tools

What Mesh Is It?

A reader wrote in after inheriting some unfinished needlepoint from her grandmother. She’s wondering how to find the mesh, so she can finish it up.

It’s reasonably easy, find a tape measure of something clear that has a square inch marked on it. Somewhere away from any edges count the number of threads in one inch. That tells you the mesh size.

Alternately, do the same thing but on a stitched area and count the stitches.

This is only an approximation in the case of older needlepoint because often it’s in sizes we don’t see anymore.

mesh minder for measuring needlepoint

There are a couple of tools that will do this without counting for some mesh. The Mesh Minder (pictured above) has areas marked out with grids for 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, and 18 mesh. Place it over the unstitched canvas and see what matches. It also has a nice little chart printed on it showing how much Persian wool needed to stitch an inch.

There is also a stitch/thread ruler that allows you to measure and see how many threads are in a distance. You would find the scale where your canvas threads hit most closely and that’s your mesh.

See the original post here:
What Mesh Is It?

Tool Review: Martha Stewart Crafts and Lion Brand Yarn Knit & Weave Loom Kit

by Haley Pierson-Cox

in Fiber Art,Knitting,Reviews,tools,Weaving

Martha_Stewart_Crafts_and_Lion_Brand_Yarns_Knit_and_Weave_Loom_Kit2.jpg

I'm a yarn crafter, so when the folks at Lion Brand Yarn sent CRAFT the Martha Stewart Crafts™ and Lion Brand Yarn® Knit & Weave Loom Kit, I jumped at opportunity to put it through its paces. With loom pieces included for more than thirty configurations for making square, rectangle, circle, and oval looms in multiple sizes—plus tools for single knitting, double knitting, weaving, making rosettes, and weaving in ends—there are so many options for creative projects that it's almost overwhelming!

I tested all of the major configurations and techniques, and had a great time learning new skills and trying out yarn crafts that I'd never done before, like weaving and yarn rosette-making. The loom was easy to assemble and easy to configure into different shapes, but the pegs do require a firm hand to press them in and remove them.

When knitting, you can choose the standard single knitting (single layer) option or a warmer and thicker double knitting option for flat projects. The loom also comes with both larger and smaller pegs so you can choose the best stitch size to fit your project.

The cast on, knitting, and binding off instructions were clearly written and easy to follow. It took me longer to get the hang of purling than knitting, but, as long as I made sure that my yarn tension was consistent and not too tight, my stitches looked great and my projects had a nice shape. The notches in each peg made it easy to move the yarn using the knitting tool.

The weaving tool is very flexible, and can be a little bit awkward to maneuver through the pegs. But, once I got the hang of it, weaving was a fast way to make beautiful flat fabric. Plus, once they are finished, multiple woven squares can be sewn together to make larger projects in many shapes.

The rosettes were really fun to make using the loom. It took about 3 minutes total to finish each flower, and they're a great way add some decoration to your finished projects. They also look great as gift toppers!

Overall, I found the loom kit to be versatile and easy to use, and it produced the beautiful results that were promised on the package. And, at $45.00 US, I think that the loom delivers consistent and attractive projects for a very reasonable price. I would definitely recommend this kit to friends who are ready to give loom knitting and weaving a try, and who are looking for a tool that can be assembled quickly and can be easily adjusted to fit a wide variety of projects. I'm happy to have it in my yarn crafting arsenal!

Tracing Paper to Trace Canvas?

by NutsAboutNeedlepoint

in Design,Nuts About Needlepoint,tools

The simple answer is NO, not ever, never.

I got this question recently from a reader.

This is the right way to transfer a design to canvas:

No you do not use tracing paper, the material in it will rub off and discolor your threads.

Here’s what you do:

Trace the outlines of your design on the paper with black marker so it is easy to see through the canvas.
Place the canvas on top of the design. If it’s hard to see, tape the design, then the canvas to a window or light box.
Using a permanent marker made for making on fabric (I like Pigma Microns from Sakura myself & they are widely available). trace the lines of the canvas.
Let sit overnight to dry completely before stitching.

YOu can see the steps used to do this in this illustrated tutorial.

I did lots of testing of potential canvas markers and wrote this post about them. I have used other markers and any marker can have the formula for the ink change and no longer be suitable for needlepoint. It’s good to test from time to time.

A final note: Never use anything to mark on canvas that isn’t waterproof, made for fabric, or tested. Always let dry overnight because many things become waterproof only after they dry completely.

Read the rest here:
Tracing Paper to Trace Canvas?

