(Update: If you prefer to listen and learn, watch The Takeup Episode 11- Patches: The Emblematic Embroidery Item, and Episode 12: Making Patches with Machine Embroidery, Part 2 – Digitizing Tips ) I can teach anything, as long as I also leave time to teach patches. I believe that everyone who threads a needle will eventually want . . . Read More
Patches have been part of commercial embroidery since the beginning, but in recent years and months we’ve seen a boom in the visibility of patches both in retail and in high fashion. With all the added attention on the humble emblem, this patch-loving embroiderer had to write on the subject yet again. Whereas before, I . . . Read More
If you’ve been watching the DTG, DTF, or sublimation spaces and wondered how machine embroidery can fit into the mix beyond a multimedia collaboration, you’re going to love Faux Embroidery for Print! In my latest article for Images Magazine, I detail how I collaborated with the good folks at Equipment Zone to create a cool . . . Read More
Circumstances and Priorities Change. How we change our behavior in relation to those priorities, and how we deal with circumstances outside of our control, however, can say a lot about how closely we are working to serve our primary purpose and how we see ourselves in relation to our work. That said, having a week . . . Read More
There’s nobody to blame but me for the lack of posts lately, but I’d like to believe I’ve been spending my time well since last I wrote here. Rather than stay with my comfort zone, I’ve taken the once experimental ‘Fridays with Erich’ and turned it into a commitment, spurred along by the awesome name . . . Read More
The sheen of the thread, glinting and glossy as the stitches radiate, a satin column turning, rippling, tracing curves across a surface. Swaths of shining embroidery, standing proud of a stained Spanish postcard, rendering the garb of these figures alive in the passing light. The thread lending weight to these tourist takeaways, these odd pieces . . . Read More
Embroidering on knit hats can be difficult, but as a follow-up to my first article in this series, it only made sense to tackle one of the top textured garments for the coming cool weather. Beanies, toques, knit caps, or whatever you prefer to call them, are frequent subjects of conversation among new digitizers and . . . Read More
Teaching isn’t just the best way to learn the subject you’re teaching, it’s the best way to find out how much you still have to learn. I’ve recently concluded my first series of seminars on machine embroidery for the fantastic people at the Decorated Apparel Expo (affectionately known as DAX). I taught at shows in . . . Read More
What you may not know about the little Albuquerque-based company for which I work, is that we have done a ton of decoration for the flourishing local film and TV business in New Mexico. From Albuquerque’s most recognizable shows, Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, to AMC’s Preacher, to NBC’s the Night Shift, to countless . . . Read More