Thank you Jean for continuing to speak sense and clarity into our cross stitch community. I always learn something new in every Flosstube you post. Thanks for cheering us on! Enjoy your travels!
I only stitch in hand and my first ever entry to the Virginia State fair won a blue ribbon this year. And it was my first big attempt on linen too! Thank you for debunking that myth 🥰
Thank you for your video Jean. It is interesting ,my mother taught me to embroider when I was young,in hand. I still embroider in hand for small things ,I use hoops or frames for larger work or Aida and I do cross stitch 2 handed. When I work in small handkerchiefs or tray clothes I come back without question to in hand. It is horses for courses. I had not thought about it until you mentioned it. You are always so fair and sensible and I love the way you bust those myths especially for new stitchers. My stock answer if anyone questions why I am not doing something a certain way is, you do you and I will do me. There is black and there is white and inbetween there are forty shades of grey, room for us all.
Great myth busting. Thank you. How many of us are really stitching to win a blue ribbon? Maybe our own blue ribbon awarded to ourselves for successful completion of a project we fell in love with?
Very good advice, as always! My right hand will not be the same after trigger finger surgery but, thank goodness it still works. Good luck and enjoy your cruise!
I enjoyed our visit today Jean. I have several projects that I am stitching in hand, on q-snaps and on frames. It just depends on the fabric, project, my mood or my hands as to how I stitch them. When I did my first in hand project on linen I'd heard rumbles about tension and not getting it right if you don't use a q-snap so I pulled one out and put my linen on it to see. There was no distortion and my stitches looked the same once I got it loaded, did a few stitches then took it off and continued to stitch in hand. Since then I haven't paid attention when someone says otherwise because for me it works out to be the same. I do know that it took me awhile to get my rhythm for each method of stitching, in hand or two handed, and now I do what works best for me. There is no reason to try and do exactly like everyone else if their methods don't work for you. Try new methods if you want or don't, but don't force yourself just because someone on floss tube says you have to do it this way. Have a great trip!
Thank you for all your information. My frustration with stitching is that the pictures don't always show true colors. I'm sure designers try their best. I wish they would note on the chart a DMC color that best matches their fabric. I can't order the exact fabric used in the model so I try and match it to the picture. I try using the called for colors and some just don't show up on my fabric like the picture and then I have to try and find thread that I own that will work. I don't feel confident doing that. Have a great trip!
I loved your discussion about stitching in hand vs a hoop! I used to love stitching in hand and I think my stitching looked fine. When arthritis developed in my left hand, it became too painful so I had to go to a hoop as it changed the pressure for me. I've been using the hoop long enough now that it's very hard to go back to in hand stitching. (Sadly, now both thumbs have arthritis and so it still hurts!) I loved many of the points you made in this video - keep teaching us.
I'm so glad you addressed the stitching over 1 and 2 when it comes to aida. I stitch primarily on aida, but also on evenweave. Referring to stitching over 1 or 2 makes perfect sense when speaking about evenweave or linen, but I never thought it could be applied to aida because of how aida is woven. You are literally stitching over a "square" of woven threads, as opposed to individual threads. Maybe its because we say "over 1" or "over 2" instead if saying "over 1 THREAD" or "over 2 THREADS" that we lose sight that that's what the phrase is referring to. I hear some flosstubers refer to stitching over one on aida, and it seems that they're not even sure that's the proper way to describe it, so I agree with you that it's basically unnecessary to even mention stitching over anything when speaking about aida.😊. And thank you for mentioning the color conversation dilemma as well. I know there are designers who take great care to check the conversion flosses they suggest, but there are others who clearly don't. It really is up to the stitcher to have to look at those suggested floss colors to decide if it's the right call. I find it's especially true if using overdyed flosses because of how the dye lots change over time, but also the problem of the photography of the cover photo and how it can alter the colors of the piece. I often find the called for floss color looks different on the cover photo than it does in person. One flosstuber I was watching was showing how a tree trunk on the cover photo of a pattern looked brown, but in reality, the called for floss she was using was an orange color and she found it off-putting . She originally thought she pulled the wrong floss color because it was so different from the color on the cover photo. Unfortunately, at a time when there are so few LNSes around for people to have the opportunity to see the floss in person, you can only cross your fingers and hope the floss you had to order from a picture online will work. Thanks again, Jean, for guiding us through these stitching conundrums and for somehow always knowing what stitchers have been wondering about themselves 😂. Have a great week!
