About these workshops taught by Lisa Shaw

Here is some general information about the 3 day in person Embrilliance workshops taught by Lisa Shaw.  No machines.  Bring your own computer. These are Embrilliance Software hands on workshop classes.

Class runs from 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 start to wrap up around 3:30 for those that plan to drive in for day classes.

Each day session will be capped at 20-36 people per day depending on the location.

ONE program per day taught at the beginner level -Essentials, Enthusiast and StitchArtist.

There is an  “Beyond Beginner StitchArtist session” in the evening of Day 2 from 5pm – 7:30pm  – SO you must already be digitizing AND stitching designs that you create in StitchArtist.  The purpose, as explained below is for those that are already using StitchArtist and want to learn more.  PreClass homework is required – see description below.

All work in done on computer – no machines in the classroom.

Hear what others who have taken these classes have to say!

Three Days – a la cart or combination of 2 or 3 days

The classroom opens at 8:30am so that you can get situated with your computers set up.  We start the class at 9am.  We take about an hour-ish  break for lunch (boxed lunches are brought in)   We start wrapping up around 3:30 so that we are done and out of the room by 4:00.

Yes, you can sign up for one day, two days or if you really REALLY feel up to it, all 3 days.  I say “really REALLY feel up to it” because for many, taking 3 full days of hands on classes sounds like a great idea and it can be too much.  Its very easy to go on overload and have “mush brain” after trying to cram all the learning in.  Been there as both a student and a teacher so I try to warn people :-).

Day 1 – Embrilliance Essentials

If you’re brand new to Embrilliance—maybe you just purchased Essentials, don’t have software yet, or simply want someone to walk you through the program at a comfortable pace—Day 1 is for you.

This is a hands-on computer class focused on the Embrilliance Essentials customizing software. We’ll start with the basics and build from there as we explore how to open designs, resize them, add lettering, and use the many tools that allow you to customize designs to make them your own.

Along the way we’ll dive into working with colors—changing colors, adding new ones, and learning how to work with individual parts of designs so you can make thoughtful adjustments instead of guessing your way through edits. We’ll also spend time with the sewing simulator, learning how to preview and evaluate designs before sending them to your machine. Yes, you can resize designs—but how do you know when it’s a good idea… and when it’s time to do a test sew to make sure everything will stitch properly?

Bring your questions and come ready to explore. There is so much built into the program, and throughout the day we’ll cover practical tips and tricks to help you customize your embroidery designs quickly and confidently.

While this day begins at the very start—making it ideal for those new to Embrilliance—it’s not just for beginners. Even long-time users often discover new shortcuts, techniques, and “aha” moments that make working in the Embrilliance platform (not just Essentials) faster and easier.

Day 2 – Embrilliance Enthusiast

Day 2 is dedicated entirely to exploring the powerful features of Embrilliance Enthusiast. From automated tools to detailed stitch editing, this hands-on class focuses exclusively on what you can do inside the Enthusiast program.

We’ll begin with a quick overview of the program interface, which is helpful for those who may only own Enthusiast or are new to working with it. From there, we dive straight into the features that make this program such a creative embroidery tool.

Many people recognize Enthusiast for its patented KnockDown™ stitches, but that’s just the beginning. In this class, we’ll explore how to use Enthusiast to create new designs without digitizing by taking advantage of its powerful stitch editing capabilities.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Take designs apart to create smaller or modified versions

  • Make precise stitch adjustments

  • Break designs apart and rearrange them to change stitch order and layering

  • Learn about stitch editing tools for creative projects such as intertwined monograms

Some people assume this is an intermediate-level class, but that’s not quite accurate. We start at the beginning of the Enthusiast program and focus only on the features available within it, making the class approachable while still opening the door to some incredibly creative possibilities.

By the end of the day, you’ll see how Enthusiast can become one of the most powerful and flexible tools in your embroidery workflow—helping you transform existing designs into something completely new.

