Introduction to Embroidery

Introduction to Embroidery Everything You Need to Know About Embroidery ChaptersWhat Do You Need to Start Embroidery?Getting Started with Embroidery through Cross-stitchResources for Getting Started with EmbroideryHow Can You Learn to Embroider?“Curiosity about life in all of its aspects, I think, is still the secret of great creative people.” - Leo BurnettThere are hundreds of thousands of blogs dedicated to DIY and arts and crafts. They’re very popular amongst 30-somethings looking to make their houses a home with handicrafts and embroidery. These blogs can help you learn the basics of sewing and embroidery.Aside from blogs, how else can you learn to embroider?In this article, we'll be looking at what you need to get started with embroidery, how cross-stitch is a great place to start, some resources for learning how to embroider, and how you can learn more about embroidery. RaySewing Teacher 5.00 (6) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PrincessSewing Teacher 5.00 (2) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AnaSewing Teacher 5.0 0 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ArianwenSewing Teacher 5.00 (2) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ShaziaSewing Teacher 5.00 (2) £10/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ZanetaSewing Teacher 5.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GianmariaSewing Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JacquelineSewing Teacher £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat Do You Need to Start Embroidery?To get started with embroidery, it’s important to have the right equipment. Don’t get started with a toothpick and sewing thread. Embroidery is a creative pursuit that requires specific materials but (fortunately for you) doesn’t cost very much to get started.All you need is embroidery thread, needles, hoops, markers, and fabric. Don't forget an embroidery hoop! (Source: monicore)When it comes to fabric, you’ll have a few choices. You can use embroidery to customise dresses, t-shirts, jackets, cushions, etc. But before you start, I recommend you opt for some linen, which is great for beginners to work on. The fabrics used on most garments are often quite elastic, making them difficult to embroider so linen will make things a little easier when you’re first starting.You also need to choose your thread. You should know that a pack of threads will include several types of thread and you can choose the one with the right thickness. You can also buy packs of different colours and thicknesses. DMC thread is one of the most popular brands for embroidery.Next, you’ll need to buy some needles. Needles can be often bought in packs and come in plenty of different sizes. Make sure that the end of the needle is pointed (or hooked in the case of cross-stitch where the end can be rounded). In some cases, you’ll need to pass several threads through the fabric at once.To learn how to correctly embroider, you'll need to invest in an embroidery hoop (or tambour frame). This allows you to stretch the fabric, making it easier to embroider and is essential for beginners.Finally, a water-erasable fabric marker will allow you to clean the markings off the fabric once you’ve finished. This is useful to help you embroider.You can also invest in other materials if you’re serious about embroidery. You can, for example, buy a box to keep all your thread in or a stand for the hoop so you can free up both your hands as you embroider.You can get all of this equipment from an arts and crafts shop or a haberdashery. Specialist shops are full of stuff for sewing and embroidery and you can even get everyone you need together in a sewing or embroidery kits with needles, thread, etc.Get sewing classes near me here.Getting Started with Embroidery through Cross-stitchTo get started with embroidery, the easiest thi ng to do is learn how to cross-stitch. Cross-stitch, as the name indicates, is when you make a stitch in the shape of a cross. The final pattern will be made up of a series of little crosses. Cros-stitch is quite easy to learn. (Source: Pexels)Cross-stitch is also an activity in its own right but it’s also one of the stitches used in embroidery. This stitch is also good for beginners but some continue using it to create some impressive embroidered patterns with only cross-stitches.There are two techniques for making a cross-stitch:The English MethodThe Danish MethodThe English method involves making small crosses one after the other. This is often used for isolated stitches.The second technique is far more common. The Danish technique consists of making a line of diagonal lines with the thread before coming back across the line with perpendicular diagonal lines to create the second diagonal line of each unfinished cross. By the end, you’ll have an entire line of crosses. This technique allows you to cross-stitch much more quickly. It’s often used when you have lines of the same colour to do.Cross-stitches can be done on various fabrics. If you’re just starting, yo u should opt for Aida fabric or cloth. This is a type of cross-stitch fabric perforated with little holes in it so that the stitches are uniform. It’s even easier to start with Aida cloth than with linen. The latter tends to move more easily, making cross-stitching more complicated.If you want to embroider onto clothes, there’s a special fabric for doing the perfect cross-stitch. The cross-stitch canvas.Finally, if you need more help, you can opt for a pattern. You can get it printed onto the fabric and follow the instructions to make the perfect cross-stitch. These patterns are often sold with embroidery or cross-stitch kits or on their own in arts and crafts shops and haberdasheries. You can also find patterns online.Once you’ve mastered how to do cross-stitch, you can move onto the other stitches.Resources for Getting Started with EmbroideryEmbroidery isn’t just cross-stitch. There are several different types of stitches in traditional embroidery. The internet is a great resource for learning how to embroider. (Source: Free-Photos)Stem stitch, backstitch, etc., you need to take the time to learn each technique to become an expert embroiderer. Before all that, however, you should get started by following a few basic tutorials to build your confidence.  Here are a few sites with some great tutorials for you to follow:PintangleMary Corbet's Needle 'N ThreadSublime StitchingFeeling StitchyWith great sites and YouTube tutorials, you can easily get started with your first embroidery project. From getting all the materials (thread, needles, etc.) to making your first stem stitch, it’s quite easy to progress with all the resources available to you.  Of course, video tutorials aren’t the only way to get better at embroidery. You can also check out blogs, embroidery manuals, and books.You can refer to the latter whenever you want. Furthermore, it’s much easier to pick a project from a book that it is to scour the whole internet fo r them. That said, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to video tutorials and blogs.Similarly, you can also find cross-stitch patterns online. A cross-stitch pattern is effectively instructions on how to make certain images and patterns through cross-stitch. Luckily for budding embroiderers, there are plenty of free cross-stitch patterns online and you'll probably get a few in a beginner's cross-stitch kit.How Can You Learn to Embroider?You can learn to embroider on your own or in a class. Whatever your reasons for wanting to learn, you can find a way of learning that works for you, ensuring that embroidery remains enjoyable first and foremost. You might want to start with simpler patterns when you first get started. (Source: Bru-nO)Embroidery lessons might be the first thing you think of when you want to get started. Lessons can help you learn about the different stitches like the cross-stitch, chain stitch, etc. while getting advice from your embroidery teacher or tutor.Whether it’s weekly lessons, group classes, private tutorials, etc., there are plenty of ways to learn how to embroider.Firstly, you have to make sure that the sewing classes near me are available when you’re free and cover what you want to learn. The advantage of getting embroidery lessons from an experienced embroiderer is that they’ll stop you from picking up any bad habits. It’s a good idea to help right from the start. You’ll find that you learn how to embroider quickly and easily.You can also learn how to embroider by teaching yourself with online tutorials and guides, much like with other creative arts.  The advantage of this approach is t hat you can do it whenever you fancy. This is the main advantage of not having a teacher.To advance, you might want to get tips and advice from others. Their feedback can help you improve both in terms of technique and style.Finally, don’t forget to work methodically. Get all the material that you’ll need (scissors, thread, Aida cloth, etc.), learn the basic stitches, and practise with basic patterns at first.  The more you practise, the more you’ll progress!If you'd like to be a needlework master and embark on making an incredible tapestry, you might want to get help with embroidery and cross-stitch projects from a private tutor on Superprof. They'll also be able to advise you on which cross-stitch supplies to get.

