How do we get the shirt to stay in the machine while it is embroidering? Well the simple answer to this question is by hoops. And there is not just one hoop. There are several different types and sizes of hoops. There are a few that are the most common though.

We also have our favorite sized hoop. This is because most of the embroidery we do fits into this hoop. In fact, we have more of this sized hoop than any other sized hoop. This allows us to be the most productive with this sized hoop because we can have multiple shirts hooped and ready to go as soon as the others are finished!

Have you ever seen a logo that is just way too large for the shirt or maybe even the person wearing it? There may be several reasons this was done but one the most common reason is because the logo was created the wrong size therefore the wrong hoop was used. When creating a logo, you have to think about what sized shirt the logo will be going on.

We do have a unique hoop that we use when we embroider flat items such as monogram sheets or material that will later be made into a stocking, quilt or garment bag. This hoop can be a challenge though because we have to totally change the machine around and move the ‘table’ part of the machine. This is the hoop that allows us to embroider the largest design.

If we have a large design that we want to embroider on an item that is not flat then we do have another large hoop that we can use. Because this hoop is so large, it is flimsy and we can not put thick material into it.

Some of our hoops don’t even look like hoops at all. They are basically flat metal pieces that we use to stick the material to.

Believe it or not, we have special hoops that are used for hats and yet other hoops that we use for simply the back of the hat! Who knew there were so many different sized and styles of hoops!

Labels: embroidered logo, embroidery machine, hoops, Kristie's Kreations

Embroidery is great! When done well, it looks very professional and neat! There are some limits to embroidery though.

One limit, which many of you have heard me say, is if I can get it into my machine then I will embroider on it. This means that if I can’t make it fit into my machine then I am limited and cannot embroider on it. The embroidery machine is similar to a sewing machine in that it has a needle (15 in fact) and a bobbin. The item that is being embroidered on has to go between these two objects. It also has to fit in the area, go into a hoop and move around once in the area.

Sometimes we embroider on large items such as golf suitcases, bat bags, suitcases and other large, awkward sized items. Often times we have to find a hoop that will work for the design and then hold the item the entire time the machine is embroidering. This can be a limit though if we can not make the hoop work or there is not enough room for the item to move around.

Other limits to embroidery which I will talk more about in the future are hoops, backing and small fonts.

Labels: embroidery machine, hoops, Kristie's Kreations, Logo Embroidery

Yes, that is right, often times the embroidery will outlast the item that was embroidered. This is the reason that we do not recommend embroidering on t-shirts. We say this because the t-shirts are not made of the best material to embroider on and many of them have been dyed over and over to get to the right color. Each time they are dyed the material becomes a little bit weaker. For this simple reason, the embroidery will outlast the t-shirt.

This can also be the case for cheaper items that may be purchased at discount warehouses and then brought to us to embroider on. These items are not made for the decoration industry and therefore sometimes do not last as long. I have had customers that have purchased their items from their favorite warehouse store and brought the shirts to me to embroider on. They had to continue doing that every few months because the shirts just did not last. Sometime it is better to spend the extra money on nice shirts and shirts that are made specifically for the decoration industry so that they last longer.

Now I am not saying that Kristie's Kreations embroidered shirts are always going to be perfect! Any item is going to wear when it is washed and worn over and over again. I just think that most of my items are going to last much longer than others.

Labels: Embroidery, Kristie's Kreations, material, shirt, t-shirt

Yesterday, I told you about a special milestone in the history of Kristie’s Kreations. We officially turned 9 years old on February 13th!

I also told you that I would give a little history about Kristie’s Kreations so here it is………..

When Kristie's Kreations was started, I was still a special education teacher.
Although I loved working with the kids, I also knew that I wanted to do something more. I also knew that I wanted to stay home when I started a family. In order to do this, I would have to find sometime else to do because I am not one to stay home all the time! It is also very important to me that my children spend time with other kids and not just me!

One day, a lady came into the school that I was teaching at and sold shirts to all of the teachers. These shirts were embroidered with their names on it. I was amazed at how many shirts the lady sold. It was NOT because she was a great at sales but simply because the teachers ate up the fact that they could get a ‘teachery’ shirt that had their name on it! I knew that this was something that I could do!!

It was then that I decided to start my own business. I began researching different embroidery machines and what it would require for me to start my own business
On February 13th, we purchased our first embroidery machine and digitizing program.

If you look at our first machine, you would probably say it was a sewing machine, not an embroidery machine. You would be partially correct. It is a sewing machine that also does embroidery. We attended training sessions for both the machine as well as the digitizing software.

I started out slow selling one shirt here and another shirt there. We started getting busy then by selling to my own school as well as others in the township. In fact, we got so busy, we had to purchase a second sewing/embroidery machine.

Quickly requests started coming in for hats and jacket back designs. These were things that we could not do on our two little machines. Not only that, but it was very time consuming to sew out a simple left chest design on a shirt. A little over a year from starting Kristie’s Kreations we purchased a large commercial embroidery machine!

Two and a half years after starting Kristie’s Kreations, I stopped teaching and focused solely on my business and my new family.

Over the years we started receiving requests for screen printing as well as promotional products. In order for our customers to only have to go to one person for all of their branding needs, we began offering these services as well.

It has been very fun to learn all of the aspects of owning a business and meeting so many wonderful people along the way! I have made many life long friends too!

Labels: digitizing, Embroidery, History, Kristie's Kreations, Promotional Products, Screen Print

Yesterday, February 13, Kristie's Kreations turned 9 years old! That is amazing! Boy has it has been a fun ride!

I am often asked how long I have been doing the embroidery, screen printing and promotional products. Most are amazed when I tell them how long ago I started my own business.

I had hoped to tell a little bit of the history of Kristie's Kreations on the official birth date but that didn't happen. I spent last week stuck in a blizzard in Washington DC. It was a fun trip but we stayed a little bit longer than planned due to mechanical problems on our plane as well as other snow storms happening throughout the country. Once we finally made it home yesterday, I didn't even open my laptop. Therefore no birthday wishes were made!

