Blood: The best way to remove your blood is your saliva. It may take a lot to dissolve it, so it might not be best thing to do while waiting in doctor’s office. You’ll want to saturate stain with saliva and keep adding more until blood is gone. When it’s gone, wash piece, but in cold water only. The saliva trick only works with your blood though, not anyone else’s. In this case, best thing to do is to use hydrogen peroxide. Dab it carefully on blood drop and be ready to rinse. Remember to test it first, especially on colored fabrics. Another answer is to use mix a solution of 85% table salt and water, then rinse.

Pencil Marks: Use a solution of 3 parts rubbing alcohol, one part water, and 1.2 tsp. of dish detergent.

Rust: Mix 1 tsp. of oxalic acid (available at most pharmacies) in one cup hot water and dab solution on stain. Wash and rinse well.

Food Stains: Be careful with anything with bleach in it if you’re using 100% linen, very hot water is ok though.

Red Wine: Soak up what you can with a paper napkin and then dump a pile of table salt onto stain. Rub it around into stain, and wash cloth as soon as possible.

When you’re project is completed it is important to wash it again before framing, or whatever you plan to do with it. I don’t recommend washing your piece in washing machine, even on gentle cycle. The way I have heard suggested most is to use a product called Orvus. Just put a little bit in with cold water and let it soak for a bit. Then rinse it until all soap is gone. If colors happen to run, you should use water as close to boiling point as possible. This is temperature they cure colors at, so it makes sense to remove dye in same way. It also prevents dye from resettling

Don’t wring fabric as it can distort threads and fabric weave. You can roll it in a towel to absorb excess water and it doesn’t leave as many wrinkles.

Of course, best situation is to avoid injury completely, and here are some tips to keep you stitching for years to come.

1. Get an accurate diagnosis from a physician if you suspect you have a repetitive stress injury. There are many other conditions that can cause, mimic, or worsen RSI such as fibromyalgia, Lyme disease or arthritis.

2. Take frequent stretch and rest breaks while you are stitching or doing any other kind of repetitive task.

3. Try self massage tools. Self massage can actually be more effective than getting a full body massage from a masseuse. And it's cheaper, too! Some of best tools are theracane and backnobber. They are great for massaging trigger points in hard to reach places.

4. Try yoga. Even mainstream medical doctors are starting to recommend yoga for conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Yoga is something you can do even at your desk at work.

5. Eat a healthy diet. While it does not seem to be well known, a number of nutritional deficiencies can lead to tight muscles and joints.

6. Watch your posture. Poor posture is a major risk factor for RSI. When your bones are not properly aligned, then your muscles are forced to work harder to keep your body balanced and erect. Bad posture also causes stress in your spinal cord, which cuts nerves and signals to your arms and wrists. There have been studies that show connection between hunching and tendinitis/repetitive stress injuries.

7. Get a good night's sleep. Muscles that are over tired may be more prone to injury. Caffeine can also interrupt sleep as well as make muscles twitch and get tight. 8. Walk or exercise as often as you can fit in (15-45 min.) This increases circulation, and keeps your body healthier, stronger, and better able to ward off problems. Include wrist exercises with weights.

9. DO NOT work through pain! Stop immediately if you feel discomfort/tightness/pain.