Welcome to the Tiki Central 2.0 Beta. Read the announcement
Tiki Central logo
Celebrating classic and modern Polynesian Pop

Tiki Central / Other Crafts

Sew Tiki!

Pages: 1 44 replies

C
cynfulcynner posted on 07/13/2004

I recently bought a new sewing machine that does embroidery. Here are some photos from its first use:

Image Missing: http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d933b3127cceb24d7e54a8510000001610
the first color

Image Missing: http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d933b3127cceb24d66fd29c40000001610
further along

Image Missing: http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d933b3127cceb24e831109160000001610
almost done

Image Missing: http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d933b3127cceb24d701c292e0000001610
the finished design

Image Missing: http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d933b3127cceb24d78e429d20000001610
My second stitch-out -- both of these will be made into throw pillows.

SG Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/cffbb785e741d796fd9e3db657f84d05?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
Sam Gambino posted on 07/13/2004

Cool stuff CC. If I had one of those, my handkerchiefs, washcloths, dish towels, hats, boxers and my newborn son's burpcloths would have tikis plastered all over them!

U Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/0d7887a8e07b81407c5d5aba68b4724f?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
UtopianDreem posted on 07/13/2004

Looks great! Are those your own designs?

D Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/827c27ae1f65790eecb40d5b7d96d4d9?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
dogbytes posted on 07/13/2004

hey.. your monkey needs a fez!

you are darned crafty. is that one of those fancy machines that use digital patterns?

elicia

C
cynfulcynner posted on 07/13/2004

On 2004-07-13 15:58, Sam Gambino wrote:
If I had one of those, my handkerchiefs, washcloths, dish towels, hats, boxers and my newborn son's burpcloths would have tikis plastered all over them!

thanks!

So far I've been doing some T-shirts and throw pillows and I'm getting ready to do some towels. Hopefully soon I will have things for sale....

C
cynfulcynner posted on 07/13/2004

On 2004-07-13 16:07, UtopianDreem wrote:
Looks great! Are those your own designs?

Those came from embroideryonline.com. There are TONS of designs available for download.

I bought software with my machine that will allow me to scan and digitize artwork, and create designs of my own, but I haven't had much time to play with it yet.

C
cynfulcynner posted on 07/13/2004

On 2004-07-13 16:25, dogbytes wrote:
hey.. your monkey needs a fez!

Is that one of those fancy machines that use digital patterns?

Yes, it's a Bernina artista 185. How about this for a fez?
http://www.emblibrary.com/Emblibrary/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=Emblibrary&category%5Fname=Free+and+Accepted+Masons&product%5Fid=J1278

K Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/be4bdf7d00ff8648a1e5c140cc095ce7?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
Kono posted on 07/14/2004

So, forgive my ignorance, but is that thing totally automated? What do you have to do, punch buttons and change the thread? I can sew a button on by hand, that's about it.

Very nice!

C
cynfulcynner posted on 07/14/2004

On 2004-07-13 17:14, Kono wrote:
So, forgive my ignorance, but is that thing totally automated?

Here's how it works:

  1. Load design into machine via memory card or PC connection.
  2. Place fabric and stabilizer (backing) in hoop and attach hoop to machine.
  3. Thread with first color and start -- machine stops and cuts thread when that color is finished.
  4. Clip any hanging threads, change color and restart machine. Repeat until all colors have been stitched.

The two designs I posted here each took over an hour to stitch. The design with the monkey has 15 different colors and over 12,000 stitches! What have I gotten myself into?

K Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/be4bdf7d00ff8648a1e5c140cc095ce7?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
Kono posted on 07/14/2004

That first one would look great on a car seat cover.

An hour labor's nothing for getting such cool looking results! Let us know when you're stuff's on ebay...

You could take digital pics of mugs and tikis and use PSP to soften the image and get rid of the background and then import that into your software. The possibilities are endless!

R Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/6cced9685f75c5fe039253935e41d430?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
Raffertiki posted on 07/14/2004

That is nice stuff. I'm sure you could work out an arrangement with some of the artists here. Hint hint.

T Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/aad94abd0a194f35635837519892bbf8?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
Tahitiki posted on 07/14/2004

Very cool,
I wonder how much did you pay for this cool toy?

Tahitiki
Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/proxy-image.php?user_id=2050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.10sign.com%2Fgif%2Ftahitiki.gif&w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=c3dc73a80091a4eeeefab01d2a732e86

C
cynfulcynner posted on 07/14/2004

On 2004-07-13 18:59, Kono wrote:
You could take digital pics of mugs and tikis and use PSP to soften the image and get rid of the background and then import that into your software.

It's not as simple as it sounds. I downloaded the Tiki Central logo and ran it through my digitizing software, and it told me I would need 63 colors of thread!

Digitizing line art and solid colors is pretty easy, but it gets really complex when any shading is involved. I'm not saying it can't be done; I have great admiration for the people who do this for a living.

C
cynfulcynner posted on 07/14/2004

On 2004-07-13 19:49, Tahitiki wrote:
I wonder how much did you pay for this cool toy?

Plenty! (and that's all I'm saying) 8)

T Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/5121497896c9b4bf51eabf44c7f7005d?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
Tiki-Toa posted on 07/14/2004

On 2004-07-13 16:25, dogbytes wrote:
hey.. your monkey needs a fez! elicia

No doubt! He looks almost nekkid! But I love the designs you have doen so far, and I think we need to start finding things for you to embroider so you can start making some of your money back.


If you can't
make it to the party,
make your own.
http://www.tiki-asylum.4t.com

[ Edited by: Tiki-Toa on 2004-07-13 22:37 ]

T Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/1bb8357216aa6a07990c2024587ce985?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
Tikiwahine posted on 07/14/2004

Sweeet machine!

Those things cost a bundle, all I've got is a 1949 Kenmore that does my machine quilting like a hot damn, but that's it. Have fun with it!

I know you can simplify images in photoshop, take them down to 6 colours or something more managable. Have fun! I can't wait to see an original!

UB Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/ce9c6565f9b2653c29c52ba870fd7d7a?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
Unga Bunga posted on 07/14/2004

Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/proxy-image.php?user_id=1075&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.audioautographs.com%2Ftiki%2Fsewing.jpg&w=1280&h=1280&fit=max&sharp=5&s=e786832f210df980d2db0314a0a1a617

F Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/ccff3f1b02b10af1aa2e867d8c435c57?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
freddiefreelance posted on 07/14/2004

On 2004-07-13 20:34, cynfulcynner wrote:

On 2004-07-13 18:59, Kono wrote:
You could take digital pics of mugs and tikis and use PSP to soften the image and get rid of the background and then import that into your software.

It's not as simple as it sounds. I downloaded the Tiki Central logo and ran it through my digitizing software, and it told me I would need 63 colors of thread!

Digitizing line art and solid colors is pretty easy, but it gets really complex when any shading is involved. I'm not saying it can't be done; I have great admiration for the people who do this for a living.

Cyn, you could reduce the color palette of the image before feeding it into the digitizing software, that shoud reduce the number of thread colors involved.

T Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/5121497896c9b4bf51eabf44c7f7005d?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
Tiki-Toa posted on 07/14/2004

Is this what you are doing with that new fancy machine, making "sassypants"?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=63854&item=5308520097&rd=1

FZ Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/1177/624dfd58117ac.jpg?sharp=10&fit=crop&w=96&h=96&s=ec80f7a965e71940f38d5c7047321691
Feelin Zombified posted on 07/14/2004

For some reason I'm picturing every TC'er having their own custom cocktail napkins. How cool. Sounds like a nice side project :wink:

-Z

PJ Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/29959aec4c8b9411d99399236de13021?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
purple jade posted on 07/14/2004

THOU SHALT NOT COVET THY NEIGHBOR'S SHMANCY SEWING MACHINE...
Oh, but I do, I've been wanting one of those for eons.
Hey, wasn't weird unc looking for someone to embroider shirts for the Mai Kai Gents? Should make sure he knows about your new toy.

