View entire thread: new to group
Posted by Leah on Mon Oct 09, 2006 12:28 PM    Post subject: Re: new to group



On Mon, 09 Oct 2006 00:13:12 GMT, "Russ Gordon" <russgordon@houston.rr.com> wrote: Hi Russ,
[quote:c8fd712242]Should all the needles move in the same smoothness? [/quote:c8fd712242] I have some needles that are
stiffer than others and sometimes squeek while I'm knitting, but not with the frequency you describe. I'd check to make
sure none of the needles are bent, because those who give up their machines quite often state they never got it to work
for them, and it could be they bent some needles by trying to force the carriage across the machine. Other things to
check include seeing that the table the machine is on is as level as you can get it. Check the seams at the back of the
machine where the parts fit together to see they are relatively close in alignment. Also check the needle retaining
bars at the front to make sure they are relatively flat, as it could be a matter of how closely fit the machine is after
assembly. Very unlikely is the possibility of a problem with your KP if it's a green USM KP. The old ISM KP were a
different plastic, and pieces would sometimes chip off them; I had to replace my #3 ISM KP due to a chip, so if it's a
clear plastic ISM KP, there could be a chip or crack causing needles to stick, but my carriage stuck more frequently
than the needles did when going across the row than what you've described. [quote:c8fd712242]A circle of Wax was
included, and directions show where to apply it. But, I don't know how to get the wax where the needles go into and
through the KP. The hunk of wax is too large to rub it into the small canal. I've sort of shaved it into the particular
areas of concern. [/quote:c8fd712242] I apply wax to more areas than the ISM book stated, as my personal experience with
the USM carriage upgrade I got dictated that it was necessary for me to lube additional parts on the machine to help the
USM carriage glide more freely. I'm glad to hear Bond is including wax with the USM; when I got the USM carriage
upgrade kit, they specified I would never need to wax the KP again! You also should check the needle channels
themselves, because if the machine sat before you got it, there could be yarn bits, dust or maybe even some wax build up
from prior use. If it's not a waxy buildup, you can use canned air that's used to clean computer equipment to blow the
gunk out of the channels. A Q-Tip might work, but if there's wax, then cotton from it might get stuck in the channels.
I have to admit I'm not sure what to recommend if you've got wax jammed in the channels. I'd probably use a plastic
tapestry needle tip to loosen it up, and then canned air to blow it out. If the problem is really bad, you may need to
take the needle retaining bars off one at a time and wipe the needles themselves clean as you clean the channels and
check all the needles to see if they're bent. Rather than shaving your wax and possibly gumming up the needle
channels, there are 2 other options you can look into to lube the needle channels. Most KM companies recommend a
machine oil to lube up your machine. I would not recommend the ones used on metal machines, but there is a machine by
Silver Reed (AKA Studio and Singer in the past) that's also a hobby plastic machine called the LK-150. It comes with
it's own machine oil. You can see about purchasing a bottle of that and putting it on a Q-Tip and applying to the
affected channels, but faster to apply and probably less messy would be the silicone spray lubricant you can find that's
used on the ISM/USM quite often. There are a couple of names recommended: Lori Lin Knitting Machine Lube (they also
make a yarn spray which goes on the yarn and not the bed) and Bond America's Easy Knit Spray. To purchase any of the
above, just type in the names, LK-150 machine oil, etc., to find where you can purchase it. I've had good service from
many places on the web, so I can't really recommend one over the other, and you may actually need to shop several places
if you want more than one of the items I mentioned to lube your machine to see if that solves the problem. I'd try the
silicone spray first if wax wasn't working for me and no needles are bent. I've used the LK oil on my LK-150 and had to
knit a throw away swatch to get the excess oil off the machine before continuing to knit with it and will probably
switch to the silicone spray next time I'm going to lube my LK. [quote:c8fd712242]Thanks for any assistance.
[/quote:c8fd712242] NP. I remember being new and frustrated with my machine, but I stuck with it, and I hope others do,
too, because it really is a joy to use once you get used to the quirks and learn some maintenance tricks. Leah

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View entire thread: Need help from the experts on Laceweight yarn
Posted by Jake Wildstrom on Mon Oct 09, 2006 12:30 AM    Post subject: Re: Need help from the experts on Laceweight yarn

The Prophet , known to the wise as roscoep54@gmail.com, opened the Book of Words, and read unto the people:
[quote:b8ac3f05a2]I've just bought my first skein (100g/1540 yds) of Skaska Design silk/angora Laceweight yarn. I plan
to try a shawl, but I have no idea what to do with this skein. I'm afraid its going to end up in a big fat knotty mess
if I'm not careful. the skein seems to be divided into 3 sections, but they seem to be not separable. Do I clip the 3
dividing sections and carefully roll this into a ball? [/quote:b8ac3f05a2] I usually wind laceweight around cardboard
cores like the ones that crochet cotton is shipped on (a good source of cardboard cores is the central tube of
industrial-size toilet-paper rolls). Just winding them into balls without some sort of core seems prone to highly
unforgiving tangling. And, yes, to undo the skein, you'll need to keep it under tension as you unwind it. An umbrella
swift is best, but if you don't have one, you can improvise by keeping the skein taught between two chairbacks. --
D. Jacob (Jake) Wildstrom, Math monkey and freelance thinker "A mathematician is a device for turning coffee into
theorems." -Alfred Renyi The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily endorsed by the University of
California or math department thereof.

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View entire thread: Flat yarn
Posted by Anonymous on Sun Oct 01, 2006 12:46 AM    Post subject: Flat yarn

Hi, I was hoping someone could help me. I'm been looking to find some flat parallel cotton yarn and can't seem to find
any. I'm looking for something that's around 8 un-spun strands of 3ply cotton yarn laid flat on a roll. It looks like
this http://www.flickr.com/photos/16839945@N00/256775576/ Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Seven J.

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View entire thread: Flat yarn
Posted by DAB on Sun Oct 01, 2006 9:47 AM    Post subject: Re: Flat yarn

pinkgunman@gmail.com wrote: [quote:6eb96a4613]Hi, I was hoping someone could help me. I'm been looking to find some flat
parallel cotton yarn and can't seem to find any. I'm looking for something that's around 8 un-spun strands of 3ply
cotton yarn laid flat on a roll. It looks like this http://www.flickr.com/photos/16839945@N00/256775576/ Any help would
be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Seven J. [/quote:6eb96a4613] I did a search and found this site
http://www.alibaba.com/productsearch/Viscose_And_Cotton_Yarn.html not sure they have what your needing. Donna

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View entire thread: Flat yarn
Posted by Alison on Sun Oct 01, 2006 4:23 PM    Post subject: Re: Flat yarn

On 30 Sep 2006 16:46:43 -0700, pinkgunman@gmail.com wrote: [quote:b5d2ead6cc]Hi, I was hoping someone could help me.
I'm been looking to find some flat parallel cotton yarn and can't seem to find any. I'm looking for something that's
around 8 un-spun strands of 3ply cotton yarn laid flat on a roll. It looks like this
http://www.flickr.com/photos/16839945@N00/256775576/ Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Seven J.
[/quote:b5d2ead6cc] I was going to suggest tape yarn which is a flat ribbon of yarn, but it doesn't have the separate
strands like the picture. Sorry. Alison

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View entire thread: Flat yarn
Posted by Anonymous on Tue Oct 03, 2006 1:07 AM    Post subject: Re: Flat yarn

Thanks, unfortunately alibaba.com is a Global trade site, all the companies are basically from China or India and have a
200kg minimum order. Thanks anyway though, it did at least give me some different terms to search for. -Steven J. DAB
wrote: [quote:1c88461177]pinkgunman@gmail.com wrote: Hi, I was hoping someone could help me. I'm been looking to find
some flat parallel cotton yarn and can't seem to find any. I'm looking for something that's around 8 un-spun strands of
3ply cotton yarn laid flat on a roll. It looks like this http://www.flickr.com/photos/16839945@N00/256775576/ Any help
would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Seven J. I did a search and found this site
http://www.alibaba.com/productsearch/Viscose_And_Cotton_Yarn.html not sure they have what your needing.
Donna[/quote:1c88461177]

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View entire thread: Flat yarn
Posted by DAB on Tue Oct 03, 2006 11:24 AM    Post subject: Re: Flat yarn

Your welcome...have you tried E-bay? My sister who is a fiber artist gets lots of [not sure what she calls it] white
fabric that she hand dyes and buys in bulk. Donna pinkgunman@gmail.com wrote: [quote:638421f7f0]Thanks, unfortunately
alibaba.com is a Global trade site, all the companies are basically from China or India and have a 200kg minimum order.
Thanks anyway though, it did at least give me some different terms to search for. -Steven J. DAB wrote:
pinkgunman@gmail.com wrote: Hi, I was hoping someone could help me. I'm been looking to find some flat parallel cotton
yarn and can't seem to find any. I'm looking for something that's around 8 un-spun strands of 3ply cotton yarn laid flat
on a roll. It looks like this http://www.flickr.com/photos/16839945@N00/256775576/ Any help would be greatly
appreciated. Thanks, Seven J. I did a search and found this site
http://www.alibaba.com/productsearch/Viscose_And_Cotton_Yarn.html not sure they have what your needing.
Donna[/quote:638421f7f0]

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View entire thread: Flat yarn
Posted by Anonymous on Tue Oct 03, 2006 1:31 AM    Post subject: Re: flat yarn

Stella, if referring to my post below inquiring about it, as for it's "actually" usage I'm not sure. I myself
am a fireworks hobbyist and in our hobby it's used to make a type of fuse called black match. The yarn is basically
coated with a slurry of Black Powder and allowed to dry. The hobbyist normally uses just a single strand of like 8 ply
cotton yarn. In the Fireworks industry though flat twine is used because it allows for more Black Powder to stick to the
yarn for a more consistent fire transfer, because as with most things consistency is key. And that in a nut shell is
what I want to use it for, though as with you I would like to know what it is actually used for, just for curiosities
sake if nothing else. -Steven J. Stella Fenley wrote: [quote:42714d9725]what fo you make with flat yarn.
Stella[/quote:42714d9725]

