Category :: Hobbies Articles |
Author :: Katrina Renouf  |
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| Article Title :: Types of Fabrics for Needlework |
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There are many different types of fabrics available. The most
commonly used one is Aida, which is what most kits use, but
there is also evenweave, silk, and several others.
Most stitchers tend to use Aida fabric because it is very
obvious where to put the needle. There is a problem when you
need to make partial stitches, like half or quarter, though.
They are a lot easier to do when using evenweave or linen, since
with these fabrics you tend to stitch over two, meaning that
every stitch goes over two horizontal and vertical threads.
An evenweave fabric is any cotton or synthetic fabric woven so
there is a hole for stitching between each single thread. Some
people prefer to stitch on eve (read full article) |
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Category :: Hobbies Articles |
Author :: Katrina Renouf  |
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| Article Title :: Tips for Using Silk Threads |
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There are two main types of silk threads, spun and filament.
Filament has a great amount of luster since they are created
from long, continuous strands, as they are unwoven from cocoons.
Spun silks are made form short fibers, which gives it a creamier
luster.
Silk is great to use for several reasons. First, because of its
smooth surface, silk flows easily through Aida, Canvas or any
other fabric. And second, it is easier to use than cotton
because it’s “smooth” whereas cotton is “fuzzy”. Unfortunately,
it does have its own unique challenges so here are some hints on
how to make using silk easier.
1. Spun silk strands should be separated and recombined just
like cotton 2. Use sh (read full article) |
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Category :: Hobbies Articles |
Author :: Katrina Renouf  |
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| Article Title :: How to Make the French Knot |
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French knots are the bane of any stitcher. Many will completely
avoid any pattern that calls for them while others will just
suffer through them, never being satisfied with the results.
There are ways to make the knot easier though. One tip that I’ve
heard is to use a beading needle. Since it is so much smaller,
the knot won’t be pulled through the fabric. I still recommend
using two threads and wrapping it twice around the needle
though.
Another alternative is to use a colonial knot instead. This knot
is easier to do, and creates a similar result.
How to make the colonial knot: · Pull the thread through to the
front of the fabric. · Put the thread over the needle, from
front to b (read full article) |
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Category :: Hobbies Articles |
Author :: Katrina Renouf  |
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| Article Title :: FAQ About Needlework |
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How should I anchor my floss at the beginning?
Though some people will tell you otherwise, never use knots in
needlework. It tends to cause a bulge on the front of the fabric
when the piece is mounted. To start, hold the end of the floss
on the reverse side and stitch over it with the first couple
stitches. To finish off a strand run the needle under a few
stitches on the back. Avoid anchoring colored threads under
white threads since the color tends to show through to the
front. Trim the tails.
The technique I use is one that I learned from my aunt. Start by
separating one long strand of floss and doubling it over on
itself so it forms a loop at one end. Thread the two raw ends
through (read full article) |
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Category :: Hobbies Articles |
Author :: Katrina Renouf  |
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| Article Title :: Railroading Stitches |
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I’ve heard a lot lately about people asking how to railroad
their stitches. Railroading is a common means of separating the
threads as you stitch so that they lay flat and create a much
smoother neater appearance for your finished piece.
I know for a long time I thought it was just a time consuming
and unneeded process, but after you get used to it it’s not time
consuming at all and in the long run will save you time and help
you create a beautiful piece. It also can get you more use out
of your threads since you’ll get more stitches with less twists
and tangles. If you plan on entering it into competition it is
very necessary though. Judges can tell the difference.
It isn’t very (read full article) |
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Category :: Hobbies Articles |
Author :: Katrina Renouf  |
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| Article Title :: Repetitve Stress Injuries Due to Needlework |
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Doing a lot of needlework can cause repetitive stress injury
(RSI), especially when combined with the large amount of typing
that many people do nowadays. It is caused when the same
movement is done repeatedly. Sports medicine physicians
categorize the levels of injuries based on the symptoms and
impact on the wrist’s performance. This grading helps guide the
treatment and rehabilitation process. Grade 1 is when there is
no pain while stitching, but there is some discomfort afterward
(either immediately or during the evening or the following
days). Grade 2 is when there is some discomfort while stitching
but it doesn’t interfere with performance. Grade 3 is when
there’s discomfort whi (read full article) |
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Category :: Hobbies Articles |
Author :: Katrina Renouf  |
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| Article Title :: Using Beads in Cross Stitch |
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Many people like to add embellishments to their cross stitch,
and a great way to do this is with beads. In many situations,
it’s also another way to avoid doing the dreaded French knot!
Beads usually cover one space instead of a cross stitch. I would
suggest sewing the beads after their surrounding cross stitching
is complete because they need to be well secured, and lie on top
of the cross stitches. For regular and small size beads, use one
strand of floss or for heavier beads you can use two strands.
There is also black or white "Nymo" beading thread, and there is
"invisible" YLI thread which can be used for beading. If you
can’t find these, use a color of thread that is either close (read full article) |
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Category :: Hobbies Articles |
Author :: Janice  |
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| Article Title :: How to make hoop earrings |
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Years ago, a friend of mine taught me some simple beading
techniques. You can make all sorts of shapes using beading wire
and beads. The simplest is a hoop.
All you do is to thread the beads with beading wire and close
the circle by threading the end of the wire back into the first
bead. Now that technique can be used to make pretty gemstone
hoop earrings.
First you need earring findings or castings, beading wire and
gemstone beads. The full article Make Hoop
Earrings explains the details as well as lists down where
you can get these things at reasonable prices.
Once you have your supplies then arrange the beads in 2
identical lines, with the largest bead in the center and the
smallest a (read full article) |
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Category :: Hobbies Articles |
Author :: Robert Anderson  |
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| Article Title :: Tips For Buying Your First Model Train Set |
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When getting started in model trains, don't get put off by all
the different scales on offer. Model train scales are really
very simple. When deciding what scale train set to purchase,
just keep in mind that O, S, HO and N are the most common scales
in use. Of those, HO is the most widely used scale.
The best way to get started is purchase a 'starter train set'.
These starter model train sets are designed to give the beginner
everything he or she needs to get up and running. Starter train
sets contain all the basics: a locomotive, cars, track and
accessories. As far as cost; starter train sets are usually the
best value for money, because the model train set manufacturers
use them as bait (read full article) |
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Category :: Hobbies Articles |
Author :: Dave Markel  |
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| Article Title :: Building a Simple Book Shelf |
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This simple but functional book shelf is easy to build and
makes a great confidence builder before moving on to a more
complex project.The overall dimensions of this book shelf are
66” x 36” x 8-1/2”. This shelf is made from 2” x 10” spruce that
is planned to 1-1/4” thick and ripped to 8-1/2” wide.
Shelves The four shelves receive dados to accept the vertical
members. These dados are ¼” deep and 1-1/4” wide with the
outside cheeks 7” from each end. These dados can be milled a
number of ways, in this case a router with a straight cutting
bit was used. However, a stacked dado blade can be used with a
radial arm saw to make them as well.
Vertical Members There are 6 ver (read full article) |
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