Previously I have talked about putting designs on shirts, bags, aprons, and other items that you want to use around the house. Unless you have found these items with pre-stamped designs on them then more than likely you're going to have to find other ways to add your picture to the cloth. Traditional needlepoint canvases aren't going to do you much good here. Trust me I've actually tried when I was first starting out. But there are a couple of options that you can try.
Waste Canvas
I'm actually going to talk about the waste canvas first because it's been around a lot longer. This type of canvas has the basic look of traditional canvas, but you'll notice there is less of the canvas. If you can find them they do come in a variety of counts. Alas, the hobby store I frequent (Hobby Lobby) doesn't have a wide variety of waste canvases so I'm stuck with the 10 count canvas. That's okay. Sure it might make my designs a little bigger, depending on the pattern, but if the original is stitched over two threads then I can cut that in half and save some space.
The hassle is when you're finished with your project. You actually have to remove the canvas string by string. There are fewer strings in this type of canvas, I mean who wants to spend all afternoon pulling it apart. But there is some work to finishing it. One of the great thing is though, you can see this canvas pretty well.
Soluble Canvas
Okay, for those of you who have not used the soluble canvas yet then you probably don't understand my last statement. The soluble canvas is not exactly a plastic canvas but it's not fabric either. The hardest part of using this canvas is that it's see through. That's right it's clear which means if you're working on a white medium (like I am at the moment) it can be really difficult to see those little holes.
The soluble canvas comes in one count, 14 count, so you may see some size variation depending on what your original pattern is. Again if you have a pattern that was originated on a 28 count stitched over two threads you can get away with using a 14 count stitched over one thread and come out with relatively the same size.
The best part about the soluble canvas is that you don't have to spend all afternoon pulling canvas apart. Once you're finished with your project you simply stick it in a pail of warm water for a few minutes and it dissolves away.
Which one is best for you, that is dependant on how you stitch. If you're like me and have a difficult time seeing items then you might want to go with the waste canvas. As easy as the other canvas is to finish your project it is a lot more difficult to work with on certain surfaces.
Stitch in the Night
I love cross-stitching! It's my favorite hobby. Stitch in the night is going to be full of information for the cross-stitcher.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Fun Ideas That Will Give You Quick Results.
Cross stitching is a fun way to spend your time, but many of the projects can seem like they take forever to complete. It doesn't matter if you are new to cross stitching or have been doing it for quite a while sometimes you need a simple project that you can finish in a day or two. Thankfully there are lots of little ideas out there that are just that simple.
Counted Cross Stitch Ideas
Christmas Ornament Pattern book |
Christmas ornaments are usually a quick project that you can complete in a few days or weeks, depending on how many ornaments you are planning to make. There are several books available that have the patterns, color schemes and instructions on how to finish each ornament. Not only do they add a personalized touch to your Christmas decorations they also make great gifts.
Bookmark Pattern Book |
Bookmarks are another simple project that can get you out of the half finished rut. Like with the ornaments there are books out there that contains a plethora of patterns. With bookmarks though, you may also be able to find starter kits that contain everything you need to complete the project.
Mini-Kit - Cars |
Small wall hangings are good for new stitchers to work with. These projects are generally small, measuring four or five inches at most and there's not a lot of detail to them. If you've been down the needle work aisle at any hobby store then you've seen what I'm talking about. They might have a single animal, like a bear, or cartoon character on them. They are super simple and don't take very long to finish.
Baby Bib Pattern Book |
Baby bibs are often cute little projects you can complete in a day. Hand towels are too. Both of these make thoughtful gifts as well as simple starter projects.
Stamped Cross Stitch Ideas
With counted cross stitch you're going to find lots of little projects. Like with the counted cross stitch you'll find sets of bookmarks and bibs but there are other things your going to find. Pillowcases are easy to stitch and it won't take that long to finish them. These can be used, washed, and reused over and over without fear of wearing out.
