Graceful Gathers Purse

A Machine Embroidery Class

Sometimes an embroidery design comes along and hits my fancy big time. This purse is one of them. I’m sure this isn’t a surprise to those who know me as “The Bag Lady”. It can be made in 3 different hoop sizes. A few pieces will need to be made on a regular sewing machine but the major portion is completed in the hoop. It was so much fun. I learned a lot from the experience. Here’s how to get ready for class.

Sewing/Embroidery Materials needed for class:

You will need to sew and embroider during class so a sewing/embroidery machine in good working order is needed. You will also need a new 90/14 embroidery or topstitch needle, embroidery threads, regular zig zag style presser foot, embroidery foot, a stiletto or other pointed tool is helpful, fabric scissors (Hoopscissors by Hoopsisters work really well for embroidery projects), seam ripper (just in case), USB memory stick with your hoop size design loaded and ready for class, blue or green painters tape, and any other tools and materials you use to sew and embroider with.

What to purchase:

____ Class Fee

____ Pickle Pie Graceful Gathers Embroidery Design

____ Fabrics for project:

____ 5” x 7”hoop

1/3yard - Main Fabric

¼ yard - Coordinating fabric for upper monogram area and lining

fat quarter size works 18 x 20 is plenty - Thin cotton batting - not the puffy polyester kind

9” or longer Polyester zipper – Not a metal one!

____ 6” x 10” hoop

½ yard - Main Fabric

¼ yard - Coordinating fabric for upper monogram area and lining

fat quarter size works 18 x 20 is plenty - Thin cotton batting - not the puffy polyester kind

11” or longer Polyester zipper – Not a metal one!

____ 8” x 12” hoop

½ yard - Main Fabric

½ yard - Coordinating fabric for upper monogram area and lining

fat quarter size works 18 x 20 is plenty - Thin cotton batting - not the puffy polyester kind

12” or longer Polyester zipper – Not a metal one!

____ set of two ½” Swivel Clasps and ½” D- Rings

____ Sticky Tearaway Stabilizer big enough for your hoop

____ Water Soluble Topping (the plastic looking kind) enough to cover the hoop area twice

____ Fusible Interfacing for strap – I used Shape Flex – About 1/8 to 1/6 of a yard will work

____ Ruffler foot – optional - but it really does help A LOT! If you’ve never used one I’ll show you

how easy it is in class. If you don’t own one please let us know well in advance if you need us

to order you one. The ruffler foot that goes with your particular machine works best. I did not

have good luck with a generic one when I tried it years ago. I love my ruffler foot now.

____ Embroidery thread that matches both fabrics + the monogram thread of your choice

How to prepare fabric before class:

  • Cut fabric/material according to the charts/diagrams for the size hoop you are using
  • Fabric diagrams are based on 42” wide fabric!
  • All sizes are listed width x length! This important if you have directional fabric
  • Label each piece by indicated letter, as they will be used in alphabetical order as we stitch. This is amazingly helpful!!
  • We will cut the Shape Flex for the strap in class.

Let me know if you have any questions before class. I really appreciate all the work it takes to get ready for class. Thank you!

Lisa