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View entire thread: Cigarette-end Paper Mache
Posted by Helga Walters (Housekeepe on Thu Aug 31, 2006 2:39 AM    Post subject: Cigarette-end Paper Mache

Cigarette-end Paper Mache - guaranteed to have ANY child hooked within SECONDS! Hello everyone, I thought I might
pass on a tip to those of you on a budget who want to make your Christmas spend go further this year. Cigarette-end
Paper Mache! It's bound to have ANY child addicted within minutes. Simply collect up those old, discarded cigarette-
ends (you're sure to find hundreds on the floor of your local Benefits Office). Empty out any unused tobacco and store
this for use later. Now the fun starts! Your children will become hooked within seconds as they help soak the brown
paper strips away from the cotton. Again, ladies, remember to save any leftovers; a thrifty wife will soon spin that
cotton into a useful, exotic yarn. Be SURE to make your children wash their hands before handling the cigarette ends;
harmful bacteria may damage the fabric, and a childs finger can be home to as many germs as your husbands penis, so
ladies - take care here! Now add more water to the mixture and if you've been following you'll now have a wonderful
yellowish pulp which you must allow to stand for a few days. Make sure the mixture doesn't dry out by adding unwanted
fluids occasionally. Remove any unwanted cat-solids BEFORE they have a chance to set. After a week your cigarette-end
Paper Mache should be ready for your kids to model with. Encourage their creativity, like one happy mother who wrote
that her talented youngster had won a local contest with his cigarette-end model of 20 Malboro Lights ... Best wishes
Helga Walters (Housekeeper) http://www.littleboxes.nl/Housekeeper/Cigaretteend.htm

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View entire thread: Help - stitched myself into a corner
Posted by ellice on Fri Nov 03, 2006 4:04 PM    Post subject: Re: Help - stitched myself into a corner

On 11/2/06 3:03 PM, "Cheryl Isaak" <cherylisaak@adelphia.net> wrote: [quote:72f1e10b2c]Ok - I'm nearly
done stitching the name of DD's hockey team on a piece of 14 count plastic canvas. I used #5 pearl cotton - maybe my
first mistake. It will stand out and boy do my fingers hurt from pulling the back course through. [/quote:72f1e10b2c]
Have you gotten yourself a needle-puller of some sort? As in a hemostat, roach clip, locking tweezer kind of thing?
When I'm doing NP with "tight" thread - I end up using my small hemostat a lot. The LNS even sells some that
I think ToolTron (who make inexpensive, colored handle, scissors - that work great for general use) makes some clamps
that are the size of embroidery scissors. I'd definitely invest in some - and LMK if you don't have - I'll pick some up
for you today and throw in mail with other stuff. [quote:72f1e10b2c] Now - I originally planned to use a back stitch
alphabet to add the league name and player level. Then I got the bright idea to use a longer stitch for the background
in floss - sort of a satin stitch look. NOW - can I do a back stitch over the satin stitch? On fabric, I'd say yes, but
on the PC????? [/quote:72f1e10b2c] I don't see why not. See above - you might want something to pull with. If nothing
else - get some little stick on your finger leather thimbles - quilting store would have. [quote:72f1e10b2c] HELP!!!!
I want this thing DONE! Patience, eh! I'm sure they'll be lovely when done. I hate plastic canvas -[/quote:72f1e10b2c]
and only use it with yarn - take that back - haven't used it in many years. FWIW, at the fabric store I ran into
someone that used to hang with our stitch 'n bitch group. She was buying 13 yards of silk charmeuse - for her wedding
dress. Which is going to be a ren-type dress. Doing an embroidered stomacher, and for the head "an Elizabethan
cap" made of... Plastic canvas. Interesting - of course her telling me that under all this will be white cowboy
boots, well - it's a picture. Though, she's a very willowy - thin, muscular, black woman with very, very short hair -
and she can wear about anything. LMK if there's anything you need sent to help - priority would get there maybe
tomorrow. ellice

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View entire thread: messy
Posted by enigma on Mon Oct 23, 2006 9:49 AM    Post subject: Re: messy

WoolyGooly <boogers@lots.of.snot> wrote in news:94epj29aal18un29hirmh7ld0n0ntcqje5@4ax.com: [quote:cbc7c3ee9a]On
Mon, 23 Oct 2006 11:45:25 +0000 (UTC), enigma enigma@empire.net> wrote: yesterday i hulled black walnuts... without
gloves. not recommended ;) what does one do with a bucket of walnut hulls? I have a 3# bag of dried walnut hulls that a
man sent me several years ago in exchange for a scarf and cap dyed with same. I've been using the same handful of hulls
in the dyepot for that whole time. [/quote:cbc7c3ee9a] i think i'll freeze this bucket when i'm done playing for now.
of course, i'll have another huge load of hulls next year, because i have the trees :) do you know if chestnut
(American) hulls yield a dye? i know hickory does, but the squirrels are way ahead of me on the hickory :p
[quote:cbc7c3ee9a]Alum mordant brightens the finished color. Iron mordant (boil a piece, use the water to presoak)
darkens it substantially. Salt is a good leveller. [/quote:cbc7c3ee9a] if i boil the water in a cast iron pot, does
that work? i can boil fabric or cotton yarn before dyeing... i think i can boil wool as long as i don't have a sudden
temperature change, right? the rapid change & agitation is what causes felting? doesn't alum make a greenish brown
with walnut hulls? lee -- Question with boldness even the existence of god; because if there be one, he must more
approve the homage of reason than that of blindfolded fear. - Thomas Jefferson

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View entire thread: Fav yarn for aghans
Posted by Aud on Wed Nov 08, 2006 9:05 PM    Post subject: Re: Fav yarn for aghans

"cozyhomelife" <chl@notscape.com> skrev i melding
news:67w3h.5416$9v5.5243@newssvr29.news.prodigy.net... [quote:0f307b5f6a]What is your favorite yarn for afghans? --
-Cozy [/quote:0f307b5f6a] Hi all of you! My kitchen is nearly finished, and so am I!! LOL! I think I am ready for some
yarn again, and your afghan question made my fingers "tickle" ;-) I have only made TWO big afghans, so you
see, my experiance is not the best!!!! When I make an afghan, it has to be warm! The one I made for my summerhouse was
mostly 80 % acrylic and 20% wool, OK for a Norwegian summer ;-)
http://image05.webshots.com/5/5/58/4/69355804YbnAsl_fs.jpg The one I have made for home and winter, (and which a friend
of DH just now have put his foots under, watching soccer at TV) is pure new Norwegian wool. Most of the yarn is
superwash, but not all, so I have to wash by hand, but that is OK with me.
http://image44.webshots.com/44/7/7/45/356670745BpdWpq_fs.jpg Coloures matters a lot to me, and since the acrylic yarn
you get here don't have good coloures, I mostly use wool for everything I make (... or cotton) As you see, I often
use yarns which have alike gauge and same material, but they are not alwas same sort, if the coloures are good
together. And I do a lot of hand washing! LOL! Aud ;-)

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View entire thread: Fav yarn for aghans
Posted by cozyhomelife on Wed Nov 08, 2006 9:05 PM    Post subject: Re: Fav yarn for aghans

Those are just beautiful. I can't imagine how heavy they must be wet - you must be STRONG! I have a few books that
deal with the sampler blocks and hope to make something like that one day. I saw quite a few blocks in yours that
I've never seen in any patterns before - really great blocks! Where did you find the patterns (book name/mag/online).
EEK! Hope it's not in Norwegian! -- -Cozy http://blogs.delphiforums.com/n/blogs/blog.aspx?webtag=cozy_at_home
Happiness doesn't come from having things, it comes from *having things you can find* :) "Aud"
<alrefspamno@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:4retgcFqstuoU1@mid.individual.net... [quote:50c776c064]
"cozyhomelife" <chl@notscape.com> skrev i melding news:67w3h.5416$9v5.5243@newssvr29.news.prodigy.net...
What is your favorite yarn for afghans? -- -Cozy Hi all of you! My kitchen is nearly finished, and so am I!! LOL! I
think I am ready for some yarn again, and your afghan question made my fingers "tickle" ;-) I have only made
TWO big afghans, so you see, my experiance is not the best!!!! When I make an afghan, it has to be warm! The one I made
for my summerhouse was mostly 80 % acrylic and 20% wool, OK for a Norwegian summer ;-)
http://image05.webshots.com/5/5/58/4/69355804YbnAsl_fs.jpg The one I have made for home and winter, (and which a friend
of DH just now have put his foots under, watching soccer at TV) is pure new Norwegian wool. Most of the yarn is
superwash, but not all, so I have to wash by hand, but that is OK with me.
http://image44.webshots.com/44/7/7/45/356670745BpdWpq_fs.jpg Coloures matters a lot to me, and since the acrylic yarn
you get here don't have good coloures, I mostly use wool for everything I make (... or cotton) As you see, I often use
yarns which have alike gauge and same material, but they are not alwas same sort, if the coloures are good together.
And I do a lot of hand washing! LOL! Aud ;-) [/quote:50c776c064]

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View entire thread: Walmart and Anchor
Posted by Naomah on Fri Sep 29, 2006 10:17 PM    Post subject: Re: Walmart and Anchor