Stay tuned I will talk more about the history tomorrow!


In the mean time, Happy Valentine’s Day from Kristie’s Kreations which officially turned 9 years old yesterday!

Labels: Anniversary, Birthday, Embroidery, Kristie's Kreations, Promotional Products, Screen Print

Well, it is that time of the year again. The trade show season is right around the corner. Will you be having a booth at a trade show? Have you thought about your plan for the trades show? Do you just want to get names of potential customers or do you have a new product that you want everyone to be aware of? The way you answer this question determines how you need to approach your trade show booth.

There are so many things to consider. Here are just a few of the things to ask yourself when you start your planning process:

-What is your goal for the trade show?

-Who will be attending the trade show?

-What will your booth will look like?

-What will you and your employees wear?

-Will you be passing out anything?
-Will your pass out be company based or attendee based?

If you have looked at our website lately, you will know that Kristie's Kreations likes to think out of the box for our customers. If you need help with your trade show booth, let us know.

How can we help you with your trade show booth?

Labels: Kristie's Kreations, Planning, Trade Show

Sometimes our customers are not sure if they should go with screen-print or embroidery.

Surprisingly, there are some things to think about:

• Where will you be wearing the shirts? Will you be wearing them doing yard work or at a convention?
• What is the image you are going for? Do you want to look a little bit more professional with embroidery or do you want to go for more of a “team” look with the screen-print?
• How many will you need? Less than two dozen or over 6 dozen?
• How many colors are in the design?
• What is your budget?
• Will you be making repeat orders?
• How many locations will there be? Do you want logo, web page, tag line, etc to also be included but in different locations on the shirt?
• Do you want something really big across the entire shirt?

Labels: Embrodery, Kristie's Kreations, Screen Print

Here is testimonial that I received from one of our happy customers in regards to their table covering. This just proves how great these table coverings are!


Our tablecloth has been used many times now and I must say, it still looks brand new! The tablecloth drapes just right and has looked good on what ever table we have had to use. It has been laundered by me and washes just beautifully. The color has remained vibrant, and the coffee stains wash right out. My biggest challenge is to fold it by myself. The stitching is awesome and the way you saved us money, by adding the navy fabric background, has worked really well. No one even notices that the background is not stitched. LANtech, and I have been very pleased with this product. We highly recommend not only this table covering, but your great customer service, and definitely your embroidery!

Pam
Corporate Account Manager Lantech

Labels: Kristie's Kreations, Lantech, Table Covering, Testimonial

If you just read the previous post, you will know how important it is to have a nice table covering for that trade show. Below is the one that we have recommended time and time again to our customers. It always embroiders nicely as well as last. Check out the next post for a testimonial from one of our happy customers!

LOGOThrow™

Full coverage (4-sides) of table. Single piece of cloth (no seams). Corners are rounded to create soft folds. Fits 24'' or 30" deep table tops. Most versatile & easy-to-use

Fabric - Our Throws are made from the finest polyester fabric available - our exclusive Premier fabric. It is fire-retardant (required in public venues), machine-washable, wrinkle-resistant and possesses superior draping qualities. With Premier fabric, your Throw becomes a great marketing tool that enhances your image.• Fire-retardant (required in public venues)

• Machine-washable
• Wrinkle-resistant
• Heavy weight
• Durable

Product Workmanship – You’ll appreciate the beauty of our Premier™ fabric upon first glance. Our products look substantial and elegant, thanks to the soft draping qualities of the fabric. Fabric alone doesn’t make the difference – our sewing techniques ensure that sizes are accurate, edges are clean-finished, and seams and stitching are straight. With such attention to detail, our workmanship is on par with custom tailoring.

Fabric Care - Premier™ – Our products are manufactured to the highest quality and carry our workmanship guarantee. Printed products are similar to fine garments and require care to preserve their exquisite appearance. Follow washing instructions carefully to preserve their appearance and durability.

Our Premier™ fabric is machine-washable in cold water, mild detergent, gentle cycle — no bleach. Tumble dry on permanent press/low heat and remove immediately to prevent wrinkling. If ironing, use low heat and DO NOT IRON printed area. Excess heat and agitation will damage ink.

DO NOT DRY CLEAN, as both ink and fire-retardancy will be damaged.

(copied from Logo Throw Website)

Labels: embroidered logo, Kristie's Kreations, Table Covering, Trade Show

In the last month or so, I have received many requests for information, as well as orders, for table coverings. Last year I posted several blogs about table coverings. I think it is appropriate to republish these. . . . Are you thinking about having a booth at a trade show?

Are you signed up for a booth at a trade show and you are wondering. . . Now What?

If you answered Yes to either of these questions then I can help!

There are two very important things to consider. What will my display look like and What will I pass out? For this post we begin to discuss what your table will look like. You will have more visitors to your booth if it looks nice and stands out especially from a distance.

Once noticed, customers will walk across the room to see what you have to offer if it looks good! The first way to assure this is by having a logoed table covering.

There are several options out there for table coverings but we have found one that we really like! These table coverings look good no matter what size table you are putting it on. The logo always embroiders very nicely on the material as well.

You might be thinking that the embroidery would be really expensive for a table covering. Well, the answer is that it is more expensive than a left chest design, but it is well worth it! The look and detail in the design is phenomenal! There are times when we can also help to reduce the number of stitches in the design. More information on this to come. Please check back.

Many locations will require that the table coverings be fire retardant. If this is your case then you are in luck! These table coverings are fire retardant and will fulfill this requirement.

Have you realized how important the table covering is for the trade show? If so, read the next post for more information!

Labels: Embroidery, Kristie's Kreations, Screen Print, Table Covering, Trade Show

Labels: Embrodery, embroidered logo, indianapolis, Kristie's Kreations, monogram

Labels: Kristie's Kreations, Promotional Products, Unique Give Away, Yo-Yo

It's official! After weeks of hard work, the new website is up and active!!! I am very excited!