How To Succeed On The Essay Portion Of The SAT

How To Succeed On The Essay Portion Of The SAT The SAT writing section is unique in that it is the only part of the test that is graded subjectively. It is a 25 minute section where you are presented with a prompt (could be a quote by someone famous) and an assignment (a question about the prompt or a guideline to follow for the essay). The instructions are simple write an essay. There is no preferred format or technical direction to follow which gives the test taker flexibility in their writing. The important instructions are outlined at the beginning of the section: Develop a point of view on an issue presented in the excerpt Support your point of view using reasoning and examples from your reading, studies, experience or observations Follow the conventions of standard written English [RELATED: What Does SAT Stand For?] There are a few different ways to approach this part of the test but an effective and proven strategy is to prewrite the essay. This may sound illogical since you do not get the prompt or assignment before the test; but you can still be prepared. Having 2 or 3 paragraphs ready to go can put you in a stronger position on test day. You know from the instructions that in order to support a point you are making you will be drawing on your own life experience. Think back on poignant moments something that stuck with you. It could be a lesson learned from a teacher or a volunteer opportunity you took part in or a time you and your team beat a rival. But again, you may ask if I dont know the question, how can I give the answer? The strategy here is transition sentences. If you volunteered at a middle school and helped a child learn how to read, you can cater this to many different topics: Charity, education, children are the future, relationships, overcoming adversity, inspirational moments, a time you were challenged, poverty in the inner city, economic disparity, etc. And once you have the transition sentence, you can dive right back into your previously written paragraph. Another benefit of prewriting the essay is that it will give you a chance to show off your vocabulary. In your preparation, try to pepper in SAT caliber vocab words to show the graders that you have a command of these words and are able to use them correctly and comfortably. This will give you a chance to improve your language skills and review your sentences with a teacher or tutor to make sure they are as strong as possible. This way on test day, even if you have to tweak your paragraphs a little to fit into the subject, you will still have 3-4 strong sentences which will be guaranteed to impress the graders. Practice writing these paragraphs over and over. Not only will this help you memorize and ingrain the material into your mind, but handwriting is important. If the graders cannot read what you write, it is hard for them to evaluate it properly. Finally, with a prewritten essay, you are able to come into the test more relaxed. Once you read the prompt, you will not be searching you brain for examples or stressing about having enough material to cite. When you sit down, take a minute or two to draw up a quick outline so you can refer back to it and know where you want the direction of the essay to go. (This is a good idea no matter if you choose to prewrite the essay or not). Then, once you are ready, you will already have some examples and experiences at your fingertips and will be ready to write.

