Tip for the day

Evenweave -

If you would like to stitch on Evenweave for a change, choose 28ct which will give the exact finished size as 14 count Aida. Work the stitches over 2 linear and vertical threads of fabric. Start directly to the side of a vertical thread as opposed to a horizontal one. Use a hoop or frame to help get the stitches even and after a few stitches you will find that the stitches are not so difficult. It does take a little extra time to count the stitches compared with Aida but well worth the effort, realistic designs look almost like watercolours on canvas, the stitches stand out from the fabric so much more too.

Tip for the day

Here are some long overdue tips!

1. When stitching top borders you can turn the fabric upside down so that the border is facing you and the stitches will remain the same way. Don't however turn the side borders to face you as the stitches will end up the wrong way. This helps when stitching larger designs!

2.I find wooden hoops nearly always mark my fabric, you can now get plastic ones in most sizes which don't. For small card size designs I always work without a hoop as it's easier to hold the fabric and still get even tensioned stitches.

3. To avoid eye strain now the nights are getting darker earlier sit near a good light source. I have put a daylight bulb in my desk lamp which is great because with normal bulbs the colour may appear different. A couple of times in the past I have discovered the next after a nights stitching, whole areas have been stitching the wrong shade! Which also makes a good case for using a thread sorted and labeling it correctly!