece white fabric 6.2" x 12"

4 pieces green ribbon 15"

2 gold or silver beads

Design of your choice

Cottons colours of your choice

Stabilizer

I used my own embroidery designs. On some of the embroidery I used metallic threads – slowed my machine down a bit and used the right needle to make sure my project sewed out beautifully. I also added a few seed beads here and there. The fabric I chose to use is Fasco, a pure 100% cotton, because of the heat here in South Africa. I would, however, make these out of felt if I lived in the snow because it would give a ‘warmer’ feel to this project.

Time Investment
Rather than making one bag at a time, I spent a weekend embroidering about 30 and then made them up sausage-factory style… stitch all sides, add all tops, insert all ribbons and so on. But if you had to make a single one, I’d say you’re looking at about an hour’s work, depending on the complexity of the embroidery design you’ve used.

Why I love this project
Because every person who received one of these was so overwhelmed at the effort made to give them a simple bottle of wine!

Send Us Your Creations
Do you have any creations that go with a great story? If so, we'd love to hear about them, and see them! If we choose to post your project, you'll get a free $25 gift certificate to use in the AnnTheGran.com online store. Click here for details on how to submit your creation.

What Would You Do?
Trisch added sparkling stars to some of her bags to give them extra holiday shine. Do you have a special way to make your holiday embroidery projects sparkle or shine? Click on the Comments link to share your ideas.

Race Car Themed Quilt for "Big Boy Bed"

2007-11-13T08:37:00.000-08:00

Every child's first birthday is exciting and every mother wants to create great memories of the event. This race car themed quilt was created by Gina Martinez to complete her son's graduation to a "Big Boy Bed" and give him a special birthday memory to cherish for years to come.

General Description
Hi, my name is Gena Martinez and I'm a Work at Home mom who makes diapers and slings and has just discovered the joy of quilting! For my son's first birthday, his daddy and I got him a race car bed. I made him a fun, personalized quilt to cover it! I love the way the quilt makes the car bed look complete - almost like the hood of his new race car!

Step-by-step Description
I quilted together squares of Disney's "Cars" printed fabric and some yellow race car fabric. I chose a nice piece of faux Suede for the back/top. I cut a circle out of checkered flag material. I printed a #1 out to trace and I cut the #1 out of the yellow race car material.

I appliqued the #1 (It was his first birthday) onto the checkered flag circle and then the circle on to the Faux Suede. In the bottom left corner I embroidered his name and the year.

I added batting and attached the 2 pieces and tacked around the circle to complete my quilt and the perfect compliment to his new toddler bed!

What Makes This Project Special?
This project was very special to me because it was a neat way to commemorate my baby boy's first year. Hopefully he will always have this #1 quilt as a reminder of his first big day and his first big boy bed!

Skill Level
This is only my second quilt, so I'd say a beginner would be able to tackle this project.

Products
Fabric, thread, sewing machine, embroidery machine, batting

Time Investment
8-ish hours

Why I Love This Project
I love the way it looks and he loves the way the material feels! All of our party guests wanted to know where I had his blanket made!

Send Us Your Creations
Do you have any creations that go with a great story? If so, we'd love to hear about them, and see them! If we choose to post your project, you'll get a free $25 gift certificate to use in the AnnTheGran.com online store. Click here for details on how to submit your creation.

What Would You Do?
Gina personalized her quilt with a name and date. We would love to hear your favorite way to record the when, where and who of quilts and other heirloom gifts that you create. Click on the Comments link to share your stories.

Tote Bag With Embroidered Double Pocket

2007-11-08T08:48:00.000-08:00

Friends come in many shapes and sizes but each has a special place in our lives. The same is true of people with whom we enjoy doing business. Ann's Partners have favorite stories and projects to share just like you. I thought that you would enjoy hearing from them from time to time, to meet the people behind some of the products that bring our creations to life. Today's feature is by Carol Brown, creator of Fancy Jumble Alphabets. Creating useful items, especially totes, is one of her many passions. I will now hand you over to Carol.

General Description
I call the pocket on this tote bag “Double Pocket” because, as shown here, I can put things inside the pocket as well as behind the pocket. It is quite easy to embroider on a flat piece of fabric and turn it into a Double Pocket. You can then sew the completed pocket to a bag you are making or to a ready-made bag. Not only is it easier to make the embellishment in this way, but it also adds extra storage to a bag.