Are Online Tutoring Sessions Worth Buying

Are Online Tutoring Sessions Worth Buying 0SHARESShare Online tutoring is a new way of tutoring for students who need help and support on any subject in a short span of time. It is very simple and easy to access works like ready reckon help. It is safe, flexible and interesting where a student can learn any time right from home. It is available computer and an internet connection. Often, online tutoring websites let students choose their own subject, topic and tutor guide them. It offers several positive elements that make online learning beneficial for the younger generation. According to research, online tutoring brings a remarkable change in learning as a lot of students have shown an increase in their performance by using this innovative tutoring technique. Online tutors and their teaching methodologies work towards improving the students ability and problem solving skills. Online learning is very interesting which improves the students perception towards any subject. Besides, traditional way of tutoring, homework help, assignment assistance and last minute test preparation help are useful options offered by online tutoring proves very beneficial. Students can take homework, assignment and test preparation assistance for any subjects and any grades. The tutors give step-by-step explanations that not only provide extra help to master the concepts but help them to develop problem solving skills. The students are encouraged and motivated by better understanding of subjects and comfortably overcoming their problems with personalized one-to-one unlimited tutoring. A lot of students seek Math tutor online who can help them work out daily homework, difficult problem solving and test preparation. Science, English online tutoring are other primitive subjects for which student seeks assistance in preparing answers to the questions, essay and composition writing, etc. Online tutoring is worth buying and everyone should definitely take this opportunity to improve academic career. [starbox id=admin]

8 Facts to Know about SAT Changes

8 Facts to Know about SAT Changes 8 Facts to Know about SAT Changes As you may or may not have heard, the College Board recently announced that substantial changes will be made to the SAT, effective spring 2016. These changes are meant to better accommodate what students will need to know in post-high-school life, for both college and their future careers. The new test will shift the focus to analytic thinking and will be more aligned with what is learned in the classroom. This is a big point of interest for students in junior high and early high school, as the rules they are currently familiar with are now changing. Here are the new rules parents and students will most need to know. The test is reverting to the old scoring scale. While the current SAT is scored on a 2400-point scale, the College Board has decided to return to the 1600-point scale that was used in 2004 and earlier. The essay score will be separate from the math, reading, and writing sections of the test. Essay will be optional. Speaking of the essay being scored separately, students will now be given the option to forgo this section altogether. There will not be point deductions for wrong answers. Formerly, students were encouraged to leave answers blank if they didn't know the answer, since wrong responses resulted in of a point being subtracted from their scores. On the new test, students are encouraged to use their deductive reasoning skills to choose the most logical answer with no penalty for guessing incorrectly. Vocabulary will be more 'real world.' It's currently not uncommon to see antiquated vocabulary sprinkled throughout the reading and writing sections of the exam. Archaic words will no longer be prominent in the test, giving way to more useful and modern, though still challenging, vocabulary. The focus on the math section will be narrower. There will be a smaller range of subjects on the math portion which will emphasize equations, functions, ratios, and other types of math that may be applicable to everyday life. The use of calculators will only be permitted on specified parts of the test. Relevant mathematic formulas will still be supplied to students at the beginning of the test, but don't ditch your algebra tutor just yet. In keeping with the shifted focus on the math portion, calculators will only be allowed for use during certain parts of the test. The reading and writing section will look for evidence-supported answers. In order to get high scores on the reading and writing sections, students will need to provide ample supporting facts in order to demonstrate their interpreting and analyzing skills. Each passage that students must read will be accompanied by a question asking them to select a quote from the text that best supports their response to the preceding question. For the reading section, texts will be chosen more wisely. Rather than choosing passages from old, classic novels and short stories, the excerpts will be taken from multidisciplinary texts such as the Declaration of Independence and other widely-read documents. What are your thoughts on the new SAT tests? How should students adapt their study habits?

