Well, friends, the holidays are here. Are you wondering what to give to your favorite machine embroidery enthusiast this year?
I recently sat down with Kim and Deanna for a special podcast of Machine Embroidery with Kimberbell. It was a lot of fun! Listen to our conversation HERE. (It's the November 22 episode.)
Between the three of us, we had a lot of ideas. Here are just five of them! (Well...we MAY have thrown in a few bonuses, too. 😉)
Kimberbell Paper Tape makes a BIG difference with machine embroidery projects. It sticks down applique fabric, zippers, and more so they don't get caught under the presser foot. (Trust me . . .it'll get used!)
Paper Tape won't gum up the needle and easily tears away when stitching is done. It's a must-have for every machine embroiderer! (Psssst...if you want to go the extra mile, throw in a Paper Tape Dispenser!)
I know we talk a LOT about stabilizer. But that's because you can't do machine embroidery without it! Since it's a consumable product, a machine embroiderer will definitely use it.
If you're wondering which stabilizers to choose, please read my article 5 Must-Have Machine Embroidery Stabilizers HERE! It's a great place to start.
Okay, so I guess winding a bobbin on demand is not a big deal. It's not. BUT . . .there's just something irritating about having to stop what you're doing to wind a bobbin! So why not give a box of prewound bobbins?
Prewound bobbins are just one of those gifts that'll make an embroiderer smile. Instead of interrupting their creative flow to wind a bobbin, they can simply reach for a new one! (It's the little things in life, you know? 😀)
Speaking of little things, embroiderers don't change their needle often enough. Did you know that in Kimberbell's Product Development Lab, we change needles after every 8 hours of use?
A brand-new needle can prevent shredding and other problems. It would be fun to give a variety pack with 80/12, 75/11, and 90/14 needles so your embroiderer has plenty on hand. (Perfectly sized for stockings!)
Every machine embroidery enthusiast should also own a good pair of applique scissors. With their duckbill shape, applique scissors trim fabric close to the stitches for a nice, clean edge.
Trust me, you can't use just any old pair of scissors to trim applique fabric. Applique scissors are a must for preventing jaggedy, choppy edges, particularly with raw-edge applique.
Okay, we already talked about five good gift ideas. But I just can't resist throwing in some bonuses, too!
For example, it could be really fun to give embellishments like Applique Glitter, Embroidery Leather, Embroidery Felt, and more. (You could even wrap them up in festive paper to look like Christmas candies!)
You can also give things like fat quarter bundles or charm packs. (I mean, who wouldn't want those?)
We've talked about a lot of inexpensive, consumable products that embroiderers will enjoy. But you can also do something with a little more lasting power, such as a tool they'll use for years.
For example, Clear Blue Tiles make it possible to do background quilting on a home embroidery machine, just like the project was finished on a longarm machine. (Now that's a gift that'll keep on giving!)
If the person you're shopping for already has Clear Blue Tiles, you might consider giving them the Expansion Set or even some background quilting designs from Kimberbell.com. So many fun designs to choose from!
Orange Pop Rulers are also a great idea. These amazing rulers help you visually center designs before cutting precise quilt blocks. Learn more about Clear Blue Tiles and Orange Pop Rulers HERE!
Here's another one: why not give a creative experience by signing a friend up for a Kimberbell Event? We have so many to choose from, and events can be done in person or virtually. That would be REALLY fun.
Okay, I could go on and on. For a more in-depth discussion, please listen to our November 22, 2023 podcast episode of Machine Embroidery with Kimberbell! I hope our ideas spark some of your own.
Happy giving!