Embroidery Adds the Finishing Touch to Fashion

Fashion comes in a wide array of styles, but one accent that continues to be a favorite among designers is embroidery.


Embroidered designs are showing up on swimsuits, retro caftan tunics and even on sophisticated eveningwear.

If you like the look of high-end embroidery fashion but don't have thousands to spend on your wardrobe, today's advanced sewing machines make it easy for you to create an embroidered look with off-the-rack clothes - even if you're a beginning sewer.

There are three ways to add details to garments using a home sewing machine, according to Cynthia Scott, educational coordinator for the U.S. division of Janome, the world's largest manufacturer of sewing machines.

The most basic process is called applique, which is simply the process of applying one piece of material to another. Ribbons, lace, pre-embroidered patches or even designs cut out of fabric can be applied to other material by stitching around its edges. Most sewing machines have the ability to apply applique using any one of a number of simple stitches. The satin stitch, zigzag stitch and blanket stitch are all popular applique stitches that both secure your material and add a decorative finish.

Another easy embellishment technique is to use one of the decorative stitches built into most mid-range sewing machines. These stitches range from flowers and other simple designs to heirloom stitches that look like they were done by hand.

To copy the more sophisticated embellishments on fashion items, you need a sewing machine that does embroidery in a hoop. This kind of machine gives you the ability to add professional-looking embroidery, of virtually anything you can imagine, to your garment. You don't even have to know how to sew to use these machines. For instance, Janome's Memory Craft 300E only does embroidery. You simply import a design from a design card or the Internet, put your item in the hoop and press "Start."

For total control, Janome makes the Memory Craft 10001, which connects to your computer. You use Janome's powerful embroidery design software to create exactly what you want, then transfer the design to the MC10001 to add your own stylish signature to any item.

A Guide to Choosing Sunglasses

Sunglasses are one of the ultimate fashion accessories. They are great in helping you to create your own unique image. What exact style you choose really depends on your personal taste, age and the shape of your face. Yet, not matter what style of sunglasses you are thinking of buying, it is important that you end up choosing the best possible quality pair.


Some tips to choosing quality sunglasses are provided below. Being educated by what makes a quality pair of sunglasses is very important when you are searching for your next pair of sunglasses. Keep these tips in mind when you are browsing.

Protection from UV

One major contributor to eye disease is ultraviolet radiation. This is why it is important to choose a pair of sunglasses that protect you from the harmful effect of UV. Just because your glasses have a dark tint doesn't mean that you are protect from UV. Make sure you check the sunglasses UV rating.

What the Sunglasses Are Made From

Generally speaking the heavier the sunglasses the higher quality they will be. You want to ensure that the material that they are made from will last a long time and be able to resist the constant knocks that sunglasses typically take.

Different Tints

Tints are the colors that are applied to sunglasses lenses to help reduce the light that makes contact with the eyes. The particular tint you choose is up to your personal taste. However, different tints will have a different effect on the perceived brightness and glare, and will distort color differently.

As an example, gray tints reduce glare and don't distort the color. On the other hand, yellows lens will distort color but sharpen your perceived view.

To Polarize or Not to Polarize?

Sunglasses that are polarized will reduce the glare of the light which bounces off roads and water. They are typically preferred by people who drive a lot during the day or boat on the water. If you work or play near a lot of flat surfaces you may wish to investigate using polarized sunglasses.