I was imbibing a Starbucks Java Chip Frappuccino with my friend, Tore Bellis, last Fall.  That’s when the spark of creativity hit me:  I want to write for Creative Machine Embroidery!

And so I did.

(It’s not usually this easy to get published.  I am very fortunate that my background includes being a former managing editor with a few embroidery projects under my belt).  Plus the entire team at Creative Machine Embroidery was very welcoming and professional.  I remain ever grateful to them.

Now, despite my experience, it was still a little nerve-racking.  Designing a step-by-step project that has broad appeal AND that can inspire spin-off ideas takes work.  But oh, how I love the work!  Inspiring others to explore their creativity and experiment with new ideas makes me happy.  I hope that my project delivers those elements to readers far and wide.

I received my copy in the mail a few weeks ago.

But I wanted the joy of discovering the magazine on newsstands.  This afternoon I stopped by my local Joann’s Fabrics and there it was.  These are certainly not normal times, as we are required to wear masks due to COVID-19, but I think you can still imagine a huge grin on my face.

I purchased the last two copies and drove to Starbucks to celebrate.  Everything starts and ends with a Frappuccino, after all.  😉

At home with one of my sample bags.

I had a little fun decorating the contributors page.

Even if you don’t have an embroidery machine, there are certainly ways to adapt the project.  The lime green / blue quilt block below doesn’t have any machine embroidery.  The black/white version features built-in embroidery designs, couching and buttons.  There’s no limit to what you can do!

For complete instructions and embroidery designs used, pick up the Fall 2020 copy of Creative Machine Embroidery.  It is available on newsstands, including Joann’s Fabrics (not the one in Plano because I’ve bought them all!)  You can also order the magazine through Creative Machine Embroidery.

Once again, thank you, Creative Machine Embroidery, for welcoming me into your magazine!  It has been a pleasure.