My local Wal-Mart here in West Central Georgia, USA did the same thing. I totally missed the clearance though (frown).
They are ONLY stocking 58 colors of Anchor AND they shrunk their embroidery section down from 8 feet to 5 feet. The
only have 2 sizes of only white only 14 count Aida and darn little else! The floss is 21 cents a skein where the DMC
was 24 cents. They did expand their yarn section. AND a Hobby Lobby is going in only 20 miles away (Happy Dance).
Wal-Marts 20 miles and 35 miles away still have the old set up with DMC and knew nothing of the change when I asked
them. Coats & Clark do own the company here in America and they make the Anchor floss. Used to Anchor was more
expensive but now it is cheaper than DMC. I work part time on an as needed basis in a LNS and that is true on a
wholesale level. However, many shops can and do charge more for the Anchor because it is harder for the consumer to
find. Michael's, JoAnnes, and Hobby Lobby all carry DMC. I am fortunate that I can get my floss though my friend's
shop if I want to but it is 135 miles away in Helen, GA (they do mail order, too). I stay there when I work and don't
commute daily :) The shop has all the DMC and they are building there stock of cotton Anchor. They do have the rayon
Merlitt Anchor. Many Blessings to you and yours, Naomah "Donna D." <boocxnnut@hotpop.net> wrote in
message news:K_2dnf0Gp7xFDYjYnZ2dnUVZ_uWdnZ2d@giganews.com... [quote:ac3c74d66b]I cant believe the Walmart near us
discontinued DMC and is getting Anchor. I wonder how much it will be. I love Anchor brand but cant get it within 30
miles. Donna D [/quote:ac3c74d66b]

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View entire thread: Alpaca Advice
Posted by enigma on Wed Oct 18, 2006 8:38 PM    Post subject: Re: Alpaca Advice

"Vintage Purls" <moragmck@gmail.com> wrote in news:1161212214.177013.125040@m7g2000cwm.googlegroups.com:
[quote:ddaf6f90d5] Georgia wrote: It's true that alpaca yarn has no memory, but because it's so lightweight, I've never
had the problems with it that I've had with cotton (or silk noil)--I gave away the sweaters I made with those because
they kept falling off my shoulders, LOL. But my alpaca sweater (2nd row, far right at
http://www.georgiamorgan.net/html/knitting.htm) is one of my favorites. Neither loose nor tight, and my first choice for
travel because it's so lightweight and compresses (and recovers from it) so well. Well I have ordered a little fibre to
play with - I had thought of making my man some winter gloves from it if it spun up okay but Lee changed my mind on the
glove front. It looks like I'll just have to experiment. Thanks. [/quote:ddaf6f90d5] ply it with the merino. that way
you get some of the elasticity of the wool & the warmth of the alpaca. i just don't trust 100% alpaca yarns to
behave. i'm sure twist & type/numbers of plies affects the behavior, but... it's still a very inelastic fiber. lee
-- Question with boldness even the existence of god; because if there be one, he must more approve the homage of
reason than that of blindfolded fear. - Thomas Jefferson

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View entire thread: Alpaca Advice
Posted by Georgia on Thu Oct 19, 2006 12:09 AM    Post subject: Re: Alpaca Advice

It's true that alpaca yarn has no memory, but because it's so lightweight, I've never had the problems with it that I've
had with cotton (or silk noil)--I gave away the sweaters I made with those because they kept falling off my shoulders,
LOL. But my alpaca sweater (2nd row, far right at http://www.georgiamorgan.net/html/knitting.htm) is one of my
favorites. Neither loose nor tight, and my first choice for travel because it's so lightweight and compresses (and
recovers from it) so well. Georgia "enigma" <enigma@empire.net> wrote in message
news:Xns9860B46A7354Aenigmaempirenet@199.125.85.9... [quote:0d655c50ec]"Vintage Purls"
<moragmck@gmail.com> wrote in news:1161149905.448373.280320@i42g2000cwa.googlegroups.com: . Can anyone share
their experiences with Alpaca? Is it a reasonable fiber to attempt a fine yarn with? alpaca yarn has NO memory. it
stretches, bags & gets distorted. it's great to spin, great to knit, but i would *never* give an alpaca project as a
gift... well, maybe if it was just a scarf, where the stretching & refusing to go back to shape doesn't matter. if
you ply it with the merino, it might be ok, but i'd make a really big test swatch before knitting a fine vintage sweater
from it. lee <and i raise llamas... -- Question with boldness even the existence of god; because if there be one, he
must more approve the homage of reason than that of blindfolded fear. - Thomas Jefferson[/quote:0d655c50ec]

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View entire thread: Alpaca Advice
Posted by Alison on Wed Oct 18, 2006 6:38 AM    Post subject: Re: Alpaca Advice

On 18 Oct 2006 15:56:54 -0700, "Vintage Purls" <moragmck@gmail.com> wrote: [quote:37d5b9df6d] Georgia
wrote: It's true that alpaca yarn has no memory, but because it's so lightweight, I've never had the problems with it
that I've had with cotton (or silk noil)--I gave away the sweaters I made with those because they kept falling off my
shoulders, LOL. But my alpaca sweater (2nd row, far right at http://www.georgiamorgan.net/html/knitting.htm) is one of
my favorites. Neither loose nor tight, and my first choice for travel because it's so lightweight and compresses (and
recovers from it) so well. Well I have ordered a little fibre to play with - I had thought of making my man some winter
gloves from it if it spun up okay but Lee changed my mind on the glove front. It looks like I'll just have to
experiment. Thanks. [/quote:37d5b9df6d] I made an alpaca hat - just a toque - and it was too big. So I washed it and it
felted a little. Not solidly, you could still see the stitches, but enough to make it fit better and be more
"solid" and not so floppy. Just another thought. Alison

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View entire thread: Alpaca Advice
Posted by Vintage Purls on Wed Oct 18, 2006 11:56 PM    Post subject: Re: Alpaca Advice

Georgia wrote: [quote:1b7eb3d8a7]It's true that alpaca yarn has no memory, but because it's so lightweight, I've never
had the problems with it that I've had with cotton (or silk noil)--I gave away the sweaters I made with those because
they kept falling off my shoulders, LOL. But my alpaca sweater (2nd row, far right at
http://www.georgiamorgan.net/html/knitting.htm) is one of my favorites. Neither loose nor tight, and my first choice for
travel because it's so lightweight and compresses (and recovers from it) so well. [/quote:1b7eb3d8a7] Well I have
ordered a little fibre to play with - I had thought of making my man some winter gloves from it if it spun up okay but
Lee changed my mind on the glove front. It looks like I'll just have to experiment. Thanks.

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View entire thread: Teaching Knitting or Crochet to Children
Posted by Richard Eney on Sat Oct 28, 2006 5:32 AM    Post subject: Re: Teaching Knitting or Crochet to Children

In article <1160519292.165227.221640@i42g2000cwa.googlegroups.com>, Padishar Creel <cafanning@comcast.net>
wrote: [quote:f773f6b46f]I am working in a school for behavior disordered children and I would love to teach them either
knitting or crocheting or ? These children have attention disorders along with some serious psychological issues.
However, they are very interested in watching me crochet/knit and I have been asked many times to teach them. I would
appreciate any suggestions on how to approach this with them. Do I use a DVD instruction program or what? Is it easier
to learn crocheting or knitting? I learned crocheting first and it seems a whole lot easier to me, but that is my
experience. Any of you have experience teaching children in a group of say 5 kids or so? Any suggestions on books,
video, class structure, size of needles, yarn, patterns or whatever would be greatly appreciated. [/quote:f773f6b46f] I
have no experience, but... crochet is easiest, because there's only one stitch to drop, one tool to handle, and you get
results really fast. Also, almost anything you do qualifies as some kind of crochet, so it's really hard to do it
"wrong"! One traditional teaching thing is to make the two needles of different colors or at least different
color tips. Some people find that helps them keep track of which needle they were using to knit with. (I'm not sure
that's such a good thing, because if they depend on the needle color they might not learn to look at where the yarn end
is coming from.) A good DVD might be helpful because it could be repeated frequently, but you can't ask a DVD
questions. With only about 5 kids, of high school age, I think a good first project might be fingerless mitts. They're
fast in either knit or crochet, and the most basic are just a tube with a hole for the thumb. Increasing a little for
the base of the thumb is good but not necessary. They can be as fancy or as simple as anyone likes, decoration can be
added later, the length can be according to patience or amount of yarn - short for the ones who are bored, long for the
ones who get into it - either way it's a finished project. They can be done in the flat, too - just sew them together
afterward. If they only get one done, that's okay too. And they can be made with single skeins. Another option would
be the headbands that cover the ears - not a complete hat, but it does use some increases and decreases, and it's
another one-skein project. Of course, the ideal would be to bring in the available materials in various colors and let
them choose. I'd bring in worsted weight, some wool blends and some better-quality acrylic (some kids have
allergies), but no cotton (frustratingly non-stretchy), no microfiber (too splitty), and no boucles or other tricky
textures. =Tamar

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View entire thread: FO and question on Shetland shawl construction
Posted by Teacher Gal on Mon Oct 09, 2006 5:51 AM    Post subject: Re: FO and question on Shetland shawl construction

Shelagh said: [quote:7e503f7d42]Anastasia, your shawl is beautiful. I'm knitting the Peacock Feathers right now, but
in the original shape from the pattern. There is no way on this earth I could modify it the way you did. ;>) I
ripped out my first try at this shawl, and am now doing it from blue/green/mauve cotton. What yarn did you use, and how
long did it take you to knit it? [/quote:7e503f7d42] Thanks for the praise. I didn't modify it that much...just
changed the edging. The pattern itself was in the appendix of the book. I believe I used Henry's Attic alpaca
yarn....a sportweight, if I remember correctly. All told, the sucker took about a year. I put it away when the heat of
the summer hit around April.....Alpaca is a bear to knit when it's hot and sticky out! Anastasia

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View entire thread: FO and question on Shetland shawl construction
Posted by Shillelagh on Sat Oct 07, 2006 8:46 PM    Post subject: Re: FO and question on Shetland shawl construction

"Teacher Gal" <luets@charter.net> wrote in message
news:1159983238.544767.101910@i3g2000cwc.googlegroups.com... [quote:fdab6ca2d9]In case anyone would like to see, the
finished (and slightly modified) Peacock Feathers Shawl from A Gathering of Lace is posted in my Knitting projects
folder at webshots ( http://www.webshots.com/user/tasialue ). There's only one pic, but I may take a few more clear
shots later. [/quote:fdab6ca2d9] Anastasia, your shawl is beautiful. I'm knitting the Peacock Feathers right now, but
in the original shape from the pattern. There is no way on this earth I could modify it the way you did. ;>) I
ripped out my first try at this shawl, and am now doing it from blue/green/mauve cotton. What yarn did you use, and how
long did it take you to knit it? Shelagh

