Stitching Blogger's Question: Embroidery Scissors

Many of us have a few pairs of embroidery scissors and some even have a “collection”. How many pairs of scissors do you have? Feel free to share a photo of your favorite pair or pairs with us!

I only have one pair of scissors. Here's a pic of it. It's made by Consorzio Premax of Italy. I've been assured that it's good quality scissors and I love the shape and feel of it but barely a couple of months since I bought it, its handles started rusting. I think you can sort of see it in the pic. Embroidery scissors aren't supposed to do this, right? Very disappointed. I've complaint to the shop where I bought it from but since the company isn't responding to any of their emails, I don't think there's much I can do about it. Well, I'm thinking of getting myself a pair of Stork scissors soon. Hopefully this time I'll get my money's worth.

Stitching Blogger's Question: Framing With Glass?

When you get a project professionally framed do you get glass inserted into the frame? Why or why not?

Yes, definitely! All my cross stitch pieces are professionally framed and glass is necessary in hot and humid Malaysia. Also, I have this hope that all my work will become heirloom pieces someday and that my grandchildren will want to keep them (though I'm not even married yet much less have any children but one can dream, right?) So the way I see it, the glass would not only protect the cross stitch piece from dust but whatever environment the piece end up in, be it smoking room or some place that kids with sticky fingers might easily reach, it'll always be protected.

Stitching Blogger's Question: Stitching Habits

Since you started blogging, have you noticed any difference in your stitching habits? Tell us about them.

I've definitely come a long way stitching wise even though I've been blogging for less than a year. If you've read my blog from the start, you'll remember the first time I tried evenweave, the first time I use beads, the first time I joined an exchange etc. and I predict there will be many more firsts to come. Also, I've discovered many other beautiful designs through stitching blogs which has expand my taste in different designers, patterns, hand-dyed fabric and floss... which of course leads to the conclusion that cross stitching IS an expensive hobby! And to think that my initial idea that all you need for cross stitching is just a chart, DMC floss, a needle and some aida fabric. Yup, I'd say there's a significant change in my stitching habits since I started blogging.

Stitching Blogger's Question: Oops!

What is the biggest mishap you have had with your stitching material (i.e. spillages)?

My biggest mishaps happened when I first started cross stitching. It was one of my first pieces and at that time, I've yet to learnt never to leave needles still threaded with floss (white ones as well) on the fabric for a long time. I did that, hit a stitching slump and left it that way for months. Unsurprisingly, when I picked it up again, the needle has rusted through both floss and fabric leaving an unsightly yellow patch. Being the "genius" I was with no idea that needlework was supposed to be threated gently during washing, I dabbed a fair amount of strong detergent on the area, hoping that it would get the stain out. It worked some but also resulted in discolouring the fabric and some colour floss around the area. I supposed the piece is still salvageable but that's yet to be determined for til this day, it remains a UFO...

SBQ:After the Stitching is Done

What do you do with your charts once you’ve stitched them? Do you keep them or dispose of them? If you keep them, do you organize them in a way that is different from the way you keep your unstitched charts?

I usually stitch using working copies so my charts remain brand new in the folder which I've kept it and since I have a personal policy of never stitching the same pattern twice, if someone expressed an interest in it, I might offer it up for trade. It really depends on how attached I am to the pattern. However, if the pattern is from a magazine or a colour chart, I work with the original and once I'm finished, it goes back into the folder/magazine pile which I took it from, with the option of putting it up for trade too.

Stitching Blogger's Question: Stitching Large

Have you ever used a magnifying glass while stitching? If so, did you find it helpful?

I don't have much to say for this week's SBQ for thankfully, I'm still lucky (and young) enough that my eyes doesn't require any help focusing on my stitching just yet. Thus, I've never used a magnifying glass while stitching. However, if the need ever arises for me to use it, I think I'd probably find it both a blessing and a curse for as much as it would reduce the strain on my eyes, it'd probably get in my way more often than not.

Stitching Blogger's Question: Stitching Books

How many cross stitch books do you own and how often do you use them?