How Does Your Child Learn Best

How Does Your Child Learn Best How Does Your Child Learn Best? It doesnt take an education professional to know that when it comes to learning, each person is unique. As a parent, its not just helpful to know more about how your child learnsits essential. Youve probably heard before about learning styles, which are often explained through different theories and models. Here are a few well-known types that suggest how students might approach learning tasks: The VARK model This commonly cited model examines learning style through the senses: Visual learners learn best through the use of visual aids, diagrams, or other visual tools other than words. Auditory learners process best through listening, reading aloud and talking about ideas. Read/write learners prefer taking in information through the texts which they read. Kinesthetic learners prefer using their hands or body to learn by doing. The Experiential Learning Model This model considers learning as a cycle that begins with a concrete experience, moves into reflective observation to understand the meaning of things from different viewpoints, abstract conceptualization to analyze a situation, and active experimentation to reinforce learning through action. In short, the cycles are feeling, watching, thinking and doing. You can work with your schools guidance counseling office to arrange for your child to take one or more learning assessments to better understand his or her learning style. However, you can still get a good idea of how your child learns, the types of environments that suit him or her best, and more by asking the right questions and being observant. Start with these topics for discussion with your child: When does your child seem to absorb information? While reading? While being read to? While talking things through? How and where does your child prefer to do homework? Is your child most focused when listening to music? In a quiet space? When studying alone, or with siblings? When does your child seem the most productive? In the morning or at night? Immediately after school or after dinner? What seems to be the best way for your child to grasp new information? Through reading? Visual aids? By watching someone else do something first? What are your childs best subjects? What concepts are easiest and hardest for your child? What does the teacher think? Why does your child prefer certain subjects over others? What environments get your child most excited about learning? Indoor or outdoor? Smaller classes or larger ones? Classes with frequent group discussions or those where students learn independently? Getting to know your child as a student is valuable because it will help you work effectively with his or her teacher when issues arise. Just as important, you will be better equipped to nurture your childs strengths and guide your child toward overcoming weaknesses. If you need help, contact Huntington. We can assess your childs learning style and preferences and academic strengths and weaknesses and develop a program of instruction to help your child become the best student possible. Call us at 800-CAN-LEARN. About Huntington Huntington is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntingtons mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help at www.huntingtonhelps.com. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com.

American Community School Beirut

American Community School Beirut American Community School Beirut American Community School Beirut is a non-profit, independent, secular American college preparatory school serving a multicultural international student body in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. ACS provides internationally-enriched, standards-based curricula, preparing students for the International Baccalaureate, the Lebanese Baccalaureate, and the American College Preparatory Diplomas. The school is accredited by both the Lebanese Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA). ACS is aligning itself with the US Department of States AERO Standards to be sure that international education represents the same high quality everywhere. ACS is a member of the group of schools designated by the US Department of State, Office of Overseas Schools. ACS supports teacher growth and provides an opportunity to enhance and challenge both professionals and students in their community. Seminars, conferences and workshops are offered regionally and globally from Amman to Berlin, Istanbul to Dubai. You will have opportunities to work with international peers who share a commitment to excel in overseas teaching. You can attend workshops, conferences and enroll in masters programs - all aligned with your professional development goals - with appropriate financial help from ACS.

