Embroidering Patterns

Embroidering Patterns Learning to Embroider Patterns ChaptersLearning the Essential StitchesCreating Your Embroidery PatternsFull Patterns or Basic Outlines?Advice for Creating EmbroideryHow Can You Learn to Embroider?“You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” - Maya AngelouAre you creative or would you like to be?More and more people are looking for creative hobbies and pastimes.Have you considered embroidery?There’s something for everyone when it comes to embroidery. To get started, here’s what you need to know about embroidering patterns. RaySewing Teacher 5.00 (6) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PrincessSewing Teacher 5.00 (2) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AnaSewing Teacher 5.00 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ArianwenSewing Teacher 5.00 (2) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ShaziaSewing Teacher 5.00 (2) £10/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ZanetaSewing Teacher 5.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GianmariaS ewing Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JacquelineSewing Teacher £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsLearning the Essential StitchesTo start with embroidery, you need to familiarise yourself with the different stitches and embroidery techniques. These embroidery stitches will be used to create your first patterns onto linen or an Aida cloth. So get your needles out and start by learning these stitches. Cross-stitch is great for beginners. (Source: severyanka)The Cross-stitchThe cross-stitch is one of the easiest stitches to do and is often taught to beginners. It’s a good idea to learn how to do this stitch on an Aida cloth; a fabric with a grid of holes ready for you to work on. With your Aida cloth, needle, and thread, you can learn how to do cross-stitch in a matter of minutes.The cross-stitch involves creating a cross with the thread. Start by bringing the needle up and then bringing it down diagonally from the first point. Next, bring it up in one of the adjacent corners and back down diagonally across the original line to make a cross. You’ve just done your first cross-stitch! You can create entire embroideries with just a cross-stitch. There are plenty of patterns for butterflies, windmills, houses, etc. just using cross-stitches.The Stem StitchThe stem stitch is also a very simple stitch that you can learn how to do. You can use it to make fine lines such as the stem of a flower, for example. Start by bringing your needle up and then back down about a centimetre away in the direction you want to go, then bring the needle back up through the first point. You can do this for several stitches, always coming up through the end of the last stitch.With just these two stitches, you can make a lot of embroideries. After you've learnt these hand embroidery stitches, you can move onto the satin stitch, chain stitch, back stitch, French knot, running stitch, blanket stitch, etc.Using Embroidery PatternsBudding embroiderers don’t often know where to begin, what to embroider, or how to embroider it. Fortunately, this is what patterns are for.Patterns are essentially a how-to guide that shows embroiderers what stitches to make and which colours to use to create embroidery. The different stitches are indicated. You can find patterns in embroidery books and embroidery kits. You can also find them online!There are two main types of pattern.Traditionally, pattern s are found printed out. The embroiderer can refer to it and know which stitches they should be making and where they should make them. This is more complicated than having the pattern printed directly onto the fabric.In this case, the embroiderer can just follow the markings on the pattern with the right coloured thread. They won’t need to count stitches as they’re already marked out on the fabric they’re embroidering on.These types of patterns are particularly useful for beginners. However, you won’t be able to let your imagination run wild with them. You’ll need to reproduce the patterns as they appear on the fabric.Think of them as training.Creating Your Embroidery PatternsIn the past, it was uncommon for everyone to have access to patterns. After all, when it comes to creative pursuits, the goal is to be creative and let your imagination do the talking. Patterns are used as instruction manuals for embroidery. (Source: 5xy)Bit by bit, try to make your patterns, even if they are simple. This might be a flower, a house, whatever.  Of course, don’t just dive in and start embroidering directly onto the fabric.It’s a good idea to use a water erasable marker so that you can sketch out what you plan to embroider and remove these markings once you’ve finished embroidering. Sketch out your ideas first. Once you’ve done this, you can start following these lines with cross-stitches, stem stitches, chain stitches, etc.  