|
Sublime Stitching is...
...the first DIY company to bring tattoos and rock-and-roll to
embroidery design! Good-bye bunnies, teddy bears and geese in bonnets.
Since 2001, Sublime Stitching has inspired thousands to try their hand
at embroidery with a contemporary take on stitching. Sublime
Stitching has led the way for alternative embroidery Patterns, Kits, Tools, Textiles and Education
for this once-dying
hobby. Sublime Stitching is the original independent company that fired
up the needlework revolution for the DIY movement and is the driving
force enticing anyone and everyone to try embroidery.
Who are you? Who creates all this stuff?
Jenny Hart
founded Sublime Stitching in 2001 to bring embroidery back! Frustrated
at the overabundance of bunny patterns that didn't appeal to a new
generation of stitchers, and boring,
difficult instructions that didn't make sense to a complete newbie like herself, Jenny decided to start a design company of her
own with a new take on embroidery. With a small amout of money loaned from dad, basic html skills, and a personal obsession with stitching, Jenny launched a website, product line, and mission to change embroidery's look and teach it to a new audience. The first line of designs launched in
2001 under the company name Sublime Stitching® to worldwide press and exclamation over her mix of art and craft. Sublime Stitching has long since been a trusted, indie craft company built from the ground up by one of the DIY community's very own. Jenny has been trying to keep up ever since with the outpouring of attention and demand for her signature style in stitches. After operating the company primarily by herself for six years (with some beloved assistants and advisors helping along the way), Jenny's staff now includes a stable of wonderful, indispensible people who keep this show going!
Is embroidery hard to do?
Nope. It's easy and inexpensive (and relaxing and rewarding and fun). With iron-on transfers, there are no charts to follow or rows to count. You simply follow the lines to make a sublime design. (Ba dump bump!)
What do I need to start embroidering?
Lost in the hobby aisles? Sublime Stitching introduced the original, all-in-one Embroidery Starter Kits
that come with everything you need to get started stitching. And we
don't mean just one, make-the-picture-on-the-box project. These kits
pack quality supplies to launch a hundred how-you-want-it projects. Plus, you can custom-build your kit right here on our website, choosing the project and patterns you want! Our kits are lovingly assembled for you right here in Texas.
Do you have instructions for beginners?
Sweetie, we have everything a beginner needs, including encouragement! Jenny's uniquely entertaining instructions focus on fun and making sense. Each Sublime Stitching Kit
comes with complete instructions and simple diagrams for learning
stitches, applying patterns and using the tools. The pattern packs each
have a basic how-to for getting started in embroidery. And you can
always visit the How-To section or Sublime Stitching's Books for more in-depth instruction on embroidery. Many of our
customers have said these instructions are the first to make sense to them. (Which makes us really happy.)
How do these patterns work?
These are
multi-imprinting iron-on embroidery transfers that leave an outline on fabric for you to stitch. You can expect approximately 3-8 imprints
from each design, to make multiple, repeatable images. The patterns can also be transferred to wood and paper for painting templates. The patterns are designed
to inspire different combinations so you can mix and match to make your
own unique compositions. There are hundreds of possible combos in each pack! Complete instructions are included for how to transfer the designs.
Are these patterns only for embroidery?
Dude. Check this out: you can transfer these patterns on to wood, heavy
paper, leather, canvas, even use as a template for painting on glass or for Shinky Dinks!
Make whatever you can think of! We're just partial to embroidery around
here...
Do you have patterns for children or boys?
Sublime Stitching patterns cover a wide variety of themes that are perfect for small children and boys as well. The book, Sublime Stitching: Hundreds of Hip Patterns and How-To , offers the largest number of simple designs for children and boys. Also, take a gander at the helpful Looking for something? page.
How do I make my own patterns?
One of the easiest ways is with our Transfer Carbon Paper found in Tools. Unlike papers that are chalky and messy, these sheets leave a
clean, dark line in grey (or white) that won't rub off (grr!) before
you finish stitching up your project. Just be aware that transfer carbons don't work well on soft, spongy fabrics like t-shirts.
How do I get a pattern on dark fabric?
Get yourself some of our Transfer Carbon Paper which includes the ever hard-to-find white.
Will you help me with my project?
Due to the volume of email coming in, we are unable to answer
individual emails requesting tips on embroidery projects, but you can post your question to the Sublime Stitching Craftster Forum so
everyone can see the answers and benefit from the advice. And, don't forget to visit
your local needlework shop! Independent needlework shops are usually
staffed with experienced needleworkers who often are happy to answer
specific questions about how to complete a stitch, what materials are
best for your project, and they often offer workshops. Check our Retailers page where we've indicated which of our retailers are needlework shops.
Can I show you my project?
We'd love to see your project! You can submit it directly to the Customer Gallery, post it to the Sublime Stitching Flickr Photo Group, or to the Sublime Stitching Craftster Forum. We check these regularly and get dorky thrills seeing what people have made with the designs.
Do you teach workshops?
Yes, Jenny teaches embroidery workshops throughout the year in various
locations across the country. She doesn't have a regular schedule
of workshops, but if you want to catch her in person, be sure to
keep your eye on the Sublime Stitching Event Calendar and sign up for the Sublime Stitching Newsletter
for announcements of Jenny's talks, appearances and workshops. Want
Jenny to come to your city or local needlework shop and hold a
workshop? Please contact us and let us know!