Napkins |
Another good idea are napkins. They make a lovely addition to any special occasion and like with pillow cases they are made to be used and washed. Don't let their delicate lines fool you, they aren't just for show but the really do make your table look more festive.
If you are up for a little more of a challenge but still want to see results try quilt blocks. You stitch each block individually and then use them to create a quilt you'll be proud of. This does take a little longer to complete the project but the individual blocks don't take a lot of time. This makes it the ideal project if you want to see some results quickly but don't care if the project is completed quickly.
Quilt Blocks |
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
To Find A Pattern
If you enjoy counted cross stitch as much as I do then you probably have looked for patterns. One thing that annoys me is getting a pattern that I really love and then losing it later. It's happened to me more than once, thanks to frequent moves and then the addition of a child in our home. Things didn't go missing when he was an infant but now that he's four years old my things get misplaced on a regular basis. Thankfully if you have the name of the company, pattern number, and, in some rare cases, proof of purchase you can contact the company and get a replacement pattern. This works well if the pattern came out of a kit but it isnt' always feesible to do when the pattern came out of a magizine or book.
There are several options to keep track of your patterns though. One great idea is to start a binder of your favorite patterns. By using page protectors you can put the patterns in a binder and put the binder in a safe place until you are ready to work on the a pattern from your collection. Not only are all your faviorte patterns in a spot where you can easily access them, you don't have to worry about the patterns getting torn or ruined because they are safely in the page protectors.
If you got your pattern out of a book then you might consider photocopying your favorite patterns and leaving the book intact. You'll find that many of these pattern producers put in their books that you can photocopy the pattern as long as it's for your own use. In the event that you lose the pattern you are working from the book is still intact and put away so you can go right back to it.
As always keep your things organized and put away in the same spot each time your finished for the day and you'll easily be able to find what you want. If youhave kids this will also keep them out of your things, allowing you to always find them.
There are several options to keep track of your patterns though. One great idea is to start a binder of your favorite patterns. By using page protectors you can put the patterns in a binder and put the binder in a safe place until you are ready to work on the a pattern from your collection. Not only are all your faviorte patterns in a spot where you can easily access them, you don't have to worry about the patterns getting torn or ruined because they are safely in the page protectors.
If you got your pattern out of a book then you might consider photocopying your favorite patterns and leaving the book intact. You'll find that many of these pattern producers put in their books that you can photocopy the pattern as long as it's for your own use. In the event that you lose the pattern you are working from the book is still intact and put away so you can go right back to it.
As always keep your things organized and put away in the same spot each time your finished for the day and you'll easily be able to find what you want. If youhave kids this will also keep them out of your things, allowing you to always find them.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Cross-Stitch Media (Fabric) Type
I’ve spent the last several posts going over what type of storage to choose and which type of project is the best to start with. This post is going to discuss media type that you can use to stitch on.
First off when I say media type what am I talking about? For the purposes of this article, and this blog, when I say media type I am referring to the fabric in which you will actually do the stitching. It is whatever the background is. There are a few media to choose from and some of it is broken down even further for more options. I hestitate t call it fabric because not all of it is fabric.
Plastic Canvas
One type of media that you might put your art on is plastic. This type of mesh canvas is like its sounds a hard plastic that has evenly spaced holes. It has a grid appearance because of this. The great thing about working in this type of media is that you won’t have to worry about what kind of frame you need to hold it taut because it’s going to stay that way.
The downfall of working with plastic is that you can’t do all the stitching that you would normally do in fabric. Quarter stitches are out of the question and loops are difficult but not impossible. Generally you’ll consider using this type of media if you are making something that needs to stand on its own and can take a beating like a tissue box, bookmarks, or ornaments.
Cross Stitch Fabric
This fabric is made specifically to do cross stitch with. Like the plastic canvas it will have evenly spaced holes. There are several brand names for this type of fabric but you’ll hear me use Aida quite frequently because that is the brand I use. The important thing to remember is not the brand name so much as the type. There are different “counts” that you need to be aware of. The count is simply how many holes per inch that a fabric has. The most common is 14-count which means there are fourteen holes in each inch of fabric. Aida comes in a wide variety of counts such as 11, 16 and even 22. Other brands don’t have quite the variety so you need to be aware of the fabric count of your pattern. This way you can judge the finish size correctly.
