In a message dated 2/18/2008 7:16:41 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
I also use the plastic pockets religiously, but mainly with cross-stitch and petit point when the pattern could be as much as 25 pages large. I keep them all together in one pocket with the thread colour chart on top. That way I can see at a glance which colour I am using. The actual page I am working on is on my desk with the highlighter pen beside it of course. For David and others trying to keep their place when using stitching charts, I nominate a colored pencil: If the chart is not colored, and has just symbols - I use a colored pencil (erasable) to color in the most dominant color in the area being worked. That way, all the zigs, zags and openings made by that color can be seen. It makes it easier to see to fill in the stitches in other colors, or if a counting error has occurred. I do not prestitch this dominant area, as it would result in puckers in embroidery and difficulty fitting in the other colors. I stitch the rows in order, starting in center row and all below it, then turn stretcher and chart and work all the rows in top half. I don't use highlighter pens near needlework. Accidents happen! I embroider at a table and sit in a straight chair as the professionals do, with embroidery fabric attached to a stretcher to fit the whole piece. No hoop for me! If petit point silk gauze is the ground fabric - extremely expensive when of best quality from Switzerland - I cut the gauze a little larger than the embroidery will be, and use sewing machine to zig-zag that gauze onto the center a very firmly woven fabric (like raincoat fabric), then cut a window opening in the under fabric (so it looks like a window screen). This larger firmer fabric is what is tacked or stapled to the stretcher. If you make miniatures, this will result in a flat rug or other furnishing for your rooms. This method works for petit point jewelry, as well. Hope some of you have seen exquisite work that combines petit point and lace. It is the sort of thing you rarely see today. Jeri Ames Lace and Embroidery Resource Center **************Ideas to please picky eaters. Watch video on AOL Living. (http://living.aol.com/video/how-to-please-your-picky-eater/rachel-campos-duffy/ 2050827?NCID=aolcmp00300000002598) - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
