|
The Needlework Nutshell Archives Index
|
Subscribe
|
|
| << November01, 2007 - The Needlework Nutshell |
January01, 2008 - The Needlework Nutshell >> |
|
The Needlework Nutshell—December 1, 2007 Volume 3, Issue 12 December 1, 2007 <*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*> THE NEEDLEWORK NUTSHELL Needlework news, musings, tips, contests, and what’s happening now at FUNK & WEBER DESIGNS <*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*> Editor: Jen Funk Weber Mail to: mailto:mail@funkandweber.com Web site: http://www.funkandweber.com Your privacy is important to us. Our subscriber list is NOT made available to others. *********************************************************** IN THIS ISSUE *********************************************************** 1. Needlework Musings 2. Tips and Tricks and Brilliant Ideas 3. What’s New at Funk & Weber Designs 4. Readers Ask 5. Reader Commitments 6. Make It Yours 7. Puzzle Contest 8. Contact/Subscribe/Unsubscribe *********************************************************** 1. NEEDLEWORK MUSINGS *********************************************************** The first annual Bookmark Challenge has come to a close. We had a total of 429 bookmarks stitched and delivered to libraries, schools, and literacy programs. Nordic Needle alone collected bookmarks from 21 states (AZ, CA, FL, GA, IA, IL, KY, LA, MA, MI, MN, MO, NC, ND, NV, OR, PA, SC, TX, UT, WI) and 4 countries (US, UK, Bermuda, New Zealand). At least 1 stitcher (Becca in NM) without a local shop took it upon herself to stitch 4 bookmarks and donate them to her school. Even better, perhaps, were the connections that were made. Some shops are now offering needlework classes through the libraries and schools where they donated bookmarks. Some discovered literacy programs they didn't know existed. Here in Alaska, connections were made between the public library, the local needlework shop, the embroidery guild, and myself, not to mention myriad individuals. We'll work together in the spring to create an even better program. These connections benefit us all in a countless ways. Individuals learn new skills, make friends, develop confidence, share, have fun. Businesses and organizations gain exposure, members, customers. Communities offer, promote, and develop positive living conditions. It's hard to imagine all this came from stitching bookmarks. Reaching out in the even the smallest way has an impact. Thanks to everyone who encouraged me to start this program: you reached out to me and gave me a nudge. And thanks to everyone who participated in any way. I can't wait for the 2008 Bookmark Challenge! ~~~~~~~~~~ SUBSCRIPTION NOTICE The last time I checked, there were 277 "pending" subscriptions to The Needlework Nutshell. That means 277 people took the first step to subscribe, but did not confirm the subscription. You must "double opt in" to receive this newsletter. That means responding to an e-mail confirmation. This second quick step prevents random people from subscribing others to newsletters and mailing lists. If you're reading this in the Zinester archives or some other place and would like to subscribe, please remember to confirm your subscription. If you don't receive the confirmation email, contact Zinester support to let them know. Thanks! *********************************************************** 2. TIPS AND TRICKS AND BRILLIANT IDEAS *********************************************************** When was the last time you looked at the adhesive shelves at a craft store? I've been doing it a lot lately, and each time I'm overwhelmed. Pumps, sprays, clear viscous liquids, white liquids. Some require heat to set, some are temporary, some are acid and lignon free, some are washable, some are flexible. I'm looking for glues that work on fabric, so that narrows my choices to just 6,000 or so. How do I know what to buy? Do I really need one glue for felt, another for sequins, and still another for flip-flops? No, wait; I don't even wear flip-flops. Should I talk to a contractor about building an addition onto the house to store my different adhesives? Egads! I guess glue is like the computer in that it both simplifies and complicates life. On the one hand, it's been developed with precision to work with specific materials and is very effective when used with those materials, simplifying the gluing procedure. On the other hand, navigating the shelves in the craft store has become as difficult as buying a computer, demanding extensive research, and still feeling like a crap shoot. I guess that explains the 14 bottles and cans of glue crowding my desk at the moment. I am not prepared to review the different products; there are still many tests to be done. However, I will highlight 3 that I seem to go back to again and again. 1. *Needlework Finisher* from The Yarn Tree. This is a thin white glue that is recommended as an adhesive and a top-coat sealant. The first time I used it I was disappointed with the results, but only because they weren't what I expected. As an adhesive it was fine, but the topcoat was glossy and more noticeable than I wanted. However, it's perfect when a non-tacky, glossy topcoat is wanted, and, indeed, there are times when I want that. Also, the product claims to remain flexible and non-brittle. That's true, but flexibility is a relative thing, and the next 2 glues are more flexible when dry. Just as there are times when I want a shiny topcoat, there are times when I want a stiffer end product. 