I have wanted my website and blog to be one website for a long time! I just could not figure out how to do it. James worked hours with me over the last month or so to develop the new site and bring everything together! Thank you so much James for all of your help! You are awesome!!

My new email address is: kristie@kristieskreations.com. The .us email will continue to work as well!

What do you think? Please feel free to leave feedback/comments!!

Labels: email, Kristie's Kreations, update, Website

Do you purchase solely on price?

Do you purchase based on the sales person or company?

Do you shop around and find the cheapest product?

How much do you research a product before you purchase it?

Do you only buy from those that you are comfortable with?

Last week I received an email from a potential customer.  At the end of the email, she asked me if I would be willing to put together a quote for her.  Of course I responded.  I called her back instead of in an email so my questions were not as confusing.  At the end of our conversation, of course I told her that I would be more than happy to give her a quote.  I ended up stopping by her office later in the day to drop off a catalog.  I sat in her office and had a great conversation with her and one of her coworkers.  It was very nice!

During the conversation I found out that she knew a lot about me and we had just met.  How did she know so much about me?  I asked and found out that she had really researched me.  She checked out my website and read several of the posts on my blog.  She knew more about me than some of my existing customers!  It was great!  This was proof that what I am doing and spending my time on . . . IS WORKING!  Now we have not completed an order for her yet but it is moving in the right direction!

Then today I had a conversation with a great friend, Amy Stark.  During this conversation, I found out that she feels as if most people do business with those that they like and are comfortable with.  For me, this is very true!  I will do business first with my friends, those that I have met networking or from a referral!

Does everyone else feel this way?  Unfortunately I am not so sure that they do.

What do you think?  Who do you like to purchase from?

Labels: Amy Stark, blog, Competition, Embroidery, Fishers, Friends, Indiana, indianapolis, kristie, Kristie B, Kristie Bradford, Kristie's Kreations, logos, Networking, Promotional Products, Purchasing, Stark Reality, Website

Have you ever thought about putting you logo on toys?

Are you a fan of Rubik Cubes?

Did you grow up trying to figure out how to make all sides the same color?

Did you keep it original or get frustrated and change the stickers so they were the right color?

This game game has came back into popularity!  Just go to Target and you will see them available in different sizes.  Guess what, you can now have ones made in what ever color you want with whatever imprint you want on the different sides.

Here are two of the many different styles available.  I just love Rubik Cubes!  In fact, we have my old one as well as a new one. . . which the stickers have not been removed and replaced! :)

[caption id="attachment_445" align="aligncenter" width="250" caption="Rubik Cube"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_447" align="aligncenter" width="250" caption="4 Boxes Cube"][/caption]

One more thing that I always loved playing with and still have my original one. . . The snake!

[caption id="attachment_446" align="aligncenter" width="175" caption="Snake"][/caption]

Have you ever thought about a Rubik style UPS drive?  Those are also available.   I just do not have the picture available right now.  If you are interested, let me know!

What do you think about the toys listed?  This can also be imprinted with you logo on it.

Labels: Fishers, Indiana, indianapolis, Kristie's Kreations, promotional product, Promotional Products

What do you think about promotional products?  Are they useful or throw aways?

Do you feel as if they are a waste of your money?

Do you think they are not worth your time to look into them, order them and then pass them out?

Have you ever thought about all the promotional products that you have in our house?

Today I was browsing through one of my supplier's websites.  On this site I saw so many different items that I use on almost a daily basis.  I often times will hear my potential customers or competition say that promotional products are 'trinkets and trash' or other similar terms.  In some ways, I have to admit they are right.  BUT in so many ways they are wrong.

Here is just one pure example:

What do you use when you are trying to open a new jar such as pickles?

I can tell you what I do . . . I open up the top drawer next to the stove and pull out one of my three jar openers.  I wrap it around the lid and turn it.  It easily opens right up!  I did not purchase any of these three grippers.  In fact, they are promotional products that were given to me.  They are such a useful item!

This is an excellent way to put your logo in front of your customers, or future customers, on a daily basis!  Yes, it might be put back in the drawer but when they are finished with it, but they will pull it back out again to use it!  Each time your logo is right in front of them!  An even better reason to go with something as simple as a gripper is that you can put it in their hands for under a quarter each!!

[caption id="attachment_428" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Jar Openers"][/caption]

As I was reviewing the many different varieties of simple jar openers I found a new on that I have not seen before.  It is a great idea!  Why not put it on the door knob, on a hook inside the cabinet or on a handle on the cabinet?!?  It is always conveniently located and proudly showing your logo!

[caption id="attachment_427" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Door Hanger Grip"][/caption]

Do you use a promotionall product on a daily basis and have not ever really given it much thought?  What is it?

Labels: Fishers, Indiana, indianapolis, Kristie's Kreations, Promotional Products

Well, another one is here! It is Friday the 13th.

I find it interesting but I am not concerned about it.  In fact, what perfect timing.  The last week while I have been working out, I have been reading Indiana Ghost books that I checked out of the library.  They are interesting!

Here is  a little bit of trivia about Friday the 13th and the year 2009. . . Which months in 2009 have a Friday the 13th?

Should we be worried that it is Friday the 13th??  No, because tomorrow is Valentine's Day!  Are you doing anything special for Valentine's Day?  I am pretty sure that in the Brandford's house we will not be doing anything too special.  Nathan has a birthday party to go to for one of his classmates.  Unfortunately, it is at one of my least favorite kid party places.  Oh well, the kids love it!

After the party, or maybe even during, Mark, Lisa and I will go out to dinner since the party is at 5:00.

What are your uplans for Valentine's Day?  Did you get our Valentine's Day Newsletter this week?  If not, let me know and I can send you a copy and add you to the list for upcoming newsletters!

Happy Valentine's Day!

By the way, the answer to the trivia questions is. . . .February, March and November!

Did you know the correct answer?

