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BUSINESS - HOME-BASED DECORATOR

How to Heat-Apply Graphics on Servicewear and Uniforms
Whether you are buying a cappuccino or getting your oil changed, chances are the person assisting you is outfitted in custom workwear or servicewear of some type. It’s hard to say exactly when the first uniform was worn and by whom. Perhaps soldiers going into battle started the phenomenon. Or maybe it was railroad workers who wore bib overalls in the late 1800’s that popularized the trend. Either way, from traditional to non-traditional, workwear has become a staple of various sectors in our labor force.
June 22, 2009

Find Relief from (Thread) Tension Headaches
Thread tensioning is such a big part of the embroidery process. If it is set correctly, the machine will purr and the design will look beautiful. If the tension is off, it can make you pull your hair out and say things you shouldn’t.
June 22, 2009

Use Specialty Threads to Spice Up Embroidery
Embroidery legend Walt Floriani once said that embroidering with just one type of thread is like a chef trying to prepare a gourmet meal with salt and pepper as the only seasonings. Don’t limit yourself; take advantage of the many thread choices out there that can spice up your embroidery.
June 05, 2009

Embroidery Thread Basics
I once was working with a fellow who told me he would like embroidery if it weren’t for the thread. Obviously that person didn’t last long in the embroidery industry. After all, what is embroidery all about? Decorating a piece of fabric with thread. Sometimes we get so focused on stabilizers, digitizing and other things that the thread gets taken for granted.
May 11, 2009

How to Price Embroidery Work, Part 2
Always a tricky subject, determining the right price for materials and labor is crucial when customers are shrinking budgets.
Last issue we looked at the numbers side of setting your price. Now let’s examine some of the human issues involved.
February 02, 2009

Needle Knowledge Pays Off for Embroiderers
The needle is one of the smallest parts of an embroidery machine, yet it is one of the most vital components.
The needle is kind of like your little toe; you don't think about it a whole lot, but when something isn't right with it, it causes you a lot of pain.
December 08, 2008

How to Beat the Odds in a Recession
Economic upheavals produce worries through the business world — follow these tips for finding new niches.
After months of speculation of whether we are or aren’t, we are officially in an economic recession. This is not all bad news. It is a little-known fact that when markets go down in one area they tend to go up in others.
November 21, 2008

5 Tips to Digitize Efficiently
Learn how to decrease design run time to increase profitability.
In this politically charged season there has been a lot talk from all sides about wasting resources and the need for change because current policies are ineffective. This week, I’m jumping into the fray.
October 24, 2008

Finding the Right Digitizing System for Your Shop
Quality and efficiency are two major points to consider when shopping for digitizing software.
As we continue to explore the differences between hobbyists and commercial embroiderers, I would like to focus on digitizing systems. When comparing consumer-grade vs. commercial-grade machinery, there is a huge difference in capability and functionality. The same is true when it comes to digitizing software, but not necessarily the way you might think.
October 10, 2008

Tips for Improving Embroidery Productivity
Modern stabilizers and hooping systems aren't necessarily time-saving, profit-boosting conveniences. Sometimes, conventional practices yield the greatest results.

As we continue to look at the differences between a home hobbyist and a commercial embroiderer, let me reiterate that the difference between the two is not just a matter of location. I am a commercial embroiderer who works from home. The difference is mainly a matter of mindset. We can get technical and try to classify embroiders by their equipment, but the reality is that a commercial embroiderer is in business for profit and the other in it for fun.
September 15, 2008

Boost Profits by Streamlining Embroidery Production
Eliminate time-wasting practices.
Earlier, we looked at the differences between home embroidery machines and commercial machines, and found the biggest difference, besides durability, is that commercial machines are designed around production; it’s about getting work on and off the machine as quickly as possible.
August 29, 2008

Why a Consumer Embroidery Machine Is Not Cut Out for Commercial Work
When starting an embroidery business, one of the first steps is choosing your machine. Make sure you know what to expect before deciding between a consumer-grade or commercial embroidery machine.
Recently, I received a phone call from a woman who is considering opening an embroidery business and wanted some advice. One of the questions I asked regarded the type of machine she wanted to purchase. She told me that it was a sewing machine with an embroidery attachment and that she could get the whole package for about $600.
August 18, 2008

How to Make the Leap from Hobbyist to Commercial Embroiderer
Many hobbyist embroiderers make the transition to commercial embroidery. But there are a few basics to know before venturing out into the commercial world.
Something interesting has happened during the past decade. Home sewing machines with embroidery attachments have increased in popularity, creating a new generation of embroiderers. A love of embroidery is driving this new segment, and many are realizing the possibility of a career doing what they love.
August 04, 2008

Read a Good Book Lately?
Take one of these books on your vacation, and you may discover ways for business improvement you never dreamed of.
As we enter the summer months, many of you will head to the beach or other spots for relaxation. And while on vacation, you may enjoy picking up a good book to read. If you are going to be reading, you might as well read something that will improve your business. For this issue of the Impressions Newsletter, I thought I would share with you my summer reading plan since you may find some of these books useful for your business.
July 21, 2008

Singlehead Embroidery Machine Selection
While the choices are many, the decision boils down to number of needles, field size and physical size.
When I started in the embroidery industry as a technician in 1991, every machine manufacturer had a singlehead machine, but it was not their best-selling model. Twelve-head and 6-head machines were the top sellers. For the company I was with, the singlehead was kind of a red-headed stepchild. But how things have changed!
July 07, 2008

Be Successful in the Growing Imprinted Promotional Product Market


Apparel buyers in many markets typically don't make purchases without requiring some type of decoration on it. This is especially true for apparel buyers purchasing performance apparel for the athletic, safety and outdoor work markets. Impressions can help you locate performance apparel sources and choose the best decoration method so that you can capitalize on this hot market.


Embroidery Business NewsletterImpressions SourcebookScreen Printing Product CatalogImpressions Digital EditionINFO-ACTION
Plan now to attend ISS New England!
Rhode Island Convention Center
Conference: July 10-11, 2009
Exposition: July 10-12, 2009
Click here to register.

Visit Imprinted Sportswear Shows

Impressions University, an online learning program designed to meet the continuing education needs of commercial embroiderers, screen printers and promotional products distributors in the decorated apparel industry, has added Trump University classes to its product offering. Classes focus on the skill sets of operating a successful small business today.

Welcome to T-shirtforums.com, a partner of Impressions magazine and the Imprinted Sportswear Shows that provides an online discussion place for the decorated apparel community. Users of this free forum also can get help locating hard-to-find apparel items and promotional products in the "Wholesale T-shirts and Other Products" discussion group.

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Impressions is the one-stop source for authoritative information and education on the decorated apparel business, including embellishing on wholesale apparel and promotional products. This
resource is crucial to apparel decorating professionals seeking to establish and grow a profitable decorated apparel business. Every issue of our decorated apparel magazine, both print and
online, is geared toward providing how-to instructions needed to perform the four major processes that comprise the decorating apparel industry marketplace — screen printing, embroidery,
heat-applied graphics and digital printing. Impressions also provides business and trend information unique to the decorated apparel and promotional products industry.


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