I always love your sound advice, Jean! There may be “best practices” or “suggestions”, but I’ve never believed in the “right way” or “wrong way” when it comes to crafting. In fact, I think that people who are trying to be “helpful” can really make someone else turn away from trying. As a quilter for many years, I was always dismayed by the “Quilt Police” who always expressed an opinion about what someone was doing “wrong” (in their eyes.) Humans are interesting!
As to the problem of having a project color scheme turn out different than the photo on the project, that happened on my current stitch project. When I first realized it, I was discouraged, but then as I looked at the threads, and what I had stitched so far, I thought it was a better match to my taste than the photo, and I stayed with it. It could have been a problem and now I will know to watch out for it. I have been stitching for a long time, and you are the first to mention it, and this was the first time I got caught.
I really appreciate your advice and knowledge about all things stitching. I've been stitching since 1981, so I relate to some of your coments. I am mostly self taught, and I find it easier to keep on the way i always have. I do learn new techniques but sometimes the old way just works. And I agree that we should do what we love, and are happy with. I hope to someday join onebof your trips
Dear Jean, I find that somehow I have morphed Into being a heavy Instagram user, so I would love to see more of your posts there. I always enjoy the flosstubes.
I realize that I am not a "user" yet and that's why my posts are so inconsistent. So you have given me an idea ... I need to spend more time on Insta :)
I feel so lucky that I decided not to wait for my birthday to order my scissors! I'm really enjoying them - the firmness of the blades slicing together and that wonderful little "snick" when I complete the snip. I thought my older scissors were pointy. Now I know they're only a little pointy compared to my new ones. i used to needlepoint, back in the 70's and 80's. I always stitched in hand. I think it would have been tedious for me to work basketweave on a frame because it always seemed so rhythmic a stitch pattern. Same with the diagonals that covered more ground, like Scotch or Mosaic stitches. Anyway -- when I started cross stitch, in hand just seemed more natural to me. I have a full coverage piece I really want to get done and thought I would have to use a frame for it, but since this time I'll be using Zweigart's pre-gridded aida i think I'll at least try in-hand first. Have a great trip!
It was in a previous episode ... this is the one I have: Elbesee Seat Frames in the UK elbesee.co.uk/ This brand is very nice, too: Hardwicke Manor Seat Frames Available in many needlework shops
Jean, I have tried the Q-hoop, plain hoops, hoops on lap stands (similar to the one you use) and stitching in hand. I must say that stitching in hand is by far the most comfortable for me. My finishes are few and far between because on the many interruptions that when "life" happens and I don't stitch to win accolades, just for pure enjoyment. Thank you for your continued floss tubes-Please keep them coming I do miss you when you are on your trips and look forward to them when you return!
Thank you for another great video. I so appreciated what you said about stitching in hand. I try to use frames and hoops but it is a struggle as I just don’t feel comfortable and my tension is always off but I will keep trying it as I have a few projects that are big and I would like to do them on a frame.
At the moment, I am working on a project in hand, one in a hoop, and one using stretcher bars. I think the conversation about which is better is tiresome. What one piece requires, is not necessarily the same across all projects. Do I prefer one over the other? Yes. But over the years, I've found I have to be flexible. Hope you have a lovely trip!
One of my issues with some designers and the listed DMC is when the picture itself does not accurately depict the colours. For example when I stitched a sampler by a very well known designer even the recommended "fancy" flosses did not match the photograph.
I prefer to stitch in hand but now that I cannot, my current project is in a 6" hoop. I chose that size because my project fits within the circumference. I am am still recovering from my surgery when that one is done, I will probably go larger.
Slubs can easily be removed with a lot of care and patience. I did a segment on it once upon a time. Let me see if I can find the correct episode number!
Thank you Jean for continuing to speak sense and clarity into our cross stitch community. I always learn something new in every Flosstube you post. Thanks for cheering us on! Enjoy your travels!
Same here. So informative and down to earth.
I only stitch in hand and my first ever entry to the Virginia State fair won a blue ribbon this year. And it was my first big attempt on linen too! Thank you for debunking that myth 🥰
Thank you for your video Jean. It is interesting ,my mother taught me to embroider when I was young,in hand. I still embroider in hand for small things ,I use hoops or frames for larger work or Aida and I do cross stitch 2 handed. When I work in small handkerchiefs or tray clothes I come back without question to in hand. It is horses for courses. I had not thought about it until you mentioned it. You are always so fair and sensible and I love the way you bust those myths especially for new stitchers. My stock answer if anyone questions why I am not doing something a certain way is, you do you and I will do me. There is black and there is white and inbetween there are forty shades of grey, room for us all.
