Tidbits, Interesting and Sad

I worked on the sleeve lining and more background for the Rabbit Geisha last night but the photo of my progress will be so much like yesterday's that I didn't bother taking one.  I think I'll start another area on this canvas so I have something to talk about tonight.  Or perhaps I'll hold another audition for stitches as I need to pick out what to do for the tunic and lower skirt, not to mention ribbons and tassel.

But for now I mostly have tidbits of news for you.  I got a note from Melissa Shirley who read about the burned canvas on blog [Jane begins to hyperventilate at the thought that Melissa Shirley, creator of some of the most lovely canvases in my stash, reads Blog....] and sent me a note about it.  She said, "I was just looking at your poor burned Rabbit Geisha on Chilly Hollow. I recently received a canvas back from a customer that had had something corrosive spilled on it. The raw canvas was weak and tearing within the spill area but was holding and intact in the painted areas. Perhaps if you painted the burned area with acrylic paint it would strengthen the canvas."

So Nancy, your idea about repainted the burned background area is a good one.  It acted as a sort of glue to reinforce a weak area on a damaged canvas.

I had another idea about patching the Rabbit Geisha besides weaving which I mentioned in the Comments but I'd like to repeat here as I know not everyone reads the Comments.

I thought about using silk gauze to patch the burn hole instead of weaving and patching with regular 18 count needlepoint canvas.  Kreinik used to have 18 count silk gauze available and there is still mention of it on their website.
http://www.kreinik.com/kshop/product.php?productid=172

Yes, it looks like you can buy 18 count silk gauze directly from Kreinik via this online store.
http://stitcherstreasures.kreinikmall.com/shops/product.php?printable=Y&productid=173

You can fringe all around the sides of a patch of silk gauze and slowly weave each fringed thread into the regular needlepoint canvas, then baste around the area for a second line of security.  Stitching over the hole should work nicely, especially if a second patch of regular 18 count needlepoint canvas is on the back side for more stability.  This is a long process, however, and I don't have and may not be able to get any 18 count silk gauze quickly.  I mention it, however, in case someone else wants to try this.  I don't expect many folks will have canvases damaged by fire or corrosive liquids, but many of us have accidentally cut a canvas thread or two in ripping out.  Just remember that although silk gauze and needlepoint canvas have a lot in common, they also differ.  Silk gauze threads are smaller than silk gauze holes so you might not be able to do all fancy stitches on silk gauze unless you back the repair with 18 count canvas on the underside.  I have particular trouble with French knots on silk gauze.  I have to put them in on top of tent stitches or they don't hold.  You may need to experiment or adapt what you are stitching if silk gauze repairs a cut or tiny weak spot.

My other tidbit is a sad one.  I got a note from Kandace Merric, the designer of the wonderful pet guardian angels we stitched for the ANG Auction this year, saying that she had lost one of her dogs.  Kandy is very active in rescue of mistreated, lost, or unwanted West Highland White Terriers and her Shana was a rescue dog.  I know Kandy is broken-hearted and I hope that she finds comfort in her other dogs, her friends, and her stitching.  I'm sure you will all join me in sending comforting thoughts Kandy's way.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
Archived Yahoo 360 postings at http://profiles.yahoo.com/chillyhollow