Week in Review May 18-22, 2026

by Maureen Lewicki · May 31, 2026

How to Program the Multi-Needle with More Colors than Spool Pins, the Stitchuation Room, 18 May 26

Becky’s weekend was busy with travel, but she even found time for stitching.

Are you working on the Kimberbell Sippin’ on Sunshine Embroidery Design?

The Fabric/Embellishment Kits are the best!

The June Kimberbell Applique of the Month is so sweet. I love the color pallet. This is Becky’s. See her peeking around the corner?

Sooner or later, with a multi-needle machine, you find yourself with a design needing more thread colors than your machine has spool pins! Becky explains how she manages this common hurdle (4:02)

She offers great tips along the way: Which threads are used first, and which ones can be swapped out later (13:11). Add a ‘stop’ command at the exact point where you need to change your threads (4:26). Use tools like numbered trays or even (wait for it, I LOVE this idea!) a clean cupcake pan to keep your thread spools in order before they hit the needles (54:14).

It can be frustrating when your machine refuses to load a design, but Becky stumbles upon a problem we have all encountered; the message: “Pattern Cannot Be Used”(19:15). She demonstrates how to work through it. Ensure your hoop screws are tightened properly. Loose screws can prevent the machine from correctly identifying the hoop. Sometimes a file is simply too large for the specific hoop attached. Don’t panic—use software like Embrilliance Essentials to use the “fit to hoop” function or slightly shrink the design to fit your workspace.

Whether you are working on the Sippin’ on Sunshine collection or another, each project gives us a chance for a little bit of trouble shooting!

Stitch Your Sewing Room Banner ITH Project Bag, the Stitchuation Room, 19 May 26

Today is a step-by-step tutorial for the Stitch My Sewing Room project bag.

Becky works through a sewing ‘hiccup’ with determination. No cussing allowed! Honestly, what other You Tubers would have probably set aside, with the promise of an update, Becky digs into, and gets the job done. LIVE!

SEW, if you are doing the Stitch Your Sewing Room projects or not, this video is a tips and tricks treasure!

First, Organize and save time!

Next, use OESD Hoop & Press Pads/Mats for stability.

Choose the best threads. Metallic threads worry me, and worry my machine, but Becky highly recommends Kingstar Metallic Thread (1:57:42) for machine embroidery projects for a sparkly or decorative finish.

Becky says they meet all of our standards as stitchers: they resist kinking and maintains strength while stitching. You do not need to change your needle or bobbin thread when using Kingstar metallic thread for standard embroidery (2:03:13) unless you are doing freestanding lace. It’s available through OESD and comes in various collections, including seasonal trios for holidays like Christmas or Halloween. (1:57:58, 2:01:53) They are on sale. I feel my courage and curiosity rising!

By the end of the video, Voilà, a lovely project bag.

Becky touches on organizing a sewing room, containerized storage, and organizational personalities but me, I keep hoping the sewing room pixies will show up and work their magic overnight in my room.

Stitch Big T Block, #Celebrating AmericaQAL, the Stitchuation Room, 20 May 26

Today is Quilting Wednesday, but first, Becky shares her excitement over receiving the Scenery fabric bundle by Elizabeth Hartman for Moda. (5:36) WHOA! Where is the LOVE button!

The block of the day is the Big T Block, using, directional fabric! No worries, Becky demonstrates how she handles directional fabrics by using project boards and auditioning her pieces (15:06).

Have you been doing the AMERICA 250 QAL? The Blog Post for Schedule & Fabric Selection is here. The Celebrate Quilts Pattern book is here and Becky’s fabric is shown here. Becky’s wide-back backing is 2.5 yds of 108″ fabric. Becky highly recommends 3.5″, 6.5″, & 12.5″ Squaring Rulers for this project.

Grab your favorite beverage, or putter in your sewing area as you watch!

#Kimberbell Sippin’ on Sunshine, Basket 1 Block, the Stitchuation Room, 5/21/26

Becky’s ready to get stitching.

Here’s a peek at the Kimberbell Sippin’ on Sunshine Embroidery Design

Kimberbell Sippin’ on Sunshine Embroidery Design/Fabric/Embellishment Kits are always so well thought out.

News about Kimberbell Projects

Lots and lots going on at Kimberbell as always! My weather patterns here can’t decide if it’s spring, summer or fall, but it’s a good time to think about what projects we want finished before those colorful leaves fall.

The KB Home Sewn Designs Vol 2 is every bit as fabulous as volume 1.

There’s a preorder for the KB Home Sewn Vol 2 Fabric Pre-order! These go fast. You know the drill! Hurry.

The Kimberbell Autumn Acres Bench Pillow will be such a nice pillow for autumn decor!

Relax and enjoy today’s virtual retreat!

Finish it Friday! Use Kimberbell Clear Blue Tiles on Rippity DooDah, the Stitchuation Rm 5/22/26

Ms. Rippity Doo Dah is back and looking determined as always! The Rippity Doo Dah Quilt & Embroidery Pattern is so comical and fun to make (Use code PTWT10 for 10% off!) Becky finishes hers today.

She demonstrates how to use Kimberbell Clear Blue Tiles to align and quilt background designs on small projects. She explains the alignment system, the importance of scale in designs and how to nest patterns to create a continuous quilting effect.