http://seamstresserin.com/5-tips-for-successful-needlepoint-projects/
Here's my list:
- Wash your hands before you start stitching and repeat this periodically during a long stitching session.
- Discard your needles from the last project when you start a new project.
- Pay careful attention to starting and ending threads.
- Choose classic projects you will not tire of and stitch them with the best materials you can find.
- Never stitch when you are really tired.
What are your tips?
Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.
3 comments:
Always good reminders. Handwashing is always first on my list, too.
also:
1) When stitching with silks, or with any fiber that may snag, "scrub" your hands first with about a tsp each of olive oil & sugar, then wash with soap & warm water as usual - it will smooth off any rough spots on your fingertips & cuticles. (You probably won't need to do this often if your nails are regularly manicured.)
2)Be mindful of the order in which you stitch lights & darks, to avoid transferring fuzz & unsightly shadows from behind.
Please enlighten me, Jane - why do you routinely discard needles at the end of a project? I've never heard this before. Most stitchers I know continue to use a needle unless it's bent or the eye is somehow damaged.
Cindy, I have two reasons for this. The first is I read an article by Amy Bunger in the old NP News eons ago that recommended this. She said most stitchers use their needles far too long. The second is that I have acid hands which rapidly tarnishes my needles. They will last for about 4-6 weeks of stitching every night before the damage is very noticeable. Needles are relatively cheap so I toss mine after each project ends and start with brand new ones.
By the way, thanks for your tips, Cindy!
Post a Comment