2. *Aleene's Flexible Stretchable Fabric Glue* from Duncan Enterprises. This one is recommended for t-shirts and stretchable fabrics, but so far I've only used it on needlework fabric and felt. It is a very thick glue, more clear than white, that is delightfully easy to control. I can put on a tiny dot of glue, or I can spread it around the stitched area. It turns clear and shiny right away, and it doesn't seem to penetrate the fabric as much as other glues. It is as flexible as it claims to be, which I find kind of amazing. But it remains tacky after it dries, so I can't use it to finish an exposed edge. 3. *Gem-Tac* from Beacon Adhesives. This is a white glue designed to adhere rhinestones, sequins, beads, and such to a variety of surfaces, as well as fabric and lace to glass, wood, etc. Sounds rather all-purpose to me, but so far I use it mostly on fabrics. It's clear and flexible when dry, and it doesn't penetrate the fabric unless I press hard or rub it in. I like to fix exposed edges with this glue. It has a flexible plastic feel to it when dry, is not especially tacky, and is clear and shiny. I like the look when the glue is visible on the surface. So many glues, so little time! I have 4 that I haven't opened yet. Now, what can you do with a good needlework glue? 'Tis the season for gift tags, is it not? Go through your doodles, scraps, mistakes, and UFOs and gather bits of stitching that currently serve no purpose. Cut them out, smear glue on the back, and attach them to tags. You can purchase ready-made tags at craft stores, but you can also make your own from construction paper, card stock, felt, or any durable fabric or paper. I like to use recycled holiday cards as tag bases. That way, the back of the tag is a pretty surprise. You can wrap your gifts in plain brown paper to show off a fancy tag, and unless you write a name or detailed message on the tag, it can be used again by the recipient. Although, I often find my tags on recipients' trees, posing as ornaments. Take a look: http://www.funkandweber.com/fw/holiday-tags.html *********************************************************** 3. WHAT’S NEW AT FUNK & WEBER? *********************************************************** The decision has been made to cancel the Stitch-N-Safari. If we get commitments from 6 people, a trip will be planned, but the tour company will no longer arrange the trip prior to those reservations. If at least 6 people contact us prior to January 1, 2008, we will plan a trip for 2009. Please understand that it takes a good deal of time to arrange the logistics of such a trip, reserving vehicles, boats, and rooms. If we don't get enough bookings to make it run, it becomes a financial loss for the tour company. ~~~~~~~~~~ I have made tentative arrangements to work with an educational publisher to provide puzzles for a series of vocabulary books. This is a new publisher and venue for me. Way fun! ~~~~~~~~~~ I will be teaching 3 classes at the TNNA NeedleArts Market in Long Beach, CA, in January: *Fabulous, Funky, and Fun Fiber Artist Trading Cards - This is a group class taught with Heather from monsterbubbles, Jenny from Sublime Stitching, Kat from Cross-Eyed Kat, and Sharon from Crescent Colours. *Make-It/Take-It Projects for Cross Stitch, Needlepoint, and Embroidery *Reaching Tweens, Reaching Teens, Reaching Out - Ideas for outreach programs targeting this audience. This is a wholesale trade show, so students are shop owners and designers. If you have any advice or ideas to offer on any of these subjects, I'm listening. ~~~~~~~~~~ The new puzzle pattern is really coming along! I’m working on it almost every day. My goal is to have it finished and printed for the January TNNA NeedleArts Market, but when I consider that I’ll have to frame it, well, that seems unrealistic. It will, however, be ready for the June TNNA show (she says with 99% confidence). *********************************************************** 4. READERS ASK *********************************************************** Please e-mail me with questions for this section. mail@funkandweber.com KSR2478 asks, "What's a good holiday gift for a cross stitcher?" Ooooooo, that's a great question! Without knowing the stitcher and his/her interests, I can't possibly suggest a custom gift, but I'm happy to throw out ideas for you to consider. If the stitcher has a favorite shop, check with the folks there to see if they know of anything s/he particularly wants. They might be willing to fish for you, too, discovering his/her wishes surreptitiously. Big ticket items: a floor stand or stitching light. My floor stand, which Mike made for me from scrap lumber, is my single favorite stitching tool. Ticket for a class, camp, or retreat. (Okay, this is my favorite idea.) Magazine subscription. Stash. Skip the usual stuff and splurge on silks, multi-colored fibers, dyed fabrics, beads, buttons, charms. If you're not comfortable selecting these materials, get help. An independent needlework shop is your best