Pimp Stitch

Tool Thursday :: Stitchin' with the kiddos

       

The Holidays are a perfect time to introduce sewing to kids.  They will be on vacation from school (translation: will need entertaining) and it's a chance to teach them a skill that will last a lifetime. So, take a break from baking and cozy up on the sofa with a mug of cider.  Surprise them with a mini embroidery kit--patterns, some floss and a few (blunt embroidery) needles. Oh, and don't forget a little extra patience!

The easy, free embroidery patterns above are available at patternbee.com

If they really take to sewing, you may want to encourage them with one of these fun gifts:

The Alex My First Sewing Kit is availabe online and I've seen it at Cost Plus, too. It comes with 8 colors of floss, felt pieces for two projects, pincushion, scissors, pins, ric-rac and even pompoms. Now that's a party in a box.

 

The Kids' Embroidery Kit from Land of Nod. This one has even more goodies inside including an embroidery hoop, patterns and transfer paper. And it's currently on sale plus free shipping. Yay!  'Cause even Santa loves free shipping.

Tool Thursday :: Sneaky Shortcuts

 

above font is Kalosca flowers from daFont.com

Psst. I've got a secret. When you're in a hurry to add a little embroidered something to a project, but you're fresh out of ideas or you've lost that pattern..turn to clip art and free fonts. Bust out your transfer pen and you're in business. Alternately, you can tape your clip art or dingbat image (no insult intended) to your window and trace it onto your fabric. Increase the point size for larger images. Here's a few more adorable free fonts out there!

above font is FB Nyan from UltraDownloads.com  and Gracie from DaFont.com below

 

I mean, what's not to love about a little strawberry house and a roly-poly hamster? Happy Thursday!

 

The 1-2 K.O. on Punchneedle Embroidery

 

  photo courtesy of punchneedlechix.com

I've seen the tools in stores and online. They're a scary, poky bunch who bear some serious resemblance to giant hypodermic needles. But the results can be beautiful and unique. So, pushing my fear aside, I decided to check out these popping tools of the embroidery world.

Punch needle embroidery (aka Punch, Russian Embroidery and Bunka (not to be confused with Bunko)) has been around since the 17th Century. It's a pretty simple idea: thread is punched through tightly-stretched fabric with a hollow needle, leaving loops on the opposite side that, in number, create an image (in reverse). Think teensy-tiny hooked rugs. Seeing finished projects gave me the warm fuzzies for my 'ol latchhooking days. I think I still have that circa 1986 rainbow pillow buried in a closet somewhere. Unfinished, of course.

      

To get started with punch embroidery, you'll need a special needle. Pencil-like, they can be adjusted to create different length loops. Most embroidery flosses work fine, but many enthusiasts seem to prefer long spools of thread so they don't have to rethread the needle as often. A good hoop with a lip is a necessity, too. You can use almost any fabric for punching, but the consensus is the more dense the fabric (like knit or denim), the harder it is to punch. So unless you're keen on giving yourself a new finger piercing, I'd stick to linen or cotton. As for techniques and tips, I'll leave that to the experts. Check out these sites for more punch love and supplies:

woolen whimsies

cameo roze

dancing needles

Watch some punching in action! Mama said knock you out! (Sorry, couldn't resist)

Tool Thursday :: All Work and No Play..

 

...makes some really beautiful embroideries! If you're a sewer or a stitcher, no doubt you've come across the techniques of Redwork, Blackwork and Whitework. I wanted to do a little digging to find out a bit more about each of them as well as the tools and designs involved. Curious? Then, let's go!

 

Whitework Embroidery is a term that covers a wide range of embroidery techniques from pulled thread (see pic), cutwork (where areas are actually cut out and embroidered around) and other, more traditional white on white embroideries. Some whitework is so intricately pulled that it looks more like lace than embroidery. Which is why it's often referred to as "needlelace". Many whitework techniques are from the 15th century or older and incorporate silk thread and linen for heirloom pieces.  Check out some Richilieu or Hardanger. Whoo wee. That's really amazing stuff.

 

 

 

Redwork Embroidery originated in Turkey but became popular in the United States around the time of the Civil War. Due to abundant cotton and inexpensive plain muslin fabric, redwork found a following among the middle-class and immigrants. Many dry-goods stores sold "penny squares" of printed patterns on cotton for redwork quilts or to incorporate into household linens. Because of the durability and colorfastness of cotton thread, these simple line embroideries were part of everyday life and survived repeated washings. The popluarity of redwork has never really waned. I found a redwork coverlet at the Thrift Store last year for $7. Score!

