Should I Prewash My Red Threads?

Recently someone on the ANG email list asked if they should pre-wash their red silk thread with cold water and vinegar to keep them from running.  Two finishers answered their question and very kindly agreed to repeat their advice here—

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This is from Margi at Sandy's Finishing Touches:

Test all threads before stitching. Just cut a 6-12inch length off the skein of thread and swish in cool water. You will have color release if the thread is not color fast. If the thread bleeds I recommend flushing out the excess dye just to be sure before setting any threads with a vinegar rinse. If the thread does not bleed check for color transfer by blotting with a white cloth or paper towel. If you have color transfer I wouldn’t stitch on a project that would run the risk of coming in contact with any liquids. Just projects to be framed or ornaments.

As a finisher who has blocked hundreds of needlepoint items each year for over 30 years I have experienced a variety of threads that bleed. Red is not the number one color to bleed. Green and Burgundy threads are more problematic than red threads. Certain overdyed thread manufacturers jewel toned threads bleed the worst. I personally will not stitch with any overdyed threads without testing for color fastness first. I have had red thread run orange and brown thread run red. I even had a black thread run for the first time in 2017.  Silk threads are no more likely to bleed than other thread type so test all threads.

Pat Mazu, finisher and author of Finishing 101, added:

I really agree with that advice! I have often found that the deep colored metallics and the overdyed deep color metallics are often problems as well. Navy blue, burgundy, and forest green can be real problems in any thread (even embroidery floss/stranded cotton) or yarn. Some threads or yarns are also color fast to dry cleaning and not to water, as well.

Before beginning to stitch, think about the final purpose of your piece and test your threads/yarns if it is something that will be used and may eventually require cleaning, such as a pillow. Then, always use a frame and have clean hands when stitching. Those two steps will modify the need for cleaning and blocking the completed piece.

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Thank you both very much for your help!  I've added links to Margi's company and Pat's book for those who are interested.

https://www.facebook.com/SandysFinishingTouches/

http://stitches-heart.com/needlepoint/pat-mazu-designs/

 Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 13, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A New Free Silk Gauze Rug Chart

Natalia Frank of Natalia's Fine Needlework has released a new free rug chart for 2018.  
http://www.dollhouseneedlepoint.com/free-patterns

Natalia describes the new rug this way, "Each year I offer a new free pattern as my "thank you" to all friends, customers, all stitchers who was by my side through the life time and supported my business. You inspire me to work harder. Thank you for keeping my motivation up. This year I would like to offer a pattern for Konya carpet that has been charted based on the original 18th century carpet that is located in The Mevlâna Museum in Konya, Turkey, the mausoleum of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi. The rug, based on the motifs, symbolizes fertility and happiness. The pattern is charted for use of DMC floss, but my advice would be to use over dyed thread to give that antique and worn look to it."

Natalia does this every year as a thank you to her customers.  This is designed for 48 count silk gauze but you can adjust the ground fabric and threads to suit yourself.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 12, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Patriotic Magnets for the Olympic Stitcher

Accoutrement Designs shows off the perfect patriotic magnets for the Olympic stitcher.  If you are stitching to the Olympics you may want some of these.
http://fobfriends.blogspot.com/2018/02/olympic-stitching.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 9, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Time for a Love Story

It's that time of year again! The needlepoint exhibit titled a Needlepoint Love Story is about to open again at Thistle Hill, sponsored by Historic Fort Worth.  Note that this year stitchers from Oklahoma City are taking a train to the event, stitching all the way!
https://historicfortworth.org/events-tours/needlepoint-a-love-story/

There is usually a chart you can buy to commemorate each year's exhibit and raise funds.    You can see past heart ornaments here and get a sneak peak at the new one.  Use the right side arrow to seek both pictures.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1733310730047769&set=pcb.1641777489232736&type=3&theater&ifg=1

The heart charts are sold at the exhibit and by local shops.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 3, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Special Gift Idea

I just happened to see this photo of Kaffe Fassett working a puzzle someone made for him from a quilt done in his fabrics on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/358534837577981/photos/a.467651833332947.1073741825.358534837577981/1448085668622887/?type=3&theater

I had a puzzle made from a photograph of my mother's cat for her for Christmas one year.  This is the place I used.  It never occurred to me to do a piece of needlepoint as a puzzle, though.  It would make a wonderful gift for the right person.
https://www.puzzleyou.com

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 12, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.