The Rrrrright Tool for the Rrrrrright Job!
October 7, 2024
Following me through childhood memories and on through college and parenthood, Star Trek was my top TV show. Perhaps crushing on Mr. Spock had much to do with it, but quotes from Scotty echo in my sewing room: “Ya need the rrrrright tool for the rrrrright job, Cap’n!”
Over three years ago when I started managing Quilt Lizzy Ayden, I began researching and collecting key tools for the right sewing jobs. I stumbled onto Becky Thompson’s Powertools with Thread and saw a demonstration of our Brother ScanNCut. While I loved my Cricut for school bulletin boards and a few quilting projects, I realized at once that the SDX325 is a game changer. *
From the start, Susan “Lizzy” Harris suggested using Fabric Confetti’s Lil’ Elemenopea to make pillow covers. The basic fabric preparation was easy. I debated for a bit about keeping the paper on and reversing designs on the fabric mat. However, I ended up peeling it off and using the low tack mat instead.
One of our first Brother National Educators, Barbara Jones taught me one key edit on my machine that makes my SDX325 even more versatile—the edit thread chart called “Embroidery” has three orange colors at the end of the thumbnail list. One has scissors. Just a click to change a color transforms any part of an embroidery design to a cut file the machine reads. Presto! You can applique!
On this ScanNCut journey, the lines have blurred into digitizing. This wonderful tool, scans just as any printer or phone does, creating jpg files to upload and use in designing embroidery and quilting patterns from paper. But if you stay with Brother products, wireless connections simplify the whole process. You can scan paper patterns as cut files, something no printer can do. If you enjoy paper crafting, the direct cut option removes the tedium of hand cutting since the machine can sense outlines, smoothly cutting curves and points perfectly.
The Long Crawl, Head ‘N Out Beach Tote, Do Re Mi, Blueberry Delight, Mistletoe Crossing—I’m having a blast learning and crafting.
Months ahead of schedule, Bunny Hill has already sent us their new Central Park applique design. Soon their Hollyhocks and Roses collection will arrive at Quilt Lizzy, and we’ll set up our next applique/embroidery class series. Kits will be available, and I anticipate we’ll sell out fast like we did with Blueberry Delight. If you live farther away and want a live virtual class, just call the store so we can set up the environment that works best for you.
I love teaching how to get the most out of your machines at Quilt Lizzy Ayden, how to use the right tools for the right sewing jobs.
