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What do I need to begin with?
You need the sharpest image of your company logo or image you
would like on the glossiest paper stock that you've got. This is typically
called "camera ready art". We need to have the logo or design sent to kristin@kristinduprey.com in the
following formats: Bitmap (.BMP), Encapsulated (.EPS), JPEG (.JPG), Microsoft
WordArt (.DOC), Paint Brush (.PCX), Tagged Image File (.TIF). Although we have
completed designs from faxes and even business cards, the best quality of art
that you can supply us with makes your final product look much better.
A cost
will be estimated for set up of logo. Complexity of the design plays a role in
the final cost of making the design and poor quality artwork makes that effort
more complex. In extreme cases where the artwork is very poor we may need to
discuss the possibility of an "art charge" to get the image design
ready.
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What is "digitizing" a logo or design?
Digitizing a design (also know as punching)
is the art of translating a picture or idea into thread-form which the
embroidery machine can interpret. This involves using computer software that the
digitizer uses to create commands, which the machine reads and then sews. To
digitize, artwork is read from a file or scanned into the computer and points
are plotted which define the stitch type.
Some stitch types available are running stitches, satins and
fills. These stitch types can be effectively combined to create a variety of
looks and 3D textures. Depending on the intricacy of the design the digitizing
process varies. Once the digitizing is complete, the customer is given a 'stitch
out' to approve. Every design is unique. The final quality of any embroidery is
greatly dependent on the programming.
There are many considerations that must be taken into account
such as the item to be sewn on...Leather, Cotton, Pique, thin, thick, soft, hard
and so on. Each garment has certain properties that will effect the way the
stitches will push and pull the garment. A good digitizer must be conscious of
these physics in order to produce a high quality design that you and the
digitizer will be proud of. It's more complex than just scanning in the image
and pressing a button. Some designs are so complex they can take a week of
constant work to complete, but the average design can normally be completed in a
day or less once it is started.
Digitizing is a process in which we program the design to run on
a sewing machine. Sewing is nothing like printing, as every needle penetration
and machine movement and function have a reason for being there. Each material
pulls and pushes differently, and each design has to compensate for that
material. Again, this takes quite a bit of time and effort to create. The best
way to describe it, is that we have to sew the design out stitch by stitch with
our mouse on the computer screen, as if sewing by hand. Any digitizing costs are
a one time fee as once the design is digitized, it can be saved to a diskette
for later use on future orders.
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How do I know how much I will pay for a design to be embroidered?
By contacting Style by Kristin DuPrey or by filling out the order form you can receive a quote.
Costs are based on the time involved to set up the design, the size of the
design and the quantity ordered.
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- Can I get designs that are already "digitized"?
Style by Kristin DuPrey is the proud owner of over 20,000 stock designs. You
can view some of these designs at www.greatnotions.com and search for a
particular design.Our library of stock designs are constantly growing so
check frequently for new and fresh ideas.
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- What exactly can you embroider?
Most attire, such as shirts, caps, jackets (including nylon and leather), ties,
sweaters, and sweatshirts can be embroidered. Items that can be embroidered
include bath towels, linens and patches.If something isn’t listed above,
that doesn’t mean we can’t do it ~ but more likely that we just didn’t list it.
If you have questions about having something embroidered, please ask. We are
always happy to answer your questions.
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- How detailed can the embroidery be?
As detailed as you would like it! However, just as you will have font
limitations on your personal computer, we have found it necessary to maintain
limited font libraries. This means that we may not be able to match your font
perfectly. However, we will make every effort to maintain the integrity of your
design with a close font match. See list of fonts available.As part of
the digitizing process, letters sometimes must be digitized individually. Any
alterations to letters, including a high number of color changes, trims, and
arched or bridge lettering require more preparation and completion time and are
therefore priced accordingly. Your set up cost will reflect how detailed you
would like the embroidery to be.
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- What is the embroidery process?
Starting with a design, a logo is programmed into the computer.
It is then uploaded into the embroidery machine. Everything is programmed on
the computer such as various commands including needle up, needle down, color
change, and pattern definition (x and y motion) of the embroidery surface. Our
Barudan machine is properly equipped with 15 needles, automatic thread trimmers,
and can also automatically change the thread color. While stitching speeds vary,
we have found our best results are usually in the range of 500-800 stitches per
minute.
Selecting the colors of thread, changing the needles to meet the
needs of the fabric, all must precede the actual sewing of the garment. The
machine must also be programmed to sew the design in the correct color sequence,
changing thread colors at the appropriate points. There are other settings, as
well, which need to be programmed.
Before the garment can be sewn, a location must be marked to
center with the machine needle, which always begins from the center of the
design and travels to the first sewing location. Therefore, by finding the
center of the design on the garment, and knowing the machine travels from the
center, you are guaranteed that the design will be where you expect it to
be.
The item to be embroidered is then "hooped" (placed in a frame
to securely hold the garment for the embroidery process). The hoops used to
stabilize the fabric are very similar in nature to cross stitch hoops. We will
also apply those extra touches to the back by using proper backings to securely
keep the embroidery in place. These suckers are not coming out!!
After the embroidery is applied, the frame is removed, the
garment is then prepped for shipping. All backings and threads are cut, the
garment is pressed & packaged accordingly.
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- What are embroidery backings?
For most materials, backing, key to quality embroidery, is used. This helps keep
the material from drawing up both during and after the embroidery process. With
some fabrics, such as lighter weight T-shirts, we may use multiple layers of
backing. This layering provides stabilization during the embroidery process, and
pays off after multiple washings or dry cleaning.
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- What type of threads are used?