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View entire thread: Knitting/Crocheting from unspun wool
Posted by B Vaugha on Tue Oct 03, 2006 8:32 AM    Post subject: Re: Knitting/Crocheting from unspun wool

On 2 Oct 2006 10:23:10 -0700, "Jenn" <pleiaden@gmail.com> wrote: [quote:47b18d3416]One other question -
I HAVE a huge problem with dry hands (don't let me touch silk or microfiber - it gets caught) mostly because I wash them
regularly due to working with yarn on a regular basis (and I cross stitch) and I don't want to get anything on the
fibers. Can you recommend anything other than udder cream? [/quote:47b18d3416] I sometimes have a problem with dry
hands that get cracked and inflamed. I have found the best solution is to put a good cream on them at night (I like
Nivea) and wear a pair of white cotton gloves to keep them moist all night. I ordered white cotton gloves from the
Vermont Country Store catalog some years ago. Now that I'm in Italy, it's not so easy to order from the VCS, so I take
a pair of old cotton socks and cut five slits on the toe area for my fingers. It's almost as good as the gloves, and
it's a lot easier to read in bed. -- Barbara Vaughan My email address is my first initial followed by my last name at
libero dot it.

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View entire thread: UFO/WIP Disorder
Posted by The Other Kim on Mon Oct 02, 2006 9:24 PM    Post subject: Re: UFO/WIP Disorder

Spampot wrote: [quote:a731ecb872]'Fess up, gang, who else is a fellow sufferer? [/quote:a731ecb872] Heh, I don't
suffer, I revel in it <g> Let's see...right now I have 2 pair of socks on needles (one for me, one for my
youngest), 2 Absolutely Fabulous throws (one of which absolutely needs to be done in the next week but should be no
problem getting there), a mostly finished bag (need to pick up another skein of yarn so I can finish and felt it), a
half-finished lace shawl (exactly half-finished, as it's done in two parts then grafted and I've finished one part),
and that lace cardigan I worked on in the hospital (have one and a half sleeves to go). Of course, I didn't include my
"UFO from Hell", the twin-size bedspread I started when my older daughter was 2 - she's now 14-1/2 - that has
been languishing with about 2 feet (out of about 6 needed to make a proper coverlet) done. I had lost the section of
the book with the pattern in it - recently found the same book in one of my not-so-local yarn shops - and really
didn't want to rip out anything; it's being made with bedspread weight cotton (size 10) on size 000 needles. 648
stitches per row. Any wonder it's been in limbo for years <g> OTOH, I have finished about 6 pair of socks, not
including the pair for the Sock Wars :-) The Other Kim kimagreenfieldatyahoodotcom

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View entire thread: sore hands
Posted by BB on Sat Sep 30, 2006 4:44 PM    Post subject: Re: sore hands

[quote:8d33620537]Hi Ladies, I am new to the group. I work in technical support (so lots of typing) and I've been
knitting for several years. Lately my hands have become very sore, so much that I've had to stop. Do any of you have
suggestions to aleviate the soreness? I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks so much! Emma's Mom
[/quote:8d33620537] I use lightweight bamboo needles whenever possible (if only I could instantly restock my supply
with all bamboo...<sigh> ). I used to like working with all cotton. Then I worked with some nice, soft merino
wool. I now hate working with cotton. The type of yarn makes a huge difference on my hand pain level. I love the way
cotton looks and feels though, so I have to have something else to work on at the same time so I don't overdo with the
cotton. I had previously avoided using small needles and small guage yarns, erroneously thinking it would be more
painful. I discovered using tiny circulars with tiny yarn the easiest thing of all for my hands. There is almost no
weight of the project to cause stress on them. Now that the weather is cooling off here, I need to make an effort to
keep my hands warm enough. So I understand how washing dishes may help :) Welcome to the group! BB

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View entire thread: OT: Need help with costume ideas
Posted by Morag in Detroit on Fri Sep 08, 2006 6:18 AM    Post subject: Re: OT: Need help with costume ideas

Hi Sue, Here's an easy and very comfortalbe costume. Black tights, black top (long-sleeved t-shirt or turtleneck), black
knit cap with felt ears pinned in, and red velveteen shorts with BIG white buttons.( Make the shorts as baggy as you
like) Finish your costume with a braided yarn tail, white cotton work gloves and a mouse nose and whiskers painted on
with eyebrow pencil. WooHoo You're Mickey Mouse. You can "warm" up this costume if your weather tends to be
very cold at Hallowe'en. Heavy tights or black knit pants. Make the shorts from fleece and the top can be a wool
sweater. White knit gloves will keep your hands warm. This is a great costume for little kids, too. Keeps them warm
and there's nothing to obstruct their vision. Let us know what you decide. Morag in Detroit

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View entire thread: OT: Need help with costume ideas
Posted by Pat in Virginia on Fri Sep 08, 2006 12:59 PM    Post subject: Re: OT: Need help with costume ideas

That is a wonderful suggestion, Morag. Cute, cheap, easy. Lots of the other suggestions were fun and clever but at a
children's party, it is good to wear a costume that the little ones can recognize. Save the 'punny' ones for adult
parties. JMO. BTW: You can make "buttons" from white plastic margarine tub lids. PAT Morag in Detroit wrote:
[quote:0e636e0a75]Hi Sue, Here's an easy and very comfortalbe costume. Black tights, black top (long-sleeved t-shirt or
turtleneck), black knit cap with felt ears pinned in, and red velveteen shorts with BIG white buttons.( Make the shorts
as baggy as you like) Finish your costume with a braided yarn tail, white cotton work gloves and a mouse nose and
whiskers painted on with eyebrow pencil. WooHoo You're Mickey Mouse.[/quote:0e636e0a75]

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View entire thread: OT Punchneedle
Posted by Julia in MN on Mon Oct 09, 2006 2:32 PM    Post subject: Re: OT Punchneedle

And then there is the technique known as "locker hooking" or "anchored loop rugs", which can be
done with thick yarn or fabric strips. I have found it a good use for strips of quilting fabric that I don't want to
use in quilts -- poly blends, the "what was I thinking fabrics", strips that are narrower than what I want to
use in a quilt. <http://www.google.com/search?q=locker+hooking&start=0&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=fire
fox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official> There are lots of different techniques for making rag rugs:
<http://www.sandpoint.net/~rafter4/rugtype.html> Julia in MN joan8904 in Bellevue Nebraska wrote:
[quote:073c693e0b]Actually, the individual loops on hooked rugs are not knotted. You may be thinking of latch hooking.
While needlepunch is usually used for smaller (much smaller) pieces, it can be done on a larger scale. With rug
hooking, you hold the strip under the fabric and pull it up toward you with a hook. The length of the loop is
determined by you. With needlepunch, you push the yarn or thread down thru the fabric with the needle. The length of
the loop is determined by the setting on the needle handle. Rug hooking is often done with strips of wool; needlepunch
uses embroidery floss or perle cotton. I've done both. I guess needlepunch is easier. And because of the usual size
of the project, needle punch is much more instantly gratifying and cheaper! joan On Oct 8, 9:41?pm, "mb from
pa" <witch6...@yahoo.com> wrote: While at a quilt show, my daughter saw a gentleman working on a rug. She
thought it looked like fun. ?I think it was punchneedle. ?Looking through a quilting catalog, I saw kits for punchneedle
and also rug hooking. ?Thinking of getting her a kit. ?Can anyone explain to me what the difference is between
punchneedle and rug hooking. Thanks Mary [/quote:073c693e0b] -- This message has been scanned for viruses by Norton
Anti-Virus http://webpages.charter.net/jaccola/

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View entire thread: OT Punchneedle
Posted by Iris Smith on Mon Oct 09, 2006 1:52 PM    Post subject: Re: OT Punchneedle

You're right Joan. I was thinking of latch hooking. It was talking about two different types of 'rug' hooking that led
me astray(:-). Iris "joan8904 in Bellevue Nebraska" <joan8904@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1160392541.711200.228570@i42g2000cwa.googlegroups.com... Actually, the individual loops on hooked rugs are not
knotted. You may be thinking of latch hooking. While needlepunch is usually used for smaller (much smaller) pieces, it
can be done on a larger scale. With rug hooking, you hold the strip under the fabric and pull it up toward you with a
hook. The length of the loop is determined by you. With needlepunch, you push the yarn or thread down thru the fabric
with the needle. The length of the loop is determined by the setting on the needle handle. Rug hooking is often done
with strips of wool; needlepunch uses embroidery floss or perle cotton. I've done both. I guess needlepunch is easier.
And because of the usual size of the project, needle punch is much more instantly gratifying and cheaper! joan On Oct
8, 9:41pm, "mb from pa" <witch6...@yahoo.com> wrote: [quote:0fdbc1756c]While at a quilt show, my
daughter saw a gentleman working on a rug. She thought it looked like fun. I think it was punchneedle. Looking through a
quilting catalog, I saw kits for punchneedle and also rug hooking. Thinking of getting her a kit. Can anyone explain to
me what the difference is between punchneedle and rug hooking. Thanks Mary[/quote:0fdbc1756c]

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View entire thread: OT Punchneedle
Posted by joan8904 in Bellevue Nebr on Mon Oct 09, 2006 12:15 PM    Post subject: Re: OT Punchneedle

Actually, the individual loops on hooked rugs are not knotted. You may be thinking of latch hooking. While needlepunch
is usually used for smaller (much smaller) pieces, it can be done on a larger scale. With rug hooking, you hold the
strip under the fabric and pull it up toward you with a hook. The length of the loop is determined by you. With
needlepunch, you push the yarn or thread down thru the fabric with the needle. The length of the loop is determined by
the setting on the needle handle. Rug hooking is often done with strips of wool; needlepunch uses embroidery floss or
perle cotton. I've done both. I guess needlepunch is easier. And because of the usual size of the project, needle
punch is much more instantly gratifying and cheaper! joan On Oct 8, 9:41 pm, "mb from pa"
<witch6...@yahoo.com> wrote: [quote:699fa45d53]While at a quilt show, my daughter saw a gentleman working on a
rug. She thought it looked like fun.  I think it was punchneedle.  Looking through a quilting catalog, I saw kits for
punchneedle and also rug hooking.  Thinking of getting her a kit.  Can anyone explain to me what the difference is
between punchneedle and rug hooking. Thanks Mary[/quote:699fa45d53]

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View entire thread: INOX.... Tunisian/Afghan... 2mm...
Posted by Karen C - California on Sat Nov 04, 2006 10:10 PM    Post subject: Re: INOX.... Tunisian/Afghan... 2mm...