The other great thing about using cross stitch fabric to do your project is the fact that it comes in a variety of colors. Plastic doesn’t come in a huge variety but with fabric you can find shades of white, blue, black, tan and other background colors. If you are just starting out then you probably want to use either Aida or a fabric with a small count number so that the holes will be a little bigger for you to see. If you are looking for something that is a little more elegant then you might want to try the brand Hardanger, since it comes in 22 count and the holes are a lot smaller. Both Hardanger and Aida are made from cotton.
If your project is for something like a table cloth, napkins, or pillow case then you might want to find either a linen/cotton blend or just plain linen. Unlike the smaller number count with their large holes, these have high number counts and should be used only by advanced enthusiasts, as it is hard to see what you’re doing. This type of fabric though is extremely soft and elegant and perfect for those projects that will be constantly on display. They are harder to clean though, so keep that in mind.
Clothing
You might have seen a pretty shirt or apron that is embroidered or cross stitched. Yes there is a way to use a shirt or apron as media. For these projects though, I highly recommend either using a waste canvas or water-soluble canvas.
A waste canvas is a canvas that is designed to temporarily stay in place. You can baste it on to the clothing you want the project on and when you are finished the strands easily slide out. This removes the canvas from the clothing and leaves the design you’ve worked so hard on. It can be tedious removing the excess but it is better than trying to use a regular canvas to work.
Water-soluble canvases are something relatively new. These canvases feel and look more like the canvas type you’re used to working with. You baste this canvas to the article of clothing that you are working on, do your work, and then simply soak it in warm water. The canvas dissolves leaving you your completed work. It is a lot easier than using a waste canvas.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Stamp or Counted? Which is the Best Starter Project
If you are new to the world of needle point then you are still trying to figure out what is the best project for you to start with. It can be a little confusing to figure out when you are standing in the craft store looking at things. You’ll notice there are two main types of projects, the counted cross stitch and the stamped cross stitch.
The Counted Cross-Stitch
Sample of Aida fabric |
A lot of people start with the counted cross stitch projects. But what are they. Generally these projects are done on cloth (name brand Aida should look familiar to you, DMC also has cloth) and are made using a pattern on a grid system. Each block on the pattern will represent one “X” of stitching. Until you start working on your project the cloth is completely bare. The pattern will guide you to complete the picture. The pattern will also tell you when you need a full cross-stitch (which is an “x”), a half cross stitch (which is half an “x”), back stitching (segments of straight lines no “X”), a French knot (is like it sounds), or any other stitches.
If you are going to start with counted cross stitch then by all means start with a simple small project. There are a lot of kits out there look great but take a lot of skill to complete. If it’s your first project then I strongly recommend that you pick one of the smaller kits to get started with, it’ll be a lot less complicated.
How do you do counted cross stitch? You’ll notice that the fabric looks like a mesh of sorts. You’ll be able to see little holes, evenly spaced, across the cloth. You will use these spaces to insert your needle. Then simply go to the diagonal hole to make your first half stitch. If you have a row of stitches that are in the same color work your thread (in half stitches) across the number of stitches you need, then come back completing the “X”. It will actually save you thread and time to do it this way.
The Stamped Cross-Stitch
With a stamped cross-stitch you will work the thread the same way making half cross-stitches across the row and returning with the finishing half. The difference, instead of using a fabric that is blank with evenly spaced holes, you’ll be using a regular piece of fabric with a design imprinted on it. There will be an “x” every where you need to make a full cross-stitch, lines where you need to back stitch, and dots where you need to make a French knot. You will see what the design is going to look like when it’s all said and done.
