Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Picture Purse

Finally I have a picture of my purse!  I am a little under the weather and have not been keeping up with my blog so I thought that I would at least add some pictures.

I have been promising a picture of my picture woven purse and I finally have one to share!  This picture was taken last week at the Fishers Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours.  It obviously was a Holiday themed event and even with Santa present!!

In this first picture, Santa is pointing to Nathan and Lisa and telling me what good kids they have been!  (No that is not a glass of wine in my hand . . .it is empty!)

[caption id="attachment_265" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Santa Pointing to Photo bag"]Santa Pointing to Photo bag[/caption]

In this picture I am telling Santa what a good girl I have been and what I want for Christmas (remember that Wii!)

[caption id="attachment_266" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Kristie on Santa"]Kristie on Santa's Lap with Photo Bag[/caption]

So, what do you think?

Do you want to give one of these purses for a holiday gift?  We are running out of time to get one ordered for a Christmas gift!  If you still want one, give me a call as soon as possible (or email works too since I do not have a voice)!!

They are a wonderful gift that will be treasured for a long time!

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posted by Tailwynd at 11:18 AM 3 Comments

Thursday, November 13, 2008

How do you want your completed embroidery order?

Just yesterday one of my wonderful customers came over to pick up his order.  We got into a discussion about how I gave him his completed order.  This particular one I folded up his shirts and put them into plastic bags.  Because there were so many, I was not able to put them into one bag so he received several.

He told me that it would be much easier for him if I ironed and hung up his shirts before I gave them to him.  My response to him was that there would be an additional fee associated with this request because this was more time that I would have to dedicate to the order.  He was very understanding of this and, in fact, he said he had no problem paying extra for the service.  He would not even question the amount (except to give me a hard time) I charged for this service because it was something he felt was a necessity.

I then asked if he washes his shirts before he wears them.  He said that typically he does not.  He just puts the shirts in his closet still hanging on the same hangers that I presented the shirts to him on.  You see, I usually do hang his shirts on hangers but for some reason this time I did not.  My reasoning for this, if I remember correctly, was that after there are several shirts then they get heavy on the hangers and hurt my hand.  (I am probably being a baby but this was my thinking! :) )

Now before he arrived I debated over how I should present his final product to him. . . Should I fold them and put them into bags?. . . . Should  I fold them and put them into a box?. . . .Should I hang them up on hangers?  I never debated as to whether or not I should iron them because I have not done this before for shirts.

It really varies as to how I present completed orders to customers.  The three mentioned are the top ways that present a finished order.

How would you prefer you receive your finished embroidered order?

Would you be willing to pay extra for the shirts to be ironed/steamed?  If so, what is the maximum that you would be willing to pay?

I am really looking forward to hearing your thoughts!  Please let me know what you think!

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posted by Tailwynd at 5:17 AM 2 Comments

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Handling Instructions for Embroidered Apparel

Many times we are asked, "What is the best way to launder our embroidered shirts?"

As you read in a previous post, we use Isacord Polyester tread.  It is a high sheen polyester embroidery thread which offers maximum washability and durability and is, with correct handling, safe for Hypochlorite bleaching processes. Note: this does not include a local spotting treatment! The high resistance to abrasion under normal and even wet conditions is a clear advantage for its use on frequently or harshly washed garments (i.e athletic sportswear and shoes, leather, work uniforms and stone washed garments).  (Some of this was quoted from the Amann website.)

A Few Additional Tips from Isacord:

Washing

  • Colored embroidery should always be washed separately.

  • A large washing tub should be used so that the embroidered article can circulate freely and is not pressed together.

  • Dry embroidered garments quickly, but never wring out. Prolonged contact, pressure, or friction with other garments under wet conditions is to be avoided.

  • Isacord embroidered garments can be washed with bleaching agents and stain removers. Do not spot treat, always wash the entire garment.

  • Safe for industrial laundering and dry cleaning.


Ironing

  • Dampen slightly before ironing then iron from the back side. Always use the lowest heat setting over embroidery.

  • Avoid continuous contact to irons, heat press systems, etc.

  • Use caution when using heat-press systems! Varying factors such as temperature, pressure, vapor and duration of contact may cause unpredictable results.

  • A test of materials is highly recommended.


Was this helpful?  Need more information?  Just ask!!

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posted by Tailwynd at 6:36 AM 0 Comments

Monday, November 10, 2008

Thread

One very important necessity to embroidery, that most do not even think about, is the thread.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="153" caption="Isacord Thread"]Isacord Thread[/caption]

There are many different threads to choose from.  In fact, we can drive to the local sewing store and
purchase thread for the machine.  We would not do this though!  We are very particular with the thread that we use!  We have tried several different kinds over the years and have decided on our favorite.

