I've been trying different things with my Janome MC 550E embroidery machine, and one really neat technique I want to try is free standing lace (FSL). There are designs for every season; every occasion.

You can make some really amazing 3D items, like this free standing lace skull my friend made.

Picture courtesy of Kelly Sang
Picture courtesy of Kelly Sang.

Using Madeira Water Soluble Stabilizer is one of the secrets to this technique, and, after embroidering each segment of the design, the skull is then hand sewn together using the same thread as the embroidery. Janome Canada is a distributor of Madeira products, including stabilizers and a variety of thread for every purpose, so check with your Janome dealer for details.

I love the detail in this design! These make great Halloween decorations, too. Just put a battery operated tea light underneath to give it a great spooky look. The kids will love it!

Just a reminder...a great place to stash your Halloween candy from the kids, and everyone else, is in the hidden compartment in the seat of the Arrow sewing chair, also available from Janome dealers.

Happy Halloween and Happy Sewing from Janome Canada!