 

 

Blackwork was also called "Spanish work" because it was believed to originate in Spain and brought to England by Catherine of Aragon during the time of Henry VIII. (Think 15-16th centuries) I just saw The Other Boleyn Girl--that poor Queen Catherine. She just couldn't compete with that vixen Anne. Blackwork was usually done in silk on cotton or linen, mostly is geometric or swirling patterns. Earlier blackwork incorporated the double-running stitch, making it reversible. Neat. It's popularity lasted on through Elizabethan times with the motifs changing to flora and fauna. Heavily embroidered clothing was synonymous with status so people were pretty much covered in it.

I hope you didn't mind my abbreviated history lesson on the three "works". Rest easy, there won't be any of this on the final.

Tool Thursday :: Floss Talk

When starting a new embroidery project, most of us reach for the good 'ol 100% cotton DMC in our floss box. But if you're looking to try something new, give some of these other fibers a go. The results might tickle your fancy!

 

Silk floss is a beautiful, lustrous thread that is finer in diameter than most cotton threads. It's been used for many years for projects such as religious vestments and tapestries. Although it is more expensive than cotton floss, it usually comes in  5 meter lengths (about 5 1/3 yards). Because it's fine, you may made need to use more strands for certain stitches. Great for heirloom projects that need a special something-something.

 

Linen thread is the newcomer to the stitching party. Due to the recent surge in crafting with linen, DMC has come up wtth a pretty palette of 24 colorfast colors made from 100% European linen fibers. Linen floss is springy and can be uneven in diameter. (Take note, perfectionist stitchers!) But the matte look and tonal qualities are de-lovely.

 

 

 

Rayon Floss is super-shiny. A smidge more expensive than cotton floss, rayon is used for highly textured, 3-D projects such as Brazilian embroidery. No bikini wax involved.  Check it out here. Amazing stuff involving a lot of crewel-like buillon stitches and knotting. This kind of floss has a reputation for being a little difficult to work with for traditional embroidery, such as cross-stitch, due to its tendency to curl, snarl and stretch.

 

 

Overdyed Cotton Floss is the boutique-y floss on the market. Many of these are hand-dyed and variegated in color along the skein.  Unfortunately,  the colors may run a bit when washing. So be careful with caring for your projects. Some brands recommend a gentle pre-washing to remove excess dye. The up side is you'll find unique colors you won't see in your DMC bin at the craft store. It's very pliable, making for great punch-needle embroidery or for use on wool penny rugs. Love those.

These are just a few additional types of fibers--I apologize if I've skipped over your favorite. Tell us about them! Enlighten us! And last night I just discovered the coolest one of all....glow in the dark. All together now: "Ooooooh. Ahhhhh..."

Tool Thursday :: Needle Lowdown

 

I know what you're thinking. She's seriously going to write a whole post on needles? A needle is a needle, right? Oh noooo. There's a whole world of needles--different shapes, sizes, materials and uses. And by the end of this diatribe, you might just pick up a few cool words to impress sewers and non-sewers alike. Like, "Last night, during The Office, I was laughing so hard I almost used a Calxy-eyed Sharp instead of a Glover on my sewing!" Ha ha.

For most general sewing, Sharps are your friends. Not too long, small-eyed, they come in ten different diameter sizes. These are the ones you grab to sew a button on or whipstich a hem. Embroidery Needles, aka Crewel Needles are the same as Sharps, but with bigger, elongated eyes to accomodate multiple threads. Some Embroidery Needles are more blunt-tipped, like Tapestry or Cross Stitch needles that will slide through the open holes in the fabric easily without snagging. Betweens are shorter than Sharps and used for hand quilting or tailoring where you need maneuverability. Is that a real word? The opposite of those are Millinery Needles--they are longer. Calyx-eyed needles are self-threading and have a slot you push the thread down onto. Most needles are made from steel or are nickel or gold-plated. The finest needles are Platinum. Needle bling, who knew? Moving on..

It seems like almost every kind of material has it's own needle adapted just for it. Leather? Triangle-pointed Glover Needles that don't shred the leather as they sew. Chenille? Chenille Needles have very sharp points for tightly-woven fabrics. Canvas? Sailmaker Needles have a triangular point half-way up the shaft for the heaviest of fabrics. Doll Needles for doll faces, long Beading Needles that can hold a length of beads or sequins at a time...and I could go on. There's even cool, curved Upholstery Needles that can be used for everything from quilt-tying to fabric box-making. Or scaring small children a la Freddy Kreuger. 

So what's the point--get it, point? Sewing, like most crafts, can be very frustrating at times. It might be worth a little investing to have several kinds of needles in your stash for different projects. It makes your work faster, easier and more rewarding when you have the right tools handy. And be careful around those suckers..this woman looks dangerous!