Step-by-step Description
Click here to view a pdf file with instructions.

What Makes This Project Special?
I love personalizing totes for myself and for gifts. I digitized a name with fancy fills when I wanted to embroider something special on a gift for a former professor, and liked it so much I created ten whole Fancy Jumbles alphabets. I also think a tote can’t have too many pockets. This project provides an easy way to add a pocket and a personalization at the same time.

Skill Level
This is an easy project to sew. It requires only straight seams.

Products
Fancy Jumbles Alphabets
Tote bag waiting for a new pocket.
Sturdy fabric for pocket.
Nylon or Polyester coil zipper 3-4 inches wider than desired pocket.
Embroidery machine. (Mine is a Husqvarna Viking Designer I).
100mm x 170mm embroidery hoop or bigger, depending on embroidery design.
Tear-away stabilizer.
Embroidery thread.

Time Investment
One hour or less should be plenty to embroider, construct and attach a pocket.

Why I Love This Project
I love designing and sewing bags and I love teaching others to make bags, too. Bags make great gifts and are always the right size. Students who are new to sewing enjoy an easy success and are proud of their work.

Send Us Your Creations
Do you have any creations that go with a great story? If so, we'd love to hear about them, and see them! If we choose to post your project, you'll get a free $25 gift certificate to use in the AnnTheGran.com online store. Click here for details on how to submit your creation.

What Would You Do?
Carol is someone just like you, who turned her love for creating things into a business. Is there anything you'd like to ask her? If so, click on the Comments link to post a question, and we'll ask Carol to give you an answer.

Blown Away By Baby Blankets

2007-11-02T11:53:00.000-07:00

This project was submitted by Kim Yunkun. I chose to post this one because it is simple but beautiful and any level of embroiderer can do it. Not everyone is an expert, but everyone can share the sense of pride that we all feel when we've accomplished something. Sometimes, when we've been doing it for a while, we forget that every project is an accomplishment.

Kim's Description
I buy these blankets from Charles Craft (usually online but occasionally you can find them in a fabric store.) They are called Rainbow Baby Blankets and are 30 inches by 36 inches with light blue, pink and light yellow lines crisscrossing on them. The corners are plain white and are 6.5 X 6.5 inches.

Step-by-Step description
To make these blankets is very simple. Choose embroidery with a baby theme. I try to make all the pictures have the same theme. I use a 100mm X100mm hoop or the 130mm X 180mm (5X7) hoop. The designs I have been using lately are by Sew Many Designs and even have included their font for the name which I place on the lower right corner.

What makes this project special
The absolute joy that the new parents have when they see the blankets make these so special. We all know the time we put into our embroidery and it feels so good when you give these away and the recipient is speechless.

Skill level
As long as you can center a design in the corner squares and you can embroider you can make these blankets. The blankets are extremely easy to embroider and I have been doing them for at least 5 years. In that time I have never messed one up and had to grab another to complete the project.

Products
I used embroidery designs from Sew Many Designs. I use the Husqvarna Viking SE machine and use the 100X 100 hoop or the 130X180 (5X7) hoop. The blankets are by Charles Craft and are called Rainbow Baby Blankets.

Time Investment
You can finish a blanket in one to three hours, depending on which embroidery you choose. The Sew Many Designs embroidery are appliqué and require more time for fabric placement but the results are so worth it.

Why I love this project
This is the same answer as what makes this project special. I make these baby blankets for everyone I know who has just had a baby. They are for everyone from friends, co-workers, family and church members. Everyone that receives one is totally blown away with them and I am as proud as I can be. The reaction of the new parents to these blankets is unbelievable and makes me the proudest embroiderer going.

Send Us Your Creations
Do you have any creations that go with a great story? If so, we'd love to hear about them, and see them! If we choose to post your project, you'll get a free $25 gift certificate to use in the AnnTheGran.com online store. Click here for details on how to submit your creation.

What Would You Do?
Kim found a simple formula that she's used many time on many projects, to great effect. Do you have a "formula", a combination of items or techniques you've used time and again that still produces great results? Click on the Comments link to let us in on your "secret recipe".