Make your own Stitcher’s Magnets

by NutsAboutNeedlepoint

in Magnets,Nuts About Needlepoint,tools

covered button magnets from Craft Leftovers

If you have a collection of buttons or earrings that have lost their mates, have sturdy scraps or embellishments from scrapbooking, or if you haunt thrift shops looking for pretty little things, turning them into stitcher’s magnets is one of the most fun things you can do.

With good glue, embellishments, and a couple of magnets, it only takes a few minutes to make enough magnets for every project.

I’ve made my own stitcher’s magnets for years and I want to share with you what I’ve learned and give you instructions for making your own.

Magnets

You can find inexpensive magnets that are black at your local craft or office supply store. BUt I know from bitter experience that they are not strong enough. Even though they might hold together when they are in your drawer, they do not stay together on the canvas and sometimes they will not even hold a needle.

It’s far better to use rare earth magnets. They are silver and come in many sizes and thicknesses. The bigger or thicker they are, the stronger. Sometimes so strong you can pry them apart but have to slide them.

I have better luck with a smaller, thinner magnet 8 mm across (about 1/4″) and 1-3mm thick. I can pry these apart. I buy mine on ebay, but they have become more widely available recently.

Embellishments

There are two factors to consider when buying embellishments: size and material. They should not be smaller than your magnet. They can be bigger but the area bigger than the magnet will not be magnetized.

Your embellishment needs to be made out of something strong enough that it will not bend with use. This means that the only paper things you can use should be made from thick cardboard. Otherwise they just don’t last. I’ve used magnets made from felt, cloth, plastic, horn, metal, shell, and ceramic. Almost everything is from thrift shops (good source for big 80′s earrings that are perfect here), my own single earrings, or my button jar. I rarely have two that are the same.

Glue

There are two types of glue I recommend for these projects because they are very strong, easy to use, and dry clear.

The most widely available is some type of Super Glue. These glues are all similar in composition and can be found anywhere.

The second glue is ES-6000, a glue widely used in jewelry making. It is thicker than crazy glue and you need to use more of it. It takes longer to dry, but wears like iron. It comes in big tubes and can be found most places where you would find jewelry making supplies.

Do not under any circumstances use white glue or glue dots you find in craft stores — they are not stronmg enough for this job.

Step-by-step

Begin by preparing your materials. Make sure earring and pin findings or button shanks are removed (use safety goggles when doing this).
If you want to be sure your magnets stay together, cut a narrow piece of 1/8″ satin ribbon and glue each end to one of the magnets. Let dry.
On the ribbon side, if you used it, glue the embellishment onto the magnet.Let dry overnight and use.

I love my magnets. THey may not reflect the design I’m stitching, but they all reflect me.

Follow this link:
Make your own Stitcher’s Magnets

Plenty of Sales Right this Instant

by NutsAboutNeedlepoint

in Jewelry,Nuts About Needlepoint,tools

Still looking for stitchy goodness on sale?

Here are three sales to take advantage of right now.

Fireside Stitchery (one of my favorite shops) is having a 20% off sale through tomorrow. They have an amazing selection of threads, books, charted canvas, painted canvas, and tons more. Many things don’t often go on sale, so this is a great chance to stock up. They also have free shipping on orders over $35.

Ehrman Tapestry is also having a sale on over 80 of their kits. The link takes you to the full list. There is tons there, too many to list, but there are many Candace Bahouth kits (including several colors of her Klimt series), some Kaffe Fasset kits, most of the wonderful Seven Days of Creation series, and lots more. I have promised myself to finish at least one of the Ehrman kits before I buy more or I’d have my credit card out this instant.

Nordic Needle also has a sale (through the end of the month) on selected items from their catalog. There are some great gadgets and tools, some wonderful charted canvas, and selected colors of blank canvas.

See the rest here:
Plenty of Sales Right this Instant

Gift Guide: Power Tools

by Becky Stern

in tools

Here are our picks for some electrified craft gadgets that will get your studio's motor running. What are your favorite craft power tools? Leave a note in the comments below.

Brother 1034D 3/4 Lay-In Thread Serger
A serger really takes the home sewer's capabilities to the next level. Make professional-looking knitwear, rolled-hem napkins in a flash, and wield the frantic power of this machine that slices as it stitches.

Singer Futura X-L400 sewing and embroidery machine
sewing and embroidery

If needlework's more your thing, head for a dual sewing/embroidery machine. This one has software for illustrating your imagination in stitches, and does all the basic sewing stuff, too.