LizardGumbo wrote: [quote:1ae9aff852] Funny story (well, okay, I think it's funny). For some reason, when I was a
sophomore in high school, I was grounded from my allowance (and since I lived where there was no work for a teenage girl
to be had, that meant I had NO money). So I fired up my brain and my afghan hook, got some leftover yarn and began
selling personalized scarves at school. Parents never did figure out why I was crocheting so much and why I had money
the whole time I was sposed to be grounded. [/quote:1ae9aff852] Ah, you clever little devil! I knew I liked you for
a reason. Every family in our neighborhood with kids young enough to be babysat also had either an older sibling or a
live-in granny to do the babysitting. So, I started selling handcrafts through a consignment shop. You can get a lot
of Barbie clothes out of one skein of yarn. It was also the era of the clever pencil topper -- I crocheted frilly
flowers of crochet cotton and they were always selling out. I wasn't making a huge profit on each pencil, but I was
making out like a bandit on volume! Then Mom went to jury duty wearing one of my necklaces, sold it right off her
neck and came back with a ton of orders. Since Mom had jury duty every 2 years like clockwork, I made a lot of money
off Mom wearing one of my creations every day and selling it to some fellow juror (and often getting requests whether
I could make one in red and one in blue and one in purple for her to give away as Christmas presents). -- Karen C -
California www.CFSfacts.org where we give you the facts and dispel the myths Watch/Listen at
http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/psas.htm Finished 10/30/06 - Bouncing Tigger mini WIP: baby and housewarming gifts, July
birthstone, Flowers of Hawaii (Jeanette Crews) for ME!!! Retrieved from UFO pile: Marbek's Snow Angel LTR: Fireman's
Prayer (#2), Amid Amish Life, Angel of Autumn, Calif Sampler, Holiday Snowglobe Editor/Proofreader
www.KarenMCampbell.com Design page http://www.KarenMCampbell.com/designs.html

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View entire thread: Swarovski yarn??!!
Posted by Cheryl on Sat Nov 04, 2006 4:08 PM    Post subject: Re: Swarovski yarn??!!

Actually I believe they are offering it in several versions, cotton being one of them.... Kind of makes me want to give
it a go... and try making some myself -- let's see - all I need is a gross of 3 mm crystals LOLOLOL Cheryl Sheri
wrote: [quote:297f6b2f8c]Thank you.. thst' is sort of what I thought it meant.... I've not looked real close at the yarn
that Swarovski is offering.. I ddint' notice it was cotton.. which did interest me...... In article
<1162600195.881044.205150@i42g2000cwa.googlegroups.com>, DragnBead@aol.com says... Plying is the process of taking
two or more strands - and twisting them together - think or look at a 2 or three "ply" yard at the craft
store. The trick is - the main yarns are twisted one direction then you spin back the other way and they twist
together. I spin -- another of my hobbies.... If anyone wanted to buy a ton of crystals or pearls and some appropriate
single ply (note they used cotton in many) -- this would be easy to do for an experienced spinner. We did a bead yarn
sample in the class I took - we used large seed beads..... getting them absolutely spaced would, of course take more
time than randomly spaced-- Looking at the closeup - I also suspect that they might be using a variant of what spinners
call "Navajo" plying technique which is actually a looping technique of plying. Cheryl Sheri wrote: In
article <1162583367.336501.234240@b28g2000cwb.googlegroups.com>, DragnBead@aol.com says... Ridiculous... I took a
spinning course on various "art yarns" years ago and making something like this is EXTREMELY simple. I would
guess these are the "Swaro" faux pearls.... the pricing is just plain ridiculous. Making a yarn like this is
so simple it's criminal. 1. pick two yarns (or one yarn and a "carrier thread" 2. String lots and lots of
bead/pearl of choice on the carrier thread. 3. Ply the yarn and carrier thread together slipping a bead on every few
inches. good grief - what a rip off.... -- Sheri Shanks http://www.sassiebrat.com
http://www.displayground.com[/quote:297f6b2f8c]

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View entire thread: Swarovski yarn??!!
Posted by Sheri on Sat Nov 04, 2006 1:55 PM    Post subject: Re: Swarovski yarn??!!

Thank you.. thst' is sort of what I thought it meant.... I've not looked real close at the yarn that Swarovski is
offering.. I ddint' notice it was cotton.. which did interest me...... In article
<1162600195.881044.205150@i42g2000cwa.googlegroups.com>, DragnBead@aol.com says... [quote:8ca87d4057]Plying is
the process of taking two or more strands - and twisting them together - think or look at a 2 or three "ply"
yard at the craft store. The trick is - the main yarns are twisted one direction then you spin back the other way and
they twist together. I spin -- another of my hobbies.... If anyone wanted to buy a ton of crystals or pearls and some
appropriate single ply (note they used cotton in many) -- this would be easy to do for an experienced spinner. We did a
bead yarn sample in the class I took - we used large seed beads..... getting them absolutely spaced would, of course
take more time than randomly spaced-- Looking at the closeup - I also suspect that they might be using a variant of what
spinners call "Navajo" plying technique which is actually a looping technique of plying. Cheryl Sheri wrote:
In article <1162583367.336501.234240@b28g2000cwb.googlegroups.com>, DragnBead@aol.com says... Ridiculous... I
took a spinning course on various "art yarns" years ago and making something like this is EXTREMELY simple. I
would guess these are the "Swaro" faux pearls.... the pricing is just plain ridiculous. Making a yarn like
this is so simple it's criminal. 1. pick two yarns (or one yarn and a "carrier thread" 2. String lots and
lots of bead/pearl of choice on the carrier thread. 3. Ply the yarn and carrier thread together slipping a bead on
every few inches. good grief - what a rip off.... [/quote:8ca87d4057] -- Sheri Shanks http://www.sassiebrat.com
http://www.displayground.com

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View entire thread: Swarovski yarn??!!
Posted by Shirley Shone on Sat Nov 04, 2006 7:34 AM    Post subject: Re: Swarovski yarn??!!

I have done a few yards of Navajo plying when I have had only enough wool to make a single ply. My spinning wheel is in
the corner of the dining area and I still sit and have a go at it occasionally, got a bit of pure silk on the go at
the moment. Shirley In message <1162600195.881044.205150@i42g2000cwa.googlegroups.com>, Cheryl
<DragnBead@aol.com> writes [quote:51679830de]Plying is the process of taking two or more strands - and twisting
them together - think or look at a 2 or three "ply" yard at the craft store. The trick is - the main yarns
are twisted one direction then you spin back the other way and they twist together. I spin -- another of my hobbies....
If anyone wanted to buy a ton of crystals or pearls and some appropriate single ply (note they used cotton in many) --
this would be easy to do for an experienced spinner. We did a bead yarn sample in the class I took - we used large
seed beads..... getting them absolutely spaced would, of course take more time than randomly spaced-- Looking at the
closeup - I also suspect that they might be using a variant of what spinners call "Navajo" plying technique
which is actually a looping technique of plying. Cheryl Sheri wrote: In article
<1162583367.336501.234240@b28g2000cwb.googlegroups.com>, DragnBead@aol.com says... Ridiculous... I took a
spinning course on various "art yarns" years ago and making something like this is EXTREMELY simple. I would
guess these are the "Swaro" faux pearls.... the pricing is just plain ridiculous. Making a yarn like this is
so simple it's criminal. 1. pick two yarns (or one yarn and a "carrier thread" 2. String lots and lots of
bead/pearl of choice on the carrier thread. 3. Ply the yarn and carrier thread together slipping a bead on every few
inches. good grief - what a rip off.... What is "ply the yarn"... I have an idea what that means.. but it's
not really clear?? I saw the stuff.. and my first thought was how expensive it would be to knit something with it....
(and I don't even knit or crochet! could never get the hang of it!) -- Sheri Shanks http://www.sassiebrat.com
http://www.displayground.com [/quote:51679830de] -- Shirley Shone shirley@allcrafts.demon.co.uk
http://www.allcrafts.demon.co.uk

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View entire thread: Swarovski yarn??!!
Posted by Cheryl on Sat Nov 04, 2006 1:29 AM    Post subject: Re: Swarovski yarn??!!

