Fabrics 101: The Traditional, the New, the Unusual
a 6-ct. fabric, your finished piece will be huge! But maybe you wanted it that way. Two tools to make your changes easier are the fabric calculators located at http://www.dnai.com/~kdyer/.
Stitching on a new fabric will take a bit of practice at first, but in no time at all you will have mastered it. Many stitchers prefer to stitch Aida in a hoop/frame but linen freehand. Try stitching both ways to figure out which method feels best to you. A woman in my stitching group will only stitch freehand on linen, and only with a "sewing" method (like the hand-quilters). You may prefer the up-and-down method of stitching, with a poke-and-grab feel. Whatever your method, just be sure that your stitches are even. When stitching on firmer fabrics such as Aida, you don't have to be as concerned with tension as you do with smoother evenweaves. The one rule you must never forget is to start every design by making your first stitch over a vertical thread. Your project will be stronger as a result. Visit http://www.dnai.com/~kdyer/ and choose "Needlework FAQs" for more tips on stitching on new fabrics
I hope this article has inspired you to try something new. I've inspired even myself, so now I'm off to stitch. My window screens could use some color.
Until next week, I remain...
In Stitches,
Lori Seaborg
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