Boo! Welcome back! I hope you are ready for some Halloween fun because today’s blog involves a DIY mummy pillow project!
Have you ever purchased a collection from Anita Goodesign and wondered whether you could use a particular motif for something else? Well, the answer is probably yes! For this DIY project, I chose to pull in one of Anita’s top Halloween collections, Trick or Treat Bags. This collection comes with 12 different Halloween-themed designs, with each motif available in two different sizes!
In the past, you may have purchased this collection, made a few bags, and let it fall behind. Well, I’m here to tell you it’s time to pull the collection back out because we are making something new and exciting!
Of course, when new collections hit the site, our first thought often relates to what our next quilt will look like, how we will make the project, or what we would love to place our embroidery designs on next! However, it’s time to think outside of the box! By skipping just a few simple steps, you have a new project at your fingertips.
When looking through our Halloween collections, I thought it would be fun to create a new project, out of a project-based collection. Who would have thought to place the front of a bag on a pillow? This is where the mummy pillow idea originated! Skipping machine steps within a design is much easier than one may think.
To shop the original Trick-or-Treat Mummy Bags clickHERE!
Guess what! The best part about today’s blog is that we provided a step-by-step tutorial on our YouTube channel to follow along! You can find this video byclicking hereor viewing below.
Now let’s get started! For this project, I started with step number 2. This was the placement stitch for the skin appliqué. Once I ran step three, which was my tacking stitch for the skin appliqué, I then skipped to step number 6, which was the placement stitch for the eyes.
Since I only wanted the face portion of this design, I then continued with my numbered machine steps and stopped once I finished step 12, which was the satin stitch for the skin appliqué. Then it’s time to add your textured fabric to portray the look of a real mummy!
I hope you enjoyed today’s Halloween spooky DIY Mummy Pillow tutorial! You can look forward to more fun projects in the future as we inch closer to more festive, fun projects! If you decide to test out your own version of this project, snap a photo and tag us onInstagramandFacebook!
I thought this was an interesting email fro a customer, i respond personally to them a good part of the time and I decided that going forward I will share some of them with y'all. I started getting these emails from a lot of customers once we stopped giving weekly free designs to everyone. We still offer weekly freebies to discount card holders, and free designs for everyone occasionally.
So, here is the letter
From a customer, she shall remain anonymous
I received this email stating that I am missed at Anita Goodesign and I wanted to respond to let you know that the following is the reason I have not shopped at Anita Goodesign lately. It appears that ONLY if a person is a Discount Card member, I am valued but NOT if I am just a person who shops for lovely designs without a membership. I do understand that you would value those who choose to be members but, with the changes made, others don't have ANY incentive to shop at Anita Goodesign. I'm not sure if you realize that, by NOT having incentives for regular customers and with so many other digitizers offering sales, freebies, etc, non-members will most likely shop elsewhere for designs. The chart below is shown as an incentive to buy the membership but acts as a dis-incentive to anyone else who does not buy membership to shop with so many zeros for anyone besides members. Perhaps that is Anita Goodesign's aim to have ONLY members shopping with them in the future and, if that is the case, then I wouldn't be surprised if regular, non-member customers shop less often at Anita Goodesign.
My response
Subject: Honest insight into our pricing & membership model
Thank you for your note. I appreciate you taking the time to share your perspective, and I want to offer an honest, transparent response regarding how we operate.
We take great pride in the fact that, despite rising costs everywhere else, our design prices are the same or lower than they were 20 years ago. We have even brought back printed books without raising prices. However, to sustain this level of quality and service, we have to make decisions based on data.
When we analyzed our website traffic, we found that 99% of the people downloading our free designs had never made a single purchase.
Realistically, we are a small business with real costs—bandwidth, storage, and staff time—and we simply cannot sustain a model that caters to "design collectors" looking to build their libraries for free. We have to focus our resources and rewards on the customers who actually support our art and keep us in business.
That is exactly why we created the Membership. It allows us to give incredible value (over $2,000 in freebies last year alone) specifically to the people who shop with us. And since the $99 fee is returned to you as a $99 gift card, it is essentially free for anyone who is a genuine customer.
I understand that embroidery can be an expensive hobby, but we prioritize the community that supports our work.