Plying is the process of taking two or more strands - and twisting them together - think or look at a 2 or three
"ply" yard at the craft store. The trick is - the main yarns are twisted one direction then you spin back the
other way and they twist together. I spin -- another of my hobbies.... If anyone wanted to buy a ton of crystals or
pearls and some appropriate single ply (note they used cotton in many) -- this would be easy to do for an experienced
spinner. We did a bead yarn sample in the class I took - we used large seed beads..... getting them absolutely spaced
would, of course take more time than randomly spaced-- Looking at the closeup - I also suspect that they might be using
a variant of what spinners call "Navajo" plying technique which is actually a looping technique of plying.
Cheryl Sheri wrote: [quote:1861fe4aca]In article <1162583367.336501.234240@b28g2000cwb.googlegroups.com>,
DragnBead@aol.com says... Ridiculous... I took a spinning course on various "art yarns" years ago and making
something like this is EXTREMELY simple. I would guess these are the "Swaro" faux pearls.... the pricing is
just plain ridiculous. Making a yarn like this is so simple it's criminal. 1. pick two yarns (or one yarn and a
"carrier thread" 2. String lots and lots of bead/pearl of choice on the carrier thread. 3. Ply the yarn and
carrier thread together slipping a bead on every few inches. good grief - what a rip off.... What is "ply the
yarn"... I have an idea what that means.. but it's not really clear?? I saw the stuff.. and my first thought was
how expensive it would be to knit something with it.... (and I don't even knit or crochet! could never get the hang of
it!) -- Sheri Shanks http://www.sassiebrat.com http://www.displayground.com[/quote:1861fe4aca]

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View entire thread: Swarovski yarn??!!
Posted by Cheryl on Fri Nov 03, 2006 8:49 PM    Post subject: Re: Swarovski yarn??!!

Ridiculous... I took a spinning course on various "art yarns" years ago and making something like this is
EXTREMELY simple. I would guess these are the "Swaro" faux pearls.... the pricing is just plain ridiculous.
Making a yarn like this is so simple it's criminal. 1. pick two yarns (or one yarn and a "carrier thread" 2.
String lots and lots of bead/pearl of choice on the carrier thread. 3. Ply the yarn and carrier thread together
slipping a bead on every few inches. good grief - what a rip off.... Cheryl Susan in VA wrote: [quote:813fe69209]I
just came across this product - never heard of it before - but it's gorgeous! [No affiliation with this site, but
wanted to share w/my RCB buddies.] :-) http://www.artbeads.com/swarovski-new.html [Here's what Artbeads said in their
newsletter: Swarovski's new crystal yarn is an amazing product that can be used like any other fiber in jewelry. It
comes in cotton, cashmere and mohair. We don't have all the styles yet but they are on their way!] Just fyi... --
Posted via Mailgate.ORG Server - http://www.Mailgate.ORG[/quote:813fe69209]

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View entire thread: Swarovski yarn??!!
Posted by Susan in VA on Thu Nov 02, 2006 9:02 AM    Post subject: Swarovski yarn??!!

I just came across this product - never heard of it before - but it's gorgeous! [No affiliation with this site, but
wanted to share w/my RCB buddies.] :-) http://www.artbeads.com/swarovski-new.html [Here's what Artbeads said in their
newsletter: Swarovski's new crystal yarn is an amazing product that can be used like any other fiber in jewelry. It
comes in cotton, cashmere and mohair. We don't have all the styles yet but they are on their way!] Just fyi... --
Posted via Mailgate.ORG Server - http://www.Mailgate.ORG

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View entire thread: Swarovski yarn??!!
Posted by Sheila on Thu Nov 02, 2006 6:14 PM    Post subject: Re: Swarovski yarn??!!

Susan, That is beautiful, great find. Sheila http://sheiladalton.com/ Susan in VA wrote: [quote:37e008f853]I just came
across this product - never heard of it before - but it's gorgeous! [No affiliation with this site, but wanted to share
w/my RCB buddies.] :-) http://www.artbeads.com/swarovski-new.html [Here's what Artbeads said in their newsletter:
Swarovski's new crystal yarn is an amazing product that can be used like any other fiber in jewelry. It comes in cotton,
cashmere and mohair. We don't have all the styles yet but they are on their way!] Just fyi... [/quote:37e008f853]

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View entire thread: Swarovski yarn??!!
Posted by Beadbimbo on Thu Nov 02, 2006 11:22 PM    Post subject: Re: Swarovski yarn??!!

I'd just like to see a sweater knit with it!! Oh Secret Santa..................will you knit me one? Arr. Arr. Jerri
www.beadbimbo.com "Susan in VA" <suzy@bidonbeads.every1.net> wrote in message
news:5d06758974199678aeb3761951dce704.31951@mygate.mailgate.org... [quote:57c8118711]I just came across this product -
never heard of it before - but it's gorgeous! [No affiliation with this site, but wanted to share w/my RCB buddies.]
:-) http://www.artbeads.com/swarovski-new.html [Here's what Artbeads said in their newsletter: Swarovski's new crystal
yarn is an amazing product that can be used like any other fiber in jewelry. It comes in cotton, cashmere and mohair. We
don't have all the styles yet but they are on their way!] Just fyi... -- Posted via Mailgate.ORG Server -
http://www.Mailgate.ORG[/quote:57c8118711]

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View entire thread: Just how much fabric do you have????
Posted by Maureen Wozniak on Sun Sep 10, 2006 8:15 PM    Post subject: Re: Just how much fabric do you have????

On Sun, 10 Sep 2006 12:52:03 -0500, JPgirl wrote (in article
<1157910723.023559.124980@m73g2000cwd.googlegroups.com>): [quote:f1300c402e] Last winter I was driving a snow
plow and making some spare money, whenever I got paid I would head down to the Fabricland clearance centre and pick
through their sale tables, which were often on clearance themselves at 50% off. So I would pick up almost ANYTHING that
was resonably pretty and the proper fabric for quilting, cotton or a cotton poly blend is ok with me as long as it
doesn't feel or look crappy I bought it! Most of the yardage I have was bought anywhere from $1-3 a metre. I think I
have a problem ;) [/quote:f1300c402e] yes, indeed you do. You don't have nearly enough. <VBG>. I''m in the
middle of a fairly big cleanup and rootle through my studio. Cleaned out my 4 big drawers of quilting fabric. And my
yarn/regular sewing fabric closet. All that's left is my fabric shelf (where the little pieces live) and under my
table. I don't think I can count high enough to determine how much fabric I have. Maureen

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View entire thread: Crazy Quilt
Posted by Roberta Zollner on Wed Sep 06, 2006 2:40 PM    Post subject: Re: Crazy Quilt

Crazies are almost always tied. You can use perle cotton (comes in lots of colors, very durable) or wool yarn or even
silk ribbon, but the latter is mostly decorative. If you want to add buttons, use them as "ties" and sew on
through all the layers. If you have trouble doing hand work, use your machine to make single fancy stitches -they make
good "ties". E.g. a single tiny heart or flower motif. Crazies were seldom meant for use on beds, but thrown
over a sofa to show off fancy work. Roberta in D "crosspatch" <crosspatchpc@netscape.net> schrieb im
Newsbeitrag news:dzjLg.37583$43.23503@nnrp.ca.mci.com!nnrp1.uunet.ca... [quote:6322fdfbb8]Hi, My name is Sandra, I
mostly just lurk and have learnt some great things from you ladies, but now I have a problem and would like your advice.
I inherited a bunch of crazy quilt patches from a dear friend who died, I pieced them together and they looked a lot
better than I thought they would, so now my problem, how do I quilt them? do I just tie the quilt, add embellishments
such as buttons? do I stitch in the ditch around the block and tie the middle? should I try my hand at machine
quilting and just meander about the blocks? What would be your advice? they are too heavy I think for hand quilting
because she used a foundation fabric. the blocks are 11 inches square. TIA Sandra [/quote:6322fdfbb8]

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View entire thread: Crazy Quilt
Posted by ~KK in BC~ on Wed Sep 06, 2006 5:15 PM    Post subject: Re: Crazy Quilt

Are you serious? Just to LOOK at?? After all that effort I would be using that sucker till every last thread fell off
it I am sure! LOL Seriously though, they are one gorgeous piece of art to drool over. The time, dedication and
attention to detail that a crazy quilter puts into the piece is just amazing to me. I don't have the patience to make
something that stunning. ~KK in BC~ "Roberta Zollner" <rl.zollner@gmx.net.old> wrote in message
news:edmj4c$6kv$1@online.de... [quote:9e282e26b4]Crazies are almost always tied. You can use perle cotton (comes in lots
of colors, very durable) or wool yarn or even silk ribbon, but the latter is mostly decorative. If you want to add
buttons, use them as "ties" and sew on through all the layers. If you have trouble doing hand work, use your
machine to make single fancy stitches -they make good "ties". E.g. a single tiny heart or flower motif.
Crazies were seldom meant for use on beds, but thrown over a sofa to show off fancy work. Roberta in D
"crosspatch" <crosspatchpc@netscape.net> schrieb im Newsbeitrag
news:dzjLg.37583$43.23503@nnrp.ca.mci.com!nnrp1.uunet.ca... Hi, My name is Sandra, I mostly just lurk and have learnt
some great things from you ladies, but now I have a problem and would like your advice. I inherited a bunch of crazy
quilt patches from a dear friend who died, I pieced them together and they looked a lot better than I thought they
would, so now my problem, how do I quilt them? do I just tie the quilt, add embellishments such as buttons? do I
stitch in the ditch around the block and tie the middle? should I try my hand at machine quilting and just meander
about the blocks? What would be your advice? they are too heavy I think for hand quilting because she used a foundation
fabric. the blocks are 11 inches square. TIA Sandra [/quote:9e282e26b4]

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View entire thread: Another newbie question
Posted by Phyllis Nilsson on Sat Jul 15, 2006 2:38 PM    Post subject: Re: Another newbie question

A few nights ago on television there was a young girl in the hospital, paralyzed from the waist down, who had a quilt on
her hospital bed. It was just squares and he quilt was tied. It must have been precious to her to have it on her
hospital bed. My late mother-in-law made a quilt for my daughter and it was tied. When I made a quilt for my son, he
wanted it tied. I also tied the quilt I gave my step-granddaughter and she had it on her bed within ten minutes (those
ten minutes were spent lovingly fondling the quilt). I don't use yarn, but use crochet cotton. I'm making a baby quilt
right now and perhaps I will use the machine to quilt this one, but if I do, it will be a simple outline stitch to set
off the squares. If I had a frame (no room for one in our house) I'd do hand quilting, but that isn't in the cards for
me. Sharon & Jack wrote: [quote:bdefdc938d]Once you have finished the top of your quilt, and are ready to put it
all together, how do the majority of people finish the quilting? [/quote:bdefdc938d]

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View entire thread: How far is TOO far?
Posted by KJ on Mon Jul 10, 2006 12:06 PM    Post subject: Re: How far is TOO far?