Cool Pirate Costume for Halloween - Thanks Grandma!

2007-10-29T07:36:00.000-07:00

This embroidery-laden project was sent in by Barbara Schaffer, and I chose it for this week because it's a wonderful example of how a grandma can still be cool with a 10-year-old boy! Forget the old idea of Grandma knitting a sweater they'll never wear; with all that we have at our disposal now, we can take anything in our minds and create something limited only by our imaginations. I'll let Barbara take it from here!

General Description
This is the pirate costume that I made for my grandson. . . pants, shirt, vest and booty bag with a total of 13 embroideries I didn't have a pattern for it so I designed my own but a purchased pattern should be available at your local fabric store. It is also possible to use the child's own clothing and just apply the embroidery.

Step-by-step description
First I cut out all of the garment pattern pieces. I stabilized and hooped each piece to embroider a mummy and skeleton on the front of the pant legs. I embroidered a ship on the right sleeve and then the transformed pirate ship on the left sleeve. The shirt pocket got a jolly roger, the cuffs and collar got skulls. The vest has a parrot on the front. The center back has a large pirate with my grandson's initial "C". There are more skulls at the waist back. The booty bag has another skull. When the embroidery was complete I assembled the garments.

What makes this project special?
I'm just a beginner and I feel a lot more comfortable with my machine now. This project really allowed me to practice my skills over and over again because there are so many embroideries involved. I gained new self confidence in my abilities. The WOW! factor has been big.

Skill level
I think that this project could be completed by any skill level. The flat pattern pieces were easy to position and hoop. I knew that if I made a mistake I would be able to discard that piece and cut another to replace it before I sewed the garment together (that really took the stress away). I took my time and enjoyed the learning process. The most difficult part was designing the costume from scratch. I measured some of his clothes to get the proportions right, a slim size 10.

[Note from Ann]:
Barbara did a great job with her placement on the pattern pieces. If you are using a pre-sewn garment you can still easily acheive exact placement without stress using the Perfect Placement Kit. And for no hoop lines when sewing on napped fabrics like Barbara's Pirate costume I recommend the Magna Hoop.

Products
My machine is a Pfaff 2140 with the 5 x 7 hoop. I don't have a smaller hoop but a smaller hoop would be useful with the smaller designs if you have one. I used almost every pirate theme design that I could find in my stash. I used cut-away stabilizer and polyester embroidery thread because it is more durable for children's clothing that is washed often.

Time investment
I completed the costume in about a week because I made the clothing as well as the actual 13 embroideries.

Why I love This Project
My grandson was so surprised when I gave him this costume. He can't stop smiling. He says,"Grandma, you are awesome!" that's a real compliment from a 10 year old. I can't stop smiling either!

Send Us Your Creations
Do you have any creations that go with a great story? If so, we'd love to hear about them, and see them! If we choose to post your project, you'll get a free $25 gift certificate to use in the AnnTheGran.com online store. Click here for details on how to submit your creation.

What Would You Do?
Using a variety of themed embroideries from various sources, Barbara created a complete look that gave just the right impact to her project. How do you find all the designs for a theme in your library? Click on the Comments link to give us your ideas.

The Wedding Outfit Disaster - Embroidery Saves The Day!

2007-10-22T08:11:00.000-07:00

First of all, I want to thank everyone who responded to the call for projects that I put out last week on this, my new blog. We received lots of submissions, and it was really hard to choose one. So I chose two! One is in this post; to see the other one, click here.

This project was sent in by Jane Herasimenko, and the story is just fantastic. Jane uses lots of stuff; crystals, software, embroidery and, most importantly, creativity, but what really clinches it is the set of circumstances. Ladies who really love to sew, as she must, should love this story. Jane, we hope the wedding this weekend went well! Here's how Jane told us the story:

General Description
I made all the dresses for my daughter's wedding in the past four months which was logistically challenging as we live in Ottawa Ontario Canada and the wedding is taking place in Saint John, New Brunswick and all the members of the wedding party live in the Maritimes, so I took my sewing machine on the road! All of the dresses had some embroidery feature on them, that coordinated with the embroidery on the bridal gown, however, it was when I made one of the last garments, for the mother of the groom, that disaster struck.