C
cynfulcynner posted on 07/14/2004

On 2004-07-14 08:36, Tiki-Toa wrote:
Is this what you are doing with that new fancy machine, making "sassypants"?

Yeah, but mine are going to say:

LICK BUSH
POUND DICK
2004

T Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/5121497896c9b4bf51eabf44c7f7005d?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
Tiki-Toa posted on 07/14/2004

[i]On 2004-07-14 11:05, cynfulcynner wrote
Yeah, but mine are going to say:

LICK BUSH
POUND DICK
2004 8)

I'LL BUY A PAIR OF THOSE!!

H Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/2/622ea5f2a6d53.png?sharp=10&fit=crop&w=96&h=96&s=637d0713c6739c4e53720dbde19e253e
hanford_lemoore posted on 07/15/2004

No political comments please.

W Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/774ec437ffb73fdd4ebef7f4a50d5d1c?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
wushu posted on 07/16/2004

wicked needle work, impressive, design, impressive lookin' machine

D Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/827c27ae1f65790eecb40d5b7d96d4d9?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
dogbytes posted on 09/10/2004

bump:
hey cynn ~ have you made anything lately? been thinking of your fancypants machine..

elicia

ps: i borrowed the sew easy book from the library.. guess i should try out my vintage sewing machine soon!

S Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/ba8930d6208876c90eecd0b4a2075d65?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
SES posted on 09/10/2004

Pretty fancy machine!

C
cynfulcynner posted on 09/10/2004

On 2004-09-10 14:32, dogbytes wrote:
hey cynn ~ have you made anything lately? been thinking of your fancypants machine..

I've done some more embroidery (it's getting easier) -- I need to post the pictures. Right now I am working on my Halloween costume, but I can't say what it is yet because it's still classified. :D

ps: i borrowed the sew easy book from the library.. guess i should try out my vintage sewing machine soon!

Were the patterns included?

D Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/827c27ae1f65790eecb40d5b7d96d4d9?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
dogbytes posted on 09/10/2004

*On 2004-09-10 14:55, cynfulcynner wrote:*Were the patterns included?

yep. but it felt weird to cut up library materials (so i used the online "ask a librarian" first) ~ who said i could trace 'em, but not cut them.. sheesh. :)

C
cynfulcynner posted on 09/11/2004

On 2004-09-10 15:54, dogbytes wrote:
yep. but it felt weird to cut up library materials (so i used the online "ask a librarian" first) ~ who said i could trace 'em, but not cut them.. sheesh. :)

I'm surprised that the patterns were there at all. That's the sort of thing that quickly gets lost.

A Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/39b899f7706be5e9e4b48f0d2d2c18b7?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
Atomicchick posted on 09/11/2004

Just saw one of those fancy sewing machines at the LA fair. Some run in excess of $5,000! Yes, $5,000!!!! Can I just send you some shirts and pay you for the tiki embrodary? Those tiki designs are sweet!

C
cynfulcynner posted on 09/13/2004

On 2004-09-10 22:05, Atomicchick wrote:
Just saw one of those fancy sewing machines at the LA fair. Some run in excess of $5,000! Yes, $5,000!!!! Can I just send you some shirts and pay you for the tiki embrodary? Those tiki designs are sweet!

Some of these machines can cost a LOT -- the top-of-the-line Bernina 200 comes with an Internet connection and retails for around $7K -- and the commercial machines are even more. However, you can find good-quality sewing/embroidery machines for much less, starting at $300-400.

If you want to send me some blank shirts, I'll be glad to embroider them. E-mail me at cynner AT atdial DOT net (replace AT and DOT with @ and period, obviously) and we'll work something out.