Once you’re comfortable with this, you can start embroidering your patterns onto clothing or furnishings.There are plenty of places you can get inspiration for your projects. For example, the social network Pinterest is home to many inspiration embroiders who regularly share their creations and their ideas. Similarly, there’s loads of inspiration for knitting, sewing, patchwork, crochet, embroidery and a whole plethor a of textile arts.Made a mistake?Learn about removing embroidery. RaySewing Teacher 5.00 (6) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PrincessSewing Teacher 5.00 (2) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AnaSewing Teacher 5.00 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ArianwenSewing Teacher 5.00 (2) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ShaziaSewing Teacher 5.00 (2) £10/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ZanetaSewing Teacher 5.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GianmariaSewing Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JacquelineSewing Teacher £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsFull Patterns or Basic Outlines?You can create almost anything with embroidery. You can make animals, letters, a face, anything that pops into your head. Of course, the style will differ by embroiderer.You can embroider a face just by using lines. You can also create a face leaving no empty spaces. The entire pattern is embroider ed with cross-stitches or satin stitches, etc.  These patterns are easier to see from a distance but they also require a lot more thread and a lot more time.If you don’t want to spend too much time on your embroidery and are looking for a more delicate result, you may want to work just with lines and using stem stitches, for example.You can also use cross-stitches for the contours but these won’t give very good results for curves and the result will look pixelated.Choose the style that works for you.Finished?Consider framing your embroidery.Advice for Creating EmbroideryBefore you start your first project, we recommend you get everything that you’re going to need. Set aside a space you can work in so that you won’t constantly be getting up and looking for stuff. Make sure your needles, threads, scissors, and everything else you need are within reach. Patterns can range from the very simple to the very complex. (Source: stux)Take particular care when choosing the fabric. You don’t want to use fabric that stretches a lot as it can be really difficult to work on. If you’re starting with cross-stitch, consider getting an Aida cloth or linen.Start small; you don’t want to be overambitious with your first project. The goal of your first project is to learn the basics of embroidery. Of course, don’t choose a tiny project with lots of small fiddly parts.Once you’ve finished your first project, ask for some feedback from somebody in the know. For example, the staff in arts and crafts shops or haberdasheries are often avid embroiderers.Finally, keep in mind that embroidery isn’t just done with thread. You can use ribbon, wool, pearls, etc.  All of these things are great for jazzing up outfits and furnishings.Discover how to embroider eyes.How Can You Learn to Embroider?If you want to get some help with your embroidery, there ar e plenty of resources and people who can help. You can embroider with more than just thread. (Source: tookapic)You can learn how to embroider with YouTube tutorials. There are videos explaining almost every technique and they're great for practising.If you’re not a huge fan of the internet, you can always find guides and books to help you learn. Additionally, you can keep these books within reach while you’re working. An embroidery kit for beginners is also a great idea as they come with everything you need to get started as well as a beginner’s guide to embroidery.Haberdasheries and arts and crafts shops also have workshops for those wanting to learn how to embroider. You can get advice from professionals on your projects and what materials you should use.It's up to you now.You could look for private embroidery tutors on Superprof to guide you through the process and teach you how to do it. If you need help with embroidery designs, needlepoint, Blackwork, or Hardanger, consider getting in touch with one. There are three ma in types of tutorial available and, like with tutors, each comes with its pros and cons.Face-to-face tutorials are great for getting bespoke and tailored tuition as you're the only student in the class. Furthermore, your tutor will be spending a lot of time outside of the sewing classes preparing lessons for you. While these are usually the most costly, they're also the most cost-effective as every minute of a session is spent helping you learn.Online tutorials are similar but your tutor won't be there in the room with you. While these are usually better for academic subjects, if you've got a good webcam, microphone, and internet connection, there's no reason a talented embroider couldn't help you learn remotely. Online private tutors tend to cheaper than face-to-face tutorials.Finally, group tutorials are good for those on a budget as the cost of the tutor's time and experience will be shared amongst all the students in attendance. While you won't get as much one-on-one time with y our tutor, you will pay less per student per hour.

