Saturday, March 30, 2013

Why I love My Thread Zap 2

Flair and other synthetic threads can drive you nuts by fraying at the ends when you cut them.  To avoid this problem so that I can work with my Flair without pulling out all my hair in frustration, I bought a thread zapper.  The brand I own is featured in this video which shows exactly how it works, although the video doesn't spell out that you have to hold down the button to heat the tip.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mB7BjQx2oW0

There is a slight burning smell and when you first use the thread zapper you may see a wisp of smoke, but this is normal.  It does get very hot so be careful--remove all small children and pets from the area first.  My tip sometimes has come out of the top of the tool when I take it out of the package where it is stored between uses.  I just put it back without a problem.  I do put the thread zapper away with the battery removed, just to be safe.
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com/product/7258

My thread zapper works well with Fyre Werks.   I've been told that the new Easter Grass braid from Kreinik also benefits from a thread zapper.

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.

Stitching Beautifully with Kimberly

Kimberly Servello is an embroiderer with a particular interest in reproduction embroidery. She loves pretty things and not just pretty things to stitch--she loves pretty tools.  I think you are going to enjoy a little visit to Kimberly's blog to see her newest finds.
http://baroqueembellishments.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html

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.

How to Torture Flair

No, we aren't setting up a torture chamber here in Chilly Hollow. (Although if Mother Nature doesn't cut back on the snowflakes--it is snowing this morning and as I type this it is March 8th!--I may reconsider.)  Suzanne used "tortured" Flair to create smoke for the test tube her Mad Scientist figure is holding.
http://suzannehicks.blogspot.com/2013/02/dr-no-mad-scientist.html

This character is from A Collection of Designs and is part of an older monthly club called Monster's Ball from a Pocket Full of Stitches.
http://www.pfos.com/OtherClubs/MonstersBall/pg1.HTM

This isn't the only way to use Flair in a manner the manufacturers never intended, by the way.
http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2008/09/how-to-use-wired-flair.html

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.