Labels: Embroidery, Fishers, Indiana, indianapolis, Kristie's Kreations, Newsletter, Promotional Products

Labels: Embroidery, Fishers, Good Embroidery VS Bad Embroidery, Good VS Bad, Indiana, indianapolis, Kristie's Kreations, Logo, logos, Networking

Have you seen the cooler scooter? It is a cooler with a seat, handle bar, foot pedals and a motor. You can ride around on your cooler! It is very unique.

Originally I saw it on the The Ellen DeGeneres Show but recently I found out that it is one of the unique promotional products that I can offer to my customers!! The Cooler Scooter (item 51-300XE) is a 300-watt electric ride-on cooler from Cruzin Cooler. You can check it out at: http://www.cruzincooler.com.

[caption id="attachment_423" align="aligncenter" width="235" caption="Cooler Riding"][/caption]

It is such a unique item! You can use it for so many different things. Here are just a few ideas:
*Use it as a giveaway at your trade booth
*Use it as an incentive for your sales staff
*Use it as a golf outing give away
*Use it for the company picnic
*Use it for your own personal prize

What a great way to show off that logo! You will be remembered that is for sure!

Ride away with pride!

What do you think about this cooler?

Labels: Embroidery, Fishers, Indiana, indianapolis, Kristie's Kreations, logos, Promotional Products, Trade Show

Check this out. . . I will be the facilitator for the Panel on the 25th!! Come check it out!

For Immediate Release Contact: Brett Healey
February 9, 2009 (317) 223-7143

Confluence North Network Educational Session Announced
How Corporations Can Use Twitter

(INDIANAPOLIS)— The new Confluence North Network will host a panel discussion on how corporations can use Twitter, a micro-blogging tool, to better communicate with customers and improve customer relations.

The event will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2009, from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the Manhattan Restaurant, 3902 E. 82nd St., Indianapolis, IN.

"Our newest network was created to help people learn to use technology to help them do business better," said Brett Healey, president of Confluence. "Our members are interested in social networks, blogging, and Web 2.0 technology."

This month's event will feature a one hour educational session on how corporations can use Twitter for business applications. Panelists will include Jeb Butler of Small Box, Erik Deckers of Pro Blog Service, Colin Clark of Brandswag, and Twitter Ninja: Amy Stark.

"Judging from the post-event social media buzz on Twitter & Facebook our last event on blogging was very successful," said Healey. "Based on discussions with our members, they wanted to hear more about using social media technology like Twitter. We're going to focus on specific technologies each month during our educational sessions.

Confluence is the newest business-to-business networking association in Indianapolis. It is focused on bringing together networkers from mid- to large-sized businesses, and help them create new opportunities, and learn about new developments in technology, sales, marketing, networking, and human resources. In the first six months Confluence has hosted over 700 first-timers at its events and over 500 members have joined the organization.

For more information, visit www.IndyConfluence.com or contact Brett Healey at (317) 223-7143.

# # #

Labels: Amy Stark, Confluence, Embroidery, Erik Deckers, Fishers, Indiana, indianapolis, Kristie's Kreations, moderator, panel, social media

Today I was in a meeting with a client and he mentioned Mr. T and then followed it with, 'You may be too young to know who he is".  Well, I am definitely not too young to know who Mr. T is but I have to admit I did not remember the Mr. T quote he was mentioning.  Then later in the day, Nathan, my soon to be 6 year old, was watching Scooby Doo.  As I sat with him, I starting thinking about all the things that TV characters can teach us.  Then I remembered a conversation that I had with Erik Deckers about what Gilligan's Island can teach you.

I wondered, in a weird sort of "spent too much time in the Mystery Machine" way, what could Scooby Doo and the gang teach us about promotional products.  Here's what I came up with:

[caption id="attachment_400" align="aligncenter" width="163" caption="Scooby Doo Backpack picture"] [/caption]

1.  Scooby-Dooby-Doo, Where are you?. . . make sure others can find you from your imprint on the promotional product!

2.  Logos mean everything for Name Recognition. . .even 'Scooby Snacks' have a logo!

3. Keep trying different things until you find just the right one that works for your company. You may make a few mistakes along the way but something will always work out!

4.  Get away from the monsters (your competition) by standing out in the crowd.

5.  Promotional Products are like "Scobby Snacks". . .everyone loves them. . .  even Shaggy!

6. Even the littlest promotional product can 'catch' your business. . . just like Scrappy!

7.  Don't run away from something different and unique. . . it may come back to haunt you!

8.  Be like Freddy. . . .Always have a plan!

9.  Confront danger with a hearty "Zoinks!". . . or better yet, don't get discouraged, you will find the right product for your business!

10.  Have a great tag line. . . Scooby Dooby Doo

Maybe this wasn't such a bad idea after all!  Not only do some of them really make sense but it was also fun doing it!  In fact, I had Nathan help me write some of them!   Great job Nathan!!

Labels: blog, Embroidery, Erik Deckers, Fishers, Indiana, indianapolis, Kristie's Kreations, Logo, logos, Promotional Products, Scooby Doo

Sunday morning Mark brought me the Business section of the Star Newspaper and said look at this.  In the upper right hand corner of the newspaper was a small picture of one of our clients, Steve Gray of  Steve Gray Renovations!  How exciting!

[caption id="attachment_387" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="        Steve Gray with GREAT Embroidered Shirt!         The picture found on www.indystar.com."][/caption]

Steve had a very nice article in the Business section about how he started his business five years ago and how he has been able to see it continue to grow! If you would like to read the article, here is the link.  I am sure you remember Steve because I have spoken about him several times on my blog.  The first one is found right here on this link.  He is the reason that I had to get the Wii for Christmas!!

Congratulations Steve!!

By the way, I LOVE the embroidered Turtleneck!  I hope it is keeping Steve's Neck Warm!!  Where did you have that done. . . Kristie's Kreations?

Labels: Accomplishment, blog, Embroidery, Fishers, Indiana, indianapolis, Kristie's Kreations, Logo, Newsletter, Steve Gray Renovations, Website

Labels: blog, Embrodery, Embroidery, Fishers, Indiana, indianapolis, Kristie's Kreations, logos, Newsletter, Website

Today I had several fun things planned including a few networking events.  We got at least 11 inches of snow yesterday, last night and this morning!  Check out my picture on TweetPic!  I added it to Twitter this morning about an hour ago if that and there have already been 44 views!  Awesome what Twitter can do!