Great myth busting. Thank you. How many of us are really stitching to win a blue ribbon? Maybe our own blue ribbon awarded to ourselves for successful completion of a project we fell in love with?
That's a great idea!
Very good advice, as always! My right hand will not be the same after trigger finger surgery but, thank goodness it still works. Good luck and enjoy your cruise!
I enjoyed our visit today Jean. I have several projects that I am stitching in hand, on q-snaps and on frames. It just depends on the fabric, project, my mood or my hands as to how I stitch them. When I did my first in hand project on linen I'd heard rumbles about tension and not getting it right if you don't use a q-snap so I pulled one out and put my linen on it to see. There was no distortion and my stitches looked the same once I got it loaded, did a few stitches then took it off and continued to stitch in hand. Since then I haven't paid attention when someone says otherwise because for me it works out to be the same. I do know that it took me awhile to get my rhythm for each method of stitching, in hand or two handed, and now I do what works best for me. There is no reason to try and do exactly like everyone else if their methods don't work for you. Try new methods if you want or don't, but don't force yourself just because someone on floss tube says you have to do it this way. Have a great trip!
Absolutely!
Thank you for all your information. My frustration with stitching is that the pictures don't always show true colors. I'm sure designers try their best. I wish they would note on the chart a DMC color that best matches their fabric. I can't order the exact fabric used in the model so I try and match it to the picture. I try using the called for colors and some just don't show up on my fabric like the picture and then I have to try and find thread that I own that will work. I don't feel confident doing that. Have a great trip!
That is a great idea!
I loved your discussion about stitching in hand vs a hoop! I used to love stitching in hand and I think my stitching looked fine. When arthritis developed in my left hand, it became too painful so I had to go to a hoop as it changed the pressure for me. I've been using the hoop long enough now that it's very hard to go back to in hand stitching. (Sadly, now both thumbs have arthritis and so it still hurts!) I loved many of the points you made in this video - keep teaching us.
It's good that you found a way to make it work!
Jean, thanks for your awesome advice ❤❤
Another thought provoking discussion. Not everyone is looking to win a blue ribbon. Some of us just want to enjoy the process.
I'm so glad you addressed the stitching over 1 and 2 when it comes to aida. I stitch primarily on aida, but also on evenweave. Referring to stitching over 1 or 2 makes perfect sense when speaking about evenweave or linen, but I never thought it could be applied to aida because of how aida is woven. You are literally stitching over a "square" of woven threads, as opposed to individual threads. Maybe its because we say "over 1" or "over 2" instead if saying "over 1 THREAD" or "over 2 THREADS" that we lose sight that that's what the phrase is referring to. I hear some flosstubers refer to stitching over one on aida, and it seems that they're not even sure that's the proper way to describe it, so I agree with you that it's basically unnecessary to even mention stitching over anything when speaking about aida.😊.
And thank you for mentioning the color conversation dilemma as well. I know there are designers who take great care to check the conversion flosses they suggest, but there are others who clearly don't. It really is up to the stitcher to have to look at those suggested floss colors to decide if it's the right call. I find it's especially true if using overdyed flosses because of how the dye lots change over time, but also the problem of the photography of the cover photo and how it can alter the colors of the piece. I often find the called for floss color looks different on the cover photo than it does in person. One flosstuber I was watching was showing how a tree trunk on the cover photo of a pattern looked brown, but in reality, the called for floss she was using was an orange color and she found it off-putting . She originally thought she pulled the wrong floss color because it was so different from the color on the cover photo. Unfortunately, at a time when there are so few LNSes around for people to have the opportunity to see the floss in person, you can only cross your fingers and hope the floss you had to order from a picture online will work.
Thanks again, Jean, for guiding us through these stitching conundrums and for somehow always knowing what stitchers have been wondering about themselves 😂. Have a great week!
Stitchers who have a good LNS nearby certainly have a treasure at their fingertips!
