If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#11
|
|||
|
|||
A helpful hint for feathering floss.
The first thing that comes to my mind is the possibility of using some
fabric cover with some 'nap' over the cardboard that would hopefully hold it better... Something like a velvet or microfibre or ?? back to lurking, vcard "Fred" wrote in message ... "Fred" wrote in message ... "KT in Mich" wrote in message ... Snip Ok I got question. I can see laying out the separated strands side by side. For me they still have a tendency to flop around and tangle a bit as they continue to unravel but no big deal. However I'm usually working three colors at the same time so that means having eighteen strands to deal with. I've tried making a thin cardboard holder about 18"high x 12"wide. I cut eighteen slits (with a razor blade) about 1/2" long at the top 1/2" apart, and did the same at the bottom of the cardboard holder. As I separated each strand I would slide on end into a slit at the top, gently pull down on the strand and slide the other end into the slit at the bottom. Like stringing a harp. This goes pretty quick, about 1-1/2 minutes for each eighteen inch of six strand. This gives me three cards of nicely sorted strands however it doesn't take too long before the slits in the cardboard start to wear and they won't grip the strands. I've tried thin plastic sheets with little or no improvement. I've tried cementing small child hair barrettes at the top and bottom to grip the strands but they take up too much space and the springs in them are generally too weak. Eventual storage of floss has been worked out by many and that is not my concern right here. I need something while I'm stitching. The reason for securing at the top and bottom is that if the strands are just gripped at the top and left to dangle/hang they still have a tendency to unravel a bit and consequently tangle a bit. I don't need the hassle.LOL Anybody got a wild idea that might work better than cardboards??? Icing on the cake would be something that looks nice when finished and in use while stitching. Fred http://www.stitchaway.com If nothing changes, nothing changes. Don't back stitch to email, just stitchit. |
Ads |
#12
|
|||
|
|||
A helpful hint for feathering floss.
"Fred" wrote in message ... Snip Ok I got question. I can see laying out the separated strands side by side. For me they still have a tendency to flop around and tangle a bit as they continue to unravel but no big deal. Snip Anybody got a wild idea that might work better than cardboards??? I have to confess to a completely utilitarian approach.......when I am using thread which comes on the natty little cardboard tags, I cut the thread into whatever lengths suits (usually about 20") and then thread the bundle back through the natty tag with a larks head knot, then when I want strands I use the needle I'm working with to lift up a thread and draw it from the bundle. If I need multiple threads, simply repeat the process. If thread doesn't come with its natty cardboard tag I simply make one up from whatever card is to hand, though I confess that my preferred card is from cosmetic boxes, there is something rather indulgent about tagging your thread with the elegance of a Chanel box, and it makes the thrill of pretty boxes last a bit longer. I know others work with multiple needles already threaded, but that is an effort I can't be bothered with, and have never really understood the reasons why it is done. Joanne in Western Australia |
#13
|
|||
|
|||
A helpful hint for feathering floss.
I dont know if this is any help, and I dont use this technique myself.
But someone might find it useful. I came across a lady who did the following. She wound the skein onto a bobbin. When she wanted floss, she unwound the thread for the length she required, selected one strand, and pulled as much as she required. Then she cut this off, put the rest of the floss back staright, and rewound it on the bobbin. If you dont use the same length of thread every time, eventually the end of the thread has only one end sticking out. So it makes it easy to see which one to use, and grab it easily. Just a suggestion. Jim. |
#14
|
|||
|
|||
A helpful hint for feathering floss.
