Creative Machine Embroidery (CME) magazine offers a dedicated freebies section for its readers, providing access to downloadable embroidery designs and sewing patterns. These promotional offers are typically available for a limited time following the publication of each new issue. The primary hub for accessing these materials is the official website, cmemag.com/freebies. The offerings are designed for hobbyists and crafters interested in machine embroidery and sewing projects. The source data specifically details several free patterns and designs available during the May/June 2015 timeframe, including projects such as gardening aprons, in-the-hoop magnetic photo frames, and tissue holders.
Overview of CME Freebies
The freebies section of the Creative Machine Embroidery website serves as a central repository for supplemental project materials. According to the source data, the site hosts current and past free designs from CME magazine, as well as pattern downloads designated as "web extras" for Sew News, another publication in the same media group. Additionally, the platform offers collections of free eBooks containing dozens of patterns released over the years.
The availability of specific designs is time-sensitive. For example, the May/June 2015 issue featured several designs that were free to download until June 30, 2015. After this expiration date, the designs typically transition to a paid model, available for purchase through associated retail partners such as shopsewitall.com or picklepiedesigns.com. This model allows readers to access exclusive content for free during a specific window, after which the designs remain available for purchase.
May/June 2015 Free Pattern Projects
The May/June 2015 issue of Creative Machine Embroidery included instructions for several projects with downloadable patterns available via the freebies page. These projects cater to various skill levels and interests, ranging from functional household items to decorative gifts.
Gardening Apron Pattern
One featured project is a sturdy gardening apron designed to hold essential tools and supplies. The pattern includes instructions for creating an apron with multiple pockets, specifically intended to keep gardening gloves, seed packets, and tools within easy reach.
- Materials Required: The project requires coordinating woven fabrics (medium to heavyweight, such as denim), cotton or cotton/polyester fabric, fusible knit interfacing, tear-away stabilizer, all-purpose and embroidery thread, hand sewing needles, buttons, and a removable fabric marker. The design is intended for a 5˝x7˝ hoop.
- Design Elements: The apron utilizes embroidery designs featuring fruit and vegetable motifs, approximately 3.5˝x5˝ and 4˝x6˝ respectively.
- Preparation: Instructions advise prewashing and drying fabrics. The pattern and mushroom design were downloadable from cmemag.com/freebies. The construction involves cutting specific pieces from different fabrics (designated A, B, and C) to form the apron, straps, pockets, and lining.
In-The-Hoop Magnetic Photo Frame
For Mother’s Day or other occasions, the magazine offered a pattern for a magnetic photo frame stitched entirely in the hoop. This project allows users to showcase a favorite family snapshot in a quick-to-stitch frame.
- Materials Required: The primary material is marine vinyl, with dimensions varying by hoop size. Medium-weight tear-away stabilizer is also required, along with embroidery thread, a size 75/11 embroidery needle, curved scissors, thread snips, a rotary cutting system, fabric glue stick or pen, and a low-temp glue gun.
- Hoop Sizes: The design files are sized to fit 4x4, 5x7, or 10x10 hoops.
- Process: The preparation phase involves hooping stabilizer and centering the frame front (vinyl) right side up. The vinyl is secured to the stabilizer using a fabric glue stick along the upper and lower edges before the embroidery design is loaded and stitched.
In-The-Hoop Tissue Holder
A practical project included a design for an in-the-hoop tissue holder, intended to hold a pack of pocket-sized tissues. The design features an overlap opening for insertion.
- Availability: The design was available for free download from cmemag.com/freebies until June 30, 2015.
- Post-Expiration: Following the free period, the design was scheduled to be available for purchase at picklepiedesigns.com.
- Construction: The project is stitched entirely within the embroidery hoop, creating a functional case for tissues.
Diner Delights Embroidery Collection
While not a free download itself, the Diner Delights kit was promoted in the May/June 2015 issue as an available purchase from shopsewitall.com. The kit includes materials and the embroidery design collection needed to create a set of four retro-themed place mats and napkins.
- Materials: The kit or supplemental materials include solid grey and grey gingham fabric, white jumbo rickrack, all-purpose and embroidery thread, medium-weight tear-away stabilizer, place-mat forms, and a removable fabric marker.
- Design: The project aims to add retro charm to dining décor with a mod-themed aesthetic.
Accessing and Using Free Designs
To access these free resources, users must visit the specific URL provided in the magazine for each issue's freebies. For the May/June 2015 issue, this was cmemag.com/freebies. The source data indicates that these downloads are conditional on the time period specified; designs are removed from the free rotation after the expiration date.
Once downloaded, the designs are used in conjunction with standard embroidery machine practices. The source data provides specific technical guidance for the projects, such as the need for specific hoop sizes (e.g., 5x7 for the apron), types of stabilizer (tear-away), and needle sizes (75/11). Users are also advised to prewash fabrics and use appropriate adhesives or markers during the preparation phase.
Subscription and Contact Information
For users interested in receiving the magazine and gaining access to future freebies, subscription details were provided in the source data. Subscriptions to Creative Machine Embroidery were available at a rate of $29.95 for one year (6 issues) within the United States. Canadian subscriptions required an additional $6 per year, and other international locations required an additional $12 per year for postage.
Subscription management could be handled online at cmemag.com or by contacting subscriber services via phone (800-677-5212) or email ([email protected]). Physical correspondence could be sent to Creative Machine Embroidery, P.O. Box 420235, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235.
Conclusion
The freebies section of Creative Machine Embroidery magazine provides valuable resources for embroidery enthusiasts, offering time-limited access to patterns for projects like gardening aprons, magnetic photo frames, and tissue holders. These offers are typically available for a limited time following an issue's release, after which they may become available for purchase through partner sites. Interested consumers should monitor the official website, cmemag.com/freebies, for current and upcoming offers.