Sample of a Pattern |
Unlike the counted versions, these are going to generally be on fabric that will be used around the house. Most of your counted cross-stitch projects will be the type that you frame and put on a wall. Occasionally you can add fabric and build a pillow or blanket around it. Mostly though, you’ll display it in other ways. With the stamped cross-stitch projects you’ll find that they are items such as pillow cases, napkins, table clothes, or even quilt squares. These projects will be something you’ll use around the house, not just display.
But if you’re learning it is a good way to start because they have the pattern printed right on the fabric. They also come with the color code pattern, as the counted version, and seeing the printed pattern can help you learn how to understand the color code pattern because you can see what the stitches should look like when referring to the pattern.
Whether you choose to go with a counted cross-stitch or start with a stamped project, be sure to start simple. If you are going for a counted cross-stitch project look for a small project that is not extremely detailed. Don’t worry, you won’t be on the small stuff forever, but those bigger projects will take a lot more skill and a lot more time. Keep it small. If you are doing a stamped project the same rules apply. Don’t grab the heavily detailed piece. Keep it simple, choose something small like a pillow case, a bib, or set of napkins.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
The Bow or the Bobbin
It'll be a forgon conclusion after you've done a little needlepoint that guess what leaving the string as is is a bad idea. So what do you try? Do you use a bobbin or the bow? In all honesty it's all personal.
Stitch Bow Floss Holder |
The Bow
I, personally, use the bow. It's simpler for me. All I have to do is slide my new thread on to the plastic piece and whalla I'm done. They are super simple to use and unless the thread is tangled when I get it, it most likely won't tangle on me when I go to unwind it.
StitchBow Page Holder |
Sure there are some issues with the bow method of storing your string. It is long, plastic and doesn't fit into those neat containers. But there is a neat way to store all of these so that you don't have them just lying around your house. These neat little page holders can fit in a binder or travel case. The make it easy to sort and see exactly what you have available. You can also take just the page of string you need out and have it handy while you're working on your projects.
The Bobbin
Plastic Bobbins |
While you'll hear me talking about using the bow system I must confess there is another system. You can wind your thread onto a bobbin. These come in either plastic (as shown right) or in cardboard (not shown). They are shaped the same and work the same so which one you choose is strictly a budget thing. The plastic bobbins are more expensive but they last longer than the cardboard ones. The cardboard bobbins are easier to write on so you've just got to choose what works for you.
Bobbin Winder |
Don't worry about trying to wind one of these. While they are not as simple as the bow method of string storage, they aren't difficult to wind. I am notorious for getting stuff tangle so I have a huge problem with these, I'm always tangling my string. But then again I could break a steel ball if given a chance. They do have this neat little invention (see left) and it works really well. It does make winding the bobbin go a lot quicker. It is also designed to slide onto the side of the bobbin case that you'll have handy.
Bobbin Caddy |
Storage of the bobbins to me is a mixture of a little simpler and a little more annoying. It's a simple plastic box, that can be stored anywhere. Like anything it's all in the organization. You can have all the floss for one project in one cubby. Unlike with the bow system, you can't just take one little compartment with you. You will either have to take the whole tray or individual bobbins. But there is lots of room to store lots of bobbins. You'll be able to fit more bobbins into one caddy than you'll ever fit bows in to page holders. But then you get back to you can add pages to your book, you'll have to buy a whole new caddy to add more bobbins once its full.
Both storage methods have plus sides and down sides. Over all cost wise, you'll save a lot of money by using simple bobbins and the caddy. The bobbins come in larger packages for the same pice or maybe a little more than the bows. Then you have to include the price for the storage pages and either book, travel case (or in my case both). It can get expesive to start with the bows. So if you're looking for the cheapest route to start your hobby with use the bobbins. The bobbins and case and winder aren't all that expensive.
