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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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.
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