[caption id="attachment_369" align="alignleft" width="225" caption="Nathan and Lisa in the snow!"][/caption]

Because of this beautiful snow. . . Mark is working from home today. . .  School was canceled for Nathan. . Day Care closed for Lisa . . . and my events have been rescheduled!!

I have decided that it will be a napping, pj, catchup day!  Of course we have some embroidery to do but that can be done around the naps and of course in pjs!

Some of the fun embroidery we have to complete today and tomorrow are t-shirts for Nathan's K-Plus Program.  This Saturday is the World Fair for the YMCA.

Because one of the assistants in his class is from Somalia they have chosen Somalia as their country.  They will be presenting songs and food from Somalia.

Kristie's Kreations offered to embroider 'SOMALIA" on the front of the shirts that the kids and teachers will be wearing.   Nathan is very excited because he loves telling every about Kristie's Kreations!  And what is better than everyone in his class wearing shirts embroidered by Kristie's Kreations??!!??  I will post a picture after this weekend!

Over the holidays, our show was Nathan counting in Somalia.  Of course this will be one of the things that the kids will be doing for the parents.  Hopefully my parents will be able to come up and see the show!  They are in the Evansville, Indiana area and did not get as much of the snow that we got but they got 1 1/2 inches of ice with additional snow on top.  They are without power because of all the limbs that fell out of trees and broke their transmitter!  Because my dad is an electrician, he has Macgyver fixed it so they have temporary electricity.  His Macgyver move was to attach two wires with jumper cables.  I am so proud of my electrician, Macgyver Dad!

I am off to start working!  If you are in Indiana, enjoy playing in the snow!

Labels: blogging, Embroidery, Family, Indiana, indianapolis, Kristie's Kreations, logos, Networking, Photos, Snow

Today has been quite the day!  As I am typing this, the snow is coming down.  Depending on where the front goes, we could get almost a foot of snow by tomorrow afternoon!

Today I started out my day at a Confluence Board Meeting.  Tomorrow is the first event for the Confluence North Side Network!  It will be a great event, I just hope that the weather will not detour people from coming!  This event will focus on Social Media. This is an area that I have really gotten involved in.  I love all the different things involved in social media.  I am not sure how it will help my business, but I am more than happy to learn!  One of the ways is with this blog.  Another is Twitter. . . which I am totally addicted to!

After the Confluence Board meeting, I headed to Starbucks.  Erik Deckers and I had a short meeting before my next with Greg Cooper.   Both were excellent meetings!   I found myself talking to both of them about social media!

They are both very active in social media.  Erik is across the board active.  He has started his own business, Deckers Marketing.  He has been trying to help me with my blog.  He has a wealth of information and is always giving me suggestions on what I can do to improve my business blog and website.  We also have great conversations about kids!  He has a very interesting story about his three great children!  I loved hearing about it!

After meeting with Erik, I had my scheduled meeting with Greg.  I basically met Greg via Twitter and then in person last week at the Smaller Indiana 4,000 Member Event.  He is also very active in social media but takes a different approach.  He is a local Realtor here in the Indianapolis area and understands how important social media is to businesses.  Not only is he very active but he is trying to get other Realtors involved as well as he is a speaker about the importance of social media.  He has a great story about a house he sold yesterday and twitter had a huge part in it!  It is a great story and you should ask him about it!

Greg suggested that I add a videos to my blog.  I do not know much about this so I am definately going to look into it!  It sounds like it would be fun and a great way to actually show off embroidery and promotional products!!

So what do you think about Video Blogs?  Should I start adding them to my blog?

Labels: blog, blogging, Embrodery, Embroidery, indianapolis, Kristie's Kreations, logos, promotional product, Smaller Indiana

OK, so now I guess it is my turn! I receive this last night on Smaller Indiana and completed it but this morning I noticed that Kyle Lacy wanted me to post it on the front page as well as my blog.

So here goes. . .OK, so now I guess it is my turn! Thank you Allison for sending this to me!

1. First and foremost, I love my family! I am married to a wonderful husband (Mark) and have two great kids, Nathan (almost 6 yrs old) and Lisa (3 yrs. old). I have an awesome younger sister (Angie) and brother (Andy)!

2. My husband Mark is very understanding and knows that I have to get out there in order to grow my business! He makes sure that he takes care of the kids at least two days a week so that I can attend events!

2. I wish I saw my family more! Most of my family is down south so I do not see them very often! I do have a brother and sister-in-law that live in Fishers! I wish I spent more time with them and my kids got to know them more and vise versa!!

3. I used to be a special education teacher. I was a teacher for 7 years before I stayed home to grow my business and raise my family.

4. I am from Southern Indiana- Evansville area - and almost all of my family still lives down there. Excluding my sister and her family (in St. Louis) and my brother and his wife, Allison (in Fishers)

5. I love networking and meeting new people! Anyone who knew me in my teaching years will be really surprised about this but it is true! I love getting out and meeting new people and then figuring out how I can connect them to others!

6. I have a great group of friends! Many are from networking and then others from when I moved to Indianapolis! They really made me feel at home when I was 3 1/2 hours away!

7. Allison Witmeier is my sister in law! She is married to my great "YOUNGER Brother"! Which I love to say because he is much bigger than me! If anyone knows him, "He is kinda of big deal" Or so he says! I grew up with him and can tell stories otherwise!

Rules are below. Enjoy!

Now my turn to continue:

Share seven facts about yourself in the post.
Link to your original tagger(s) and list these rules in your post.
Tag seven people at the end of your post by leaving their names and the links to their blogs.
Let them know they’ve been tagged.

What 7 things would you list about yourself?