If you are considering the ease of things, to me nothing is easier than using the bows to store your floss. You just slide it on and go. There is no winding, no fumbling with the floss it's just straight forward and simple. Using the page holders are extremely simple because each bow has a spot it can slide into, you can see all the colors and the bows themselves has a spot for the paper sleeve to go so you can see the color number. It makes it really easy to work with since you can see at a glance what string you need. If you are like me and like to organize by project, you can have all your string in one or two pages and have them handy without having to pull the whole thing out. I use both the binder and the travel case (because I'm like that) so I can keep just the string I need with me and put the rest away. The bobbins, for me at least, often got tangled and it was hard to find the colors I needed because I'd have to take everything out of the cubby to see which blue was 3848. It was easy to store them and like I said, you can put a lot more bobbins in one case than you might realize.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Cross-Stitch Supplies
If you’ve just started the cross-stitch hobby then you’re in for a real treat. It can be a fulfilling way to spend your free time. You will be creating beautiful pictures out of simple string. It’ll be a little time consuming, sure, but the whole point of having a hobby is to be able to do something with your spare time other than just burn up the cable box or the computer. Getting started is easy but there are a few supplies that you need.
Necessities
Needles
Okay, this one should be obvious. You can’t do needlework without the needles. What type of needle you need will depend on what type of needle point you are doing. We’ll stick with the type you need for cross stitching right now, since that’s what this is about. Cross stitch needles look like regular sewing needles except they are blunter and they have a larger eye. When you’ve poked yourself a hundred times and had to rethread the thing twice that much you’ll be glad you have this type of needle. Typically this one will be sold by the skeins of thread used for needle point. The package will be labeled as needlepoint needles or tapestry needles. I’ve been stitching for years and I haven’t found one brand to be better than others, so the choice is yours.
Thread
The color of thread, known as floss in the needlepoint world, will be dependent on your project. It really is best to pick your colors at the same time you pick out your project. That way you’re certain to get the colors you need in the amounts you need them in. Each floss bundle is called a skein. If you’re used to sewing you’ve heard of spools of thread, this is similar. Unlike with sewing spools the skeins are not attached to a spool. They are loosely wound and held together by two pieces of paper that contain the color identification number. This is great for the store but once you get it home and get to working with it you might have to get creative on how you store it. There are a few manufactures of thread so the choice is yours but the most popular by far is DMC. To figure out what thread you need, consult the project you want to do. It will have a color chart. This chart will contain a general description of a color followed by a color code (usually DMC’s code but not necessarily the chart should specify), and the number of skeins you need in order to complete the project. For example: Color DMC Number Number of Skeins Black 310 6
Scissors
You have to have something to cut your thread with so you have to have some sort of scissor. For this type of project small foldable or compact scissors are best. There is also something called a thread cutter. It’s a small half circle shaped cutter. The surface has indentions for a variety or thicknesses of thread. Each indention exposes a razor edge. The great thing about this tool, you don’t have to worry about the kids with it. The way it is made is so that you can’t cut yourself with it because there are no exposed sharp edges. It can be a little frustrating to use though, so if you don’t have small children to worry about you might want to just stick with the scissors. Personally I use the thread cutter, but I also have a four year old that has yet to grasp the phrase “leave my things alone.”
Hoop or Frame
Using a hoop or frame is a great way to keep the fabric you are working with taunt. Both work great and it might take some trial and error to determine which one works best for you and your projects. I actually use both. I like the wide variety in sizes available with the hoops and the ability to tighten my project easily with the frame. Generally if I am working a counted cross stitch project I use a frame, the fabric that is used with these type are a little stiffer than stamped projects and the indention of the hoop is hard to remove. If I’m doing a stamped project then I use a hoop. Since I use both I can see the pros and cons of both but it really is a matter of taste. There are some out there that use neither it really is up to you.
Optional Supplies
There are lots of accessories out there that won’t make one difference to your project. To finish it you don’t need any of these but some of them aren’t a bad idea to have, if for no other reason to help you organize your work.