--cindy

C
cynfulcynner posted on 09/19/2004

More machine embroidery pix....all of these are towels.

Image Missing: http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d738b3127cceb68edd54eea50000001610
The one on the left was a gift for Martiki.

Image Missing: http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d738b3127cceb68edd52eea30000001610

Image Missing: http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d738b3127cceb68edd536f920000001610
The one on the right was a "thanks for letting me crew on your sailboat" gift -- Macondo is the name of the boat.

--cindy

K Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/eeaacf1c819263102cb2cea7bdd9e89d?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
Kalikiana posted on 09/19/2004

WOW!

T Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/2cdb63f9a26d79e585fe4a8970c992c4?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
TNTiki posted on 09/19/2004

[ Edited by: TNTiki on 2004-11-06 16:20 ]

UB Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/ce9c6565f9b2653c29c52ba870fd7d7a?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
Unga Bunga posted on 09/19/2004

Ya Cyn,
I would love to have some bar towels for my bar.
Let me know if you have the time and PM me a price.
Great work!

P Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/6a5998ccdc67a9f063fdd78b1ac99209?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
puamana posted on 09/20/2004

Very cool stuff, and the towels are a great idea ! If you decide to take on more commissions, please PM me, too !

T Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/5121497896c9b4bf51eabf44c7f7005d?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
Tiki-Toa posted on 09/20/2004

Cyn love the new stuff, keep em coming!

C
cynfulcynner posted on 10/19/2004

I've decided to make a set of curtains for my bedroom. Here's the fabric I'm using:

Image Missing: http://store1.yimg.com/I/reprodepot_1815_2784727

It's all cotton, with a texture like that of barkcloth. The design is actual size.

There are tons of home decor fabrics out there in tiki, Hawaiian, googie, and midcentury-modern patterns.

C
cynfulcynner posted on 11/23/2004

Here's a shot of the finished googie curtains:
Image Missing: http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4cf03b3127cceaa8ba36add4b0000001610
This project was SUPER EASY. The curtain rod and rings are from Ikea. The rings have little spring clips on them, so I didn't have to sew the curtains with anything at the top for the rod to go through. All I had to do was hem the edges and clip them into place. The hardest part was hanging the rod and getting it level.

Now I can commence with the tiki-embroidered holiday gifts....

M Image Missing: https://tikicentral.com/resize.php/uploads/88/6230c5e39f651.jpg?sharp=10&fit=crop&w=96&h=96&s=1ee59fea71ff76bf1a53d1aafa5a3402
martiki posted on 11/23/2004

Just noticed this thread today (duh) and wanted to publicly thank cindy for the killer Foggy Grotto towel! It's even better looking in person.

I decided it was far too nice to get crapped up with grenadine and other sticky stainy things, so it's our hand towel in the new tiki toilet.

Mahalo!

B Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/df2c871f3a3ae3a64e507d56dfb0facf?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
BARNETT posted on 11/25/2004

Maybe I missed it, but where did you get that cool fabric that you used for curtains, Cyn!?

G Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/d4019357acddb6166421e2bd569781ea?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
Gigantalope posted on 11/25/2004

The idea of every TCer having thier own tiki nappy is suave indeed. Maybe tho dirinking overalls would be...you know...more on the mark...can you embroider...fireproof fabric?

Those are sweet. Thanks for sharing

C Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/34c48df20c65082f679913f035d1fdef?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
cynfulcynner posted on 11/28/2004

On 2004-11-25 02:09, BARNETT wrote:
Maybe I missed it, but where did you get that cool fabric that you used for curtains, Cyn!?

I bought it at Britex here in SF (http://www.britexfabrics.com/); you can also order it online from Repro Depot (http://www.reprodepot.com/).

B Image Missing: https://www.gravatar.com/avatar/df2c871f3a3ae3a64e507d56dfb0facf?d=blank&s=192&fit=fill
BARNETT posted on 11/28/2004

Oh-boy-oh-boy! Thanks!

Pages: 1 44 replies