Stitchqueries - Part 2

Stitchqueries: Which Way Does the Hoop Go?

December 28, 2011 by Loretta · 19 Comments

This question comes in from Sharon here on the blog and it’s a really good question!

I have a question about using the Q-snap or a hoop. Do you stitch on the top side of the fabric or the bottom as it lays in the frame? [fabric to hoop U shaped or inverted U shaped]

I started stitching on the bottom (U), because it was easier to anchor the threads on the back side, when that side was “on top.” My mother, however, thinks I’m doing it backwards. Just curious.

(I know that there is a right and a wrong side to some fabric, but what I’m talking about is the way it lays in the hoop. Is the right side of the fabric on top or down inside the hoop?)

People ask me about this all the time, usually when they see me stitching – because I do as Sharon describes when I’m using a hoop and snap it on in a way that most people would consider to be upside down. Here’s a picture to give you an idea… [Read more...]

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Stitchqueries: Can I Use a Hoop to Stitch on Linen?

November 18, 2011 by Loretta · Leave a Comment

This question comes from Christine in our Facebook Community about stitching on linen.

I’m just getting back into stitching and want to try stitching on linen but I read that you don’t use a hoop when stitching on linen. Do you use a hoop?

First of all, always great to see someone getting back into stitching!

Yes, you can use a hoop, a Q-Snap, a scroll frame, etc, whatever you’re most comfortable with. [Read more...]

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Stitchqueries: Floss Organization

August 18, 2011 by Loretta · 12 Comments

Hey stitchy friends, I really need your help to answer this stitchquery. Jacky is asking about floss organization – and I don’t keep a floss stash so I can’t really answer the question properly.

She’s currently using floss bags and is looking for a better method of organizing all that floss. (img below shows Facebook community conversation)

Of course I know the different options available, but I can’t speak to how well each one works. So, I hope you can help Jacky out. Leave a comment below and tell us how you organize your floss stash. I look forward to hearing from everyone.

Happy Stitching!

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Stitchqueries: Do you use a stitching stand?

May 5, 2011 by Loretta · 21 Comments

This should make for some great discussion and I hope everyone will chime in with their recommendations in the comments section below!

I just hold my projects in my hands, use an embroidery hoop for my cross-stitch projects, but sometimes that gets to feeling a little awkward. What would you recommend to use as a holder? A floor model or lap model for instance? And if so, which one(s)? There are just too many choices for me to decide without trying them first which of course I cannot afford to do. So if you would recommend the ones you like the best to me that would be so very helpful!

I love this question, thank you Valerie for asking it!

I have a lap stand that I sometimes use – I’m not sure if they still make it, its called a Sit’N'Stitch – it works great for me. It’s small and portable and I’m limited on space. I also don’t use it all the time, so it’s great to stash it away when I’m not using it. I poked around the web and cannot find the stand that I have anymore, they were hand made, so perhaps they have retired. (If anyone knows, please let us know the correct URL.)

The EZ Stitch Lap Stands are very similar to what I have,

You clamp your frame or hoop into the stand and you put the base under your leg(s) and stitch away on your project. You can stitch using both hands or just one, whatever you’re more comfortable with. I do like to stitch with both hands and I find that stitching that way doesn’t aggravate my carpal tunnel nearly as much and I can stitch for a longer period of time.

I know some of our readers use floor stands also, so hopefully we’ll hear some good opinions and buying advice on those types here in the comment section!

Happy Stitching!
Loretta

[Read more...]

Filed Under: Stitchqueries · Tagged With: cross stitch stand, ez stitch lap stand, sit n stitch

Stitchqueries: What kind of lighting?

April 28, 2011 by Loretta · 7 Comments

Bad lighting can make your stitching seem difficult and really strain your eyes, so this week’s question is an important one.

I’ve been doing needlepoint and cross-stitch for over 30 years but now that I have older eyes I don’t see as well at night to work on my projects so would like some recommendations on the best lighting or lighting attachments to use so I can work into the night. What do you use, recommend?

This is a great question and I would love to hear from some other stitchers on the topic as well. When it comes to lighting Ott-Lite seems to be the standard of best, but they’re quite expensive, so I honestly just put full spectrum light bulbs in the whole house.

You can just go to Lowes or Home Depot and pick up a package of regular looking light bulbs that capture a fuller spectrum of light than the “standard bulb” and it helps a lot. I’ve never used an Ott light, so I can’t really compare, but so far the spectrum style bulbs are working for me.

(They might not be true full spectrum, but I guess they are “more” or “most of” spectrum) On a side note, the fuller spectrum light bulbs make a great improvement on everyone’s mood as well!

If you decide to go with an Ott-Lite there are several styles available from floor lamps (See all Lamps & Light Fixtures) to portable lamps that you can put in your bag, so you can choose whatever works best for your stitching situation.

I hope that helps shed some light on things