Machine embroidery, a Little Pause in the Quilt Show

Well, that year really streamed at hyper-speed! I just realized that I bought my Babylock Unity one year ago, today. I spent the last two days at a workshop, sponsored by Babylock, all about machine embroidery. This morning I noticed that I had not even removed the packing tape from the embroidery unit for that machine. I knew I was planning several projects using that machine but la-de-da, I never got around to it....one year later. OK, true confessions are done. My conclusion is this: 1. it has been a very busy year,  2. I may have too many sewing machines..3. I am pathetic.

This is sort of a long post but there was a lot I wanted to share. When I was deciding if I would or would not take this workshop similar posts by other bloggers helped me decide. I hope I can do the same for someone else. So, on with the show................

This one is done in 9 panels, then assembled.

So here's the deal. This was also about Anita Goodesigns Embroidery Systems. The presenter was an AG employee who travels to here and there to sell the designs, and there is some teaching along the way. I wanted to take this workshop ($99.00 for the two day event) to learn some techniques specific to this design concept. Each embroidery and/or applique project is expertly done. They are beautiful, they are not inexpensive. This particular workshop is titled Anita's Playhouse. All the projects were geared to children's use. That left me sort of high and dry because there are no children in my life and it is not likely that there ever will be. That said, each of the projects did provide instruction that can be carried over to other designs. I learned what I needed. I left early.

Despite my best intentions not to take on the national debt during this event, I did slip, just a bit. These items are absolutely gorgeous. My photo's don't even come close to showing how glorious these embroideries really are. This one is A Special Edition, Christmas blocks and borders. Every block is made in the hoop. By the way, I may need to float a bond issue to buy all the thread, just so you know.

I know, how cute is this? Mr. is a Halloween guy, this will be a surprise for him. Again, if I were you I would buy stock in companies that make thread, more than 100 people in attendance spent some serious cash to own these beauties.

Samples or partial samples were displayed on the walls. This one is so Vintage looking to me. It came home too. Another Special Edition, named 'Floral Rings,' spoke to me. I probably have bitten off a little more than I can handle but at least I am staying true to form. Yikes~

 I have always been mad about the Mariners Compass but I struggle with the paper piecing at times. I am getting more and more impatient in my dotage. So what can I say? Another 'Special Edition' this one is stunning. Again, the photo's are blah.

 Mama Mia, perfecto! As an aside each embroidery set were event priced and that in itself made the workshop acceptable. Painful all the same, but acceptable. So here are some thoughts on the whole magilla:

• First, the Anita Goodesigns are probably the best quality I have ever seen or used. The process, the explanations, the range of design and the coordination among the products is outstanding.
• These work shop events, sponsored by Sewing Machine manufacturers and local dealers is an excellent way to demonstrate the product and support your local dealer as well. My dealer is Gloria Horn Sewing Studios of Mt. Lebanon, Pa. Visit her website here.
• These are big deal productions, without sponsorship they would not occur.
• With that in mind get ready for the sales pitch. There is entertainment, give aways and a level of excitement at this one that I have not experienced before. While this may be a trend now it has been several years since I attended anything like this. (You can only buy so much stuff, you know?)  With great oldies music playing in the background, a casual atmosphere and lots of helpers to assist in the projects we were good to go. 
• The local dealer had a Baby lock Factory Representative available to answer question about their products. 
• Clearly, Baby Lock wanted you to fall in love with their top of the line machines. The new one, The Destiny is a real looker. Short of doing your laundry, cooking your meals and dancing with your Man, this is the machine you will be sure you need when you leave the event. Since it is only $14,999 at the special show price, we are talking bargain here. Now there some extras tossed in here but that is a LOT of machine. 

I chose my Unity based on my needs, it has multiple sewing, quilting and embroidery capabilities and I have no regrets. Now, if they need someone to take one of the Destiny machines off their hands and just be nice to it my number is listed on the back of my card. I am shameless.

• The format for this event was geared to children. As I mentioned, not my focus but the projects are adorable and the entire CD of designs for this workshop are included in the price of the event. If I need kiddie stuff I am good on that front. 
• My dealer offered morning and afternoon snacks both days, boxed lunches both days and bottled water. Worked for me. Some complained because they expected more in the food line up. Can't please everyone. Hot coffee and tea would have been nice, it was a little chilly in the large room, the chosen venue was very good.  
• In conclusion, I liked it, I learned a lot, everyone was friendly and we had great fun in our team. Each team was 5 persons at one large round table with one Destiny for each of us to play with. The machines had the designs loaded on USB's ready to go, the fabric kits were cut. The instruction books were specially designed learning aides geared to the projects on that DVD. We had two Destiny owners in our group and they were very helpful during the projects. 
• I will certainly not need to attend another workshop anytime soon, I am stocked with designs to last a really long time. As I work I will share my experiences. Ta-Ta, thanks for your patience with the long, wordy, post. You will be rewarded someday.