On Oct 9, 6:50*pm, "KT in Mich" wrote:
"Fred" wrote in message ... Ok I got question. I can see laying out the separated strands side by side. For me they still have a tendency to flop around and tangle a bit as they continue to unravel but no big deal. However I'm usually working three colors at the same time so that means having eighteen strands to deal with. I've tried making a thin cardboard holder about 18"high x 12"wide. I cut eighteen slits (with a razor blade) about 1/2" long at the top 1/2" apart, and did the same at the bottom of the cardboard holder. As I separated each strand I would slide on end into a slit at the top, gently pull down on the strand and slide the other end into the slit at the bottom. Like stringing a harp. This goes pretty quick, about 1-1/2 minutes for each eighteen inch of six strand. This gives me three cards of nicely sorted strands however it doesn't take too long before the slits in the cardboard start to wear and they won't grip the strands. I've tried thin plastic sheets with little or no improvement. I've tried cementing small child hair barrettes at the top and bottom to grip the strands but they take up too much space and the springs in them are generally too weak. Eventual storage of floss has been worked out by many and that is not my concern right here. I need something while I'm stitching. The reason for securing at the top and bottom is that if the strands are just gripped at the top and left to dangle/hang they still have a tendency to unravel a bit and consequently tangle a bit. I don't need the hassle.LOL Anybody got a wild idea that might work better than cardboards??? Icing on the cake would be something that looks nice when finished and in use while stitching. Fred http://www.stitchaway.com If nothing changes, nothing changes. Don't back stitch to email, just stitchit. To each his/her own. *Sounds like a lot of work but if it keeps you sane, then it is sure the right way for you! *I am currently at the end of a 2 year project, Van Gogh's "Starry Night" as presented by the Scarlet Quince folks. *83 blended colors on 18 mesh cloth. *In order to keep the colors and strands in order, I use 2 of those long thread sorters where one sticks a threaded needle into a small spongy square with the stitch symbol above the square. *The 2 of them holds all 83 colors, all threaded in 83 needles. Kind of like pulling crayons from the box to color. *Works for me even if the threads kind of clump together. *After 2 years I can say I've never had a tangle that prevented me from gently pulling the threaded needle out of the sponge and using it. Not what I'd call "looking nice", but it gets the job done for me. (Luckily, I do not have a cat who would make very short order of this setup!) *If and when (probably "when") I do another huge project (probably "American Gothic") I will definitely use this threaded needle storage system. I keep the unblended floss in a case, on the plastic bobbins until I need to replenish a needle. KT. in MI I use the needle holder you are referring to. Before I quit stitching for the day, I thread five (or more) needles for each color, stick them in the proper slots, and zip it shut. I am ready to go, next time I stitch! Saves time for me as I don't spend all that time locating a color, separating, threading, etc.....I just stitch. just me, Cathy from KY in CA |
#15
|
|||
|
|||
A helpful hint for feathering floss.
"Cathy from KY in CA" wrote in message ... I use the needle holder you are referring to. Before I quit stitching for the day, I thread five (or more) needles for each color, stick them in the proper slots, and zip it shut. I am ready to go, next time I stitch! Saves time for me as I don't spend all that time locating a color, separating, threading, etc.....I just stitch. just me, Cathy from KY in CA Your idea is great if you are working on a smaller project or traveling. I don't have - or need - the zippered case. Because I am constantly changing colors -- often after just one or two stitches -- being able to store the threaded needle into this spongy sorter makes it so much faster to switch threads without constant threading of needles. I don't like carrying thread on the back of the fabric for more than an inch or so, even if I can inter-weave it. Gosh, between my newest hobby of quilting, and my old one of cross-stitch, I am sure not bored these days!!! KT. in MI |
#16
|
|||
|
|||
A helpful hint for feathering floss.
Your idea is great if you are working on a smaller project or traveling. *I don't have - or need - the zippered case. The size of the project and traveling have nothing to do with it. This is just my method. Even when working on a project with 80 or more colors, I usually don't use all 80 colors in one stitching session, so it is not as much threading at one time as one would think. I like the pouch for storage. just me, Cathy from KY in CA |
|
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
OT-Plastic bags storage helpful hint | Barbara[_4_] | Needlework | 0 | April 7th 09 06:02 PM |
A helpful Hint. | John | Quilting | 8 | February 13th 09 04:03 AM |
Floss-Away brand floss bags | Seanette Blaylock | Needlework | 6 | February 21st 05 03:49 AM |
Helpful hint for school | Joan Erickson | Needlework | 7 | May 7th 04 08:12 PM |
Helpful Hint for New Year... | Jax Place | General Crafting | 0 | January 1st 04 02:22 PM |