Flosses & Fabrics...Which Ones Do I Choose?

I have a LOT going on right now, and am trying hard to stay focused on all of it, including keeping up with stitching new models.  Some of the most fun for me doing this is the time I spend picking the flosses and fabrics I want to use.  This picture shows the supplies I've pulled together for my next 2 pattern models.

On the left I'll be using DMC #832 on a 32 count Belfast linen in "Glacier" by Picture This Plus for my next dog silhouette.  And on the right I'll be using and DMC #300 on a 16 count aida in "Light Lemon" hand-dyed by me for the next word in my Modern Dictionary series. I think they're both going to be fun color combinations to see come together!  And if you've been following along with the Modern Dictionary series, I'm sure you've noticed this is the first model where I have NOT used black for the stitching.

Be sure to stay tuned here for pics of the finished pieces.  And, as always, if there is a particular silhouette or word/definition you'd like to see me chart, don't be afraid to speak up.

Happy Stitching!  ;)

Money Monday - August 27, 2012

Calling all DMC floss users!!!

Do I have a bargain for you today!  Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores is having a HUGE sale on DMC floss this weekend (Friday, Aug. 31 - Monday, Sept. 3).  

This is how big the bargain is....

4 for $1.00!!!
That's only $.25/each vs. their normal daily price of $.39/each

The only downside...limit 30...boo!!!

Any guesses where I'll be this weekend?  LOL!

 

Tips & Techniques - Bobbins vs. Stitchbows

I see a lot of questions going around the various online cross stitch groups & forums about how people store their floss/thread/fibers/cotton (whatever you may call it in your part of the world).  I thought I would give my opinion this week and the number one reason behind it.

You'll see below is a picture of some floss on a DMC Stitchbow holder (on the left) and some floss on a cardboard bobbin (on the right).  These are both DMC floss that I have pulled at random from my stash.  Each color is nearing the end of the skein.  You can see with the stitchbow that the floss is still straight & free of kinks whereas the green floss that has been stored on a bobbin is all kinked up, and typically causes me to deal with more knots than my floss that is stored on a stitchbow.  That in itself is my #1 reason for switching all my floss over to stitchbow holders.  I've been converting over the past 3 years or so, so I've been able to spread the cost out over time.

If you decide to convert to stitchbows you'll need 3 things to make it work.  First you'll need the stitchbow holders themselves, you'll need the pages to put them in, and you'll need a binder to keep them in.  The holders & pages are available at most major craft stores (Hobby Lobby, JoAnn's, etc.) as well as many online stores.  As far as the binder, you can get any 3-ring type that is available at your local dollar store, office supply store, etc.  I've picked mine up at various places and none of the colors match, but I don't really mind.  

Here's a picture of what it will all look like in a binder.  No, the numeric labels don't come with the pages, I did those myself with my label maker (my Dad would be so proud, lol!)