Bobbins and Storage Cases
I said earlier you’d have to get creative with your floss storage once you got it home and bobbins are designed to do just that. They can either be cardboard or plastic, depending on your preference and all you do is wind your floss on to it. They even sell a handy bobbin turner so you can wind it easier, again not a necessity. To store your newly wound bobbins you can get clear plastic storage case that will hold several bobbins. How many it will hold depends on the case. It’ll help you keep from having floss strewn all over your house. The bobbins can be written on so you can mark the number on it, or you can use one of their handy dandy number stickers that are usually sold right next to the bobbins.
Stitchbow Storage/Travel Cases
Personally I’ve used bobbins and had problems with tangles, but that’s probably just me. I use stitchbow storage. Stitchbow is a DMC product. These plastic pieces are the length of the packaged floss bundles. On either end there are grooves so you just slide the floss onto it. No winding, which is what usually, got me into trouble. There are a couple storage options for these. You can get a binder and use the plastic page inserts to put them in and then there is the roll that holds them. They also have a travel case so you can take your project and thread conveniently with you. This comes in handy because it has pockets for your pattern, scissors, and extra needles. The cases come in two sizes and styles so that you can pick the one that’s right for you. Again this is completely frivolous and not a necessity to get your project done, but they are nice to have if you enjoy stitching no matter where you’re at.
Stands
Holding the project all the time can be cumbersome and tiresome. They make stands that will hold your project in its hoop or frame for you. There are stands that hold just hoops, just frames, and universal that will hold both. Some of them are large enough to set on the floor, some are table top, and others are designed to slide over your lap. They all have their pros and cons but if you use both hoops and frames you’ll be better off with a universal stand should you choose to use one. This might not be a necessity to get your project done, but I’ve found that I am able to work longer in one sitting if I don’t have to hold the frame or hoop all the time. I can also use my free hand to ensure that I’m not knotting up my thread when I’m getting started with a new piece.
Magnifiers
They have a large variety of magnifiers on the market. These are useful if you are having a hard time seeing the pattern or fabric squares. You can get them that clip on to your glasses, if you already wear glasses. There are also types that set on the table top, clip on to your work, and large enough to set on the floor. There are also little line magnifiers that set on top of the pattern and can be slid down the pattern as you do complete a line.
Pattern Holders
These are metal boards that the pattern can be held to by magnets. They often have rulers or line magnifiers that come with them. While these aren’t a necessity, if you’ve ever tried to follow a pattern while working they can be a blessing in disguise. Unfortunately these boards don’t often come with a holder that will keep it upright so you can glace as your working. They do sell holders separately, so if you’re going to have one of the holder boards you might want to invest in one of these.
Necessities
Needles
Okay, this one should be obvious. You can’t do needlework without the needles. What type of needle you need will depend on what type of needle point you are doing. We’ll stick with the type you need for cross stitching right now, since that’s what this is about. Cross stitch needles look like regular sewing needles except they are blunter and they have a larger eye. When you’ve poked yourself a hundred times and had to rethread the thing twice that much you’ll be glad you have this type of needle. Typically this one will be sold by the skeins of thread used for needle point. The package will be labeled as needlepoint needles or tapestry needles. I’ve been stitching for years and I haven’t found one brand to be better than others, so the choice is yours.
Thread
The color of thread, known as floss in the needlepoint world, will be dependent on your project. It really is best to pick your colors at the same time you pick out your project. That way you’re certain to get the colors you need in the amounts you need them in. Each floss bundle is called a skein. If you’re used to sewing you’ve heard of spools of thread, this is similar. Unlike with sewing spools the skeins are not attached to a spool. They are loosely wound and held together by two pieces of paper that contain the color identification number. This is great for the store but once you get it home and get to working with it you might have to get creative on how you store it. There are a few manufactures of thread so the choice is yours but the most popular by far is DMC. To figure out what thread you need, consult the project you want to do. It will have a color chart. This chart will contain a general description of a color followed by a color code (usually DMC’s code but not necessarily the chart should specify), and the number of skeins you need in order to complete the project. For example: Color DMC Number Number of Skeins Black 310 6
Scissors
You have to have something to cut your thread with so you have to have some sort of scissor. For this type of project small foldable or compact scissors are best. There is also something called a thread cutter. It’s a small half circle shaped cutter. The surface has indentions for a variety or thicknesses of thread. Each indention exposes a razor edge. The great thing about this tool, you don’t have to worry about the kids with it. The way it is made is so that you can’t cut yourself with it because there are no exposed sharp edges. It can be a little frustrating to use though, so if you don’t have small children to worry about you might want to just stick with the scissors. Personally I use the thread cutter, but I also have a four year old that has yet to grasp the phrase “leave my things alone.”
