Until you've been to a photo shoot you might not realize much of it is make-believe! That's one of my favorite parts of our photo shoots—having the chance to watch a space transform with the clever use of lights, props and the expertise of a photographer and team.
Sure, it looks like a cozy bed with a pretty pillow made by Sherry McCary.
But here's what it took to put the scene together….
Stylist Andrea Huffman fluffs up the ruffles before the final photo is taken.
Next, we chose a neutral colored chair and pretty blue background for Eileen's cover project.
Andrea carefully arranges the fringe on the pillow while Steve Woods focuses on some close-up shots.
The team examines the photos to make sure we have a cover shot.
You're going to want to read Eileen's article, Jumbo Monograms to learn how to stitch the pillow. She managed to stitch an embroidery design larger than her hoop. No, that's not a typo! Read her article to find out how she accomplished this seemingly impossible task.
Plus, as an extra incentive, our friends at Embroidery Arts are offering a special coupon offer for the Arabesque 9 XL embroidery design used on the pillow. Details are in the magazine.
Diane Kron made these Springtime Place Mats. They are a great way to welcome the arrival of Spring! As thirst-quenching as the tea looks, I wouldn't recommend it. Remember, props are often make-believe!
Katherine Artine's projects are always eye-candy! This wall hanging project features software techniques, tips for working with organza and steps to create free standing heart appliques. What fun!
Here's a table runner made by Sue Ann Obremski featuring mitered borders. It's a very educational article you won't want to miss. In fact, it looks like one of our little friends, Peter, is reading up on the software techniques!
Ever feel like the embroidery hoops are getting bigger and bigger… and as much as you love the idea of a larger sewing field, you can't afford a new machine? JoAnn Connolly's column, 4" x 4" & Fabulous addresses this challenge by offering projects that fit within a 4" x 4" sewing field.
We were enamored with these Pretty Petit Fours JoAnn submitted. It's easy to imagine handing them out to special friends and family. After the candy is long gone (by the way, Denise ate all the candy after the photo shoot), the boxes can be repurposed to hold other small treasures.
Stylist Andrea Huffman unwraps the project and props.
The candy and boxes are carefully arranged.
The scene looks complete and ready to be photographed!
Now's the perfect time for Denise to add her special touch!
Peter enjoys the view from Petit Fours Central Park.
Francis is a strong supporter of machine embroidery. He has dedicated his life to spreading awareness of the craft.
Of course, it's not all fun and games at the photo shoot. Well, maybe it is sometimes. There's something about white beadboard that excites Denise.
Meanwhile, Creative Director, Sam Solomon stays productive at the photo shoot!
Do you own a pair of boots? If you don't you'll want to pick up a pair after seeing these monogrammed boot socks by Marie Zinno.
Steve Woods and the model prepare for the next item—a button down shirt with symmetrical embroidery by Christy Burcham. Christy's steps to achieve success have been proven! She recently mentioned she loved the shirt so much she whipped up a second sample for herself.
You might also notice the model is wearing slippers!
While much of the photo shoot looks make-believe, as you have witnessed, a lot of heart, planning and attention to detail goes in to each issue of Designs in Machine Embroidery magazine. From the team of writers, to the team responsible for editing and laying out the pages and of course the team responsible for all the beautiful photography— every issue of Designs in Machine Embroidery represents months of work!
But wait, there's more to see inside the issue! Be sure to pick up your copy of the January/February 2015 issue at your local dealer, JoAnn's Fabrics or direct from Designs in Machine Embroidery.
Tell us your favorite stitch you use when crazy quilting. Once random comment will be chosen to get their very own autographed copy of Today's Crazy Quilting with Your Embroidery Machine by Eileen Roche! Thanks for reading and good luck!
Actually, I recounted again and get 36! Great puzzle!
Loved reading all about this months photo shoot. Looks like lot's of fun besides very talented people working with you.
I counted 36 Squares in the puzzle. Very clever.
I must be a loser… I can only see 26. It's okay, I have never been good with puzzles like this. My husband, the engineer, will probably see it right away.
There are 40 squares, but many more if you counted rectangles too!
Need to cross my eyes and look again.
Ok I saw 33. Darn, where are the others? You gals are good.
I am with you I only saw 33. Fun game! Way to go ladies!
17 squares that are not overlapped.
I see 35 so I must be missing something.
My favorite stitch to use in Crazy Quilting is the one that looks like an over-sized asterisk/tiny snowflake. If one pays close attention while stitching, the center line stitches in the ditch but the spokes catch both fabrics = pretty.
I count 35 squares Drawn on the paper 1 for the boarder around in the photo if that counts.
I would have to say 27. I sure hope you show them numbered afterwards. I am real curious where the other squares are! I don't see it!
i find 36. Great mind jogger.
I cou ted 34 square. Looking forward receivibg this magazine!
I can only count 16 squares and I am also looking to receiving this magazine. I have really enjoyed the articles during my current subscription period and the blogs.
I can only count 16 squares and I am also looking forward to receiving this magazine. I have really enjoyed the articles during my current subscription period and the blogs.
I am going with 36 as well!
I only see 26 true squares.
I got 41. But then it is late . . .
I counted 27,& that's with my glasses on.
I get 36…. Can't wait to know what the 'correct' answer is!
I counted 40! Good puzzle!!
I counted 40. Pick me pick me!
I counted 36. How did people get 40???
Eek – I can only see 27!
There are 33 squares. Of course there would be more if it included rectangles.
I'd like to change that to 18 squares!
I get 31 counting ALL the squares only.
I counted 31. Loved the magazine preview!
I'm going crazy! I recounted and got 44!
I think there are 36. Can't wait to try the pillow for my girls!
I see 40 and can't wait to receive my Jan/Feb issue if DIME.
It took a few days, but I see 40 squares. Can't wait for the answer.
Woops! I now see 43 squares!
Talk about spots before the eyes.
What!! Are they having babies?
I can now see 49 squares.
I have counted 40 squares – thinking outside the box.
Final answer (after several counts) is 40.
I kept coming up with different answers but I'm sticking with 40 squares.
I believe that there are 16 squares. I know everyone else has much larger answers, but that's what I think it is.
I counted 33, Was a fun puzzle.
I count 39 without the outside border. Only included the things surrounded in blue and no rectangles. If you count rectangles, I am getting at least 48 more. Now I'm blind and cross eyed.
27 blocks appear to me.
I believe it is 32 squares. Hope I counted right.
My bid is 27. tx!!
What's up, juhst wanted too mention, I enjoyedd this post.
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I just enjoyed this post, but I really count only 40. Great post.