10 Small Tweaks for Studying Spanish With a BIG Impact

10 Small Tweaks for Studying Spanish With a BIG Impact Suzy S. Learning a new language can be a time-consuming and demanding undertaking theres no way around that. No matter how much you study, you wont wake up the next day fluent. But dont let that stop you! While there are no quick-fixes when it comes to learning Spanish, there are  tricks and strategies for making sure youre not wasting any valuable time. And whether youre  studying Spanish in school, taking lessons after work as a hobby, or gearing up for a trip to a  Spanish-speaking country, theres no sense spending time studying if you end up forgetting the new material the next day. (Weve all been there, right?) Below, weve rounded up the best tips to help you study Spanish try them all and see what works for you! 1. Identify your learning style. The first question to ask yourself before you study Spanish is, “What is my learning style?” Decide whether you are a visual, auditory, kinesthetic, logical, or verbal learner, and then use that info to decide which tricks and techniques feel most comfortable to you. 2. Pay attention when you learn new material the first time around. As you study Spanish vocabulary and grammar rules, its important to make sure you pay attention the first time you learn new info! Consider the new idea and pretend that you will have to reteach the information immediately. Repeat the information back to yourself, and this will help to anchor the information in your brain. 3. Implement mnemonic devices. These are a system of rhymes, rules, phrases, diagrams, or acronyms that help you memorize dates, facts, figures, and so on. When you use a mnemonic device, you take original information and turn it into a more appealing version that your brain can more easily remember. A good example is ROYGBIV (colors of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet). 4. Use different forms of multi-media. You retain knowledge better when multiple parts of the brain are working together. Read about new info, write it down, listen to an audio version, and speak about it out loud. Try all of these modes of communication, and you will learn more info at a quicker pace. 5. Remember what you already learned. Connect new concepts with old concepts that you’ve already mastered. This helps to improve recall speed and comprehension of new material. For example, if you’re learning about elements of the culture, like Spanish holidays, go back and review your lessons on food and travel vocabulary. 6. Label your surroundings with post-it notes. One of the best ways to learn new Spanish vocabulary is to label all of the items that you see every day. You will start to connect the physical act of seeing, touching, or using this item with the new word that is attached to it, and it will stick in your mind. Tip: Check out FlashSticks for pre-made vocabulary sticky notes! 7. Use the chunking technique. Our brains are wired to remember seven pieces of info at a time. When you chunk information, you break it up into smaller blocks of info that your brain can process and remember. Remembering someone’s phone number is a perfect example of how this works. 8. Learn by osmosis. Repeat new concepts and vocabulary words out loud and record yourself saying this new information. Then, listen to it over and over again even while you’re sleeping. You’ll start to retain the information without even realizing it! 9. Make a mind map. This is a great way to burn new information into your brain. A mind map is a visual representation of new concepts. Use note cards, pictures, and paper to draw out facts, explanations, and organized concepts. Pin it up on the wall and look at every day. The links and connections will get visually stuck in your mind, and you will be able to draw upon those images when you need them later. 10. Immersion: Fully immerse yourself in all things Spanish. Watch Spanish TV, listen to Spanish music, read the newspaper in Spanish, and try to speak in Spanish whenever possible. The more you immerse yourself with the culture and the language, the more information will stick in your head. Bonus: Work with a Spanish Tutor! The tips above will help you as you spend time studying alone, but dont forget the power of working with a Spanish tutor! Reading books and listening to audio can only get you so far getting that conversational practice is truly key to mastering the language. As you practice with your tutor, youll learn how to understand cues, translate information quickly, and also learn about more informal ways of speaking. Plus, having a set time for lessons will hold you accountable and ensure  consistent practice. Combine your private lessons with the tips above, and youll be well on your way to learning the language quickly and efficiently. Good luck! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photos by  Trish,  Julie Kertesz,  waynewhuang,  Spry,  Michael Summers,  Ignacio Palomo Duarte,  Wrote,  Lynn Friedman,  Wally Gobetz,  Larry Lamsa