The outfit consisted of a long skirt, jacket and top out of satin backed crepe, using the satin side for the sleeveless top. All was done except the jacket and I only had time to do a final mock up fitting before leaving to go home, a 14 hour drive. I usually mark up mockups with a pen that disappears, but since I was taking this home to work on I needed something longer lasting. My daughter handed me a felt pen, which turned out to be indelible! I needed to mark the V on the lapel of the jacket against the top......and yes you guessed it, the pen went through the mock up onto the top leaving black marks on both shoulders...........and of course not in the same places.

Step-by-step Description
For the 14 hour drive home I thought about a solution other than having to make the entire top over again. By the time I got home I had decided to appliqué leaves (the theme of the wedding is fall leaves and colors) onto the shoulders.........I downloaded a pattern of lace flowers, spit out the appropriate leaf and then embroidered it onto organza with a plastic stabilizer in two sizes.........I did these in a poly embroidery thread the same color as the suit. I then cut them out and appliquéd them on by hand to cover the felt pen marks. Using my old mannequin was a big help as I was able to pin the leaves in place while it was in position on the mannequin.

......since the marks were not in the same places I arranged the leaves on one side going towards the back and on the other going towards the front.......then embellished with Swarovski Crystals for a little glitz. The pictures do not show the way the light picks up the crystals very well but the leaves came out quite well.

What Makes This Project Special?
Why is this project special to me.....well, it certainly saved me a lot of work, as I still had my outfit to make and three flower girl dresses at that point.......but it was fun to devise an embroidery project to save the day........the wedding is October 19th and we leave tomorrow to be there with our friends and family.

Skill Level
Well I am certainly not that accomplished at computer/embroidery work, if I can do it, most anyone can.......maybe a little more advanced than beginner?

Products
I did this on my Kenmore 200o series embroidery machine. Other items I used are:
Water Soluble Stabilizer
Lace Embroidery Design
Swarovski Crystals
Organza
Editing Software

Time Investment
I managed to get this done in three sessions about 2-3 hours long; total about 8 hours.

Why I Love This Project
I cannot say I love the project, but I certainly am proud of the end result and when I sent pictures to the mother of the groom she was very excited! We plan to have a good time at the wedding!

Send Us Your Creations
Do you have any creations that go with a great story? If so, we'd love to hear about them, and see them! If we choose to post your project, you'll get a free $25 gift certificate to use in the AnnTheGran.com online store. Click here for details on how to submit your creation.

What Would You Do?
Jane altered her embroidery layout in order to hide an ink stain. Do you have any ideas on other ways to fix an "oops"? Click on the Comments link to give us your ideas.

Quick Quilt Project - Happy Animal Naptime Quilt

2007-10-18T10:41:00.000-07:00

The two design collections I used for this are perfect for adding text to nursery baskets, baby's back pack and other children's decor projects, but think this quilt works really nicely as well. I also like the idea of an alphabet where Zachary gets to be a camel and Emma doesn't have to be the Elephant. Use this quilt in an animal themed nursery for maximum "Wow" effect!

Supplies needed:
- Ann The Gran’s Happy Animal Designs - 12 for the quilt
- Tear-away stabilizer such as Ann’s medium Tear Away
- Embroidery thread
- Embroidery temporary spray adhesive
- Crib size batting
- All purpose thread
- Fabric for Quilt
- 1 yard fabric for center panel
- ½ yard for inner sashings
- ½ yard for outer sashings
- 1 ½ yards for backing
- ½ yard background fabric for embroidered blocks
- Other supplies
Rotary cutter, cutting mat with grid and 24” quilt ruler
Water-soluble fabric marking pen
Pins

Cut the fabric

1. Center panel – cut 1 piece 35” X 31” (The 31” is the length in case you have chosen a fabric with a pattern
such as in the photo above)
2. Inner sashings – cut 2 strips 35” X 7” each
3. Outer sashings – cut 3 strips 1 ½” X WOF (width of fabric) then cut 2 strips 35” X 4”
4. Embroidered Applique background blocks – cut twelve 6” blocks

Choose the design you would like to embroider.