Day 3 – Embrilliance StitchArtist

Ready to create your own embroidery designs instead of just collecting them? Day 3 is all about digitizing—turning graphics into stitch-ready embroidery using the powerful tools in StitchArtist.

In this hands-on class, we focus on the foundation tools of digitizing and the thought process behind building a design. You’ll learn how to develop a digitizing plan and explore the different stitch types used to bring artwork to life. Most of the day will focus on StitchArtist Level 1, making this class perfect for beginners—even if you have zero digitizing experience.

Later in the afternoon, we’ll begin working with satin stitches for elements such as swirls and lettering. Some of the controls for these features live in StitchArtist Level 2, so we’ll highlight the differences between the tools available in each level. You’ll also see examples of additional features like gradients and curved fills, which are available in StitchArtist L2.

Our goal for the day is to build a strong foundation in digitizing concepts, terminology, and techniques so you feel confident continuing your learning when you return home.

And one important note: the projects we start in class may not be finished by the end of the day—and that’s perfectly fine. The focus is on learning proper digitizing techniques, not rushing through a design. By the end of the session, you’ll understand the process and have the skills to keep creating long after class ends.

Just like the Embrilliance software, each Day can be taken on its own.  However, because of the specific nature of Day 3, we make a few assumptions:  1. that you are familiar with the user interface of the program, 2.that you WILL watch the beginning digitizing video before class.  This just means you have some homework to do before class to get the most out of it 🙂

Intermediate StitchArtist evening workshop

The intermediate StitchArtist evening workshop(s) will be more of a “study group” 2-1/2 hour session – from 5pm to 7:30pm. We will have a max of 12 people per session who send in their pre-class homework.  Others may be added at a later time who will AUDIT the class – this is the same as watching YouTube videos except in a classroom – you are just watching what others have done. Historically, we have had an average of 8 people in the evening session with various skill levels. This is your chance to get personalized assistance.

If you are thinking about this session but do not know “if you are qualified”, answer these questions:

  1. Do you own StitchArtist (any level)?
  2. Did you follow the beginner How to Digitize video Or How to digitize Sketch & Scribble style embroidery  OR How to digitize a keyfob video and stitch out your design?
  3. Have you used StitchArtist create mode to create a design and stitch it out?
  4. After you stitched out your design that YOU created using StitchArtist, do you wish you had someone to help you understand what to change to make it better?

If you answered YES to 3 or more of the questions above, you are “qualified” to take the class.  Please check out the linked PDF below for more information about what is expected from you to do BEFORE class so that you get the most out of this session.

The class registration screen has the links to the newsletter with the graphics that you will digitize on your own in your style no restrictions.  You will then submit your BE file using the linked form from the information page and bring in your test sew so we have a starting place for what we will talk about.

The evening session is for those that are already digitizing in StitchArtist and are looking for guidance to improve, streamline and enhance their skill level. Prerequisite class work is required. NOTE: I reserve the right to cancel this session if we do not have enough people signed up.

Here is the PDF with more information about this “not beginner” session.

Class Session Pricing

 Day 1 Essentials $200.00         Day 2 Enthusiast $200.00         Day 3 StitchArtist $200.00
(the above all day classes include a box lunch delivered to the hotel)

Intermediate StitchArtist workshop

 Day 2 Evening Session   $75
(bring your own snack/beverage if you like to munch as you digitize)

NOTE: Yes, the Intermediate Session takes place BEFORE the all day StitchArtist class.
In order to register for the Intermediate StitchArtist sessions you must already own and be familiar digitizing in StitchArtist.  

Click here for the cancellation policy.  In short – these are non-refundable classes – just like purchasing a ticket to a concert.

Check out the FAQ for answers to the commonly asked questions.

Click here for my current schedule

If you are on Facebook – here is a group that we have setup for those interested in getting information, finding a roommate, and more!  Finding Embrilliance Classes on Facebook