Tool Thursday :: Things you might need...or not

While doing research for other embroidery-related blog posts, I've come across some accessories worth mentioning. Some are cute, some are practical..and some are just plain weird. Are they worth buying? Well, that's up to you.

Needle Minders: These little guys snap on to your embroidery and magnetically hold your needles or pins, keeping them from falling off and getting lodged in
some unsuspecting person's foot (sorry, hub!).
PROS: No more pokies! Helps you keep track of those elusive little needles that seem to disappear like magic. Currently, mine are holding a convention
in the middle of my pincushion.
CONS: A bit bulky, especially if your embroidery projects are on the small side. This is the cutest one I could find. It's superficial of me, I know, but the rest looked like old-fashioned cameos.

 

Tool Trolley:
Ding! Ding! This little helper keeps your scissors (or other tool) at hand, extending an impressive 32 inches. When you're done using it, it retracts back into its case.
PROS: Ahh..I sit on my scissors quite often and wonder where they've gone. Clip this sucker to your floss box or embroidery hoop and save time not having to hunt around in the sofa cushions.
CONS: A little wieldy. Wouldn't fit nicely in some floss boxes.

 

 

Clover Mini Iron II:
A small iron to use on projects where you don't want to bust out the big iron and board. For use on sewing, quilting, embroidery and even paper projects--anything with hard to reach corners.
PROS: Recently redesigned, the new "II" has a protective shield separating the handle from the tip. Interchangeable tips for multiple kinds of projects.
Requires little space compared to a full size iron.
CONS: Okay, do you really NEED one? Probably not. Keep away from little hands and fingers! The stand is small, causing the iron to roll and flop over on occasion.
That might be a user issue, though. Ahem.

 

 

Thread Nippers:
An alternative to small sewing scissors, nippers are able to get close to the fabric and cut your thread ends easily.
PROS: Come in a variety of sizes and materials ranging from nickel, stainless, even plastic with metal blades. Small and inexpensive.
CONS: If you're a lefty (like me), then you're outta luck. I haven't found any with the thumb loop on the opposite side.

Winner of the Strange award!
This mouse (looks more like a rat) needle keeper. Creepy.

Tool Thursday :: Hoop Love

Hi there! Embroidery is such a fun, low maintenance hobby that requires very little in the way of schtuff. In fact, some people don't even bother with embroidery hoops. But I think the majority of us would agree that hoops make sewing easier and more rewarding. Especially if you're a little klutzy like me. If I had one of those "this facility has been accident free for X days" signs in my studio, I would be lucky to get to double digits. But I've never hurt myself on an embroidery hoop.* So let's go shopping!

These are the Susan Bates Hoopla Hoops and just like their name, they're fun and colorful.

PROS: Inexpensive and easy to use. Simply adjust the round nut to tighten and loosen. Perfect for beginners or to use on the go. I like the variety of cute colors.

CONS: Plastic may wear or break over time. Hoops come in a limited number of small sizes, not great for larger projects.

                              

                            Ye Old Wooden hoops. Need I say more?

PROS: Cheaper than cheap. Great for buying in bulk for classes or displaying finished projects.

CONS: *Actually, I did get a small splinter from one of these. The hardware is kind of wobbly and tends to not hold fabric tension evenly. I'd leave these for looking cute on the wall but that's about it.

 

Spring Tension hoops are my personal favorite. I "borrowed" one from mom's sewing basket ten years ago and it's still working great.

PROS: Still relatively inexpensive. Cute colors. Easy to put on and off fabric and move around on a piece, if needed. No nuts or twisty things to have to fiddle with, just squeeze the legs and pop it on.

CONS: It may take a little practice to get the inner hoop just right in order to let the spring go. Tension isn't adjustable. Have a low profile which makes your embroidery look a little warped at times.

I just discovered this Clover hoop the other day at the fabric store. I forgot my coupon (doh!) but will go back again. I'm a sucker for Clover products. They're usually cute, functional, "why didn't I think of that" kind of items I just have to add to my stash.

PROS: Thread will not get hung up on bulky nuts or spring legs! Yay! Sturdy hoop is made of composite plastic and is fully adjustable.

CONS: Pretty expensive. They run about $10 for a 4" hoop. See what I mean about the coupon?

These are just a few hoops for hand sewing. If you are a hard-core large-scale embroiderer, you probably have invested in one of these--

Or maybe one of these scary looking contraptions--

Which I'm pretty sure could double as a hoop skirt in a fashion emergency. Thanks for stopping by. Keep posting pics of your floss box (the messier the better!) to the flickr group and we'll pick one of y'all at random for a holiday Pimp Stitch kit!

