| "body"> | | | | go through my stash about one a year, clean up things |
| Sometimes I think that although I became addicted to | | | | regularly and keep an inventory of threads. It does not |
| needlepoint in 1970, I did not really learn how to do | | | | always work, but I am much better about not buying |
| needlepoint until sometime in the early 80's. Because | | | | things I already own. |
| my then I actually had learned about materials, good | | | | Get needlepoint tools and a container to keep them in. |
| technique etc. So here's a pile of mostly unorganized | | | | This will keep them corralled. In our house tweezers |
| tips to get you started right. | | | | are the thing we lose -- people take my needlepoint |
| Use your guild or shop! Shopowners want to turn your | | | | ones and then I do not have them when I need them. |
| from browsers into regular customers. So ask them | | | | Use a frame of some kind for your needlepoint. This |
| how to do a stitch, what thread you could try, what | | | | can be a scroll frame or stretcher bars (not an |
| might be a good background. Take a beginner's class | | | | embroidery hoop). Since tension is at the heart of |
| if it is offered. Find out the name and meeting time of | | | | needlepoint (you are really making a new fabric here), |
| your local guild. When I am at my local shop stitching, I | | | | keeping your canvas taut makes a difference. Get in |
| often help the customers there. Stitchers are friendly | | | | this habit early and you won't have problems later. |
| and love to share! | | | | Find a good stitching chair. People stitch in lots of |
| Use the freebies out there. Many sites and shops | | | | different places and where you sit should be |
| have free patterns. These patterns can help you learn | | | | comfortable not cramped. Lots of people like chairs |
| new threads, techniques and stitches. If you use them | | | | which let them sit mostly straight with high backs. I |
| for practice instead of a doodle cloth, you could have | | | | used a wing chair for years, but now I have switched |
| something charming when you are done to look at | | | | to a Mission style recliner with wide wood arms. |
| with pride. | | | | This may sound strange, but have the TV on (even if |
| It will not necessarily be right the first time, but strive to | | | | it's muted) or talk to someone when you stitch. If you |
| make it as good as you can. Going slowly at first | | | | keep your eyes on your stitching and don't look up, |
| helps. Your hands learn the pattern and rhythm of the | | | | your eyes will get fatigued. If you are talking to |
| stitch. Strive for correct placement and even tension | | | | someone or watching TV, then you will look up to see |
| of each stitch. This is especially important when doing | | | | what is happening. Doing this even for a few seconds |
| tent stitch. Work on small pieces until you feel | | | | regularly will relieve the strain. My family knows when I |
| comfortable with correct tension. Even after more | | | | have a stitching deadline because I rent three movies |
| than 30 years, my tension can be improved -- but it | | | | a day! |
| has been good for at least two thirds of that time | | | | Last -- stitch because you love it! Make what you do a |
| because I worked at it. | | | | pleasure, even if it's just for yourself. |
| Know what things you have and keep them together. I | | | | |