Welcome to my first blog post

Published on 11 April 2026 at 13:25

Well, March was a busy month, where I was asked to digitise and embroider a range of patches. This was the first time I had done anything like this and, to be honest, I really enjoyed the process more than I expected.

At the start, it felt a bit daunting. Learning how to translate a design into a digital embroidery file came with its fair share of trial and error. There were moments where things didn’t quite stitch out the way I imagined—threads bunching, details getting lost, or shapes not quite aligning. But each mistake taught me something new, and with every adjustment, I could see real progress.

What surprised me most was how satisfying the process became. There’s something incredibly rewarding about watching a design come to life stitch by stitch. It’s not just about the final product, but the journey of refining, tweaking, and understanding how different elements—like stitch type, density, and direction—affect the outcome.

By the end of the month, what started as a completely new challenge had turned into something I genuinely looked forward to working on. It pushed me to learn new skills, be patient with the process, and appreciate the craftsmanship behind embroidered pieces.

Overall, it was a great reminder that stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to unexpected enjoyment—and maybe even a new creative interest.

What HTV Vinyl Do I use

I am often asked what HTV Vinyl do I use and thought I would do a quick review of the one I use and why I like it for my business. 

If you’re looking for the best value-for-money HTV, I’ve tested quite a few—and honestly, I keep coming back to HTVRONT.

 

I have been using this one for over 18 months now

https://tidd.ly/47Ttad5

 

💬 My Honest Experience

The first thing I noticed is how easy it is to cut and weed. Even with smaller designs, it doesn’t tear or lift like cheaper vinyl sometimes does. According to product info, HTVRONT uses PU-based HTV, which is more flexible and durable than older PVC types —and you can actually feel that difference when you’re working with it.

 

When pressing:

  • It sticks well with standard temps (~305°F / 150°C)
  • Smooth finish, not plasticky
  • No bubbling or lifting after pressing (if your settings are right)

After washing, it holds up really well too. The brand claims it can last through 50+ washes without fading or cracking—and from my experience, that’s pretty accurate.

 

👍 Final Verdict

If you’re:

  • Starting a small clothing brand
  • Doing Cricut projects
  • Or just want reliable HTV without overspending

👉 HTVRONT is easily one of the best value for money options right now.

 

 

 

Working alongside Sports Clubs and Padel Holiday Company

Pleased to say that I continue to work closely with Lytham Tennis Club, providing their logo clothing for both youth and senior members. It’s been great to see the designs come together across different garments and to know they’re being worn out on the courts and around the club.

Working on these pieces has also given me the chance to keep developing my embroidery skills, refining the digitising process, and ensuring the final finish is something both I and the club can be proud of. It’s especially rewarding to contribute to a local community in a practical way, helping create a sense of identity and team spirit through custom clothing.

There is now a selection of the clothing available to try on for sizing purposes before ordering through the website.

Another business I have been working alongside is Love Padel Holidays, Where I have been printing up a number of hoodies and t-shirts/vests and tote bags for their guests.