Preparing for an international teaching job interview

Preparing for an international teaching job interview An in-person interview is like taking a trip to the dentist - a necessary evil. The build up is the worst part, the actual appointment is usually over far quicker than you expected and it’s a huge relief when the ordeal is over! As Placement Coordinators at Teach Away, our aim to help you secure your dream teaching job abroad and to make sure that your interview is as successful - and as painless - as possible. Here are a few simple tips to keep in mind to help you ace that teaching job interview. Do your homework. It’s important to do the right research on the school that you’re interviewing with. Have a look at the school’s website. What’s their mission statement? What curriculum do they offer? Doing this will help you figure out the type of teacher they might be looking for, and how you can present yourself as a strong candidate. This will also help you to gauge the types of questions you’re likely to face during the interview. While they will be focused on finding a teacher who’s capable of delivering quality lessons, each school has a unique set of values so it’s equally as important that they find the right fit. Brush up on any country and regional customs as well, and be sure to touch on these to show that you’re enthusiastic about working there. Check out the individual country pages on Teach Away for more information on each particular country. Sell yourself. By the time you reach your face-to-face teaching abroad interview, the interviewing panel will have already seen your application and employment history. They’re already considering you for the position - the hard part is already over! When you’re answering questions, include specifics that set you apart from other candidates. Don’t forget to cover points that aren’t on your resume, too. Sure, you can teach awesome lessons, but what else sets you apart? What are your hobbies and interests? Do you engage in extracurricular activities? Can you include examples of how your teaching has improved the success rate of your previous employers and, more importantly, how have you positively impacted your students’ lives? Anticipate questions. You can guarantee that the interviewing panel is looking for a candidate with excellent subject knowledge and the ability to thrive in a culturally diverse environment. Expect to answer questions on how adaptable and flexible you are. They’re looking for someone that can cope with culture shock, too. You could be asked to explain how you would teach a certain subject point and your teaching style, so brush up on your content knowledge in advance. You already know your stuff, but a recap will help you to better recall, for example, the fun way that you used a raw egg and a boiled egg to illustrate kinetic energy! Ask questions. Don’t forget, an interview for a teaching job abroad is also a chance for you to find out whether the job is right for you. Gather as much information as possible so you can make an informed decision if you do receive a job offer. Practice responses. Find a quiet room and rehearse your answers out loud. This will help you shape your responses in a thoughtful way and avoid any mental blocks. When you answer the first few questions confidently during the interview, your natural nervousness will subside. Relax, breathe! It’s the night before the interview. You’ve prepped hard - and you have the qualifications and experience the school are looking for. Your interview outfit is clean and ironed and your route to the interview site is mapped out. Last-minute cramming is only going to impact you negatively. The best thing that you can do at this point is rest, watch a movie, go for a walk, do something that occupies your mind and will help you get a good night’s sleep. You should be well rested and fresh. If you look stressed or tired, it, you risk making a weak first impression. You want to be alert and engaging - just as you are in your day-to-day school life. Take time to reflect. Every interview has its highs and its lows, and we know interviews can be painful to relive. However, once the interview is over, quickly jot down any questions that you can remember and how you answered them. Did any of your responses fall flat? Be critical and honest with yourself on what went right - and what went wrong. Success is not always guaranteed and you can still find positives from the experience so you can be better prepared for your next teach abroad interview. Finally, remember that your Placement Coordinator is always here to help. They have plenty ofexperience in facilitating interviews and should have plenty of advice for you. Don’t be afraid to ask for any hints or tips they might have up their sleeves. Looking for advice from teachers who’ve been there, done that when it comes to interviewing for teaching jobs abroad? Feel free to swing by our forum and ask your questions!

ALOHA Helps Your Kids Exercise Their Brains - ALOHA Mind Math

ALOHA Helps Your Kids Exercise Their Brains Health and fitness are areas that we have started getting more serious about, not just for us but for our children too. The term “fitness” must ideally be a combination of physical and mental health. As parents, we try to incorporate physical activities and de-stressors such as yoga in our children’s schedules. What are the ways in which you could stimulate their minds equally as well? A conventional classroom might utilize the left side of the brain that contains the centers for speech, writing and analytical thinking. The right side is also known as the creative side and contains the areas dealing with analysis by touch, creativity and spatial visualization. This is the part that is often not “exercised” enough by many of us, which is the case with our kids too. Activities like Dance and Theatre could be ways of stimulating the right side of the brain, and these go along in addition to other conventional teaching methods quite well. Rather than pursuing different activities, there is a single method by which you could stimulate both the sides of the brain. Learning Math using the Abacus is a great way to stimulate complete brain activity and development as it combines spatial recognition with analytical learning. At ALOHA, our youngest entrants learn Math concepts using a physical abacus and other activity-based materials. This helps form a strong foundation in the subject and improves their concentration. At the Junior level, we also ensure that learning remains a fun-filled activity to make your children want to keep coming back to class. As they grow older and more proficient, the children progress to solving complex Math problems using visualization of the Abacus rather than the physical tool itself. The use of mental theory helps them move from addition and subtraction to complex multiplication problems over the course of the program. The stimulation provided by our methods of teaching also leads to an improvement in attention span and mental focus, due to the activity in both parts of the brain. This means that you would be able to see the results of the ALOHA program not just in Math, but also in the child’s overall performance at school. About ALOHA Mind Math ALOHA Mind Math has been guiding children between the ages of five through 12 years to achieve academic excellence since 2007. The interactive learning process is proven to enhance a child’s math, reading and writing capabilities. The teachers also assist children in developing skills and abilities such as observation and listening that result in the overall growth of the child. ALOHA Mind Math is currently training children all over the United States of America with more than 150 centers. For more details on this unique program, please visitalohamindmath.comor search for the center closest to you by using our locatoralohamindmath.com/locations/.