Opinions on How to Stitch/Wash a Sampler

I'd like to ask the members for opinions on how I should go about stitching a simple sampler for a wedding gift. It's Wedding Sampler by Hillside Samplings (

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) and features a Hardanger heart in the center of the design, surrounded by a cross stitched wreath of roses, the names and date, and a few other stitched elements. I have a piece of 32ct Permin linen for the fabric. My question is should I do the cutwork first, or the bulk of the cross stitching? The other question is over washing. The piece uses Sampler Threads. The linen is also fairly stiff with sizing. I've read through the archives of the group, and the consensus seems to be that one should wash linen after one has finished stitching it, both to clean any dirt accumulated through stitching, and also to wash out the sizing. Stitching on floppy washed linen may be difficult as far as keeping correct tension -- which is important for the Hardanger cutwork and pulled stitches. Accumulated wisdom also says that Sampler Threads run. I plan to test small pieces of all five colors in cold water for color fastness, but I remember reading that rinsing the skeins in a cold water bath can change the color (or more accurately, the finish/tone of the color). The piece will be framed under glass when finished, but the frame is pre-matted, so the fabric and stitching won't touch the glass.

So, what would you do? Any suggestions form those who know more about this than I do? (For the record, I really didn't want to have to use overdyed threads together with linen. But this was the least frou-frou and/or religious wedding pattern I could find, and I spent quite a good deal of time looking. I just don't see it having the same effect with the DMC equivalents.

Thanks for your time, Melody

Reply to
Aynthem
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You are right, there is no frou-frou and that, in my opinion, is a good thing lol

I particularly like to wash pieces with hardanger as it helps to contract the threads and those annoying little ends no longer show.

As to whether it's a good idea with overdyed, that I am not so sure about.

Reply to
Lucretia Borgia

Reply to
Brenda Lewis

My experience with Sampler Threads is that they can be cold washed without fear of running. My shop takes in XS framing, and the clients have the option of having the piece washed by the framers. I know they take extra precautions w/ pressing, by using a pressing cloth. So, unless there is a ton of deep red on white linen, for example, I wouldn't worry too much. I also see lots of pieces w/ silks, overdyes, etc. that the clients wash before dropping off to be framed. Once in a great while I'll see a tiny bleed here & there, but that's the exception.

Having said all of that, if the piece seems clean, and if it's done on overdyed linen and/or with overdyed threads, sometimes it's best just to leave it alone. A good pressing (with or without a covering cloth) can really transform the piece before it's framed.

Lucy Boyer Cross Stitch Unlimited / StitchStash.com Arlington, MA USA

Reply to
Lucy

What I always do: rinse the overdyes to the point of colorfastness, then stitch away happily content in the knowledge that when I give the piece its final wash, it'll be colorfast. Darla Sacred cows make great hamburgers. Picture Trail Gallery:

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User Name: Condorita
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Reply to
Darla

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