You may talk to 10 different embroiders and receive a few different answer although there are really two leading embroidery thread companies in the world ;  Isacord and Mandeira.  The thread that we choose is a very high quality thread.  It is Isacord Polyester which is the benchmark by which all other polyester threads are measured.  It was also the first thread company to market while remaining the top choice of embroiderers around the world.

According to the Isacord website, "it is the thread of choice for maximum productivity and the highest
quality of embroidery among the largest embroidery houses.  Isacord is the smoothest running and most reliable thread produced.  It has been engineered from the finest raw material to provide just the right
amount of elasticity to allow for high speed running without looping or puckering with virtually eliminated thread breaks."

Many times, our customers will request that we use the Pantone colors in their logo.  This is typically not an issue as Isacord is available in over 500 Pantone colors. Now if you know anything about Pantone colors

then you know that there are many more than 500.  If there is not a direct match then we will call the manufacturer and find out what color they recommend for that particular Pantone color. To date, we have not had an issue with this not working.  As you may know, every monitor shows the colors a little bit differently as well as everyone's eyes see colors differently.  Because of this, getting the closest to the Pantone Color is acceptable.

I will talk more about Laundering your Embroidered Apparel in the future but one quick note about it,
"Isacord is a high sheen polyester embroidery thread which offers maximum wash ability and durability and is, with correct handling, safe for Hypochlorite bleaching processes."  (Quoted from the Ackerman website)

I have only touched a little on thread.  There is so much more out there to learn.  If you are interested or have any additional questions, let me know!

What do you think?

Did you learn something new about thread that you did nto know before?  If so, what was it?

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posted by Tailwynd at 10:08 AM 0 Comments

Thursday, November 6, 2008

What are you doing to promote your business?

What are you doing to promote your business?

This is a question that I like to ask when I am networking.  When I meet someone I begin by saying, "I help companies increase their name recognition."  Sometimes I continue that sentence with "with embroidery and promotional products." other times I leave it at that.  Then I am usually ask, "How?"  If not then I try to remember to ask, "What are you doing to promote your business?"

There are so many ways to do this.  Some of the ways include:  social media, blogs, advertising, coupons etc.  My favorites are of course embroidered apparel and promotional products.  Within these two categories the options are endless!

The simplest and most common way is by wearing a shirt with your logo embroidered on it.  You can expand that simple promotion by adding your website on either the sleeve or the back of the shirt.  Another very simple way is by carrying a portfolio and or bag with your logo on it.  I have carried a portfolio for years with my logo on it.  It is always recognized and of course is a great example of my work.

Another simple and inexpensive way is to keep a handful of pens with you at all times and pass them out.  How many times are you with someone and they cannot find a pen or are rummaging through their bag trying to find a pen?  You can always be 'Johnny on the Spot' with a pen to hand them.  They will be very grateful and you just passed on your company information.  Let them keep that pen and they will remember you the next time they grab to use it. . . your pen!

If you are a looking for something a little bit more expensive then why not give a nice jacket to your clients or employees? 

Why not give them some nice chocolate or food that they can snack on with your company logo on it?  If you put it in a nice logoed tin then they can keep the tin and always have your logo in front of them when they go to use it again.  Another thought. . . why not give them a nice coffee mug that they can carry around with them on a daily basis?  Everywhere they carry that mug or wear your jacket they are advertising for you.

So. . . back to the first question. . . what are you doing to promote your business?

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posted by Tailwynd at 5:56 PM 0 Comments

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

How do I read Blogs?

Do you like reading blogs?


Did you know that some blogs are updated daily or several times a day?  (I try to update this blog several times a week. . . are you reading the posts?)




Do you get tired of checking to see if there are new things posted every day?




Did you know there are other ways to read a blog besides checking the website daily?




Yes, it is true!  It is called a RSS feed and according to my friend, and client, Patric Welch, it is very easy!  I am sure there are many ways to do a RSS feed but my favorite is to have the blog updates posted into my Outlook, just like a normal email.  I have the RSS feed as a separate folder in Outlook similar to my Inbox for emails.  This way, when I check my emails, I can also see if there are any new posts that I need to read.  I have at least 5 different blogs that I read on a daily basis (when I have time).  Patric is right. . .  it is easy!






[caption id="attachment_236" align="alignnone" width="121" caption="RSS Feed Image"]RSS Feed Image[/caption]

Have you ever seen this symbol on a website and wondered what it is or what it means?  For my blog, you will see it at the very bottom right hand side of the main page.  If you click on this image or the RSS feed it will ask you what you want to do.  I just said I want subscribe to this feed using my Outlook.  For a great description (much better than mine!) on how to do a RSS feed, check out Patrick's blog about RSS really is really simple.