I always love your sound advice, Jean! There may be “best practices” or “suggestions”, but I’ve never believed in the “right way” or “wrong way” when it comes to crafting. In fact, I think that people who are trying to be “helpful” can really make someone else turn away from trying. As a quilter for many years, I was always dismayed by the “Quilt Police” who always expressed an opinion about what someone was doing “wrong” (in their eyes.) Humans are interesting!
So true!
I appreciate your flosstube videos. I sure learn something every video. Thank you for sharing. Have a blessed week and happy stitching. Lucinda.
Thanks for watching!
As to the problem of having a project color scheme turn out different than the photo on the project, that happened on my current stitch project. When I first realized it, I was discouraged, but then as I looked at the threads, and what I had stitched so far, I thought it was a better match to my taste than the photo, and I stayed with it. It could have been a problem and now I will know to watch out for it. I have been stitching for a long time, and you are the first to mention it, and this was the first time I got caught.
I'm glad it worked out for you!
Thanks for sharing. When your in the Boston area there is a wonderful cross stitch shop in N Attleboro call Stitch New England. Have a good week. 😊🪡
I really appreciate your advice and knowledge about all things stitching. I've been stitching since 1981, so I relate to some of your coments. I am mostly self taught, and I find it easier to keep on the way i always have. I do learn new techniques but sometimes the old way just works. And I agree that we should do what we love, and are happy with. I hope to someday join onebof your trips
I hope we get to stitch together some day, too!
Always great to hear your down to earth advice 😊
Dear Jean, I find that somehow I have morphed Into being a heavy Instagram user, so I would love to see more of your posts there. I always enjoy the flosstubes.
I realize that I am not a "user" yet and that's why my posts are so inconsistent. So you have given me an idea ... I need to spend more time on Insta :)
I feel so lucky that I decided not to wait for my birthday to order my scissors! I'm really enjoying them - the firmness of the blades slicing together and that wonderful little "snick" when I complete the snip. I thought my older scissors were pointy. Now I know they're only a little pointy compared to my new ones.
i used to needlepoint, back in the 70's and 80's. I always stitched in hand. I think it would have been tedious for me to work basketweave on a frame because it always seemed so rhythmic a stitch pattern. Same with the diagonals that covered more ground, like Scotch or Mosaic stitches. Anyway -- when I started cross stitch, in hand just seemed more natural to me. I have a full coverage piece I really want to get done and thought I would have to use a frame for it, but since this time I'll be using Zweigart's pre-gridded aida i think I'll at least try in-hand first.
Have a great trip!
I'm so happy to know you love your "birthday scissors" !
I also learned basketweave "in hand" and I agree that it is so much easier that way!!
Hello! Thank you for all of your tips and tricks! Will you show us the stand you sit on and tell us what kind it is please? Have a good day!
It was in a previous episode ... this is the one I have:
Elbesee Seat Frames in the UK
elbesee.co.uk/
This brand is very nice, too:
Hardwicke Manor Seat Frames
Available in many needlework shops
I have the best stitching buddies!! They inspire and encourage me
Jean, I have tried the Q-hoop, plain hoops, hoops on lap stands (similar to the one you use) and stitching in hand. I must say that stitching in hand is by far the most comfortable for me. My finishes are few and far between because on the many interruptions that when "life" happens and I don't stitch to win accolades, just for pure enjoyment. Thank you for your continued floss tubes-Please keep them coming I do miss you when you are on your trips and look forward to them when you return!
Thank you for another great video. I so appreciated what you said about stitching in hand. I try to use frames and hoops but it is a struggle as I just don’t feel comfortable and my tension is always off but I will keep trying it as I have a few projects that are big and I would like to do them on a frame.
At the moment, I am working on a project in hand, one in a hoop, and one using stretcher bars. I think the conversation about which is better is tiresome. What one piece requires, is not necessarily the same across all projects. Do I prefer one over the other? Yes. But over the years, I've found I have to be flexible. Hope you have a lovely trip!
So true!
One of my issues with some designers and the listed DMC is when the picture itself does not accurately depict the colours. For example when I stitched a sampler by a very well known designer even the recommended "fancy" flosses did not match the photograph.
What size hoop do you use?
I prefer to stitch in hand but now that I cannot, my current project is in a 6" hoop. I chose that size because my project fits within the circumference. I am am still recovering from my surgery when that one is done, I will probably go larger.
Where do you find twill tape?
Is it possible to remove glubs from linen?
Slubs can easily be removed with a lot of care and patience. I did a segment on it once upon a time. Let me see if I can find the correct episode number!