From: berninge@cs.purdue.edu (Jim Berninger)
Newsgroups: rec.crafts.textiles
Subject: Re: Need x-stitch hints
Date: 26 Jan 1993 22:48:49 -0500
Organization: Department of Computer Science, Purdue University
NNTP-Posting-Host: cornwall.cs.purdue.edu

jareed@rodan.acs.syr.EDU (Judith Ann Reed) writes:
>* How do you deal with patterns that need a stitch or three of a color in 
>widely varied places? Do you try to do all of one color in a fairly diverse
>area at one time?...
>* Do you work in straight rows across the pattern, in one direction, or do you
>follow the design sections, working on various sections as you get to that
>color?
(I'm working on a project that deals with similar problems.)  I keep 4-5
(related) colors from a section in easy access, as well as a needle for each
of these colors.  Then, I just fill in the section as much as I can with
each color (provided the stitches are not too far apart) in the area.

>* Do you have techniques to make it easier to find your spot on the pattern?
>Do you copy and magnify it? Do you recommend magnifying bars, pattern holders,
>etc? Do you mark up the pattern as you go?
My technique makes following the pattern *fairly* clear, and I don't like
marking up the pattern, since I may trade with someone else later.  A friend
of mine uses a blue highlighter.

>* Is it possible to clean the face of the work when you finish, as I note it
>can sometimes get a bit dirty.
Handwashing with Ivory Snow is highly recommended to me.  I handwash in the
sink with dishwashing liquid, air dry (flat) on a towel, and iron face down,
between dry towels.

>*What kind of needles do your recommend? Do you ever put the fabric in a hoop,
>or do you just rely on its stiffness to hold it while you work? Or do you
>put it in a frame? What kind of frame, or whatever, do you recommend?
I use #24 needles -- I'd like to find some that don't get rusty(?) as I use
them, as they start to stain the fabric and pull the threads more than they
should.  I use a hoop (plastic ring, metal base), and the finished product
goes in a frame -- usually custom fit to the work -- sometimes under glass,
depending on who gets it and what looks best.
>
>* What treatment do you give the work when it is done, as far as cleaning,
>blocking, mounting, etc? Should it be put in a frame with or without glass?
>How about mounting works in embroidery hoops and hanging them? Should I 
Never permanently mount fabric if it can be helped.  You should use a
certified acid-free backing board and mount your work with stainless steel
pins -- start with the center of each side of the board and pin through the
fabric into the edge of the board.  Matting, framing, etc. is left to the
discretion of the creator...

>* Do you knot the threads on the back, or rely on weaving it in under other
>threads?
Never knot, always weave under existing stitches if possible.  Knotting has
a tendency to pull, and it creates a texture under the fabric that may be
noticeable when you mount.  In addition, if you weave and it comes undone,
it can be re-done much more easily and with less damage than with knots.

>* What books are good for providing info on techniques...
Haven't a clue.  I got most, if not all, of my information from ladies in
the frame store.  The owner showed me how to mount, while she and another
customer showed me the dangers of knotting, and recommended a local show for
me to attend.  It's amazing the things you learn....

Speaking of which, I've got to get back to my project -- it's two weeks
behind schedule...

  ______ Jim Berninger: berninge@cs.purdue.edu|Hate is not a Family Value______
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Newsgroups: rec.crafts.textiles