How to use the CutWork Tool on the Deco 340

1.    Download a CutWork design directly to the machine or to a USB stick.  As with any design for the Deco, be sure to copy the design to the EmbF5 folder.

2.    Hoop the fabric and stabilizer (multiple layers work best for CutWork).  Thread the machine.  Then stitch out the placement line/basting stitch for the design.  The placement line/basting stitch holds the layers together for a better cut.

Stitch first step as usual

Placement Line/ Basting Stitch in blue

3.    When the machine stops for the first thread change, remove the needle and insert the CutWork tool.  Unscrew the screw at the needle bar quite a bit to accommodate the CutWork tool.   Use the stitch plate and presser foot that come with the machine.

Unthread and remove the needle

Attach the CutWork Tool

4.    Go to Settings on the machine.  Push the arrow button (on the left, the one outlined with a diamond).  Using the page scroll icon, scroll to Thread Check and turn off (this is on the 4^th page).

Tool Icon

Arrow Button

Page Scroll Icon

4th page shows Thread Check Sensor; turn off

select OK

   

5.    This machine will not give a prompt to move the blade positions on the CutWork tool like the bigger machines do.  Just move the blade through positions 1-4 (on the tool) each time the machine stops for a color change.  As in normal embroidery, X out of the screen at each color change and press the start button to continue.

Work  through the design steps as with any typical embroidery design

On the tool itself, move the cutter position to a higher number at each color change

X out of the screen  and press go to continue after  each color change

Try the BERNINA CutWork tool using free designs found here.  
 http://www.bernina.com/en-US/Experience-en-US/Free-Downloads/CutWork-Freebies

Experience Row by Row

 

 

 

OH, SEW ELEGANT license plate

 

 

 

Calling all Quilters!  Come join us for a quilting event created to be similar to a shop hop with no boundaries, no fees and no passports.  AND you have all summer to enjoy! 

 

 

 

Hmmm...what could it be?

The picture is just a little sneak peek into the design for a quilt row that Elegant Stitches will be giving away during the Row by Row experience. Row by Row offers quilters a chance to make a quilt using a variety of row designs from a vast number of shops. Stop by the shop anytime between June 21 and September 8 to collect your free pattern. You will have all summer to collect designs from all 50 states and several Canadian provinces. This year's theme is water. You can add as many rows as you'd like; there are no limits.

A few things to keep in mind...

• One pattern per customer and walk-in customers only; sorry no phone or internet orders.  
• The designs are copyrighted by the designers and can not be photocopied to share. 
• Each shop participates in the way they choose, so enjoy each unique experience in every shop. 
• Check the website: www.rowbyrowexperience.com to see a list of participating shops.  All the participating shops do not operate the same business hours so be sure to check their websites or call ahead when planning a stop on your way through town. 

Elegant Stitches will have kits available for purchase to make their quilt row as well as a collectible License Plates to show off to your quilting friends.  The license plates can even be used in your quilt if you'd like!  The shops license plate with be OH..."SEW ELEGANT"!

Every customer can enter their finished quilts to win prizes. You must use 8 different rows from 8 different shops participating in 2015. Be the first to bring a finished quilt meeting these qualifications to a participating shop and you can win a stash of 25 fat quarters!  You can win a bonus prize if that store's row is included in the finished quilt.  This does not have to be your local shop... if you are traveling and quilting, take it wherever you land!  In order to spread the love, there will only be one prize awarded per quilter. Make as many quilts as you would like, but you can only claim one prize.  Shops would love to photograph your finished quilts and share them on their Facebook pages.The quilt challenge expires October 31, 2015.

Another sneak peek

Inspired...

 

It is so easy to be  inspired by all the creativity at Elegant Stitches, seeing all the amazing projects anywhere from the  idea phase to completely finished items.  Lately, I've gotten the quilting bug.  Quilting is something I never thought I'd want to do.  I know my personality, and I like to work hard and fast, get things done quickly, and have instant gratification.  I have to admit, quilting requires a lot of time and energy, but it is truly rewarding once the process is complete.

Idea...

A few weeks ago,  an employee at the shop, Deborah, shared a jelly roll quilt with her coworkers.  I immediately asked her how she made the quilt and thought,  "I can do this!  This is the answer to my need to work hard and fast and complete a project in a timely manner." I bought the Chantilly jelly roll by Moda that very day, went home, and got started. 

Snag...

 

I began the process the way that I thought was correct.  I had only verbal instructions, not a written pattern.  As I finished cutting and sewing my jelly roll, I realized that what I had was not what I had seen and wanted to recreate.  OOPS!

Chantilly Fabric by Moda

What to do...

 

With the way that they were now combined, I could not wrap my head around these fabrics blending together nicely in a quilt.  I found a pen and paper and started sketching out different designs to see how to salvage what I had started. I decided to make TWO quilts instead of one! I definitely turned a "quick and easy" quilt idea into something a little more complicated and time-consuming. Not only was this my first experience, but I then took on the added challenge of designing my own pattern. 

Design Idea Number 1

 

Starting again...

 

I added white to break up the colors

Design Idea Number 2

Sewing Begins...

 

I love chain stitching!  Remember my motto...work hard and fast!

 

Getting there...

 

Design 1 from sketch above

Straightening my squares (please be kind...my first piecing job, EVER!)

Not quite right...

 

Finishing... 

 

Quilt One

 

I decided I would give the first quilt I ever pieced (design 1 from sketch) to my mother for her birthday.  She is always quilting for her family and now the gift would be returned to her.  How fitting for my first quilt to go to the one who taught me to sew!  Since this was a gift, I decided to have a friend actually quilt it with her long arm instead of me attempting to quilt it.  Notice in the picture below, I did not stick with the design layout in the above photo. 

First Design, I'll call Diamonds and Feathers

Quilt Two

 

The second quilt design would be done for my new granddaughter.  I thought that this would be a good one for me to attempt to quilt myself. I have the machine, the feet, the time -- I'm gonna do it!  Well, let's just say, I am a "go big or go home" kind of girl...  I decided to quilt with my circular attachment!  I had it, it would be cute, and the circles would compliment the rectangles and the squares.  Okay, I've got this!

And a round and round we go!

How many more circles????

I will admit, this was not the most brilliant idea for a first time quilting experience.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the finished product, however, stitching in straight lines for a first time quilting experience would be my recommendation for a newbie!  This experience taught me how to use the circular attachment, kept me at my sewing machine for days on end, and taught me that patience is definitely a virtue!

Can you just picture me turning this quilt in circle after circle to complete it?  What a sight!

My grandbaby loved it.... I'll call this Circles Galore!

"Now," you ask, "will you listen to your own advice?"  Probably not!  I say pull up a chair and stitch -- in a circle if you want! No project is too daunting and accidental mistakes turn into beautiful finished items. Try it! You just might enjoy it!