 |
 |
|
 |
April
10, 2008 |
|
|
|
 |
SPONSORED
BY
 |
|
|
|
[
PODCAST ]
Top Tips From Stitches Roadshow – Detroit,
April 4
Listen to Stitches Editor Nicole Rollender talk with Pat Baldes, sole proprietor
of Personalization Solutions Inc. and panelist at education session, "How
to Take Your Decorating Business to the Next Level," about one of the biggest
mistakes new decorators make and how to use a heat press to really diversify a decorating
business. Click
here to listen to the podcast.
Do you like what you hear in this podcast? Send your feedback
to nrollender@asicentral.com. |
|
ADVERTISEMENT
 |
|
 |
[
TRENDS & TECHNIQUES]
PODCASTS:
Additional Coverage from Stitches Roadshow – Detroit,
April 4
Stitches and Wearables Editor Nicole Rollender
attended the second-ever Stitches Roadshow in Detroit
on April 4. Attendees started the day with an education session, "How
to Take Your Decorating Business to the Next Level," that
Rollender moderated with expert panelists, Jennifer Cox of
National Network of Embroidery Professionals; Pat Baldes
of Personalization Solutions; and Steve Hobbs of Brother
International. Then, attendees walked the exhibit show floor
and finished off with a networking lunch. Here are some podcasts
from the Roadshow.
Listen
to Rollender talk with some enthusiastic Stitches Roadshow attendees
about what they learned and some of their top challenges: |
|
- Marie Zeffer
of Sew Much Thread says the most powerful thing she learned at the
education session was to drive more traffic to her Web site through
budget-friendly blogs and e-newsletters. Click
here to
listen to the podcast.
- Ken Berg of Unique
Embroidery and Design says the most valuable piece of advice he'll
take away from the education session is to work with more subcontractors,
including screen printers, so he doesn't
have to turn away any business. Click
here to listen to the podcast.
- Bob Parker of Diamond
and Court Lettering says this is the first trade show he's
been to in 10 years. Click
here to listen to the podcast.
- Jean Fitzsimons
of FitzStitch Embroidery says selling is one of her top challenges
since it forces her to get out of her comfort zone. Click
here to
listen to the podcast.
Rollender also talked with some Stitches Roadshow exhibitors
about what kinds of questions they were getting from attendees on
the show floor:
- Chris Thomas of Madeira
USA says attendees wanted to know more about how to offer the direct-to-garment
printed/embroidery combo to clients. In addition, he said one of
decorators' top challenges in terms
of thread is in providing a perfect thread color match to customers' logos,
and to heat transfers and screen printing that are being used with
the design. Click
here to listen to the podcast.
- Doug Wilcoxson of
Bomark Sportswear says a lot of attendees are looking for athletic
wear for their customers. Click
here to listen to the podcast.
Do you like what you hear in these podcasts? Send your feedback to nrollender@asicentral.com. |
Satin Jackets Are Back
The classic satin jacket has been going in and out of style
for decades. Popularized by sports teams in the early 1900s,
it became a staple of '70s and '80s promotional apparel. The
look is back again as part of the retro-inspired fashion craze.
The jacket style is available with striped detailing or the more
fashion-forward solid color look in any number of jewel tones.
Selling Tip: Decorate with care. Satin jackets
can be embroidered or decorated with an appliqué in
traditional lettering for a classic look or splashed with modern
graphics for retro-modern cool.
|
From
Game Sportswear Ltd. (asi/55752), a pro-satin nylon jacket
(PSQA-I) with a quilt lining, snap front,
set-in sleeves, stretchy
nylon knit cuffs, collar, shoulder inserts and waistband and
reinforced slash pockets. Machine washable. |
|
Stitching Suggestions
Salem Emblem Shop manufactures and decorates lettermen's jackets in-house,
and Owner Andrew Nordstrom, a certified Wilcom trainer, says the majority of the
shop's business comes from jacket-sales. While decorating satin and nylon can
be a bit tricky, he says those willing to take on the challenge will be pleased with
the business they accrue. Here are some of his best tips for making embroidered designs
look perfect.
- Hooping: "Nylon and satin jackets are slippery," Nordstrom
says. So it's essential the hoops are tight. If you find it difficult
to get a good grip, he suggests wrapping the inner hoop with athletic
tape. "When hooping the full-back, make sure the hoop is centered
to the overall width of the jacket," he says. Never use the raglan
sleeves to determine the center as the sleeves aren't always
straight.