Labels: 7 Things About Me, blog, Embroidery, Evansville, Family, Fishers, Indiana, Kristie Bradford, Kristie's Kreations, Promotional Products, Smaller Indiana

Have you heard of Angie's List?  If not, it is a company that is headquartered here in Indianapolis.  It is a members only organization in which consumers can check out businesses to see how they have performed for other members.  Once the member uses the business, they then rate the business on their performance by submitting a report to Angie’s List.   Companies can not put themselves on the list nor can they pay to be on the list.  The only way for a business to get on the list is by a member writing a report on them.  The goal is of course to have an A average rating and to have excellent comments!

Personally, Mark and I have been members of Angie's List for a number of years and have found it very useful!  As for Kristie's Kreations, we have been on Angie's List for about 5 or more years. One of our customers put us on the list because of our exceptional work and service. Over the years we have gained new customers simply because of being on the list. Some of the projects that we have completed have been really fun including fleece jackets for a group going to Alaska to take pictures of polar bears. We have also made wedding gifts that were taken to China to be presented to the couple. We can now say that our work can be found worldwide!

Last May, Angie’s List contacted us because they needed something other than a t-shirt for the race car driver as well as their CEO to wear in a press conference announcing Angie’s List Sponsorship. We Took Our Marks . .  Got Set. . .  and Off We Went to the Race completing the order within 15 hours.

Just recently Angie’s list contacted us again. This time it was for a different reason. They were contacting us to let us know that we have received the Angie’s List Super Service Award for 2008. This is a huge accomplishment. Less than 5% of the companies on Angie’s List receive this award. Companies who receive this award have to have a minimum number of reports a year as well as keep an A average grade on reports and be in good standing with the Better Business Bureau.

Are you a member of Angie’s List? If so, please leave a good report for us in the hopes that we can continue to receive this award every year! We are very proud of this accomplishment and are excited to share it with you!

Labels: 2008 Angie's List Super Service Award, Accomplishment, Angie's List, Embroidery, Kristie's Kreations, Sponsor

It is important that you find just the right item no matter what is important to you.

Labels: Kristie's Kreations, logos, Promotional Products, Table Covering, Trade Show

Here is testimonial that I received from one of our happy customers in regards to their table covering. This just proves how great these table coverings are!

Kristie,

First of all, I have to admit that I did shop around for this item. I did not find anyone to be very helpful, and no one seemed to have much to show me. The internet is crazy with information, but how do you really know what the color will look like, what the quality is and the stability of the embroidery? Then you have to figure out what all the costs really are and add shipping, and hope for the best. I am so glad to have you right here in the Indy area!

Our tablecloth has been used many times now and I must say, it still looks brand new! The tablecloth drapes just right and has looked good on what ever table we have had to use. It has been laundered by me and washes just beautifully. The color has remained vibrant, and the coffee stains wash right out. My biggest challenge is to fold it by myself. The stitching is awesome and the way you saved us money, by adding the navy fabric background, has worked really well. No one even notices that the background is not stitched. LANtech, and I have been very pleased with this product. We highly recommend not only this table covering, but your great customer service, and definitely your embroidery!

Pam

Corporate Account Manager Lantech

Labels: Embroidery, Kristie's Kreations, Laundering Instructions, Logo Embroidery, logos, Table Covering, Trade Show

If you just read the previous post, you will know how important it is to have a nice table covering for that trade show.  Below is the one that we have recommended time and time again to our customers.  It always embroiders nicely as well as last.  Check out the next post for a testimonial from one of our happy customers!

LOGOThrow™

Full coverage (4-sides) of table. Single piece of cloth (no seams). Corners are rounded to create soft folds. Fits 24'' or 30" deep table tops. Most versatile & easy-to-use!

Fabric - Our Throws are made from the finest polyester fabric available - our exclusive Premier fabric. It is fire-retardant (required in public venues), machine-washable, wrinkle-resistant and possesses superior draping qualities. With Premier fabric, your Throw becomes a great marketing tool that enhances your image.

• Fire-retardant (required in public venues)
• Machine-washable
• Wrinkle-resistant
• Heavy weight
• Durable

[caption id="attachment_246" align="alignnone" width="438" caption="Table Covering Fabric Colors"][/caption]

Product Workmanship – You’ll appreciate the beauty of our Premier™ fabric upon first glance. Our products look substantial and elegant, thanks to the soft draping qualities of the fabric. Fabric alone doesn’t make the difference – our sewing techniques ensure that sizes are accurate, edges are clean-finished, and seams and stitching are straight. With such attention to detail, our workmanship is on par with custom tailoring.

Fabric Care - Premier™ – Our products are manufactured to the highest quality and carry our workmanship guarantee. Printed products are similar to fine garments and require care to preserve their exquisite appearance. Follow washing instructions carefully to preserve their appearance and durability.

Our Premier™ fabric is machine-washable in cold water, mild detergent, gentle cycle — no bleach. Tumble dry on permanent press/low heat and remove immediately to prevent wrinkling. If ironing, use low heat and DO NOT IRON printed area. Excess heat and agitation will damage ink.

DO NOT DRY CLEAN, as both ink and fire-retardancy will be damaged.

(copied from Logo Throw Website)

Labels: blog, Embroidery, Kristie's Kreations, Laundering Instructions, logos, Recommendation, Suggestion, Table Covering, Trade Show

Are you thinking about having a booth at a trade show?

Are you signed up for a booth at a trade show and you are wondering. . . Now What?

If you answered Yes to either of these questions then I can help!


There are two very important things to consider. What will my display look like and What will I pass out? For this post we begin to discuss what your table will look like. You will have more visitors to your booth if it looks nice and stands out especially from a distance.

Once noticed, customers will walk across the room to see what you have to offer if it looks good! The first way to assure this is by having a logoed table covering.

There are several options out there for table coverings but we have found one that we really like! These table coverings look good no matter what size table you are putting it on. The logo always embroiders very nicely on the material as well.

You might be thinking that the embroidery would be really expensive for a table covering. Well, the answer is that it is more expensive than a left chest design, but it is well worth it! The look and detail in the design is phenomenal! There are times when we can also help to reduce the number of stitches in the design. More information on this to come. Please check back.