bet. I think any employee at an independent shop would love to help you select an assortment of goodies. I know I would! You know what, if you don't have a needlework shop nearby, call one (any one) from the list here: http://www.nordencrafts.com/results.cfm Finally, KSR2478, if you have an opening on your gift list, feel free to add my name. You rock as a thoughtful gift-giver. *********************************************************** 5. READER COMMITMENTS *********************************************************** This is the last installment of Reader Commitments. Did it work? Did stating our goals publicly help us reach them? Gail says yes. We, the daring and determined, commit ourselves to making progress NOW on projects we wish to complete before the end of the year. This is what I call "throwing our hats over the fence." Once we do that, we have no choice but to go get them; we have to follow through. *Gail* JULY: "Finish THE GREAT OUTDOORS that I got in Alaska 2 summers ago." She's done the border and that's it. DECEMBER: Still making progress, though not finished. Gail insists that stating her goal here is what got her moving, so I call this a success story. *Rayna* JULY: "Make 8 Christmas ornaments, one for each of my granddaughters." FINISHED months ago. Honestly, I don't think Rayna needed this as motivation, but I do think she was a motivator. Thanks, Rayna! *Linda* JULY: "Finish SILENT NIGHT. Cabin project replaced with an orchid project. Start and finish THE TRAIL HOME." DECEMBER: Linda took it upon herself to keep me updated this month, since I am perpetually late in getting to her. She finished Silent Night ages ago and has now finished The Trail Home. The orchids are coming along. Another success story, I'd say. *Jen* JULY: I want to finish the new puzzle pattern and make ornaments which were subsequently replaced with Roman shades. DECEMBER: Ahem. Well, I'm getting there. Neither the new puzzle pattern or the shades are finished, but both are well on their way to becoming finished. And it's not as though I've been idle. Okay, not exactly a success story, but will you allow that it was at least a good effort? Way to go, team! *********************************************************** 6. MAKE IT YOURS *********************************************************** Meet Dawn from Arkansas. I discovered Dawn through her blog, Crafter's Creations. http://crafterscreations.blogspot.com/ When I have time, I love cruising stitcher blogs. It's inspiring and educational to see what others are doing. Plus I get a sense of community as I discover like-minded people. Remember the interview with Heather Holland-Daly from monsterbubbles? I would like to make interviews a regular feature here (haven't found the time yet), and I think blogging stitchers might be another source for interview subjects. If you blog, let me know. Anywho, Dawn stitched our Colorful Critters Tree Frog pattern for her son, Mac. Like many stitchers, she has trouble finding patterns with boy-appeal. That's where having Mike design comes in handy! Mac was so excited about his tree frog that he pressed Dawn to finish it quickly, and he wanted to choose the finishing fabric. What a great mother/son shared experience! Dawn hand-dyed her own needlework fabric and turned the piece into a useful object for her son, effectively taking her needlework off the wall and putting it into her son's life. I love that. Check it out here: http://www.funkandweber.com/fw/make_it_yours_dawn.html *********************************************************** 7. PUZZLE CONTEST *********************************************************** Play with me! Solve this puzzle, and be entered to win a free Funk & Weber Designs pattern! Winners will be randomly selected from all correct entries. E-mail your answer, with “PUZZLE CONTEST” in the subject line. The deadline for this month’s puzzle is midnight (Alaska time, of course) December 7, 2007. The winner will be selected on December 8, 2007 (or shortly thereafter), notified by e-mail, and announced on our web site and in the next NEEDLEWORK NUTSHELL. To avoid sending e-mail attachments, contest puzzles will be uploaded to our web site. I will provide a link to the puzzle in THE NEEDLEWORK NUTSHELL. To the puzzle! http://www.funkandweber.com/fw/nutshell/cryptolist1207.pdf ~~~~~~~~~~ November PUZZLE CONTEST WINNER: Suzanne, from Ottawa, Ontario. Answer: Willow did not complete her Halloween goody bag. *********************************************************** 7. CONTACT FUNK & WEBER DESIGNS *********************************************************** SUBSCRIBE: 57410-subscribe@zinester.com UNSUBSCRIBE: 57410-unsubscribe@zinester.com ARCHIVES: http://archives.zinester.com/57410 Jen Funk Weber mail@funkandweber.com http://www.funkandweber.com http://JenFunkWeber.com/ http://6writers1story.blogspot.com/ Copyright 2007, Funk & Weber Designs |
|
| << November01, 2007 - The Needlework Nutshell |
January01, 2008 - The Needlework Nutshell >> |
|
The Needlework Nutshell Archives Index
|
Subscribe
|
|
|
Archives powered by Zinester's Mailing List Service
Details on The Needlework Nutshell |
Browse for more newsletters at Zinester's Ezine Directory
Managed by Zinester's Mailing List Management |