Sincerely,
Stephen Wilson
Learn how to make double-sided charms with this simplified guide. We cover the essential steps and techniques found in the CHARMED book to help you create professional-looking embroidered accessories.
a comprehensive guide
machine embroidery tools
Machine embroidery is a rewarding and intricate craft requiring specific tools to ensure success. Each tool serves a unique purpose, contributing to the precision and beauty of the final product. I have compiled an extensive list of essential tools for machine embroidery, along with their detailed descriptions, variations, and applications.
This section will include:
Embroidery Machine
Stabilizers
Embroidery Thread
Needles
Hoops
Scissors
Thread Stand
Embroidery Software
Bobbins
Pre-Wash Spray
Washing Machine
Lint Brush
Iron & Ironing Board
Emb. Design Catalog
Measuring Tools
Cutting Mat
Rotary Cutter
Pinking Shears
Emb. Hooping System
Magnetic Hoops
Seam Ripper
Lint Roller
Organizational Tools
Ruler with Cutting Edge
EMBROIDERY MACHINES
DESCRIPTION
The centerpiece of any embroidery setup, a machine embroidery is often computer operated and can feature built-in designs, fonts, and the ability to import custom patterns through USB or Wi-Fi connectivity.
VARIATIONS
Machines range from basic single-needle models suitable for beginners to multi-needle commercial machines designed for high production. Specialty machines with embroidery capabilities may also include sewing functions.
USES
Allows for intricate stitching, designs, and patterns on fabric, making it essential for quilting, garment customization, and decorative textiles.
STABILIZERS
DESCRIPTION
Stabilizers are materials used to support the fabric during the embroidery process, preventing distortion, puckering, or shifting.
TYPES
Tear-Away Stabilizers:
>> Easily torn away after stitching, ideal for stable fabrics.
Cut-Away Stabilizers:
>> Remain with the fabric to provide ongoing support, perfect for stretchy or delicate materials.
Wash-Away Stabilizers:
>> Dissolve in water, leaving no residue, suitable for lace or sheer fabrics.
Fusible Stabilizers:
>> Ironed onto the fabric to add support while adhering it in place.
USES
Each type is chosen based on fabric properties and project requirements to achieve clean, professional results.
THREAD STAND
DESCRIPTION
A device that organizes and stabilizes multiple spools of thread, often with adjustable height for optimal feeding.
VARIATIONS
Single Thread Stand:
>> Holds one spool at a time.
Multi-Spool Stand:
>> Can accommodate several spools simultaneously.
USES
A thread stand keeps your thread organized and untangled, allowing for easy access during stitching. It prevents thread breakage and ensures smooth feeding of thread through the machine.
EMBROIDERY SOFTWARE
DESCRIPTION
Computer programs designed for creating, editing, and digitizing embroidery designs.
VARIATIONS
Digitizing Software:
>> Converts artwork into stitch files for embroidery machines.
Editing Software:
>> Allows users to modify existing designs, changing colors, sizes, or stitch types.
Management Software:
>> Helps organize and catalog designs for easy access.
USES
Provides the ability to personalize projects by creating custom designs or modifying existing designs to fit your specific needs.
BOBBINS
DESCRIPTION
Small spools that hold the thread used for the lower stitching in embroidery.
VARIATIONS
Class 15 Bobbins:
>> Commonly used in many home sewing machines.
Metal vs. Plastic Bobbins:
>> Metal bobbins tend to be sturdier, while plastic bobbins are lighter and easier to see when winding.
USES
Ensures a clean and secure stitch on the underside of the embroidery, helping to maintain the balance of the fabric and preventing puckering.
PRE-WASH SPRAY
DESCRIPTION
A temporary adhesive spray used to hold fabric layers in place during embroidery.
VARIATIONS
Different brands and formulas that vary in stickiness and ease of removal.
USES
Prevents fabric layers from shifting while embroidering intricate designs, ensuring accuracy and reducing the risk of misalignment.
WASHING MACHINE
DESCRIPTION
Used to clean finished embroidery projects and remove any stabilizer residue.
USES
Rinses away water-soluble stabilizers and ensures that items look professional and clean after production.
LINT BRUSH
DESCRIPTION
A small brush designed specifically to remove lint and dust from the embroidery machine.