Hoop or Frame
Using a hoop or frame is a great way to keep the fabric you are working with taunt. Both work great and it might take some trial and error to determine which one works best for you and your projects. I actually use both. I like the wide variety in sizes available with the hoops and the ability to tighten my project easily with the frame. Generally if I am working a counted cross stitch project I use a frame, the fabric that is used with these type are a little stiffer than stamped projects and the indention of the hoop is hard to remove. If I’m doing a stamped project then I use a hoop. Since I use both I can see the pros and cons of both but it really is a matter of taste. There are some out there that use neither it really is up to you.
Optional Supplies
There are lots of accessories out there that won’t make one difference to your project. To finish it you don’t need any of these but some of them aren’t a bad idea to have, if for no other reason to help you organize your work.
Bobbins and Storage Cases
I said earlier you’d have to get creative with your floss storage once you got it home and bobbins are designed to do just that. They can either be cardboard or plastic, depending on your preference and all you do is wind your floss on to it. They even sell a handy bobbin turner so you can wind it easier, again not a necessity. To store your newly wound bobbins you can get clear plastic storage case that will hold several bobbins. How many it will hold depends on the case. It’ll help you keep from having floss strewn all over your house. The bobbins can be written on so you can mark the number on it, or you can use one of their handy dandy number stickers that are usually sold right next to the bobbins.
Stitchbow Storage/Travel Cases
Personally I’ve used bobbins and had problems with tangles, but that’s probably just me. I use stitchbow storage. Stitchbow is a DMC product. These plastic pieces are the length of the packaged floss bundles. On either end there are grooves so you just slide the floss onto it. No winding, which is what usually, got me into trouble. There are a couple storage options for these. You can get a binder and use the plastic page inserts to put them in and then there is the roll that holds them. They also have a travel case so you can take your project and thread conveniently with you. This comes in handy because it has pockets for your pattern, scissors, and extra needles. The cases come in two sizes and styles so that you can pick the one that’s right for you. Again this is completely frivolous and not a necessity to get your project done, but they are nice to have if you enjoy stitching no matter where you’re at.
Stands
Holding the project all the time can be cumbersome and tiresome. They make stands that will hold your project in its hoop or frame for you. There are stands that hold just hoops, just frames, and universal that will hold both. Some of them are large enough to set on the floor, some are table top, and others are designed to slide over your lap. They all have their pros and cons but if you use both hoops and frames you’ll be better off with a universal stand should you choose to use one. This might not be a necessity to get your project done, but I’ve found that I am able to work longer in one sitting if I don’t have to hold the frame or hoop all the time. I can also use my free hand to ensure that I’m not knotting up my thread when I’m getting started with a new piece.
Magnifiers
They have a large variety of magnifiers on the market. These are useful if you are having a hard time seeing the pattern or fabric squares. You can get them that clip on to your glasses, if you already wear glasses. There are also types that set on the table top, clip on to your work, and large enough to set on the floor. There are also little line magnifiers that set on top of the pattern and can be slid down the pattern as you do complete a line.
Pattern Holders
These are metal boards that the pattern can be held to by magnets. They often have rulers or line magnifiers that come with them. While these aren’t a necessity, if you’ve ever tried to follow a pattern while working they can be a blessing in disguise. Unfortunately these boards don’t often come with a holder that will keep it upright so you can glace as your working. They do sell holders separately, so if you’re going to have one of the holder boards you might want to invest in one of these.
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