Tip for the day

An alternative to making knots or weaving the thread through the first few stitches when starting to stitch is the 'loop method' which involves cutting the stranded cotton twice it's usual length of around 12 - 18 inches to about 25 inches. Take one of the strands and fold it in half. Thread the two ends through the needle which leaves a loop at the bottom. Bring the needle up through the fabric and then back down to form the first diagonal of the cross stitch. Once the needle has passed back down, take it through the loop and this will then secure the thread. Continue with the stitch to complete the first cross stitch -the result is neat stitching on the back of the fabric without any knots or loose tails of thread. This method is also great for metallic thread as it helps anchor the thread and achieve a more even tension, which can be difficult because of the nature of this type of thread.

Tip for the day

Like the stereotypical Cross Stitcher I love gardening and cats (I like all animals really- especially dolphins). So yesterday I took the day off and went to 'Gardener's World' at the N.E.C. It was a great day out and very inspiring. Today however it's back to work and the deadline for my book is today, so with lots of last minute stuff to do (well officially it's still today until midnight) and quite possibly working until the early hours again. So here is an ever so quick tip....
I never use a hoop when stitching small motifs and cards. If you have problems getting you stitches to have an even tension, spray laundry starch on to the back of the fabric before stitching and iron to activate, it will stiffen the fabric further. It doesn't matter if there is a powder residue from the starch, you can always wash the fabric after finishing, I don't find it's really necessary. Once you press the fabric after stitching you will find that the left on starch will make the fabric nice and crisp again.

Tip for the day

To remove stubborn creases in fabric caused by the fabric being folded and packaged, sometimes ironing alone isn't enough. Gently hand wash the finished stitching, then place on a folded thick towel and then with a cool iron, iron until dry. Ironing on the back of the fabric will make the stitches raised, and you might be surprised at the results.
Avoid using detergents with lemon scent or fragrance as these will discolour some threads (especially metallic ones).

Tip for the day

To help prevent knots appearing in the thread as you are stitching, let the needle dangle down (whilst still threaded). The needle will spin and untangle, pick up the needle and continue stitching. The amount of times you have to do this will vary from person to person, you will soon learn to judge when to do this by looking at the threads themselves. If knots do occur see the previous blog on how to remove them.

Tip for the day

Sometimes knots can form in the thread when stitching. To remove the knot simply place the needle into the loop formed and pull upwards (you do not need to un-thread the needle to do this). This loosens the knot then remove the needle from the loop and pull upwards and the loop will disappear.

Tip for the day

When using stranded cotton, pull the thread from the skein at the end where the thread number is. If it has a 'tab' on the other label at the other end of the skein (as D.M.C does) pull this tab off but leave the label on. The thread will easily unravel whilst staying neatly on the skein.

Re-occurring Dream

I have a re-occurring dream, where I am in a massive shop full of craft goodies, and I am doing a supermarket sweep (it's a big trolley) I wake up so happy, until I realise it's just been a dream.
I am fortunate to have freebies sent to me from time to time (but not that fortunate).
Here is a pic of my latest bag of goodies......yes I do have all that stitching to do :( and the pile is abut 8 inches high!!!!! Thanks Cara.