Special Designing Requests

Every once in a while, I'll get a fun request from someone visiting the site. A few weeks ago, a gentleman from The Netherlands contacted me about creating a patch for the back of his vest with a design he saw while visiting my old web site.

Below is the image of the patch that was created and also a picture Ron K. sent me after putting the patch on his vest. The patch was slightly larger than the 10" we were originally striving for, but because the design itself was rather large, a little extra spacing was created for the placement of the design. Because I don't have access to a merrowing machine, which creates a solid commercial style satin border, I used piping to give the patch a nice, finished look.

Not only did this project outcome thrill my customer, but it gave us a chance to exchange information about our interests and travels with each other. One of the great things about offering design services on my web site is that it gives me a chance to learn about people and their lives in other parts of the world. Hopefully someday soon, my husband and I can visit the beautiful country of the The Netherlands and meet with Ron and his wife.

A patch isn't so unique, but designing offers a way to create items for others that aren't always obtainable locally, or even just one of a kind objects based on an idea. Many people write to me about designing clothing or home decor items using embroidery designs in unique ways, and this is something I have enjoyed doing since I became interested in machine embroidery back in 1998.

So, if you have an idea, let me know so it can become a reality!

Shari

Tips for Quilters

Although I don't create quilts for sale, I do love to spend the breaks in my schedule working on quilts for our home and family members. Right now I'm busy with two nearly identical quilts (almost simultaneously!) for two of my Grand-daughters. The quilts are a machine embroidered applique version of the hand appliqued wonder that was created by Natalie Bird of Australia, the Fairyland Quilt.

If you'd like to learn more about this quilt and her other projects, you can visit Natalie's web site http://www.thebirdhouse.com.au/index.htm. To see a larger view of the quilt, this link will take you there - http://www.thebirdhouse.com.au/Fairyland/Quilt.htm

As I would love to complete the entire quilts myself, rather than sending them out for the quilting (a long arm quilting machine is on my wish list), I was undecided about hand or machine stitching. Since I'd love to gift these to my GD's before they are too old to enjoy them, I am planning to machine stitch them. And since I don't normally machine stitch my quilts, but opt to send them out to professionals, I needed to find some information.

There are lots of books written on the subject of machine quilting (and other tips), but there are also some great web sites which can provide just the right amount of information for free. I found such a source and wanted to share it with my quilting friends. The web page has a number of tips and tricks to help the beginning quilter and help refresh skills for those who haven't quilted in a while. http://www.battsintheattic.com/PrimaryPages/tips.html

I hope you enjoy these tips and tricks as much as I did! And once my quilts are completed, I'll share a photo with you.

Have a sensational day!

Shari

Memorable Gifts

The summer season is almost upon us and we're all busy attending graduations, weddings, outdoor birthday parties...and the list goes on! Maybe you have a housewarming party to go to or your close friends just shared their wonderful dream vacation photos with you. Did someone you know just add an adorable new member to their family? Are you ready with that ideal gift?

Even in this economy, personalized gifts don't have to cost you a second mortgage and are the perfect way to show you really care. Did you know that we have a variety of ideas for that unique personalized gift that would cost you so much more in the store?

How about that first-rate friend of yours who is master of his new state of the art barbeque grill? Think how much merriment and fond remembrances you'll create by gifting your friend with an apron that tells the world he's (or she's) the master of BBQ!

And, it's never too early to think about the holidays. They always sneak up on us when we aren't thinking about them :) We have helped families create wonderful new holiday traditions with our machine embroidered lace ornaments or you can get someone else's collection off to a beautiful new start.

Here's a link to the Gifts & Decor page of our site. Browse around and give us a call to order that special gift that is sure to be remembered fondly with every use.
http://www.sharianndesigns.com/home-decor.html

For the exceptional gift for someone who has lost a family member, someone who served their country or even for someone who loves to collect bears, our Memory Bears are the ultimate gift! These are one of the most extraordinary items I've been creating for families for 16 years. Each bear is as special as the person the bear is made in memory of. If you'd like to learn more, please visit our Memory Bears page to read about how I got started and then check out the small sampling of the over 1,300 bears I've made over the years.
http://www.sharianndesigns.com/memory-bears.html

If you are someone who has purchased a Memory Bear from us, I welcome you to post your comments.

Wishing you a happy day,

Shari