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All images in this article are provided by Sew-Smart Assistants.
Have you ever been deep in a creative flow at 2:00 AM, only to have your project grind to a halt because your thread keeps snapping or you can’t remember which stabilizer works best for denim?
In the past, that meant stopping for the night, scouring confusing YouTube tutorials, or waiting for a shop to open. But the industry legends who revolutionized home embroidery once before are back to make sure you never have to hit “pause” again.
A Legacy of Innovation
If you’ve been sewing or embroidering for a while, the names Ricky and Kay Brooks and DJ Anderson need no introduction.
As the minds behind RK Consulting and the iconic Floriani FTCU software, this trio has spent decades building the backbone of our hobby. From the “Hands-On Sewing Schools” of the 90s to the creation of RNK Distributing, they didn’t just sell products; they taught an entire generation how to make every stitch beautiful. Their impact was so profound that Ricky and Kay were inducted into the Sewing Hall of Fame.
Now, after a short-lived retirement, the “Dream Team” is back with a solution for the modern age.
The Knowledge Gap: Why Now?
The 2020 pandemic changed everything. While a new wave of Millennial and Gen Z makers flooded into the world of quilting and stitching, many veteran educators retired, leaving a massive “knowledge void.”
“We saw the need for education surging, but the availability of experts disappearing,” says Ricky Brooks. In 2023, the trio decided to combine their 80 years of collective experience to create something the industry has never seen before: Sew-Smart Assistants.
Meet the Minds Behind Sew-Smart
Inductees into the Sewing Hall of Fame, Ricky and Kay Brooks have spent over 30 years dedicated to the growth of the home sewing industry. As the founders of RNK Distributing, they revolutionized the market by introducing Floriani Embroidery Products, providing hobbyists with the professional-grade stabilizers and tools they previously lacked. Their mission has always been simple: to educate, motivate, and empower makers to achieve beautiful results.
Widely regarded as the “Master Mind” of embroidery software, DJ Anderson is the creative force behind Floriani FTCU Embroidery Software. As the creator of the renowned Digitizing Master Classes, DJ has a unique gift for breaking down complex technical processes into achievable skills. His expertise in both the “how” and “why” of embroidery has made him one of the most sought-after educators in the industry today.
Together, this “Dream Team” represents 80 combined years of industry-shaping knowledge. With the launch of Sew-Smart Assistants, they are coming out of retirement to ensure that their decades of expertise remain accessible to the next generation of makers.
Your New Creative BFF
Sew-Smart Assistants is a powerful resource and research tool, but it isn’t your average chatbot. Unlike generic AI that pulls random (and often wrong) advice from the internet, Sew-Smart is fueled exclusively by the curated, proven expertise of Ricky, Kay, and DJ.
Benefits of Sew-Smart Assistants:
- Zero Guesswork: No more “trial and error” with expensive fabric. You get the right answer the first time.
- 24/7 Access: Whether it’s a holiday, a Sunday, or 3:00 AM, your assistant is ready.
- Tailored Expertise: From balsa wood embroidery to linen pressing temperatures, the advice is industry-specific and hyper-accurate.
“Knowledge is power—especially in an industry built on expertise and trust. We’ve put decades of experience right at your fingertips.”
Ask Anything, Anytime
Imagine having a Hall-of-Fame expert standing next to your sewing machine. You can ask Sew-Smart anything, such as:
- “What type of stabilizer do I need for embroidery on knit fabric?”
- “Why is my machine leaving large loops of thread on top of my design?”
- “How much fabric do I need for a 3’x3’ wall hanging?”
- “What temperature should I set my iron for pressing linen?”
The Future of Making
Just like the internet changed the world in the 90s, Sew-Smart is set to revolutionize the sewing room. For Ricky, Kay, and DJ, this wasn’t about the price tag—it was about giving back to the industry that gave them everything. It’s about helping you not just survive your next project, but thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sew-Smart:
Q: Is this just another generic AI like ChatGPT?
A: Not at all. While Sew-Smart uses advanced technology to communicate, the source of the information is different. Generic AI pulls data from the entire internet, which is often full of incorrect advice. Sew-Smart is powered exclusively by the 80 years of combined professional experience of Ricky and Kay Brooks and DJ Anderson. You are getting the “Dream Team’s” specific methods and proven answers.
Q: I’m not very “tech-savvy.” Is it hard to use?
A: If you can send a text message or type a question into a search bar, you can use Sew-Smart! It is designed to be intuitive and conversational. You don’t need to learn a new language; just ask your question like you were talking to a friend.
Q: What topics can I ask about?
A: Sew-Smart is an expert in the entire world of “making.” This includes home embroidery, quilting, garment sewing, fabric selection, stabilizers, machine troubleshooting, crafting, and even specialty projects like embroidering on balsa wood!
Q: Does it matter what brand of machine I own?
A: No. Sew-Smart is designed to help all makers. While the creators are the legends behind Floriani, the knowledge provided covers universal techniques, stabilizer applications, and sewing principles that apply regardless of the brand of machine you use.
Q: Why do I need this if I can just use YouTube?
A: Time and accuracy. Searching YouTube often leads to 20-minute videos where the information might be buried or, worse, incorrect. Sew-Smart gives you the correct answer in seconds, allowing you to get back to what you love doing—creating!
Q: Is it really available 24/7?
A: Yes! Whether it is 3:00 AM on a Tuesday or Christmas morning, Sew-Smart is always “on duty” to help you finish your project.