What a wonderful post! You're a keeper Val! Thanks for the early morning giggle, you got my day started off right.
Now, where did I put that stapler??? KJ "Val" <ya-shur@yabetcha.com> wrote in message
news:1152488788.583543@bubbleator.drizzle.com... [quote:e5062143e7]I ended up in the hospital for awhile and they tossed
me out because I was uncooperative and kept breathing. I got home and my pc monitor had gone toes up instead of me.
Took a while to get a replacement, for the monitor, not for me (the monitor was a 12 year old freebee....they just don't
make things to last anymore LOL) and now I can't find the entire thread to this post. Hopefully I haven't misunderstood
what was being said; but from what I did get, and after looking at the website from the previous poster (the one Debra
included in her answer), I'd also like to reply. Well said, Debra. My passion is gardening and sewing, in that order. I
have had friends say......."I should plant _____ like you do." My answer is "why?" I design what I
sew, embroider and also do a little quilting when the metaphoric loaded gun is held to my head. I don't use patterns or
pre printed anything. I have other friends, who live for the $1 or 2-fer pattern sales and use kits for everything,
and say, "I should learn to make _____ like you do." I answer "why?" Do what you want, not what
you think I would do or anyone else thinks is best for you. Do what gives you joy, there's too little to be found, don't
squander it on small stuff, like an inconsequential negative opinion. I put this into the category of small stuff
because these generally come from small people with small minds that couldn't sh*t a BB if you greased it. We aren't
building a rocket ship that needs to get the crew back to Earth, this isn't life or death brain surgery. These things
are artistic self expression, SELF being the operative word. I think if you like what you are doing, it gives you joy
and a sense of accomplishment, even if it's sewing around the marked seam allowance of a toy teddy bear kit printed on a
square of cotton blend with poly fill included.......you are doing what gives you pleasure. Go for it! If the only thing
that gives you pleasure is to criticize those people that don't color inside YOUR lines you need to keep it to yourself.
I have a lovely elderly (she claims to be 310 &1/2) lady friend that gives me "embroidered hankies". She
stitches a square with yarn in the corner of a cotton handkerchief and then colors a picture with pencils in the square.
I thank her sincerely and praise her for her unique style of embroidery and ingenuity. I think unless you are entering a
contest with hard and fast rules and regulations about what is acceptable then lighten up and grasp the joyous concept
of unique ingenuity and creativities that we all have but have often kept hidden for fear of "not doing it
right"; we just have different levels and styles that fit our unique and ingenious selves. There is no right or
wrong in this case, it's in the eye of the beholder. Ask yourself.....if I do this will anyone actually drop dead within
a 50 mile radius because I tried this? If the answer is "no" then go give it a try! If you don't like what you
see of other's art and/or craft, shut your eyes, don't look. Where do you draw the line? Well, I guess it depends on
why you are drawing it. If it's drawn to keep some new expression, idea or concept all skwooshed up and enclosed until
it's finally DEAD and then withers away then go draw it waaaaaaaaaay over there....*pointing to a far horizon* This
newsgroup, of all that I monitor and sometimes (albeit seldom) post to has one of the most diverse groups of
personalities I've encountered. The great majority are also some of the most accepting, loving, tolerant, supportive and
humorous people I have found. I honestly think if somebody proudly posted a picture of a velvet painting of dogs playing
poker that had been "quilted" with a stapler because it was the only thing they could work with or the only
skills possessed, more people would find good things to say or not comment at all rather than make critical remarks as
the thread morphed into making rain boots for DGS hamster, to chocolate, to engine repair, to chocolate, to DD
engagement, to chocolate and then fade off into the beautifully pieced and quilted night sky of stars and moons. I know
I don't take part often in discussions in this newsgroup, mostly a lurker because quilting isn't my favorite thing to do
but I do love reading the chat and absorbing good feelings that are here as well as learning a thing or two, or
many...........and the universal quest for stash and chocolate, not necessarily in that order, I hold close to my heart.
<BG Val P.S...............and when I post that picture of the stapled, velvet dog playing poker quilt I will, of
course, include a coupon for free chocolates, just to grease the wheels of praise ;) "Debra"
<debnbilll@worldnet.att.net> wrote in message news:i8o2b2dikkfsmana47ulgtr9u933s539g7@4ax.com... On 6 Jul 2006
07:12:52 -0700, "Leslie & The Furbabies in MO." quilteacher@yahoo.com> wrote: First, please check out
this link- www.starforestquilts.com Pat on her hill sent the link to me. The quilts are fabulous- just gorgeous,
BUT.... how far is too far??? I would be happier with calling these "quilts" if the scenes in the quilts were
of fabric and appliqued. I would greatly admire the maker for searching out just the right fabrics and turning and
manipulating the fabrics to make a scene of this magnitude and intricacy. I realize searching out a beautiful scene and
photographing it properly is an art in itself, but..... is it what we generally think of as making a quilt top? Running
fabric thru a computer- is *that* making a quilt top? I appreciate the quiltmakers who stretch their quiltmaking to the
limits and are always looking for something new and different. But at the same time I have a problem with using
printing and painting and some other techniques. For me quiltmaking means piecing or appliquing- with fabric- a quilt
should have pictures that are appliqued if you want a face or a flower or a scene- not printed or painted. (I know
"embellishments" have been around forever- where do you draw the line???) Painting a flower on a piece of
fabric and then quilting it just doesn't seem like a "quilt" to me- altho if it has the layers and the quilt
stitching, I guess it's technically a type of whole cloth quilt. And some fabric artists take raggedy chunks of fabric
and toss them together and call that a quilt- it's just not what I expect in a "quilt". *IF* you were The
Honorary Quilt Police for a day how would you define "A Quilt"? What would be a process or
"substance" which would put it over the edge? What are the basic "requirements" to define a
"quilt"??? Where does quiltmaking end and "textile artist" begin? Leslie & The Furbabies in
MO. Leslie, virtually all quilters are textile artists. Even you. The minute you decided to use something other than
a plain square grid for a quilting pattern you were choosing art over need. The minute you used one fabric instead of
another because of color or print size you were using your artistic view point. Every time you pick up a piece of
fabric and say to yourself, "This would look pretty if I used it this way." you are being a textile artist.
What is the difference between using custom printed cloth, ready made printed cloth, or solid white fabric for a quilt?
Sure you could custom print the picture of a pieced quilt at that site, but how is that really any different from buying
cheater cloth at the fabric store? Why does it bother you so much that someone might use it that way anyway? Not
everyone has the talent to piece blocks or do applique, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't try to quilt at all. Some
of the most beautiful quilts I've seen are whole cloth quilts. Should whole cloth quilters be limited to only using
plain white cloth? I don't think they should. Beyond that, custom printing fabric can be used in quilting in lots of
ways. This site isn't the first place I've seen that custom prints fabric, it's just the first I've seen geared
specifically towards quilters. The quilts pictured seem to be pieced out of cloth with photos printed on them, not
whole cloth. This site points out that it is possible to print more than one picture per piece of cloth, and that you
should allow blank space between the pictures for cutting them apart and the seam allowance. It could produce many
photos on fabric for memory quilts (all on one piece of fabric), or allow you to produce an original design print from
your own drawing. You could print special applique pieces (like faces and hands) if you wanted, or lots of ready to use
quilt labels, or fabric quilt guild logos for the guild's members, or even individual quilt block pieces (in several
color ways and various prints that you designed) to cut out and stitch together into a block. How cool would it be to
piece a quilt top with different prints you designed yourself? Like other inventions, custom printed fabric is whatever
you want to make of it. It seems to me you are too busy condemning custom printed fabric (and it's users) to even think
of the many ways you could put it to good use for yourself. Debra in VA See my quilts at
http://community.webshots.com/user/debplayshere [/quote:e5062143e7]

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View entire thread: How far is TOO far?
Posted by Val on Mon Jul 10, 2006 12:46 AM    Post subject: Re: How far is TOO far?

