The Needle Nook for Stitchers from janice142.com

Gosh now, I'm not an expert and have proof positive of same in some of the many projects I've messed up over the years. On the other hand, many folks have been so kind as to pass on their helpful hints that I'd like to do the same for you.

For instance, I've really messed up skeins of silk (and we know how expensive silk floss is) so you'll find a page of how I separate the strands. Sure there will be other ways (maybe even ones that work better than mine) but you'll know how I do it. Then, as Frank Sinatra used to sing "Do it my way..." (you hum) and do it however you wish -- it's your floss, so have fun.
Without further ado, I present ... The Needle Nook for Stitchers

Tools I cannot live without

	Thread Heaven - it's a small blue plastic box. Inside is the most fabulous floss conditioner (like wax, but not waxy -- it doesn't leave a residue) for your threads. Silks and rayon don't tangle if you use this stuff. For regular DMC, it makes stitching a breeze, without the tell-tale fuzzies. Open your box, lay one end of your floss on the top of the thread conditioner and pull all the way through to the other end. Repeat, but go the other way. Voila -- you're ready to stitch and after the first use will find it necessary to buy an additional box or two for all your stitching locales. (About $3 to $5 and worth every penny)
	Loran Needle Threader - slide your needle on to the handy hook, lay floss across channel. Pull. Instantly you'll have a threaded needle and it is so much easier for tired eyes... it's quicker too and we won't get into the sanitary aspects of not licking thread. (About a dollar -- again, suggest you buy at least 3 or 4 as the first time your friends see yours...)
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Stitchery Stuff

	The Loop Start - Take your needle and hold it with the eye Up. What you want to do is put BOTH ENDS of your floss through the eye of the needle. Don't pull far -- maybe an inch or so for your "end" ... Now you have a Loop at the Dangly End. First Go up through your fabric, now down through the Loop. VOILA: one loop start with no knot.
	The Running Stitch - Use this one and your backs will be as nice as the fronts. I use this for back stitching -- any place where I want a solid line such as blackwork, et al. The advantage to a running stitch is that even if your thread starts to come loose, you'll still have a semi-solid line -- it won't look badly either, and will be easier for someone down the line to repair. First row: (starting on left and working to your right) - - - - - Second row: (starting on right and reverse) - - - - - Makes a solid line and looks great from both sides. ----------
	Separating Threads of Silk - with 12 strands of floss on those lovely Waterlilies by Caron, getting just one strand can be problematic (at least for me)... Click on the link for an illustrated lesson on what works best for me.

Fun Projects you might consider

	Coral Reef Tea-Cosy made by talented miniature artist catcraftblue88 (eBay userid) years ago, each piece was hand made individually, then all joined together to create a reef view sure to please.
	Flower Beads - remember making those long beaded Flower Children necklaces...?
	Holiday Tablecloth - Take one light color solid table cloth and prior to the holiday meal have the young ones (and adults!) trace one hand and write their name inside it. Later, embroider (use the running backstitch as described above) in one color per year the hands. For yours also add the date. Later you'll have a record of who joined you at the various meals, and a record of those tiny little hands that grow into the men and women of the family. It'll be a holiday treasure. Guaranteed.

And, the best place on the web to find out *everything* about stitching is here:
http://users.rcn.com/kdyer.dnai/ - that's Kathy Dyer's and well worth bookmarking!

Gosh now, I'm not an expert and have proof positive of same in some of the many projects I've messed up over the years. On the other hand, many folks have been so kind as to pass on their helpful hints that I'd like to do the same for you.

three

Separating Threads of Silk - with 12 strands of floss on those lovely Waterlilies by Caron, getting just one strand can be problematic (at least for me)... Click on the link for an illustrated lesson on what works best for me.

Coral Reef Tea-Cosy made by talented miniature artist catcraftblue88 (eBay userid) years ago, each piece was hand made individually, then all joined together to create a reef view sure to please.

Flower Beads - remember making those long beaded Flower Children necklaces...?