Patti B
 
Intermediate
OR USA
Member since 9/29/02
Posts: 2247 |
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Date: 11/25/10 3:41 PM Now that we're in the holiday sewing season, I'm doing some machine embroidery. Today's project was a cute applique and embroidery chef to go on a casserole carrier for DD. It was about 3.5 by 3.9, 13K stitches, 19 thread changes. It said 25 minutes to embroider it. Ha! Not a chance. Since I don't embroider frequently, I know I'm slower than some but, really? 25 minutes? First I had to pull the thread after converting from Isacord to Madeira, then all the switching and rethreading, plus the trimming for the applique. Embarrassingly, it took me most of the morning to do this half hour project! So, please tell me that I'm not alone in taking all day. DD better just love the carrier.  ------
Patti
R-r-r-ripping my way to fitting success
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Liz92B
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AB CANADA
Member since 12/21/09
Posts: 157 |
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Date: 11/25/10 4:01 PM it would take me near that 25 minutes just to get the stabilizer in the hoop, and the first colour threaded on the machine... no, you are not the slowest person in the world!!!
luv, Liz ------
Liz / Calgary |
Lil Flo
Advanced Beginner
LA USA
Member since 4/17/09
Posts: 1677 |
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In reply to Patti B
Date: 11/25/10 4:14 PM This is why when I tested an embroidery machine, I knew it was not for me. Call me lazy. But it is time consuming. |
Sewinglady1947
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In reply to Patti B
Date: 11/25/10 4:17 PM I think maybe that is the actual sewing time not the time we hoop change,trim, etc. It does take time, you have to enjoy this to make it worth doing. ------
sewing grammy |
aslinnd
Beginner
AUSTRALIA
Member since 5/28/07
Posts: 576 |
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Date: 11/25/10 4:32 PM 19 thread changes - that makes me crazy. I get shading and detail but the first thing i usually to is try to simplify the colour changes, and look at the sorting or the order of sewing them.
It always takes longer than the estimate. Its not you! |
Doris W. in TN
Intermediate
TN USA
Member since 2/9/04
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In reply to Patti B
Date: 11/25/10 4:48 PM Whatever time is shown on the machine's screen, it is going to take twice that long due to changing thread colors. Counted cross-stitch designs take a really long time. |
Miss Fairchild
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USA
Member since 8/24/02
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In reply to Patti B
Date: 11/25/10 5:06 PM Anything over 5 thread changes and I'm bonkers. I've learned to thread my machine more quickly (I don't have an AutoThread feature), and even then, I too am a little slow. The slowest part is trying to get the item lined up in the hoop. ------
"We don't impose our rhythm on Nature. The key is to respect and live within Her." Jean-Charles Boisset, Winemaker
"And no, now that you asked, I didn't enjoy that play one bit, and I'd like a refund" Signed, Mrs. Lincoln
My Etsy shop: auntmaymesattic
My blog: auntmaymesattic.wordpress.com
Avatar: First place award for jacket at county fair |
GlButterfly
Intermediate
CA USA
Member since 8/28/08
Posts: 2390 |
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Date: 11/26/10 2:18 AM As SewingLady1947 said, it is the actually sewing time. That they can tell you. They cannot tell you how long it will take to hoop, change threads, fill bobbins, swear when something goes wrong, etc. ------
I have not yet begun to procrastinate |
JanyceR
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CO USA
Member since 2/3/07
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In reply to Patti B
Date: 11/26/10 8:17 AM I agree with Doris, my rule of thumb is that actual time at the machine will be twice the display due to thread changes. Less thread changes gets me closer to that time. And if it is applique add more time. Not to mention the time to choose threads, fabric (for applique), hoop, etc. I have learned that embroidery is time consuming, (and I am slow ) but that I love the entire process from studying and choosing the design, through the stitching. While thread changes are annoying, I never cut out colors. I rarely change the order, it usually is necessary for the effect. Last night I had all this confirmed when showing some of my latest projects to my 24 year old nephew. 'Wow, how many different colors to get that kind of shading? Wow, that is awesome, what time it must take to do that. Wow, you did all that with thread?' All of this from my most cynical, minimalist child. Unbelievably sweet music to my ears.
For me, this is not a quick hobby. And it's all about the doing and giving. After that, I don't worry about it.
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Patti B
Intermediate
OR USA
Member since 9/29/02
Posts: 2247 |
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In reply to JanyceR
Date: 11/26/10 9:15 AM Thanks all for the commiseration! Oh, and I do agree. There is something mesmerizing about machine embroidery and I do enjoy the process. What is so fascinating about watching the needle go in and out of the fabric?  Obviously, I'm easily entertained. The amazing part is that I'm doing this in November NOT December! ------
Patti
R-r-r-ripping my way to fitting success
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