5 GMAT Mistakes You Must Avoid

5 GMAT Mistakes You Must Avoid Youve studied long and hard for the GMAT. You know the test in and out. Youve scheduled a GMAT test date. So what could possibly trip you up on test day? Once youve prepared for the exam, most GMAT mistakes come down to timing. Lets examine five blunders to look out for before you take the GMAT. 1. Arriving late to the center The first step to avoiding GMAT mistakes is simply showing up on time. You should be at your GMAT testing center at least 30 minutes ahead of time. In fact, if you arrive more than 15 minutes after your scheduled exam time, you may not be admitted to take the test. Plan your travel route and visit the center beforehand to avoid any day-of transportation issues. Introduce yourself to the receptionist or center manager and let them know you will be taking your exam there. Identify the locations of the lockers and the restrooms. Bring water and snacks for the scheduled breaks. But most importantly, rest the day before so you have the energy necessary to get through the three-and-a-half-hour test. 2. Not taking the optional breaks You may wish to try and save time by working through your breaks, but this isnt always advisable; in fact, it is a common GMAT mistake. It will not necessarily help your performance because you run this risk of burning out before you reach the end of the exam. Take this time to relax, use the restroom, drink your water, and/or eat your snacks. Use your breaks as periods of reinvigoration to help you continue to perform your best on the following sections of the GMAT. 3. Solving questions solely in your head You dont get extra points for your thoughts, so make sure you use the noteboard provided to show your work when applicable. Organize your pages so that you can read your work and strategically eliminate incorrect answers. Even the simplest formulas can become stressful to work out mentally on test day. Jotting down notes, equations, keywords, and phrases can help you concentrate on the question at hand and lead you to the best answer choice. 4. Dwelling on previous or future questions The GMAT is a computer adaptive exam; you can only answer the question in front of you, and you cant continue until you provide an answer to that question. Therefore, you should focus solely on addressing the question currently on the screen. Dont worry about what came before or what will come next. Furthermore, dont try to determine the level of the question. This wont help you solve it. Instead, try to understand what this particular question is asking, select the best answer choice, and then move on to the next question. 5. Taking too long on any one question You should try to spend no more than a couple of minutes on each question. Use your time strategically. This means knowing your strengths and weaknesses on each section and on each question type. Not completing an entire section on time (i.e. leaving questions unanswered) will result in a penalty, so answering every question is a must. However, getting through a section too quickly is not necessarily advisable either. If you are flying through a portion of the exam but not answering all of the questions correctly, then slow down. Take the time to read each question carefully. There is no bonus for finishing the exam with extra minutes left over, so use all the time that you are given to reach your target GMAT score. To avoid these common GMAT mistakes, preparation is key. Take your GMAT practice tests in an environment that closely replicates the test centers environment on exam day, in the same time periodincluding the breaks. Jot down your thoughts as you move through the test. Focus on the question at hand and keep a steady pace in each section. By practicing for the GMAT in this methodical way, you will be able to not only answer the questions on the exam, but also prevent any slip-ups that could stand in the way of performing your best on the GMAT.

