Dealing with Water N Ice

Ann reminded me what I was basketweaving with Water N Ice that the thread frays badly at the ends. It didn't even occur to me that this might be an issue as I cut my Water N Ice with my Thread Zap 2.  This tool is battery operated.  You insert the AA battery, take off the tip cover, hold down the button and the tip heats up enough to burn right through the Water N Ice (or Flair).  The end is cut and sealed so it does not fray.
http://www.needlepointtooltime.com/product/7258

If the frayed ends bother you or you use a lot of Flair, this is a tool you might want to invest in.  I bought mine from Needlepoint Tool Time when it was on sale.  Tisha warned me if I wanted to ever replace my tip, to make sure I bought Thread Zap 2 tips as the original tool tips won't fit on the new, improved version.

This thing gets plenty hot, so be careful with it.  I store mine with the battery out and am careful to put the dogs in the kitchen before I plan to use it.  I've noticed my tip falls out if I don't hold it upright as well, but that might just be my particular Thread Zap.  It's not something to be careless with, but it works beautifully on Water N Ice.

Thanks for the reminder, Ann!

Questions?  Email me at chillyhollow@hotmail.com and I'll get back to you within a day or so.

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.

Touch--Don't Touch

Kathy's been working an embroidered quilt top, showing progress photos on The Unbroken Thread.   Today's posting is especially interesting as she raises the question about stitching things that are meant to be touched versus stitching things meant to be put away, kept out of the reach of little (and big) hands.  We all know models in shops and exhibit items are irresistible--hands seem drawn to them.  Are we making a mistake not stitching for touch?
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2013/12/03/gaelic-autumn-quilt-square-2/

No matter how you feel about folks' touching your needlepoint, check out the textural acorn tops Kathy created by the artful scattering of French knots.  That's something I want to remember to use!

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.

Art of Silk: A Profile of Suzhou Embroidery

If you hang out on eBay like I do, you will eventually run into a mention of Suzhou embroidery.  If you follow links, you will eventually discover Art of Embroidery, a Chinese company that produces both hand embroidery and machine embroidery.  I didn't know anything about the company, however, until I read this profile.  Don't miss the video!  The two handed stitching technique, splitting the silk, and the style of frame used will all be of interest to needle pointers.
http://needleprint.blogspot.com/2013/11/meetings-with-remarkable-men.html

Here is the company's website.   I found the King's Silk article especially interesting but the eye candy is incredible!
http://www.artofsilk.com

Please pour a glass of your favorite beverage and spend some time exploring the delights of Suzhou embroidery.

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.