- Digitizing: With
fill stitches, make sure to minimize the underlay to avoid puckering. "With satin stitches, keep the
width 7 millimeters or less and use edge run underlay to prevent puckering," he
says.
- Needles: "Satin and nylon are prone to tearing
or running if a needle is dull," he says. So use very sharp needles
to avoid ruining the fabric.
|
|
 |
Bring
on the Fireworks
As summer gets closer, take the Stitches July 4 challenge.
We invite you to send us your best July 4 designs, whether they're
on a tablecloth, sock, hat, sweatshirt, jacket back or a swatch of
festive fabric. Be creative – use embroidery, appliqué,
heat transfers, sequins, cording, beading, etc., to show your patriotism!
You get extra points if you decorate an American-made product.
Send us your
completed designs by May 2. The best entries will be photographed
and featured in the July issue. Please include your complete
contact information and a description of your design. All entries
will be returned.
Send all entries
to:
Nicole Rollender
Stitches Spring Challenge
4800 Street Road
Trevose, PA 19053
E-mail nrollender@asicentral.com with
any questions. |
|
|
We'll
See You at the Stitches Roadshow
Are you going to the last 2008 Stitches Roadshow? If
not, you should be. It's free to attend this regional, one-day
event.
Here's what you'll get to do:
- Attend a
free education session, featuring the panel discussion: "How
to Take Your Decorating Business to the Next Level."
- Walk an exhibit
hall and meet with equipment, supply and apparel vendors.
- Enjoy a networking
lunch.
Where and when:
Denver, April 15.
To learn more
about the Stitches Roadshow, visit www.stitchesroadshow.com. |
|
|
|
|
[
NEWS BRIEFS ]
Director Woody Allen Sues American Apparel
Director Woody Allen is suing American Apparel (asi/35297) over the unauthorized
use of his image on a promotional billboard that appeared in New York and California.
Allen is seeking damages "in excess of 10 million dollars" and is demanding
the billboards be removed.
The suit states, "Allen does not engage in the commercial endorsement
of products or services in the United States." American Apparel
could not be reached for comment.
United Franchise
Group Hosts "Green'' Franchise Convention
United Franchise Group recently hosted the largest annual World
Expo in history with 1,300 franchises and 300 vendors March 5-9 at
the Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, FL. The World Expo 2008 showcased
franchise brands from five industries and three franchise
service companies. The five-day event included a two-day trade show,
several days of educational and networking sessions, and parties and
outings for the franchisees and UFG staff.
This also marked
the first "green" expo for UFG, which
highlighted the use of technology to substitute for paper handouts,
reusable and recyclable containers and the elimination of disposable
serving pieces and condiment packages. "While the franchising
industry averages about 40% attendance at company trade shows,
we had 80% attendance," says Ray Titus, CEO of UFG. "In
fact, many of our franchisees chose to attend this show over their
own industry shows because they get the benefit of company programs
and still get to meet with all of the big vendors."
The expo provided
franchisees from SIGNARAMA, EmbroidMe, Billboard Connection, Franchise
Mart and Plan Ahead Events to have the chance for mentoring and networking
with the company's most seasoned
owners and leading vendors, including SanMar (asi/84863), Sign
Supply USA and Alpha Shirt Co. (asi/34408).
Broder Launches
DC, Pick-Up Center Web Sites
Broder Bros. Co. (asi/42090) has developed individual Web
sites for each of its Distribution and Express Pick-Up Centers. The
sites are designed to focus on local markets and make online services
easier to navigate.
Broder initially created Express Pick-Up locations to give the company
a better local presence in more markets, while maintaining its focus
on efficient national shipping distribution. Each of the Express Pick-Up
Centers has a showroom where smaller customers can bring their customers
to view products.
Right now there are 10 Express Pick-Up locations: Philadelphia; St.
Petersburg, FL.; Bensenville, IL; Plymouth, MI; St. Louis; Louisville,
KY; Santa Fe Springs, CA; Stafford, TX; Indianapolis; and Charlotte,
NC. |
|
|
|
[
ASK PHIL ]
Dear Phil,
I'm trying to locate a pocketed denim vest with either a western or square-cut
bottom. I'll be embroidering these on the left chest and the back. I've
already looked in several places and didn't find anything.
Sue
Alrighty, Sue. Now,
if you're embroidering these on the left
chest, you probably don't want the pockets to be on the chest,
as denim pockets have got lots of seams and things to make embroidering
a little tricky. So here's what I think. Go to Aresco Manufacturing
Inc. (asi/36720), 27 NW 3rd Ave., Hallandale Beach, FL 33009,
or (800) 879-3567; www.arescoonline.com.