I ended up in the hospital for awhile and they tossed me out because I was uncooperative and kept breathing. I got home
and my pc monitor had gone toes up instead of me. Took a while to get a replacement, for the monitor, not for me (the
monitor was a 12 year old freebee....they just don't make things to last anymore LOL) and now I can't find the entire
thread to this post. Hopefully I haven't misunderstood what was being said; but from what I did get, and after looking
at the website from the previous poster (the one Debra included in her answer), I'd also like to reply. Well said,
Debra. My passion is gardening and sewing, in that order. I have had friends say......."I should plant _____ like
you do." My answer is "why?" I design what I sew, embroider and also do a little quilting when the
metaphoric loaded gun is held to my head. I don't use patterns or pre printed anything. I have other friends, who live
for the $1 or 2-fer pattern sales and use kits for everything, and say, "I should learn to make _____ like you
do." I answer "why?" Do what you want, not what you think I would do or anyone else thinks is best for
you. Do what gives you joy, there's too little to be found, don't squander it on small stuff, like an inconsequential
negative opinion. I put this into the category of small stuff because these generally come from small people with small
minds that couldn't sh*t a BB if you greased it. We aren't building a rocket ship that needs to get the crew back to
Earth, this isn't life or death brain surgery. These things are artistic self expression, SELF being the operative
word. I think if you like what you are doing, it gives you joy and a sense of accomplishment, even if it's sewing
around the marked seam allowance of a toy teddy bear kit printed on a square of cotton blend with poly fill
included.......you are doing what gives you pleasure. Go for it! If the only thing that gives you pleasure is to
criticize those people that don't color inside YOUR lines you need to keep it to yourself. I have a lovely elderly
(she claims to be 310 &1/2) lady friend that gives me "embroidered hankies". She stitches a square with
yarn in the corner of a cotton handkerchief and then colors a picture with pencils in the square. I thank her
sincerely and praise her for her unique style of embroidery and ingenuity. I think unless you are entering a contest
with hard and fast rules and regulations about what is acceptable then lighten up and grasp the joyous concept of
unique ingenuity and creativities that we all have but have often kept hidden for fear of "not doing it
right"; we just have different levels and styles that fit our unique and ingenious selves. There is no right or
wrong in this case, it's in the eye of the beholder. Ask yourself.....if I do this will anyone actually drop dead
within a 50 mile radius because I tried this? If the answer is "no" then go give it a try! If you don't like
what you see of other's art and/or craft, shut your eyes, don't look. Where do you draw the line? Well, I guess it
depends on why you are drawing it. If it's drawn to keep some new expression, idea or concept all skwooshed up and
enclosed until it's finally DEAD and then withers away then go draw it waaaaaaaaaay over there....*pointing to a far
horizon* This newsgroup, of all that I monitor and sometimes (albeit seldom) post to has one of the most diverse
groups of personalities I've encountered. The great majority are also some of the most accepting, loving, tolerant,
supportive and humorous people I have found. I honestly think if somebody proudly posted a picture of a velvet painting
of dogs playing poker that had been "quilted" with a stapler because it was the only thing they could work
with or the only skills possessed, more people would find good things to say or not comment at all rather than make
critical remarks as the thread morphed into making rain boots for DGS hamster, to chocolate, to engine repair, to
chocolate, to DD engagement, to chocolate and then fade off into the beautifully pieced and quilted night sky of stars
and moons. I know I don't take part often in discussions in this newsgroup, mostly a lurker because quilting isn't my
favorite thing to do but I do love reading the chat and absorbing good feelings that are here as well as learning a
thing or two, or many...........and the universal quest for stash and chocolate, not necessarily in that order, I hold
close to my heart. <BG> Val P.S...............and when I post that picture of the stapled, velvet dog playing
poker quilt I will, of course, include a coupon for free chocolates, just to grease the wheels of praise ;)
"Debra" <debnbilll@worldnet.att.net> wrote in message
news:i8o2b2dikkfsmana47ulgtr9u933s539g7@4ax.com... [quote:4d7683eee6]On 6 Jul 2006 07:12:52 -0700, "Leslie &
The Furbabies in MO." quilteacher@yahoo.com> wrote: First, please check out this link-
www.starforestquilts.com Pat on her hill sent the link to me. The quilts are fabulous- just gorgeous, BUT.... how far
is too far??? I would be happier with calling these "quilts" if the scenes in the quilts were of fabric and
appliqued. I would greatly admire the maker for searching out just the right fabrics and turning and manipulating the
fabrics to make a scene of this magnitude and intricacy. I realize searching out a beautiful scene and photographing it
properly is an art in itself, but..... is it what we generally think of as making a quilt top? Running fabric thru a
computer- is *that* making a quilt top? I appreciate the quiltmakers who stretch their quiltmaking to the limits and
are always looking for something new and different. But at the same time I have a problem with using printing and
painting and some other techniques. For me quiltmaking means piecing or appliquing- with fabric- a quilt should have
pictures that are appliqued if you want a face or a flower or a scene- not printed or painted. (I know
"embellishments" have been around forever- where do you draw the line???) Painting a flower on a piece of
fabric and then quilting it just doesn't seem like a "quilt" to me- altho if it has the layers and the quilt
stitching, I guess it's technically a type of whole cloth quilt. And some fabric artists take raggedy chunks of fabric
and toss them together and call that a quilt- it's just not what I expect in a "quilt". *IF* you were The
Honorary Quilt Police for a day how would you define "A Quilt"? What would be a process or
"substance" which would put it over the edge? What are the basic "requirements" to define a
"quilt"??? Where does quiltmaking end and "textile artist" begin? Leslie & The Furbabies in
MO. Leslie, virtually all quilters are textile artists. Even you. The minute you decided to use something other than
a plain square grid for a quilting pattern you were choosing art over need. The minute you used one fabric instead of
another because of color or print size you were using your artistic view point. Every time you pick up a piece of
fabric and say to yourself, "This would look pretty if I used it this way." you are being a textile artist.
What is the difference between using custom printed cloth, ready made printed cloth, or solid white fabric for a quilt?
Sure you could custom print the picture of a pieced quilt at that site, but how is that really any different from buying
cheater cloth at the fabric store? Why does it bother you so much that someone might use it that way anyway? Not
everyone has the talent to piece blocks or do applique, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't try to quilt at all. Some
of the most beautiful quilts I've seen are whole cloth quilts. Should whole cloth quilters be limited to only using
plain white cloth? I don't think they should. Beyond that, custom printing fabric can be used in quilting in lots of
ways. This site isn't the first place I've seen that custom prints fabric, it's just the first I've seen geared
specifically towards quilters. The quilts pictured seem to be pieced out of cloth with photos printed on them, not
whole cloth. This site points out that it is possible to print more than one picture per piece of cloth, and that you
should allow blank space between the pictures for cutting them apart and the seam allowance. It could produce many
photos on fabric for memory quilts (all on one piece of fabric), or allow you to produce an original design print from
your own drawing. You could print special applique pieces (like faces and hands) if you wanted, or lots of ready to use
quilt labels, or fabric quilt guild logos for the guild's members, or even individual quilt block pieces (in several
color ways and various prints that you designed) to cut out and stitch together into a block. How cool would it be to
piece a quilt top with different prints you designed yourself? Like other inventions, custom printed fabric is whatever
you want to make of it. It seems to me you are too busy condemning custom printed fabric (and it's users) to even think
of the many ways you could put it to good use for yourself. Debra in VA See my quilts at
http://community.webshots.com/user/debplayshere[/quote:4d7683eee6]

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View entire thread: many colors in project
Posted by ellice on Wed Sep 20, 2006 6:01 PM    Post subject: Re: many colors in project

On 9/20/06 12:31 PM, "Pat Minors" <patminors@mindspring.com> wrote: [quote:00b193e99c]I am new to
needlepoint so naturally I begin with a difficult project, which is to cover six dining room chairs. Plus, I rejected
the many standard designs and developed my own. It is an art deco styled spray of flowers. I used colors pencils to
color my line drawing. Then I scanned the result into a cross stitch pattern maker program. It is an old program but
produces a very nice chart and DMC colors. My problem is in trying to match so many colors in my design to the yarn I
have collected for this project. I have three questions. 1. I discovered I can send an 8.5 X 11 inch piece of canvas
through my printer. Butr that size hardly covers the chair seat. Has anyone done the following; put the smaller
printed canvas on top of the larger canvas that fits the chair and stitched through two layers of the canvas?
[/quote:00b193e99c] Have you considered doing color phot enlargments of the design - on paper - to get the right size,
and then trace onto the actual chair canvas? [quote:00b193e99c] 2. I have collected many colors and types of wool yarn
from different makers. Is it kosher to mix the different brands and yarn types (single ply, multi-ply, etc.) to get the
range of colors I want? [/quote:00b193e99c] You could certainly mix yarns - but generally it's a good idea to ply the
yarn and then work with a group of the different colors put together. As in take a ply of 1 with 2 plies of another
color to get a shading effect. It's actually a common technique to produce shading, graduating color. Example - say
you have a 3 ply of dark red that you wish to shade towards a more orange color. First stitch with the 3 ply of red.
Then switch after a bit to 2 plies red twisted with 1 ply of orange, then again to 1 ply red, 2 plies orange, and then
to the 3 plies of orange. Brands mixed is fine. Be careful with mixing types (wool vs cotton vs wool-silk) because
they will wear differently. [quote:00b193e99c] 3. Is this ever done- use a length of wool yarn paired with a particular
shade of cotton floss (I use DMC) and twisted together to obtain a particular color effect? [/quote:00b193e99c]
Sometimes. But, more common with NP is to use perle cotton as opposed to floss. Even in high count canvas you end up
using a lot of floss. For something like chair covers I would steer away from cotton floss - as it will not wear well
with the use that chair seats get. The wool will wear very well, and I don't think that you'll be happy with the
stitching by combining wool and cotton together in the same length. You could mix in some cotton somewhere in the
design. There are also rayon blends that are used a lot in NP (Burmalana & Needle Necessities make some ).
[quote:00b193e99c] These are going to be chair seats and not wall hangings. I don't expect anyone to be whipping out a
magnifying glass and light source to make close inpections. [/quote:00b193e99c] No, but you don't want them to wear out
real quickly, either. You might want to check out the ANG website - there is a lot of information on NP stitching,
stitches, and the like available. It may take some time to navigate around - but there is very good info.
http://www.needlepoint.org/index.php Good luck with your project, ellice [quote:00b193e99c] Your help and guidance will
be treasured. Fernie [/quote:00b193e99c]

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View entire thread: many colors in project
Posted by Pat Minors on Wed Sep 20, 2006 5:31 PM    Post subject: many colors in project

I am new to needlepoint so naturally I begin with a difficult project, which is to cover six dining room chairs. Plus,
I rejected the many standard designs and developed my own. It is an art deco styled spray of flowers. I used colors
pencils to color my line drawing. Then I scanned the result into a cross stitch pattern maker program. It is an old
program but produces a very nice chart and DMC colors. My problem is in trying to match so many colors in my design
to the yarn I have collected for this project. I have three questions. 1. I discovered I can send an 8.5 X 11 inch
piece of canvas through my printer. Butr that size hardly covers the chair seat. Has anyone done the following; put
the smaller printed canvas on top of the larger canvas that fits the chair and stitched through two layers of the
canvas? 2. I have collected many colors and types of wool yarn from different makers. Is it kosher to mix the
different brands and yarn types (single ply, multi-ply, etc.) to get the range of colors I want? 3. Is this ever done-
use a length of wool yarn paired with a particular shade of cotton floss (I use DMC) and twisted together to obtain a
particular color effect? These are going to be chair seats and not wall hangings. I don't expect anyone to be whipping
out a magnifying glass and light source to make close inpections. Your help and guidance will be treasured. Fernie

back to top