Which patterns come in the kits?
Any you want! Sublime Stitching Kits (Ultimate, La Petite, Stitchin' Bee) are customizable, allowing you to pick any one pattern pack from a choice of over 50 themes to go in your kit. Jenny's titles for Chronicle Books have their own unique set of patterns all their own. Collect them all!
Will you make a custom pattern for me?
Sorry, we do not offer custom pattern designs. (But you can always suggest a design you'd like to see!)
Will you embroider something for me?
Sorry, we do not offer custom embroidery or finishing services. If you need something embroidered, check your local yellow pages where you
will find numerous companies offering customized, digitized embroidery.
People who offer custom handwork are most often found by simply asking
around. We are unable to offer referrals.
Can I suggest a pattern theme or product idea?
Absolootely! In fact, most of the pattern themes are based on customer
demands. Once Jenny started releasing the designs, she was overwhelmed
with requests for patterns ideas stitchers wanted to see next.
Most patterns are based on popular demand, so we're always interested in hearing your ideas,
thoughts and suggestions! We want to know what you want, really we do.
Can I sell what I make with your patterns?
Yes, you can under our Angel Policy-turned Licensing Program (it's essentially the same). Sublime Stitching patterns are intended for personal use, and use of the designs on product for re-sale
does require a Licensing Agreement with us. It costs nothing to apply. Please be aware that
use of the designs on goods for re-sale without this agreement (embroidered
or not) is strictly prohibited (please read why on the next entry). Contact us for more information on licensing with Sublime Stitching.
What's your "Angel Policy"?
It has been retro-fitted as our Licensing Program (see above entry). When Sublime Stitching first fired up in 2001, Jenny had a straight-up Angel
Policy (meaning: you are free to sell what you make, by hand, in a quantity of under 20 pieces, with her designs. All that was asked in return was that you label the product crediting where the designs
came from, no agreement needed). But the policy was abused, and as Sublime Stitching and the DIY movement exploded we became vulnerable to third-party infringers (ie: large company trend-spotters and product
designers who frequent our indie markets looking for ideas). This
created very real problems for us, and Sublime Stitching designs turned
up on two clothing lines from major manufacturers (not made by hand, produced in quantities of hundreds, being sold in retail stores nationwide) without our
permission. We successfully stopped these manufacturers, but at great financial, legal
cost. We did not want to prevent the indie community from being able
to sell goods with our designs on them, but we needed to protect our
copyright to prevent theft from the big, bad guys. The way to do this is with a no-frills, easy-to-apply licensing program. Problem solved! So, just get yourself an easy agreement so you can start selling already!
Is there a Sublime Stitching store?
No, but you can find Sublime Stitching products at fine independent retailers nationwide (and internationally).
Do you have a mail-order catalog?
Not really, but we do have a simple line-sheet for those of you who
would rather place your order by mail and not make payments online.
Just contact us to request one and also go to Orders By Mail for information.
Do you offer wholesale?
You betcha we do! Just email wholesale@sublimestitching.com for info, or simply register with us and follow the prompts for completing a wholesale application.
How are online payments processed?
Orders placed at this website are managed by Authorizenet.com.
Paying by credit card online with Sublime Stitching is secure, and you
may pay by credit card or PayPal through the shopping cart. Both
options are offered at checkout. Orders by mail are also accepted.
Can I place my order by mail?
Yes indeedy. Just go to Orders By Mail for information. Be aware that mail orders may take longer to be received and processed.
Do you ship overseas?
Yes, Sublime Stitching ships worldwide! We are also found in numerous shops internationally, so be sure to check the retailer listings.
Who designed your website?
Jenny designed and originally built this website to launch her business in hand-coded html
(no GUIS either) like a crazy person. She maintained it that way, insanely, for the first six years until she finally got herself a Drupal site. Jenny is noticeably more relaxed these days.
What is your phone number?
Whoa there cheeky. We just met! Actually, there is no customer
service number at this time, but emails concerning orders are
diligently answered within 48 hours (M-F). We promise. Contact us here.
How do I subscribe or unsubscribe to your newsletter?
You can subscribe to the newsletter here.
You will receive an email confirmation requesting your approval of the
subscription (so be sure to check your junk mail folder in case you
don't get it). You can just as easily unsubscribe any time you wish. But we'll miss you!
Can I put images of your work on my website / blog?
If you are are writing about us, sure! Just make sure "Sublime
Stitching" is shown in conjunction with the image and you provide a
link back to us. And hey, no hotlinking allowed bub.
Can I put images of your work in my zine / magazine?
If you are writing about us, sure! But if you are seeking illustrations and are interested in using images from this site or any Sublime Stitching product, these images may only be used with prior, written permission from us. Please refer to the Terms of Use concerning copyright and usage of materials (including descriptive copy) on this site.
Can you give me some business advice?
Lucky you, Jenny penned a column series called Crafting a Business for Venuszine.com! But, she's not the only source for small business info-
there are also great DIY biz discussion boards at GetCrafty.com, SuperNaturale.com and TheSwitchboards.com
Where can I see Jenny's embroidered works?
Jenny's works in embroidery and information on upcoming exhibitions of her work can be found at www.JennyHart.net
Your question still not here? Contact us!
|