Product VH-D is a denim vest (with a western-cut bottom) with two pockets
that are lower on the vest, so the chest and back are wide open for
embroidery. That's the best option, I think. But then, I also want
you to check the options (W15 and W71) at Tyca Corp. (asi/92370), 470 Main St., Clinton,
MA 01510, or (978) 612-0002; www.tyca.com.
The first, W15, is a western vest, and the second, W71, is a traditional
sleeveless vest with two chest pockets. Both of these vests' pockets
aren't as high as others I've seen, however. So, perhaps you could
put your logo a bit above the pocket. Or, if you find that you're
able to do it on the pocket after all, even better.
Got a question
for Phil? If you can't find what you're looking for in
the Embroiderers Sourcing Guide, write to: Stitches,
Attn: Phil Stitch, 4800 Street Rd., Trevose, PA 19053.
Or fax your question to: (215) 953-3107. For the quickest
response, e-mail askphil@asicentral.com.
For RN inquiries, visit www.stitches.com for
the RN Database link. Although I try my best, I can't always
answer every request, so please continue your search on
your own. Remember, if you call the companies that I mention,
tell them you heard about them here! |
|
|
|
[
EMBROIDERY TERMS ]
Andrew Nordstrom, owner of
Salem Emblem Shop, uses both fill and satin stitches when he digitizes satin/nylon jackets. He recommends a reduced
amount of underlay with fill stitches and using satin stitches that don’t exceed 7 millimeters in width. |
Fill Stitch: A series of run stitches commonly used
to cover large areas. Different fill patterns can be created by altering
the angle, length or repeat sequence of the stitches.
Satin Stitch: Formed by closely arranged zigzag stitches.
Can be laid down at any angle and with varying stitch lengths. |
|
|
|
|
[
PRODUCT RELEASES & RESOURCES ]
Embroidery Store Releases Curved
Blade Scissors
The
Embroidery Store released smooth-cut scissors (B10122)
that feature curved blades to make it easer to get underneath
stitches. They're made of stainless steel and have
4.5-inch blades, spring-action open/close and an ergonomic
design. They can also be sharpened as needed for a lifetime
of use. Available for $17.49. For more information, visit www.embstore.com. |
 |
 |
Floriani Commercial Division Offers
Dream Weave Fusible in Beige
Floriani Embroidery Commercial is now offering its Dream
Weave Fusible in beige. Designed for embroidering delicate
fabrics such as silk or satin, and stretchy fabrics such
as Lycra or spandex, the fusible prevents shredding, holes
or damage needles can sometimes cause during the embroidery
process.
The
fusible isn't a stabilizer, but is a material intended
to be used in addition to a stabilizer. Additional uses include
fusing the back of an embroidered design to prevent scratchiness
and prevent fabric from unraveling or shredding. The beige
material is available in 30-inch rolls, while the black and
white fusible is available in 30-inch by 25-yard and 60-inch
by 100-yard rolls. For more information, visit www.rnkdistributing.com. |
|
|
|
|
|
[
CALENDAR ]
April 15, Denver
Stitches Roadshow. For more information,
call (800) 546-3300, or visit www.stitchesroadshow.com.
April 16-19,
Louisville, KY
Deco 2008. For more information, call (740) 588-9882,
or visit www.sgcd.org.
April 17, Philadelphia;
Harrisburg, PA
Alpha Shirt/Broder Open House. For more information,
call (215) 291-0300, or visit www.alphashirt.com/events.
April 25,
Bolingbrook, IL
S&S Activewear Open House. For more information,
call (800) 523-2155, or visit www.ssactivewear.com.
April 28-
May 2, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Ft.
Meyers, FL ; Sarasota, FL; Tampa, FL; Orlando, FL
ASI Advantages Roadshow. For more information,
call (800) 546-3300, or visit www.asishow.com. |
|
|
SPONSORED
BY
|
|
|
For
questions concerning delivery of this newsletter, please
contact Debra Brill.
Stitches
US: 215-953-3104
Advertising Specialty Institute
4800 Street Rd
Trevose, PA 19053
Email: stitches@asicentral.com
www.stitches.com |
| Advertising
Specialty Institute® 4800 Street
Road, Trevose, PA 19053 |
|
Copyright 2008, Advertising Specialty Institute. All rights reserved.
This article is protected by United States copyright and
other intellectual property laws and may not be reproduced,
rewritten, distributed, re-disseminated, transmitted, displayed,
published or broadcast, directly or indirectly, in any medium
without the prior written permission of Advertising Specialty
Institute.
|