New embroidery machine weaves its way into Barrie library

Barrie Public Library in Barrie Ont. (CTV News/Mike Lang)

Instead of buying embroidered clothing, you can now make your own, thanks to a new machine.

The Barrie Public Library is launching its newly expanded Creative Spaces for Maker May and the star of the space is the new embroidery machine at the downtown branch.

The Brother Personal PRS100 single needle embroidery machine stitches colourful patterns, designs, logos and names onto fabric.

Patrons can make pieces their own by creating personalized items like towels, shirts, hats and blankets.

“The embroidery machine has been on the community’s wish list since we first launched Creative spaces,” said Melissa Foster Manager, Marketing and Communications Specialist. “We are so grateful to our community for their enthusiasm and fundraising efforts, making this purchase possible.”

The library says it welcomes people of all levels of experience to enjoy the Creative Spaces. To get started, it offers a Creative Spaces 101 series. For beginners, the library will be running four introductory sessions specifically on the embroidery machine to help people learn more about it.

As of next Tuesday, patrons of the library can use it for free with their library card. To book the machine, patrons can do that online starting in June.

The purchase of the embroidery machine was made possible by volunteers who led books sales last yet. The library used the proceeds from the spring and fall book sales to help fund it. Total sales were $6,500.