Here are the 3 entries for the Summer 2010 In the Hoop Hoopla. Voting will be thru the Yahoo Group, so keep your eyes peeled for an announcement from Marie. Click on the pictures to enlarge them.

WINNER Entry 1 - BettyD
Here is my entry for the challenge. Just so you know, the wrinkles weren't there until I tried to steam press it and that shrunk the fabric. I would do another one but I just don't think I could squeeze in the time. Anyway, I enjoyed doing this very much.

The fabric was polished cotton. I used water soluble stabilizer.
What I learned was how to insert zippers. A really neat technique.
Reason for doing it: I've been wanting to try that purse in a hoop that a sewing angel so generously gave me and the challenge gave me the push I needed. Even if I don't win the challenge I feel like I've already won.


Entry 2 - Liz92B
Being relatively new to Machine Embroidery, I wanted to try ITH ... so I attempted Jennifer Baker's "Business Card Holder" using the same poppy design linked in the tutorial:

- fabric : lightweight denim
- stabilizer : Super Solvy WSS
- learned : I need better (smaller? sharper?) scissors for trimming fabric close to the stitches!!
- why : wanted to learn ITH (and my metal case is dying!)



Entry 3 - MaryBi
Well Jennifer here comes my very first ITH try ever. Thank you for your great photo directions . I set up my lap top beside the sewing machine, turned the SE to its slowest speed and trundled on through. Here's the business card case in its new state as library card and fine holder.

Fabric: a cotton quilt weight scrap. I chose to use a medium iron on pellon instead of batting because I prefer tailored to puffy. Design: from MEH's Alegra. Stabilizer: a medium plastic generic wash away that started to break away by the time the final satin stitch was 3/4 way around. Hooping: I didn't have confidence in the fabric staying put, so I continued my love affair with blue tape and secured the hoop corners and floating fabric with it. I'm not sure I had a life before blue tape. Learned: I'm glad I kept it simple for my first go as I needed to focus on the process. I was very uncomfortable with this step into the unknown. I will definitely use a non plastic stabilizer for my next try. Why tackled? because you all encouraged me; and I felt really guilty about letting you down. Now, my library card has a safe haven.
...

And a supplementary photo for the 3rd entry, showing the challenge of a stabilizer choice that proved to be a wonderful lesson learned in matching stabilizer to design.

Isn't this a great place to take that step out of ones comfort zone? I've tried many things since coming here that I would have thought, "Nice, but later." Stepping up and stepping out is terrific, nicely done!

Entry #3, I have a Designer SE as well. I am guessing that you are new to this hobby so I'm wondering if you took the classes offered by the store that you bought your machine from. If you haven't I would strongly suggest that you do so as it will cut down on your frustrations and use of blue tape. There are many embroidery sites on the web. The best one that I have found for project instructions is www.emblibrary.com They have both video and picture instructions to help you do a project. I have learned a lot from the site as well as from the classes that I took from my dealer. I also joined their embroidery club for a few years and that is where I learned the most information.

Best of luck.

All of the entries are really wonderful!

Pats on the back to everyone for doing great jobs.

Ernestine

What fun! I have done lots of ITH projects, but I'm not organized enough these days to get one done for Marie! Congratulations to all who did it! I have never tried to put in a zipper with these projects, so that is next on my list.

We are moving so forgive me if I do not show up here often!

I love all the projects but I especially love that each participate shared the learning process; it takes a lot for me to step out of my comfort zone and these entrants did that so successfully. so much for sharing your projects and your experiences, ladies!

Entry 1 - Did you wash out the WSS before you ironed it, as I have found that if you iron over anything with all the WSS still in, it shrinks any project. Try a wash, then iron again. (But I think it may be too late after the event)
Let us know how you go

Great job all!

I have used several of the in the hoop designs from Marie and loved them. I found that using the Heat N Gone as she suggested in the instructions worked well, if I have a project that does not call for hooping the fabric. Especially if the fabric needs to be cut away during the stitching or after. I have used some heavier wash away to embroider on, but the heat n gone does not rip or get as damaaged. Using it with the bumpy side up also keeps your fabric in place.

I have several of the cosmetic bags that were sold right before Christmas made and given as gifts...such a great suggestion. I should photograph mine and post it. I will have to remember to do a challenge!

kit

Congratulations Marybi.
Great job.
Betty