Preparing your Fabric for Stitching

Written by Loretta Oliver


Continued from page 1
they? You certainly don't want fraying to occur while you work. There are a number of things you can do to prevent fraying. One ofrepparttar easiest ways is to use Fray Check (found at your needlework suppliers online and offline) which is a liquid that you simply dab onrepparttar 116241 edges and once dry it sort of "glues" them so they don't fray but it will NOT harm your fabric in any way. Another way of edging your fabric is to sergerepparttar 116242 edges on your sewing machine or serger. (Mini sergers work great for this task!) Just run an overcast stitchrepparttar 116243 whole way around your fabric and ta-da you're ready to go! A third and classic way to edge your fabric is to simply baste it with a sturdy thread. Just do a basic basting stitch by hand (up, down, up, down)repparttar 116244 whole way aroundrepparttar 116245 outside edge ofrepparttar 116246 fabric to hold it in place. While more time consuming thanrepparttar 116247 other two ways it still servesrepparttar 116248 basic purpose.

Now you're almost ready .... one more thing to do! Findrepparttar 116249 center of your fabric. The easiest way to do this? Fold it of course! Fold in half lengthwise, unfold, fold widthwise, unfold and where your fold lines meet isrepparttar 116250 center of your fabric and your first reference point for stitching.

Happy Stitching and enjoy your new hobby.

Loretta Oliver www.stitchingthenightaway.com

© Stitchingrepparttar 116251 Night Away



www.stitchingthenightaway.com ~ free cross stitch patterns, message boards, round robins, contests and more.


Unfinished Projects and What to Do With Them

Written by Loretta Oliver


Continued from page 1

1. TOSS IT! As we covered aboverepparttar easiest option is often to just throw it out.

2. Put it in rotation. Work on it every few weeks, or for so many hours in between your other projects, eventually it will become a finished project.

3. Donate it! ~ Many times I've seen just started or half finished pieces for sale atrepparttar 116240 local thrift shop for a few bucks. Someone will pick it up and hopefully it will bring them enjoyment and relaxation!

4. Ebay it! ~ I have also many a UFP up for auction at Ebay! Yes Ebay,repparttar 116241 worlds largest marketplace has a large array of unfinished handywork. In these casesrepparttar 116242 seller is generally trying to recover some of their supply cost. They still sell dirt cheap though.

5. Share it! Give it a friend that may be looking for a new project or that might like to try something different.

6. Turn it into something new! This isrepparttar 116243 most flexible option of all! Create something totally new and different than what it was supposed to be. Examples: Were you making it a quilt and just couldn't take it anymore? Make a pillow withrepparttar 116244 pieces you have done. Knitting or crocheting a sweater and just cant look at it anymore? Userepparttar 116245 finished part to stuff a pillow and saverepparttar 116246 left over yarn for another project. Stitching a piece you just cant bear anymore? Find a small portion that is finished on it if any, cut that out and use in a patch work quilt or put it in a small frame.

Now of course if you are really determined to finishrepparttar 116247 project go ahead and stick back atrepparttar 116248 bottom of your project stash. ;o) I wont tell. Maybe next year it will be less stressful for you.

Whatever you do, enjoy your craft!

Loretta Oliver www.stitchingthenightaway.com

© Stitchingrepparttar 116249 Night Away



www.stitchingthenightaway.com ~ free cross stitch patterns, message boards, round robins, contests and more.


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