If you are more comfortable with starting the stem stitch with the left wing, my suggestion would be to listen to the Right Wing Stem Stitch video first (the first one) for the tips and instructions.  Then you can skip over to the left wing videos and play it on half or quarter the speed.  Then it will be easier to follow along.

Ah that’s good to hear!  Yes, I am watching the forum throughout the day.

Don’t hesitate to post if you need anything else.

Flipping the hoop and using the table as a surface worked beautifully. I am opposite handed so teaching myself as I go along. Haven’t got the hang of reaching you. Did you get this message?

Hello Students!

A quick tip just came to mind about stitching the center of the butterfly body.  Here is a quick video below.  Be sure to end the stitch with the at least two, best three pinpoint stitches.  This is very important to ensure that the butterfly will sit nice and flat on the card when we mount in Week 2!

So glad to hear this!  It is a lot of fun with all the colors and finishes, isn’t it?!  There’s so many other color schemes I’ve yet to try with this design.

Here is the list of shops that sell the sequins from these kits:

Oriental and Porcelain Sequins

https://www.paillettesetbroderie.com/

US Seller of the French Sequins (I bought the i…[Read more]

That is great to hear!  Let me know how it goes with the sequins!  For me, it’s the best part because all the colors really bring the butterfly to life.

You’re welcome with the samples!  The single strand sounds good.  I got to realizing that butterfly wings (and the veins) are very delicate in real life, so a single strand will represent tha…[Read more]

Thanks for the samples. I also don’t care for the two lines stitched side by side. When I start my second card, I’m going to try the single strand. Although , with anything new, it takes practice. I’m ready to start with the sequins tomorrow. Your videos are very clear and easy to understand.

Just tried out the single and double strand to see how they look.

Here is the stem stitch with a single strand of the Madeira Metallic thread.  It looks pretty good.  I really want you to enjoy the experience of stitching this, so as an option, you can do it with a single strand.

Here is the photo of stitching two single strands in stem s…[Read more]

If it is easier, you can try stitching the stem stitch with one strand.  And then if it looks thin, you can stitch another stem stitch parallel to it to make it a little thicker.  But I have not tried this before but I will try it now and take a photo and show you.

Yes, the double strand tangles easily.  It might take a little bit of practice be…[Read more]

I contacted EGA and they do not provide certificates of completion for online classes.  This must be obtained  directly from the instructor.

One more tip to try:

You can take the embroidery hoop and flip it over.  So the inside of the hoop should face up while sitting on the top of a table.  And the fabric will be touching the surface of the table.  Now you have a hard surface to trace on.  Slip the template underneath the fabric and start tracing.  It should be easier to press down…[Read more]

Hi Donna!

Great question!  No, there is no particular advantage.  Everyone has an embroidery scissor, so I thought it’d be easier to ask students to use that.  If you have a laying tool you like to use, go ahead and use it.  We really just need some tool to keep the two threads aligned with each other as we stitch.

Hello Jo Ann,

Does the Pilot Frixion pen write on a sheet of paper?  If it flows on a sheet of paper then it should work on the fabric.  (The ink might just not be flowing yet.)

Try writing at an angle to the fabric.

If the ink is flowing on the paper, then maybe try pressing a little harder on the fabric when you trace.  Use your fingers un…[Read more]

Hello Suzanne,

Yes, no problem!  Don’t worry about it, sorry I missed the pen in your kit!  My original plan was to send it out earlier today, but the town I am in right now (Lake Tahoe) is expecting a snow storm over the weekend.  I was worried if I send it out from here, the package might get trapped up here the whole weekend until the storm cl…[Read more]

Trying to reach Connie. At a standstill. Is there an alternate way to reach instructor to remedy why traced butterfly template doesn’t transfer to fabric? Want so much to create the greeting cards.