What You Need to Know About SAT Subject Tests

What You Need to Know About SAT Subject Tests Youve obviously heard about the SAT, but what about the SAT Subject Tests? These exams are college admission tests on specific subjects. Students can choose the tests that best showcase their strengths and weaknesses. The SAT Subject Tests measure students knowledge at the high school level. Here are a few things you and your teen need to know about these exams: There are 20 SAT Subject Tests available in five subject areas. Those areas are Mathematics (2), Science (3), English (1), History (2) and Languages (12). Each test is one hour long, multiple choice and scored on a 200-800-point scale. Exams are offered on the same days as the regular SAT. Thats six times a year, although not all 20 tests are offered on every date. The Language and Listening tests are only offered in November. Students cannot take the SAT on the same day they take an SAT Subject Test. However, students can take up to three SAT Subject Tests on a single test date. Students can use the SAT Subject Tests to prove they are ready for certain majors or programs. Colleges and universities sometimes require or recommend one or more SAT Subject Tests when they want to get a sense of students readiness for a particular subject or program. A student interested in majoring in math, for example, might choose to take both Mathematics Subject Tests as a way of highlighting this subject strength and interest on their application. The SAT Subject Tests offer the chance to highlight several subjects not tested on the SAT. There are Math and English Subject Tests (subjects covered on the SAT), but there are also Subject Tests on science, history and 12 different languages. For students interested in pursuing majors related to these subjects, SAT Subject Tests might be a good idea, especially if students already possess a high level of knowledge in those subjects. Preparation is different than it is for the SAT. Like the SAT, the SAT Subject Tests are based on what students learn in high school. However, these tests go deeper into a subject. Thus, it can be helpful to prepare individually for these tests, even though the best method (as with all standardized exams) is to work hard in high school classes. Want to find out if a school requires, recommends or considers SAT Subject Test scores? Call their admissions office or visit their website. Very few colleges/universities in the U.S. require SAT Subject Tests (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, California Institute of Technology, certain colleges/schools within Cornell University and Harvey Mudd College are among them) but some schools recommend submitting such scores (e.g. Harvard, Georgetown, Brown). The best and most current source on this, of course, is the college/university itself. Huntington helps students perform their best on the SAT and the SAT Subject Tests. We know how to help students prepare effectively for these exams. Questions? Call us to learn more about our test prep programs. 1-800 CAN LEARN.

English Conditionals Second Conditional with Beyoncé

English Conditionals Second Conditional with Beyoncé When learning English you need to eventually practice the conditionals. In English there are three conditionals. We call these the Frist Conditional (for general truths and real situations in present and future), the Second Conditional (For unreal or imaginary situations in present or future) and the Third Conditional (for unreal or imaginary situations in past, these are usually the opposite of the truth).Today this English lesson is about the second conditional for unreal or imaginary situations. There are two clauses (parts) to a conditional phrase.If ClauseThis is the IF clause or part of the sentence. We form this clause with IF + subject (I, you, we) + past simple/past continuous. If I won the lottery. (remember the verb is in the past but doesnt signify the past, we put the verb in past to indicate the tone of an imaginary situation.)Would Clause-This is the would clause or part of the sentence. We form this clause with Subject + would + verb present simple (infinitive). I wou ld buy a new car.Examples: If I won the lottery I would buy a new car.If I had a dog I would take it for a walk every day.If I were you I wouldnt wake Paul up, he is really grumpy in the mornings.If I smelled fire I would leave the building.These are all imaginary situations that are in the present or future. Notice in number three we use were, instead of was; this indicates advice being given.Now watch the video! Listen for the second conditionals. How many can you write down? If I were a boy Id _______out of bed in the morning and go.If I were a boy _______ drink beer with the boys.If I were a boy Id ______I could understand. (Note: could is the participle hear.)If I were a boy, I swear to you, I would ______ a better man.______ listen to her.If I were a boy Id ______off my phone.____put myself first.They say five words at the beginning of the video. Are these English Nouns, Adjectives, Adverbs, or Verbs? What are their suffixes?Writing Exercise:There are many movies about switchi ng places and being able to experience being the opposite gender for a day or two. What would you do if you were the opposite sex?Got questions? Email us or ask them in comments below. Sign up for our English classes. Inscribéte para nuestros cursos de inglés.If you found this lesson helpful, feel free to share it on Facebook and Twitter.