1. Hoop the stabilizer and background square. Embroider the first design. Remove the stabilizer and set
aside. (tip: If you iron the fabric background squares using spray starch they will be easier to make into
appliqué.) Repeat for all twelve designs.
2. Print 12 full size templates from your favorite software program. Ann’s Catalog Xpress, Amazing Designs
Edit and Stitch and many others provide this feature.
3. Cut out the templates and pin to the inner sashing squares where you would like the designs to be.
4. Load the first design into your machine.
5. Hoop the stabilizer. Spray a small amount of the embroidery spray adhesive in the center of the hooped
stabilizer and adhere inner sashing strip using the template as a guide. Place the hoop on your machine. Be
sure the needle lines up with the center point on your template and your vertical and horizontal lines are
where you want them. Adjust if necessary. Remove the template.
6. Embroider the first placement color of the appliqué square.
7. Spray a small amount of embroidery spray adhesive on the back of the embroidered square and center it in
the placement square.
8. Embroider the second tack down color of the appliqué square. Remove the hoop from the machine but do
not remove the embroidery from the hoop. Cut around the outside of the square close to the tack down
stitching line carefully, do not cut the inner strip.
9. Replace the hoop and embroider the appliqué color of the square.
10. Repeat for all designs chosen.

Sewing the quilt top

1. With right sides together pin top edge of upper inner sashing to the top edge of the center panel. Sew
¼” seam. Press seam toward the center panel.
2. With right sides together pin the top edge of the lower inner sashing to the bottom edge of the center
panel. Sew ¼” seam. Press seam toward the center panel.
3. With right sides together pin the top outer sashing to the upper inner sashing. Sew ¼” seam. Press
seam toward the outer sashing..
4. With right sides together pin the bottom outer sashing to the lower inner sashing. Sew ¼” seam. Press
seam toward the outer sashing..
5. Sew the ends of the 1 ½” strips to make a long strip. With right sides together, align one end with the
top edge of the quilt. Pin along the long edge. . Sew ¼” seam. Press seam toward the outer sashing.
Cut the end even with the bottom edge of quilt top.
6. Repeat for the other side.

For Quick no binding quilt

1. Cut batting and backing 4” larger than quilt top.
2. Lay batting on large flat surface.
3. Fold strip wrong sides together and press to make a long strip that is 1 ¼” wide.
4. Place backing , face up, on top of batting.
5. Place quilt top, face down, in center of backing fabric. Pin all around and in center.
6. Sew ¼” around quilt top edge, leaving 6” opening for turning quilt.
7. Turn quilt by reaching in between top and backing and carefully working all quilt to outside.
8. Hand stitch opening closed.

Machine Quilt as desired.

Send Us Your Creations

Do you have any creations that combine embroidery and quilting? If so, we'd love to hear about them, and see them! If we choose to post your project, you'll get a free $25 gift certificate to use in the AnnTheGran.com online store. Click here for details on how to submit your creation.

How Would You Do It?

I used test sews to create this project. What do you do with your test sews? Use the Comments link to let us know.

Share Your Creations with our Community!

2007-10-12T11:57:00.000-07:00

Our creations are like our babies! The amount of time and care we expend on a cherished project makes those products of our hands and our hearts feel pretty special.

You are currently resting your eyes on my new blog. If you don't know what a blog is, don't worry about it. Neither did I until a short while ago. Suffice to say for now that it's a great way to communicate and share. And sharing what we've made is why we do this whole embroidery thing, right?

So, bring me your projects, your creations, your handiwork, your accomplishments. The last thing, or the best thing, you did that made someone stop and say "Wow, you made that?!?".

Here's what I need:

1. A general description of your Project in 100 words or less.

2. A step-by-step description of how you completed it.

3. What makes this project special to you?

4. What skill level do you feel is required to complete this project?

5. Which products specific to your hobby did you use to make your project?

6. How many hours did you invest in creating this project?

7. Tell me why you love this project so much.

Please include a photo of your finished project and, if you can, step-by-step photos of how you made it. If we can make a decent presentation of it, I'll put it in my new blog and the next thing you know, the whole embroidery world (some quilters and crafters too!) will be ooh-ing and aah-ing over it.

Click here to see what a completed project is supposed to look like.

If you don't mind us publishing your picture with the project, please send us a recent photo of yourself as well.