We use Madiera, 100% polyester thread. Today's polyester
threads are the most durable and color fast on the market. Unlike some rayon
threads, these threads will not bleed onto the garment. I bet your embroidery
will out last the garment!
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- Why embroider your logo at all?
A lot of company's go through a tremendous effort to create a logo
for their company that makes a statement and captures the essence of what the
company stands for. Consider shirts, hats, jackets, bags and T-shirts, etc. as
advertising for your company. All of these items are basically miniature
billboards that are never torn down. How often do you throw a shirt
away? The chances are that decorated items will last a lot longer and they are
extremely less expensive than any other advertising your company may ever do!
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- What are your minimums?
There are no minimums! However the price will reflect this and
there is a set up cost. But if you needed to use this logo again, there would
not be another set up cost.
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- What are your guarantees on your work?
Style by Kristin DuPrey fully guarantee's it's quality and
workmanship. If we are ever responsible for neglect or irresponsible behavior we
will offer to replace the item(s) free of charge. There are a few instances
which can occur that are out of our control. Style by Kristin DuPrey works under
the accepted industry average of 3% seconds defect rate. What this means to you
is that in instances considered "Acts of God", say, where the electric power
goes out or if a needle breaks and damages a garment we will be accountable
above 3% of the business we have done with you. If this is a first time order
then we will be responsible for anything above 3% seconds. This does not include
things like wrong placement of the design, wrong color sequence or even the
wrong design. In these types of circumstances we will be 100% responsible. Our
Quality is currently running at .01% so you can be assured that we don't have
much spoilage.
Also note, please report any problems within 14 days of receipt of goods.
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- Can I supply my own materials to be embroidered?
Technically, yes you can. However Style by Kristin DuPrey will not be
responsible for "Acts of God" instances and if an item is ruined due the
acceptable rate, the item must be replaced by that customer. So please keep
that in mind if you are suppling the garment.
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- Do all embroidery shops offer the same services & prices?
No. Each shop is entirely different. We invite you to
shop and compare. Some of the things that make Style by Kristin DuPrey unique
is that Kristin handles the entire process from start to finish.
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- Can you at least give me a price I can quote to my boss?
There are a few things that we need to know that the costs
depend on.
- Size of your logo.
- Number of items you need to be embroidered.
- And if you already have your design Digitized.
Digitizing your logo usually runs around $50 - $125, which
depends on the size of the logo with respect to the number of stitches and the
complexity of the design. This is a one time charge as once the design is
digitized we can use it over and over. To save costs you might have a design
already digitized from a previous job that we can use.
YOu can order catalogs from Style by Kristin DuPrey that have
prices printed for your reference. A "typical" company logo runs about $75.00
to set up. Then putting this on a "typical" golf shirt, your cost may be
anywhere from $25-45.00 (depending on the style of shirt you pick).
Honestly, there are so many options for you choose, it's best to
call with a budget so we can work from there.
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- Why does it cost so much for embroidery?
Embroidery equipment and software costs thousands of dollars to
purchase and maintain. Most embroidery machines along with the software today
sell at prices meeting or exceeding the price of a new SUV!! At Style by
Kristin DuPrey, the best commercial embroidery machine was purchased to give the
best detailing and quality on the market. This machine is amazing and if you
are ever in town, feel free to come by the studio to check it out in
action!
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- What are your lead times?
Lead times depend on the quantity and set up. It typically
takes about 5 businsses days to set up a logo. After it is approved, most
likely the order will be done in 5 to 10 days (depending on the
size).
For embroidery on Irish Dance costumes, after the design is
approved, typically 3 to 5 dresses can be produced a week. A solo dress can be
a week with set up.
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- Can you just digitize so I can have it embroidered elsewhere?
Sure, but it is always in your best interest to have the
digitzer also do the embroidery. That way you can be assured the best
quality.
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- Do you have anything else besides embroidery?
Yes! Style by Kristin DuPrey is constantly looking for new and unique items to
offer. Ask about custom weaved blankets & other clothing items without
embroidery that you can buy!
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- What are some brands that you carry?
Here is a partial list of the most popular brands:
Adams Headwear, Alternative Apparel, Antigua, Anvil, Arnold
Palmer, Augusta, Authentic Pigment, Avanti, Badger, Blake & Hollister,
Burkes Bay, Champion, Columbia, Cross Creek, Earth Collection, Fruit of the
Loom, Geoffrey Beene, Gildan, Gitano, Hanes, HYP, Inner Harbor, Izod, Jerzees,
Jockey, Jonathan Corey, L.A. T Sportswear, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Lee, Luna
Pier, Most Wanted, Munsingwear, Nautica, The North Face, Nike, Outerbanks, Perry
Ellis, Ping, Port Authority Collections, Rabbit Skins, Red Cap, Robinson
Apparel, Russell Athletic, Stedman by Hanes, Sumac, Three Rivers, Toppers,
ToweslPlus, Van Heusen, Weatherproof Garment Company, Wrangler,
Yupoong.
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- How can I tell if I am getting quality embroidery?
One of the things I look at to evaluate the embroidery is first I flip it over and see if the stitches look good.
The white bobbin thread should show about 1/3 of the color, that tells you the stitches are firmly in place.
Then I look at the backing, is it too stiff and left untrimmed? In the front the obvious, can I read the text
and identify the picture! Are the outlines matched up properly. Are the colors a good combo? Is the embroidery
placed in the right place. (I often see them too low and crocked.) Any puckering around it?
Is to too dense?(aka bullet proof)! Hope that helps you understand this. Remember you will always get what you pay for!