So, now that you have figured out the RSS feed and will be reading my blog at least weekly :) , start leaving comments!!




I love comments!!!

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posted by Tailwynd at 1:25 PM 5 Comments

Corporate Holiday Gift Ideas

The year is winding down and we are finding that our customers are really thinking about the upcoming holidays.

Most of our customers are telling us that they not only have to purchase gifts for their family and friends but they also want to purchase something special for their clients and employees. This brings them to us.

Are you one of these people that I am talking about?

Do you find yourself struggling with what to purchase?

Is it important to you that you find just the right item that is good looking, not that cheap or cheap looking and most important, an item that the recipient will really use?

If so, you are not alone.  Many of my customers have expressed this concern to me.  They are not wanting to spend their money on an inexpensive $0.25 pen or something that will just go in the drawer after they receive it. They want to spend a little bit more on an items that will be meaningful to their client and employees. It is important to them to find an item that emphasizes their company's brand.

There are many things out there that you can give and will be enjoyed for years to come.  Do you want them to use it all year long?  What about a fleece blanket with your logo on it?  You can have your logo embroidered in the corner and they will always have it to use and remember you when they are wrapped up in it.

Are you thinking of a gift that they will use on vacations or during the summer?  What about a nice towel?  Towels can be made so many different ways.  You can have it made with your logo as the entire towel or simply embossed on the bottom of the towel.  There are also several fun designs that are already made but your logo can be added in a fun spot on the towel.   These are both nice gifts that can be used over and over again and appreciated every time!

[caption id="attachment_197" align="alignright" width="240" caption="Champion Fleece"]Chamion Fleece[/caption]

Are you wanting something that they will use immediately?  What about a nice fleece jacket either with a full front zipper or a partial zipper?  You logo can be placed in the upper left chest pocket area, on the back by the tag or on the sleeve.  All these options are great!  You will definitely be appreciated on those cold days when the fleece is put on!

[caption id="attachment_198" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Soft Shell Poly Fleece Jacket"]Soft Shell Poly Fleece Jacket[/caption]

Are you thinking jacket but do now want a fleece?  How about the new soft shell poly fleece jackets?  These are very popular!  I absolutely love mine!  It is very comfortable and blocks the wind.

Do you want more information about these or any of our other products?

If so, please let me know!  I am more than happy to show you!

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posted by Tailwynd at 5:34 AM 0 Comments

Monday, November 3, 2008

Favorite Website for Free Pictures

Tonight I posted this on both Stark Reality and Smaller Indiana. Because some of my readers may not read these websites, I thought that I would add it to my blog as well. I am looking for any wisdom you can give me!

I was working on upcoming posts for my blog tonight and decided that I wanted to add a stock photo or a fun cartoon picture to one of the blogs. It has been a while since I went looking for pictures that are out there to use - free.

I started out at Google Images. After looking at pages of pictures, I noticed that they now have the following stated under the pictures: "Image may be scaled down and subject to copyright." Like I said, it has been awhile since I searched for pictures so this may have been on there for awhile but I just saw it. Not wanting to worry about copyright, I kept going thinking that I would find one that did not say this. Of course, I did not.

Deciding on a generic picture I clicked on one and saw that it has istockphoto written across it. I checked out istockphoto.com and noticed that you have to pay for the pictures. While I understand that this is a business for someone, I was looking for a picture that was free.

Continuing on my search for a fun, free picture I then did a Google search for free, royalty-free pictures. Of course it brought up many websites to check out. After looking at many websites and not finding one that I wanted, I decided that this was crazy and why not ask others where they like to go for this type of pictures.

Do you add pictures to your blog posts? If so, where do you go for the pictures you use?

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posted by Tailwynd at 6:21 PM 0 Comments

Local Showroom

Are you looking to add logoed apparel to your wardrobe but do not really like ordering from a catalog?  If so, I might have the next best thing!  How about shopping at a local showroom where you can touch, feel and try on some of the many options available to you?

Two of my suppliers have a showroom located on the northeast side.  It has recently opened and is now available.  I can take my clients there for a personal shopping experience.  Many of you have told me how much you like this option.  It has been wonderful!

I have had customers tell me that it is perfect for them because they are very picky.  Others have told me not to tell their wife that they tried on clothes for me because they do not do it for their wife!  And still others have told me that they can't wait to go back in the spring when they are ready for their summer apparel.

They now have many samples available that are in the New 2009 Catalogs!

Do you want to go shopping?  Then let's go!  Email me to set up a time!

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posted by Tailwynd at 3:42 AM 0 Comments