Foredom flex shaft
I have one of these bad boys and I love it. The motor hangs from a hook and the spinning handpiece spins at variable speeds, controlled by a foot pedal. I use it for fine metalworking, but it's useful anywhere you'd use a handheld rotary tool.

Eye-Fi Mobile X2
At first thought, I didn't think much of the idea behind Eye-Fi: it wirelessly uploads photos from your camera to your computer, and optionally, the internet. When I tried it out, it clear that the Eye-Fi was keeping my photos and videos super organized and backed up with no effort on my part, and I changed my mind about it. As soon as I'm done shooting a project, the files are already there for me to start editing.

Silhouette CAMEO
The Silhouette machine is a desktop vinyl cutter related to the Craft ROBO. It cuts paper, fabric, and many other planar materials in intricate shapes, useful for stickers, decals, scrapbooking, circuit board etching, and much more. Check out Becky's review and Meg's video using one of the other Silhouette machines.

KitchenAid stand mixer
Homemade whipped cream? Five batches of cookies? Liquid nitrogen ice cream? No problem. These stand mixers will last forever and can do the heavy lifting for all kinds of foods including pasta, sausage, and even good old fashioned birthday cake.

Brother knitting machine
Only available used, this is a serious gift that requires some ebay agility! Look for machines that are confirmed to function and have complete manuals. Digital is preferred over punchcard.

Olympus E-P2 camera
This is my camera and I adore it. It's small enough to bring everywhere, has interchangeable lenses, and shoots HD video with microphone input! I'm a big fan of the new micro four-thirds cameras and recommend trying them out in person and then finding a good deal online.

Circle Skirt Calculator

by Haley Pierson-Cox

in Fashion,Sewing,tools

After sewing my Emmy dress, the mere thought of hemming a circle skirt—especially one made of satin—is enough to give me nightmares for a week. But, even though it's a giant pain to evenly hem all of that fabric, there's still no denying that circle skirts are incredibly flattering and incredibly versatile. So, if you're feeling brave enough to take on a whole lot of folding, pinning, and stitching, you should check out this awesome circle skirt post from Patty at The Snug Bug, which includes a downloadable circle skirt grading calculator to help you get the right waist-to-circle ratio, whether you're going for a half, 3/4, or full circle skirt!

Circle Skirt Calculator

by Haley Pierson-Cox

in Fashion,Sewing,tools

The Portable Needlepoint Tool Kit – One Woman’s Essentials

by NutsAboutNeedlepoint

in Nuts About Needlepoint,tools

In my recent epiphany about organizing my studio I realized some things about me and stitching on the road. I have optimized many of my choices for tools to be portable. The stuff goes into project bags or my purse and comes with me.

Here’s how I deal with my essential stitching tools.

First off let’s talk about needles. I lose them constantly. I also tend to use mostly one size of needles (22) and so about a year ago I stocked up. John James makes 25 packs of needles you might be able to find. Many of them live in a little tin that goes in one project bag. It’s the size of an Altoid minis tin and I bought it on Etsy. Usually there are a couple in every project as well, but not always. I was stick waiting someplace in the car and lost my needle. Usually there is one on the floor, but not that day.

So now I have a second, zippered needle case in my purse. I keep it there stuffed with even more needles, just in case I run out. It doesn’t take up much space and I know I’m always ready to stitch.

Scissors are another important things. You need to have them, but many scissors have points that will pierce even a reinforced project bag. I like these little titanium scissors. They are small with sharp, but not too sharp points and big comfy fingerholes. I have four pairs of them and usually they all are in project bags.

Since I found the little flat Lantern Moon ORT container (reviewed here) I take that with me. I’ve looked at other portable ORT containers, but this is the one that works for me. Another one might work for you.

The newest edition to my traveling kit is my iPodTouch. It has several stitch dictionaries on it and so I can look up stitches easily on the go.I also use the note pad for ideas, Weave (a free to do application) to keep track of projects, and if I had time to do it, thread inventories — all in the size of a small notepad.

These things sound small, and they are, but they have changed my stitching life. I can be organized, I don’t worry about not having a needle, a stitch idea, or a place to put my ORTs. I know my stitching will stay neat and I will be organized and that peace of mind is worth so much.

Go here to read the rest:
The Portable Needlepoint Tool Kit – One Woman’s Essentials

How To: Change a Saw Blade

by Brookelynn

in tools,Video

Jimmy DiResta posted this great video showing how to quickly and safely change a saw blade. I'm overly cautious when I work with power tools, but I think I'd be confident trying this technique.

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