Grand Rapids StitchArtist Evening Workshop

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

SpringHill Suites Grand Rapids Airport Southeast
5250 28th St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49512

When: 9am – 4pm the room opens at 8:30 am so that we can set up your computers.  We will break for lunch and class will be wrapping up between 3:30 – 4pm

Date: May 15, 2026

Room: Conference Room

Class size is limited to 12 students

Backstory:  Tonight is all about digitizing in StitchArtist – the program you already own and are using! Over the years of teaching, I have been noodling around on the idea of offering some sort of “advanced StitchArtist workshop”.  A sort of “pow wow” session where those that are currently using the software can get together and learn software techniques beyond the basics.  Beyond the how-to use the software instruction in my traditional hands on classes.

The “hurdles” that I had to address was how do I offer a class for only those that actually digitize in StitchArtist on a regular basis?  Hey – I’m not being mean, I just wanted to create a level playing field.  My regular classes are open to all skill levels – we have those that just bought the software because they were coming to class :-). If you are reading this and just bought StitchArtist and are planning on taking the StitchArtist all day class – the workshops are not for you – this time :-).  There are exceptions of course – those that enjoy taking my hands on classes to glean the shortcuts and time saving techniques that I teach because they are pretty comfortable with the software.

Class Content:

This is how these sessions are going to work.  As soon as you register for a StitchArtist Workshop, will get a link to the PDF with links to files and other information necessary for the workshop.  As soon as you register, the link is on the confirmation page.  Before class you will need to digitize something AND STITCH THEM OUT (at least once) before you come to class – and bring this to class.  Piles of test sews -doesn’t have to be a finished item.  You will need to send me the BE file two weeks before class if you want me to address something specific that you are struggling with or looking for a better way to do.  The information will be in the email with the graphics.

THIS IS NOT a competition class! We are going to learn from each other because with a class size limit of 18 we are going to see at least 18 different versions of each graphic suggestion.

Does the embroidery need to look exactly like the graphic – holy smokes not at all!  Use it as inspiration!  HOWEVER, if you are looking for guidance on creating logos from someone’s graphic where the logo needs to look like the graphic…..make that part of your digitizing plan!  Let us address and talk about that aspect.  If you’re looking for help with 3D puff embroidery – do that!  Stitch it and let’s see what you come up with.  Sketch, appliqué, the needle is in your pincushion!

Here is your warning…

Yes, in other classes you just have to show up and I do all the work to teach you all that I know about the topic at hand 🙂  After class you go home and put what you learned into action.  This class – you have to do the work before class so that what we talk about during class is exactly what you want to learn more about BUT you’ve already put forth the energy to try it the first time. I’m trying out this format because I hear “I want to learn how to create appliqué designs better” and the person has actually been afraid to try creating an appliqué design. You’re not going to “create anything better” because you haven’t created anything yet.

I talk a lot about what you learn from your test sew and what adjustments you make in the software after the test sew…. now you are coming to class with your test sew so I can be there with you as you make your adjustments and we can compare what we see in software vs what we see in person.

The class size is smaller.  We are skipping all the intro instructions and jumping right into what you have digitized.  My “plan” is that because everyone will be sending me their BE files ahead of time, I will have time to create some sort of lesson plan for our 2-1/2 hours together.  So the class is all about the students and their input – I just have to show up and have fun explaining and exploring different options!

Requirements:  Laptop, power supply, mouse, mousepad, Embrilliance software installed, authorized, and up to date.  Remember to bring your BE files with you – most of the time YOU will have more versions of your BE file than I do.  See FAQ below for update information!!

We are not stitching anything, so NO machines are used – this is a software only class.  If you are borrowing or using a brand new to you laptop, please take time to become familiar with the computer and how it works before coming to class and remember to bring your BE files that you worked on with you!.

When you register, the confirmation screen will have a link to the class files and workshop information.  I will probably send the same email again about a month before class to remind everyone they committed to this class homework so be sure that you have added @Sew-Bubbles.com to your safe sender list.

Frequently Asked Questions