Helloooo world of embroidery

I've never embroidered before - ever. So when I received a family gift for Christmas specifically FOR an embroidery machine...I was both ecstatic and worried at the same time. I can sew....I consider myself to be intermediate...but the world of embroidery is so new to me! I knew it'd take some time to get the hang of it.

So I ventured out, spent time researching machines, read reviews, & finally decided on the Brother SE-400 - which of course was sold OUT everrrrywhere. It was crazy - I thought to myself "wow...a lot of people must've got the same Christmas gift that I did", haha! I later realized that there was a good year-end rebate on it in late December, go fig. So I finally found one & ordered it last week...and yesterday it was finally delivered to my front door. YAY!

here she is...she's gorgeous & I love the big LCD touch screen! The embroidery extension is that big piece to the left - when it's connected this thing looks intense!

Upon unpacking it - I have to admit I was a little intimidated...I questioned my crafting abilities. So I just told myself to do one step at a time...I tried out the sewing aspect of it last night, and tonight I plan to tackle the embroidery part - I HAVE to, because I have an adorable 3-pack of custom burp cloths that I promised to try out my new machine on by Friday! ahh

Also, as one of my New Year's resolutions...I plan on dedicating more time (& more likely more $$) trying to promote my business & grow...grow...grow! So I decided to start a 'portfolio'...or maybe it's more like a 'brag book', either way, it'll be nice to carry around with me. That way I can have it on hand & be prepared if (& when) I approach a boutique owner or set up a booth at a local street fair. I still have to select the pics I want to use & get them printed out & organized inside the binder, but so far so good:

How cute is this scrapbook paper I found...with little scissors & thread spools all over it!?

<3 my purty logo!