Tool Thursday :: Storage Solutions

   

You know the feeling, pulling out those skeins of embroidery floss from your craft store shopping bag..like delicious bits of candy full of possibilities. So what's next? In a heartbeat, they will turn into tangled bits of  craziness..so you'd better get organized before you start stitching! I know, I'm a downer, but you'll thank me later!

Before we start, I must show you the Porsche of DMC floss holders I came across first. Lordy, lordy, as my Grandmother would say.

But if you don't want your sewing space to look like your own personal Michaels then here are a few alternatives:

This is called the "Floss-A-Way" which keeps your floss tidy in glorified ziploc bags that hook onto a ring.

PROS: Inexpensive, easy to use. Quick access from wide zip-close opening. White "write-on area" for color numbers.

CONS: Although the bags are small, they can get bulky if there are a large number on the ring. Doesn't seem like a good long-term solution.

 

The Stitch Bow Floss Holder from DMC is another way to keep your floss in line. You stretch a skein on each of the floss holders and unwind floss as you need it. There are special binders that hold the plastic doohickeys, too.

PROS: Looks like the perfect tool for lazies like me. Plop it on there, no winding necessary. Inexpensive. They claim that the "patented design of the Stitch Bow floss holder allows you to keep the original shape and fullness of the all-natural DMC skein when storing it." Quite the infomercial, no?

CONS: Awkward shape for storage unless you invest in their binders, as well. And what about the little bits of thread you have left over? I'm not sure they would be able to wind around it.

 

I'm calling this the "hang-loose" holder, for lack of a better name.    Each skein of floss hangs on a peg and gets cinched to keep if from falling off.

PROS: Looks very impressive, indeed. Makes it easier to separate strands. Relatively inexpensive. Handy strips slip in for color numbering.

CONS: This wouldn't last a second in my house. I would have to hide it away to prevent it from being used as an impromptu bridal veil or dress-up hair by little hands. Even though they are cinched, I think they would be easily tangled, too.

This one will probably always be my personal favorite. The good 'ol floss box with plastic or cardboard bobbins you wind your floss on. When it's all tidy, it looks like an artist's palette...just waiting to create!

PROS: Inexpensive. Takes up a small amount of space. Can be rearranged easily by color or number. Mine has a little space on the side for needles and small sewing scissors. When it's not so tidy, you can still shut the lid and walk away!

CONS: If bobbins are on their side, it's hard to read the numbers. That's about all I can come up with.

These are just a few different options for storing thread. We'd love to see your floss keepers! Post them to the Flickr group, leave a comment here and we'll do a special freebie giveaway next week. Thanks for reading!

Tool Thursday :: Fabric Transfer Pens

I know that a lot of people have been asking us--sure, embroidery patterns are cute, but if they're not iron-on how do I get them onto my fabric? For lightweight, semi-sheer or light-colored fabrics, transfer pens are a good solution. Sold in many fabric, craft and art stores, these pens come in several sizes and types.

 

Sulky pens! These are pens that turn your paper pattern into an iron-on. You simply trace or draw your image onto paper and iron it on. They advertise you can use the pattern multiple times.

PROS: Gives you a nice, dark line that's easy to follow. Can use it multiple times. Available in many colors. Pretty inexpensive.

CONS: It's permanent! Sometimes the lines are a little thick--and in order for them to not show, your stitching must be thick, too.

HELPFUL HINTS: Making really dark lines and holding the iron on a hair longer will make the ink seep through lightly to the other side. That way you can flip your image over and stitch from the other side if you decide you want it reversed. Go gently with the pen when it's new (it tends to make dark, wide lines) and make sure to use a piece of scrap fabric underneath it when ironing.

Disappearing ink pens! When you are needing to stitch something up fast, this little friend is a good solution.

PROS: The ink disappears in 48-72 hours, so there's no need to fret about your pattern showing. Some types can be removed sooner with a damp sponge or spray bottle. Pretty inexpensive.

CONS: The ink disappears in 48-72 hours! So you'd better be ready to finish your project. Markers are usually not fine-tipped (unless specified) which can make detailed stitching a little challenging. You still have to trace the image onto fabric, which can be hard when using dark or thick fabrics. (Taping the image to a bright window or using a lightbox can help)

HELPFUL HINTS: Ink shows up a few seconds after touching the fabric. In other words, be patient! Marker will dry out fast if lid is not on. (I learned that the hard way!) Use a light touch, tip will get fat and mushy if you press down too hard.

These are just two options to help you get your stitchin' on. Of course, you can always use your trusty no.2 pencil! Let us know if there are any little transfer secrets up your sleeve. We're all about sharing!