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Business "plan"

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Old April 23rd, 2008, 12:35 AM   #1 (permalink)
srmink srmink is offline
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Default Business "plan"

I've just made a decision to add embroidery (primarily monogramming) to my drapery workroom business. I purchased a gently used Babylock EMP6 from a dealer because I believe it will serve my needs. My business is primarily to the design trade and so far I have one designer thrilled and sending me work already, and others very interested. I think this will be profitable and a good way to ease into the embroidery world. Who knows what I'll end up doing down the road, but for now this is the path I'm taking.

I'd like some help with suggestions for monogramming as well as advice on whether to purchase digitizing software or to outsource any digitizing needs - at least until I determine whether I have a need. I've opted for the latter for now. There are so many programs and such a variabily in pricing that I'm simply overwhelmed. I know there are people who do this, just don't know who, how or how much.

I also have a Brother 8500. I've had this machine for about 9 years, never used professionally. Since I can't sell it for anything, I plan on keeping it. Heck, it's another "head"!

I purchased Monogram Wizard Plus on the advice of a colleague who also has the 8500. I decided this was a good choice since I could stitch monograms on both machines. The first design I attempted on the EMP 6 turned out to be problemmatic because of the large size and transition from very wide areas to narrower ones and vice versa. I'm working with the company to try to solve this, but wonder if it was a wise purchase and if I should have looked at other options.

The next bit of advice I'd like is some feedback on is where to purchase stabilizers, needles, thread and bobbins. For the 8500, I just waited for Sulky products to go on sale at Joann. Now I need to grow up. Does anyone use any sticky stabilizers on the professional machines?

Thanks for your help. I'm going to be reading old posts and maybe someday I'll even be able to offer some advice!

Suzanne Mink
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Old May 6th, 2008, 03:41 PM   #2 (permalink)
Mayberry Primitives Mayberry Primitives is offline
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Default Re: Business "plan"

Hi I do custom embroidery & digitizing. I have 12 years experience in the business. If you are really busy with your drapery business I suggest out sourcing you digitizing because it takes time to learn, not something you learn overnight. I would be glad to digitize for you. I charge $1.35 per thousand stitches. If interested contact me email [email address].
Sonya
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Old May 6th, 2008, 04:27 PM   #3 (permalink)
ChristyC ChristyC is offline
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Default Re: Business "plan"

I would definitely send out any digitizing. I took hours and hours of classes earlier this year and I am still pretty much clueless! LOL It is definitely an art that takes a good while to learn to do properly. Better to spend your time on actually sewing and marketing IMO.

Yes, you can use sticky back stabilizer with professional machines. It is commonly used with the "Fast Frames" system.

I just placed my first order with Colman & Company (www.colmanandcompany.com) I got a gift card to use with them when I purchased my machine through SWF East.
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Old May 6th, 2008, 09:35 PM   #4 (permalink)
SunEmbroidery SunEmbroidery is offline
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Default Re: Business "plan"

I would outsource digitizing. You might want to consider becoming familiar with a graphics program such as Corel Draw so you could design your own monograms. If you haven't already you might want to check out

http://www.embroideryarts.com/ for monograms and ideas.

I purchase stablizers from Emblematic (800-878-1235 - located in NJ) and general supplies from either Madeira or MIM:

http://www.madeirausa.com/

http://www.stitchesonlinedirectory.c...ndustries.aspx (contact info)

Yes, on "sticky" for Fast Frames.
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Old May 7th, 2008, 09:47 AM   #5 (permalink)
Robert Young Robert Young is offline
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Default Re: Business "plan"

I purchase threads and many backings from madeirausa.com. They have a distribution center only one day away from us so I receive my orders pretty quickly (great since I wait until the last minute to think about ordering, ha).
For specialty backings and toppings I use RNK distributing....which is still involved with Floriani, an industry icon if there ever was one.... and him being a 5th generation embroiderer... he probably could use the money. lol.
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Old May 7th, 2008, 11:44 AM   #6 (permalink)
LUV DEM TIGERS LUV DEM TIGERS is offline
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Default Re: Business "plan"

With Monogram Wizard Plus, sometimes you have to work with the boldness and also the density. I try to never exceed .34" wide on a satin stitch unless it is a really have material that will act as it's own stabilizer (like canvas or jute) then I try and stay under .5". Monogram Wizard works great when you learn how to use it.

RNK Distributing http://www.rnkdistributing.com/ has a great sticky called Perfect Stick. I use it instead of others because it doesn't leave the adhesive residue buildup that others do. They also have a great polymesh for shirts and such. You can't see it from the other side.

I get all of my threads and other "supplies" from Mim Industries. http://www.embroidery.mimind.com/
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