USES
Regular cleaning with a lint brush helps maintain machine performance, preventing thread breaks and skipped stitches caused by accumulated debris.
IRON & IRONING BOARD
DESCRIPTION
Essential for preparing and finishing fabric, ensuring it is smooth and wrinkle-free.
USES
Allows for pressing fabric before hooping to remove creases, and can be used after stitching to flatten seams and improve the overall appearance of the project.
PINKING SHEARS
DESCRIPTION
Scissors with a zigzag blade designed to create a decorative edge and prevent fabric fraying.
USES
Ideal for finishing raw edges of fabric before embroidery, giving a professional look while minimizing future fraying.
CUTTING MAT
DESCRIPTION
A self-healing mat that protects your cutting surfaces and provides a grid for easy measuring.
USES
Essential for rotary cutting or cutting multiple layers of fabric cleanly and accurately, while protecting your work surface underneath.
ROTARY CUTTER
DESCRIPTION
A tool similar to a pizza cutter, designed for cutting fabric with precision.
USES
Great for cutting multiple layers of fabric or for making detailed shapes, providing clean, straight cuts which are essential for quilting and embroidery prep.
EMBROIDERY DESIGN CATALOG
DESCRIPTION
A collection or database of embroidery designs and patterns.
VARIATIONS
Can be kept in physical form (binders with printed designs) or digital form (software or cloud storage).
USES
Helps keep designs organized and allows for easy retrieval when starting new projects; saves time when searching for specific designs.
MEASURING TOOLS
DESCRIPTION
Rulers or measuring tapes used for precise fabric cutting and stitching placement.
VARIATIONS
Fabric Ruler:
>> Often clear, allowing you to see through for better accuracy.
Measuring Tape:
>> Flexible measuring tool for curvy patterns.
USES
Ensures accurate cutting and placement, critical for aligning designs properly on fabric.
EMBROIDERY HOOPING SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
A specialized tool designed to assist in accurately hooping fabric and stabilizer, ensuring perfect alignment every time.
VARIATIONS
Includes vertical and horizontal hooping systems that might offer adjustable frames for increased flexibility with larger designs.
USES
Facilitates precise and consistent hooping, reducing the risk of misalignment and increasing efficiency when preparing multiple projects.
MAGNETIC HOOP
DESCRIPTION
An alternative to traditional hoops, magnetic hoops use magnets to hold the fabric in place.
VARIATIONS
Available in various sizes and designs, some magnetic hoops come with markings for accurate placement.
USES
Allows for quick and easy fabric changes, making it efficient for multiple designs without having to re-hoop frequently. Ideal for continuous stitching projects.
ORGANIZATIONAL TOOLS (BINS/BINDERS)
DESCRIPTION
Storage solutions for keeping your embroidery supplies and designs organized.
USES
Helps manage fabric scraps, thread spools, needles, and design files, ensuring that everything is easy to find when you need it.
SEAM RIPPER
DESCRIPTION
A small tool with a sharp point designed for effortlessly removing stitches.
USES
Essential for correcting mistakes, unpicking seams, or removing unwanted stitches, allowing for quick adjustments without damaging the fabric.
LINT ROLLER
DESCRIPTION
A sticky roller used to remove lint, dust, and fabric debris from your work area and equipment.
USES
Keeps your embroidery area clean and ensures no debris interferes with your stitching quality, particularly important for projects involving delicate fabrics.
RULER WITH CUTTING EDGE
DESCRIPTION
Transparent or marked rulers that typically include a cutting guide for accuracy.
USES
Essential for marking accurate measurements on the fabric and ensuring precise cutting for multiple layers.
Summary
Having the right tools for machine embroidery can transform your creative process, making it efficient and enjoyable. Each tool plays a valuable role, whether it’s supporting the fabric, ensuring precision, or helping to organize your workspace.
From the essential embroidery machine and stabilizers to the specialized needles and threads, understanding the purpose and variations of each tool is critical for achieving professional-quality results in your embroidery projects.
By equipping yourself with a well-rounded toolkit and mastering the use of these tools, you will enhance your embroidery experience, boost your creativity, and ensure that your projects are not only beautiful but also structurally sound.
Happy embroidering!