Many locations will require that the table coverings be fire retardant. If this is your case then you are in luck! These table coverings are fire retardant and will fulfill this requirement.

Have you realized how important the table covering is for the trade show? If so, read the next post for more information!

Labels: blog, Embroidery, Kristie's Kreations, logos, Promotional Products, Table Covering, Trade Show

I began working with the Actum Group last year. They are a wonderful group of people from which I have learned many things. Because my background is in teaching and not sales, it has been a struggle for me when it came to knowing what to do. I know how to do the embroidery, but the sales calls were a different story. How do I set them up. . .What do I do when I get there. . . What should we talk about. . .etc. When I first started attending networking events, I was very insecure and stood by the wall. Many of the these things may seem very simple and common sense, but for me it was not easy. After working with the Actum Group, I now have no problem going up to people to talk. I am comfortable speaking with them and learning about what they do.

While working with the Actum Group, I have learned that standing against the wall is not how to grow a business. The customers are not going to come to me, I need to go to them. Not only did they teach me this simple concept, but they also taught me how to find the customers.

It has not been easy and I would prefer to not have the role playing (or humiliation :) as I like to call it), but I have to admit that I have learned a lot!! To my surprise they offered to write an extremely nice article about me on their blog.  Please check it out ( Infocusselling.com/blog ) What do you think?

Please leave your thoughts. Even better yet, add their blog RSS feed to your RSS Reader.

Labels: Actum Group, blog, Embroidery, InFocusSelling, Jeff Bowe, Kristie's Kreations

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"][/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"][/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!

Labels: blog, Embroidery, Fishers Chamber of Commerce, gifts, Holiday Gift, Kristie's Kreations, Santa, Wii, woven picture purse

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!

Labels: bag, Embroidery, finished product, folded, hangers, indianapolis, Kristie's Kreations, logos

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!!

Labels: Embroidery, Isacord, Kristie's Kreations, Laundering Instructions, logos, 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"][/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?

Labels: Embroidery, Kristie's Kreations, Laundering Instructions, logos, Pantone Matching, thread

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?

Labels: Embroidery, Kristie's Kreations, logos, Name Recognition, promote, promotional product, Promotional Products

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"][/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!!!

Labels: blog, feeds, Kristie's Kreations, Noobie, reading, RSS

Labels: blog, Embroidery, Gift Ideas, gifts, holiday gifts, Kristie's Kreations, logos, Newsletter, Purchasing, Shopping

Labels: Apparel, gifts, Kristie's Kreations, Newsletter, Shopping, Showroom, Wardrobe

Well, the end of October is here.  Are you ready for the downhill slide to the Holidays?  I think we are.  I do have to say that the year has just flown by!!

We, as a family,  have not ever attended any Halloween activities around town but this year we hit three different ones which I am pretty sure are the three major ones that you can attend when you have a 3 and 5 year old. . .The Children's Museum, Conner Prairie Headless Horseman and Zoo Boo.

They were all good although the Headless Horseman was my favorite by far!!  Because I had let the kids watch a movie on the Conner Prairie website showing the person under the mask, Nathan and Lisa were fine.  They just really enjoyed themselves!

Here are a couple of pictures that I thought everyone would enjoy!  you will notice that Lisa is Mickey Mouse in all of the pictures.  She has since changed her mind and we are both witches (friendly ones of course!) for the day!  We have been dressed in our costumes all day and it has been a lot of fun!  I might have a share a picture of that if we have one taken!

Happy Halloween!!

[caption id="attachment_191" align="alignnone" width="225" caption="Nathan and Lisa at the Zoo"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_186" align="alignnone" width="225" caption="FIGHTING THE GHOST!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_185" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="On the train at the zoo"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_190" align="alignnone" width="225" caption="Nathan getting ready to go through a haunted house!"][/caption]

Labels: Childrens Museum, Conner Prairie, Family, Halloween, Kristie's Kreations, Zoo

This week,  I was checking out the stats of my blog. . .how many visits have I received, what pages were visited, etc.  Well, one of the ways that my blog was found was by a search about "why not have a logo?"  I am assuming that my blog was found because of my category and tags for logo.

I found this search interesting!  My initial reaction was, "WELL, WHY NOT??"  This seems like a question with such an obvious answer!  Because you need one!!!  This is one of the biggest ways to not only make it look like your business is legitimate, but also recognizable!!  Why wouldn't an owner want their company to be known and recognized?

A logo is so very important!  I am not a graphic artist so I am not able to tell you every reason you should have a logo and a good one at that.  But, I can tell you that you should have one!!  It is one of the things that makes your company known!  It distinguishes you from other companies and your competition!!

I know that it can be expensive to have a logo developed.  If you want a good logo you might pay (I am guessing) $250.00 - $5,000.00, but isn't it worth it for your company?  Are you looking for someone to design your logo for you?  We have companies come to us asking us if we do this..  In fact, I have had two just today!  This is not something that we as a company do, although we have before, because we prefer to refer them to some great, graphic designers.  They are the specialists in developing a logo. We are the specialists in putting that logo on items.

Do not get me wrong, we like to get involved in the logo development.  We want to be a part of the process as well as involved in the final decision making.  We can point out aspects of the logo choices that will make it good for embroidery and other parts that are not so great for embroidery.  Because almost everyone will eventually want their logo embroidered, we want to make sure they pick the right logo for the future as well as their immediate needs.

Having a logo embroidered on the shirt you are wearing is one of the most recognizable ways to display your logo.  So. . .why not have a logo . .  and also have it embroidered on your shirt???

Tell me your thoughts. . . .What do you think about this internet search??

Why not have a logo?

Labels: embroidered logo, Embroidery, internet search, Kristie's Kreations, logo development, logos

Well, back to the limits of embroidery. . .  . One of the problems that I come across frequently is a previously developed logo that is just not embroiderable as is.  This can be for multiple reasons but for this post the reason will be the fonts in the logo.

