Oh, Louise. Why oh why did you have to point that site out again??? I'm on a design fast until I sew through a TON of my designs. But I really, really, really love those lady bug designs. And some of those angels ... *sigh*

Yeah I know what you mean.

I got all the free designs I could find.

Right now I have the peacock feather earrings stitching out
can't wait to see them finished. I will post pics of them.

I'm currently working my way through all of my lace angels. Stitched out some skulls and Urban Threads t-shirts for one of our RAK members ... you can see them on my blog ... and a lace heart lock and key that will make a sweet necklace on velvet.

Those are awesome.

Ooof! Metallic thread is such a PITA! I use special metallic needles. Digging around for some now, but no luck. There are also ceramic needles if you can find them -- no heat, so no fray. Also, I always use a tiny drop of Sewers Aid on the spool and the needle eye.

For metallic thread I slow the machine down as slow as it will go.
I use a LARGE eye top stitch needle.

Since starting to use the top stitch needle I have VERY VERY few
thread breaks and I also use a thread net on the spools.

Louise, what number needle is a top stitch needle?

I have the 90/14 size.


I am going to send you a package.

I'm not sure if this question has been ask before so here goes.
What method do you use to store/save your embroidery designs?
Do you copy them to your hard drive?
Do you leave them on disc?
How do you store your disc?
If you download designs, how do you save the designs?

I thought I developed a good system, but I always seem to be hunting something.