Great idea. Also, I keep a little magnet set (one on top, held by the mate underneath) on my piece. Park the needle threader, or that last thread right on it - you can move the magnet around to where you want it. Works great.
ellice
You could just use sewing thread. Any contrast color, ans you baste it in a running stitch to match the grid of the pattern - usually every 10 stitches is an up or down - so you'll have a checkerboard. Then pull out the basted lines when you're done. There's also a new product (similar to what beaders get) of colored monofilament that you can just weave in and out. Comes in a spool and you don't have to use a needle to run it through the fabric for the grid. Very visible. I think it's probably resuable. We sold some yesterday - haven't seen it used yet.
Ellice
Lot's of good ideas and thank you! I have gridded my fabric just with sewing thread, am coloring the pattern as I complete a section, and am stitching away happily now. If I get up to Spokane, maybe I can find that colored monofilament you mention and a few other goodies, too. Nothing but NOTHING can be found around here except the barest basics and sometimes not even that. I like the reusable idea (if it is) just becuz it is so hard to find anything out of the ordinary where I live.
Deb
Glad you're stitching away, happily! WRT the monofilament - you might be able to find some colored fishing line, or if there is a beading shop - they have something essentially the same. Else - lmk separately - I can always send something from the shop.
ellice
I'll have my hubby check at the sporting goods shops - there are numerous down in the city/town where he works. If no go, I will take you up on your offer. I live in a pretty remote area. The closest needlework supplier is Walmart, an hour away and that location - Lewiston, Idaho - is pretty bleak. Thanks! Deb
Sure thing.
Happy stitchin' ellice
Ellice, thank you for all your suggestions. Do you run or own a shop? Does it have a link to the web? I'd love to see what you offer. I haven't actually been in a needlework shop in so long - since 1994, in fact. So I love to look, get ideas and maybe find a source for ordering supplies. :-)
Deb
*nsip*
I worked in a shop owned by a friend for a few years (framing and needlework). And recently started working in a different shop. Both of them will do mail orders, and are very nice, helpful people. I have a little business which started with designing painted canvas, and some stitching trinkets - which due to a bunch of life getting in the way things went on hiatus. However, I'm going to start doing some designing again (not XS), and am hoping to get to a show in the winter or spring 2008 (it takes a while to have inventory). Expect to have some pieces in local shops this fall. I'm also going to be doing some teaching again. Working on a plan for a couple of multi-session classes right now.
The shop I'm working in now has a website, but their on-line store isn't fully functional. However, check it out - because I know that she's very happy to do mail orders. This shop is definitely becoming the local one with all kinds of hand-dyed fabric and a lot of flosses/silks. It's called the Scarlet Thread. But, I don't want to advertize here - just it's a resource. She has a nice yahoo discussion group as well.
But, I'm pretty friendly with the owners of several LNS, and have no problem with my friends - remote as they may be - if they need something - finding it and getting it sent. There's one shop in Falls Church with an amazing stock for people that do canvas work, all kinds of threads, yarns and painted canvas. And so on....
ellice
Thank you - I found it and will add to my list of resources. Lucky you to have all those contacts. I'll look forward to the day when their onlne store is up and running.
Deb
LOL - I know Sara Leigh, the owner, is also looking forward to that. The fun thing there, is I think she has a representation of about every company doing overdyed floss, and full lines of Crescent, WDW, Gentle Arts, and more. Floss tossing is way too much fun - what with the threads, and the stash of PTP, Lakeside, Sugar Maple, R&R dyed fabrics. It's fun - lately I've been doing a lot of picking fabric for customers - trying to match what their taste is with the project...cause why do what the designer did???
Happy stitchin' ellice
Yummy hand-dyed fabric nowadays. Just that can really change the look of a piece. Happy pickin' 'n stitchin' to you, too. deb
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