E-mail this information to me at wow-you-made-that@annthegran.com and we’ll let you know if your project has been chosen to be featured. All contributors whose projects are chosen will receive a $25 gift certificate to AnnTheGran.com to use as they please in our store.

And, no, there's no catch. I'm not going to put you on a mailing list or try to convince you to buy anything; that's what the site's marketing gals and guys are for! Of course, I wouldn't be terribly disappointed if you did...

Anyway, round up those babies -- I mean, those projects -- and get them over to me. They'll appreciate the attention!

Quick Project - Blackwork Placemats

2007-10-10T12:42:00.000-07:00

We wanted to create a design collection that you could use to add some classic style to your project whether you are embroidering evening accessories, elegant linens or an heirloom piece. My Blackwork collection is a versatile set of ornamental designs, professionally digitized for beautiful results in any color.

Supplies needed:

Purchased fabric placemats with 1 ½” border and coordinating napkins
Designs of choice from Ann the Gran’s Classical Blackwork Collection
Tear-a-way stabilizer such as Ann’s medium Tear Away with adhesive back
Or if you don’t want any stabilizer left on the back try Ann’s Water Soluble adhesive back.
Embroidery thread

Placemat

Choose the design you would like to embroider (we used design black-02).

In your machine or software bring the design in 3 times and align horizontally with points touching as shown in picture. Save the design in your format. If you do not have a large hoop you can rehoop and sew the design 3 times along a placement line.

If aligned in software print a full size template and pin to the placemat as shown. Otherwise, draw a placement line with a wash away marker or other temporary fabric pencil (be sure to test if delicate fabric was chosen when buying your placemats).

Hoop the stabilizer in a 6” X10” hoop with adhesive side up.

Adhere the placemat to the adhesive using your template or lines as a placement guide. Place the hoop on your machine. Be sure the needle lines up with the center point of your template or placement line. Remove the template.

Embroider the designs and remove the stabilizer.

Napkins

Stitch edging lines in coordinating colors along the outside edges of the napkin if desired. Begin the first stitching line ½” from outer edge of napkin and repeat ¼” towards the center twice.

Choose the design you would like to embroider (we used number black-02b).

In your machine or software bring the design in and rotate 45 degrees. Add a basting stitch if your software has that feature. Save the design in your format.

If rotated in software print a full size template and pin to the napkin corner . Otherwise, draw a placement line with a wash away marker or other temporary fabric pencil (be sure to test if delicate fabric was chosen when buying your napkins).

Hoop the stabilizer in a 4”X4” hoop with adhesive side up.

Adhere the napkin to the adhesive using your template or drawn lines as a placement guide. Place the hoop on your machine. Be sure the needle lines up with the center point and your horizontal and vertical placement lines where you want them. If you added a basting stitch embroider it now and check your alignment. Adjust if necessary.

Embroider the design and remove the stabilizer.

Remember Classical Blackwork is beautiful in any color you choose for your project.

Here are a couple more quick and easy ideas using this collection.

Notes Box

Purchase a box of note cards or photo box with a frame or create a frame for one you have. Our box had an opening of 3”X4”. Rotate the design if necessary and add lettering using the built in fonts on your machine or using lettering software programs such as Amazing Designs Personalize and Stitch. Stitch on whatever fabric you desire using a medium weight stabilizer. Cut the fabric and stabilizer to fit inside your frame and slide in. A cute gift with a personalized touch.

Elegant Hand Towel

Embroider a row of any design you choose along piece of fabric 18” by 6”. Fold under ½” all the way around and press. Fold bottom in another ½”, press and stitch along folded edge. Pin a 17” piece of trim along the bottom and stitch in place. Fold top in another ½” and stitch along to hem. Place on hand towel aligning bottom edge and leaving ½” on each side of towel. Stitch along top edge of embroidered fabric piece to attach to a standard size hand towel. Fold sides to back of towel and stitch in place along top and bottom seams. What an elegant towel.

Send Us Your Creations

Do you have any creations of which you are especially proud? If so, we'd love to hear about them, and see them! If we choose to post your project, you'll get a free $25 gift certificate to use in the AnnTheGran.com online store. Click here for details on how to submit your creation

What Would You Do?

I used purchased placemats and napkins. What is your favorite purchased item on which to do embroidery? Please use the Comments link below to let us know.