When we are setting up (digitizing) a logo that will be embroidered on a shirt, we have many things to remember and take into account.  These factors include, but are not limited to, the size of the person who will be wearing the shirt, what material it will be going on, the look of the logo and then its overall size.

Some logos given to us are perfectly fine as they are and look great when we embroider it.  Others have to have changes made to them.  Have you ever noticed that a logo someone is wearing on the left chest of their shirt may be different than the logo displayed on their website or on their business card?

The reason for this is probably because of the font.  Maybe there was a lot of little words below the main part of the logo.  Was the font was too small even to read on the business card?  Or could it be because there was shading in the logo?

We find that typically the reason is simply because the font is very small.  When this happens we have to speak with our customer about how their logo will look.  We have to find out if they are willing to change their logo a little bit.  This usually means taking some parts of the logo/wording off.  Is there a part that is not really that important that it be with the logo?  Can it be placed in another location on the shirt such as the sleeve or the back?

You may say, "But that is my logo, why can't it be included when you embroider it?"  The thing that you have to think about is that we have a certain area in which we have to put the stitches for the logo.  There are just certain physical limitations when you are dealing with material, needle and thread.  A stitch requires that the needle, with the embroidery thread in the eye of the needle, penetrate the material twice to develop the stitch.  There is only so much physical space for the needle to go into on the material where we want the logo to be placed.

With the fonts we try not to make a font less than 6mm tall or 1/4".  For the reason above as well as it just will not look good.  We do not want to make the logo too large on the shirt.  we try to make them look good on the average size of a shirt.  Have you ever seen a small women with a logo that looks like it takes over her shoulder?  That logo is just too big and does not look right on her!  Why didn't they think about this when they developed the logo or is this the way she wants to look?

Have you ever seen me wear my logo?  The wording at the bottom of the K's is really the maximum width that you want a logo to be.  I do this for two reasons.  One being that it is small lettering so it does not look that bad at that size.  The second reason is so that I have an example of the maximum width of a logo.

So, did you learn a little bit more about fonts and the limits to embroidery?  Now you know why a logo might look a little different on their shirt than their business card they are handing to you.

If you see that lady with her logo taking over her shirt or shoulder, and are confortable saying it, tell her how it looks and that you know someone that can make it look better on her!:)

Labels: digitizing, Embroidery, font, Kristie's Kreations, Logo, logos

This morning I was checking out some of the blogs that I like to stay up with such as Smaller Indiana and Stark Reality.  To my surprise there was a Post from Kyle Lacy in regards to a logo that he is developing for a customer.  He was asking for feedback from the Smaller Indiana community.

Most of the responses had to do with the look of the logo itself.  Well I had to add my 2 cents in regards to the logo being embroidered.  I started out by asking if his customer would ever want this logo to be embroidered.  If so, there are some things to think about when developing a logo because there are limits to embroidery. This is exactly what I have been talking about and plan on continuing to discuss.

The first logo choice has some shading in the logo.  Shading is not impossible to do but it is very difficult.  We have done shading in logos before but other logos, we will recommend that we get rid of the shading.  If there is just a little bit of shading then it can usually be done but when there are large areas where it is constant shading then it is not recommended.

The second point that I had was the small fonts.  Small fonts are very difficult ot make look good with embroidery.  BAsically the gist of it is that you are trying to put a bunch of stitches in a little space.  This just is not possible.  The font will not be crisp or readable.  I plan on discussing more of this in the near future.

Labels: blog, Embroidery, Kristie's Kreations, logo development, logos, Smaller Indiana

I know that I have been talking a lot lately about making your logo not shout out at others.  This is great for some but others really want their logo to stand out.  Still others do not change the look of their logo in any way.  In fact, they make sure that the clothing or item that their logo is going on will not clash with their logo or that it is not the same color as their logo.  They are very particular in deciding which item to purchase because they want the logo to stand out. Either of these choices are fine.  My job is to not only help you decide what to put your logo on and how to do it but to also make sure that it looks GREAT either way you decide.

The way that this is done has to do with the digitizing.  You may be saying "the what?" and if you do not know what digitizing is that is OK.  An easy description that you might have heard me say before is creating the stitches for your logo.  This is a detailed process and can be a very time consuming.  It may take us an hour to create a logo or days to create a logo.  I am very particular about the way that a logo looks when it is sewn out.  This has taken us years to accomplish the look and desire that we want.

When we first started Kristie's Kreations in 2001 we began digitizing and have continued to do it ourselves ever since.  I have to admit, Mark is really the one that does the digitizing.  It is very similar to Auto Cad and since Mark has an engineering degree, he has experience with it.  The digitizing did not come easy but it was much easier for him than myself.  We have both had the training but it has been much more difficult for me to pick up.

The set-up of a logo consists of spending time on the computer with the embroidery program as well as sewing out samples on the embroidery machine.  We may sew out a sample of a logo two times or 10 times before we show it to our customer.  I make sure that I am happy with the logo before I show it to you.  Even if I am happy with it does not mean that you will be happy with it.  If you are not happy, that is OK.  We will change it until you are happy!

The digitizing is just another limit to embroidery like I mentioned last week.  There are many factors to remember when setting up a logo.

Another thing that I hear often is how unhappy a customer is with their logo.  They had another company embroider their logo for them and they are just not happy.  Ninety-nine percent of the time this is because of the way that the logo was digitized.  A pure example of this is on our Testimonials Page as well as shown here.

[caption id="attachment_155" align="alignleft" width="231" caption="Competition sample"][/caption]

This particular customer called us on a Thursday.  They were very unhappy with the logo that someone else had done for them.  They asked if I could do a better job.  The problem was that they needed the shirts Friday for a walk that weekend.  We were able to digitize the logo so that it popped and then embroider it on the shirts for them so that they could wear them to the walk!  They were very happy so we were happy!  Can you tell a difference?

Do you ever hear how unhappy someone is with their embroidered apparel?  Is so, please give them my name.  I am more than happy to help make them happy with their logoed apparel!

Labels: digitizing, Embroidery, Kristie's Kreations, Logo, logos