BPU Holdings Make Big Changes With ZimGo

BPU Holdings Make Big Changes With ZimGo pexels.com ZimGo has looked into one of the more prominent beneficiaries, such as Politics/Government. The company looked into the social media sentiment for the current election and saw that candidates were neck in neck when it came to positive or negative feelings towards them by the people. In lieu of the recent debates the level of sentiment has become minuscule, showcasing the fact that follower commitment is quite low. Crag Burton, technologist, advisor and BPU technical strategy leader stated that “This kind of social analytics empowers people to make more informed decisions as they seek to deal with the flood of social interactivity and manage their tribe while protecting privacy.” While other competitors are trying to become much better and seek to be more advanced than ZimGo, it has shown that it cannot be matched. BPU Holdings has shown that ZimGo is a complete Sentiment Analysis application and they have more recently added support for emoticons, while also having typical slang being analyzed; other companies are simply using an updated standard dictionary. ZimGo also provides Entity Recognition for certain people and organizations. English and Japanese versions of ZimGo will be available soon in limited beta release. Those of you that are interested in the beta release can enroll here.

5 Ways to Navigate the Community College System

5 Ways to Navigate the Community College System 5 ways to navigate the community college system Many students choose to attend the excellent California community college system. Theres a chance for them to earn some certificates or AA degrees that will help them in their career or, they can transfer to a four-year Cal State or University of California campus and continue to finish their bachelor’s degree. Students who choose this option will need to complete a number of tasks before they can enroll and be successful. There are also a ton of options for students to go above and beyond when it comes to contributing to their campus community and gain an excellent chance of transferring to their dream four-year university. 1.   Before the first day of class Many students intend to start at a community college in the fall after graduating high school but never actually go through the steps to become a student. Anyone can enroll in a community college as long as they have a high school diploma but they still have to become an official student, take a series of exams, and meet with an advisor. Students should visit the website of the college they plan on attending and write down a list of important dates and deadlines. They should also visit the campus theyre going to attend and become familiar with their new surroundings.   While on campus, applicants should also make an appointment to meet with an academic advisor who can walk them through the various courses they need to take to earn an AA degree or transfer to a four-year campus. 2.   Academic and career counselors Community college students should plan to meet with an academic or career counselor at least once a semester while in attendance. New students may need to meet with a counselor several times to make sure theyre on the right track. Academic counselors can make sure that a student is taking the right classes so they can transfer to a four-year university of their choice or they can help students select appropriate courses to achieve an AA degree or complete a certificate program. If students are unsure of what they want to study as their future major they should check back with their academic counselor on a regular basis. Career counselors can also help students figure out what they need to do to get to a specific career. 3.   Choosing a four-year campus to transfer to Community college students in California will have two primary choices when it comes to transfer options. They can either attend the University of California system or the California State system. Both options will provide a clear path for which courses students need to take in order to successfully transfer. Students who are thinking about attending a private college or an out-of-state school are encouraged to talk with an admissions advisor at that school to make sure the courses they’re taking are transferable (READ: 5 Things to Think About Before Deciding On a College). 4.   Academic clubs and organizations One way community college students can go above and beyond their basic course load and impress potential admissions committees is to join any number of academic clubs and organizations. Some academic societies offer membership based on the student’s GPA while others are focused on a student’s concentration/major or just their general interests. Students can also join advocacy and volunteer organizations that help students of all different circumstances be successful and feel close to their community. These types of things look really good on a transcript but they are also a fabulous way to have a good overall two-year college experience. 5.   Non-traditional options Community colleges also offer students a ton of additional options to complete their courses and earn a degree. For instance, there are eight-week courses where motivated students can get through the course material faster, online courses for students who work full-time or dont live near the campus, and some vocational and elective courses ranging from physical fitness classes to concrete on-the-job training. There are tons of ways students can be successful these days, and they should explore the many options that community colleges have to offer. Still applying to college? Our private Irvine college admissions consultants are here to help. Our consultants have a 97% success rate. Call us today for more information. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us write