Does magazines count? No? In that case, I have a total of 3 cross stitch books - Donna Kooler's Seasons in Cross Stitch, Joan Elliott's Cross Stitch Sentiments and Sayings and Leisure Arts' Sweeter than the Rose. The contents are all charts with little finishing or technique instructions for the way I see it, I can probably find enough of those online. However, I've yet to stitch anything from those books even though I flip through them pretty often just to admire the pictures. However, I do plan to stitch some of the charts, if only I got the time! I've got too much on my to-do list as it is now.

Stitching Blogger's Question: SBQ Picture Day

This week's SBQ which I've finally gotten around to answering is a two parter requesting pictures:

The first request comes from Vash who is requesting pictures of the back of your stitching… are you brave enough to give this one a shot?

Yup, apparently I'm brave enough. The "Seasonal Topiaries" which now is sadly no longer a downloadable freebie from Passione Ricamo was supposed to be a SAL on the EMS Board but I got waylaid by RRs. I think I'm very behind now but I'll manage to complete it - somehow... someday...

The second request comes from Singular Stitches, and she is asking for “a pictorial tour of [the] special place that you go to create your wonderful stitched creations.”

Here it is, the place where I do 99.9% of my stitching - in my room in front of the computer. That is why for those of you who know me, I'm online almost all the time. You can see my sewing machine at the far end. I also have a lovely view of my fish tank while I'm stitching.

Stitching Blogger's Question: Chart Collecting

Do you collect charts by one particular designer, yet have never stitched anything by that designer? If so, which designer and why do you collect the charts but have not yet stitched any of them?

It depends on what you mean by collecting. If you mean collect all the charts ever printed by a designer, then no, I've never done that and I never will, no matter how much I like the designer. I do not have the money and/or space nor do I see the point in doing that. I only buy charts that I like and will probably stitch and not because of the designer. However, I do have a few charts in my collection from the same designers, for example: Vermillion Stitchery, Lavender & Lace, Mirabilia etc. that I have never stitched but I *am* planning to stitch them. I just haven't gotten around to them yet.

Stitching Blogger's Question: Special Favourites

What is your favorite specialty stitch? Which one is your least favorite? Why?

I haven't had much experience with specialty stithes to form much of an opinion for this question. The only specialty stitch I've done so far is the Algerian Eyelet and French Knots. I didn't particularly enjoyed the Algerian Eyelet for it can be quite a chore to complete one compared to good old cross stitch but I do like the different effect it lends to a piece. As for French Knots, I used to hate it but after I've learnt to tackle it, I'm fine with it but if a particular project contains dozens of French Knots, I think I'll more than likely replaced them with beads. Beads gives a better 3D effect and looks nicer anyway. Does backstitch count as specialty stitch? I love doing it for it's fast and as you stitch, the whole design just pops out and suddenly everything finally makes sense.

Stitching Blogger's Question: Stitching Mojo

Lately, it seems that many stitching bloggers have experienced a loss of their stitching mojo. Have you ever lost your stitching mojo? If so, how did you get it back and how long did it take?

I'm not sure if this qualifies as losing my stitching mojo but from the time I started cross stitching to now, there were two years in between after I finish my first project, which I barely even picked up the needle. Reason? I was too caught up with other aspects of my life and I've never considered cross stitching as a long term hobby that I would become addicted to. However, after I've started stitching again early last year, I've not stopped completely. True, there were times when I slow down a lot (like now) simply because I wasn't in the mood or the project I was stitching doesn't appeal to me as much but with the commitments I have at the moment, I can't afford to stop. (I guess deadlines are a good thing for me then.) So, whenever I feel like I'm losing my stitching mojo, I go online and start looking at cross stitch websites and more often than not, the many beautiful patterns that I see gives me the much needed motivation because it reminds me that time is limitted and there's still so much I want to do.

Stitching Blogger's Question: Leftovers

When you stitch from a kit and use the supplied floss do you have leftovers? If so, how much and what do you do with them? If not, do you usually have just enough or do you have to dig into your stash to finish?

I vastly prefer picking out fabric and floss of my choice for a pattern which is why it's not surprising that thus far, the only kit I've completed is the Forever Friends Bathtime. I've had quite a lot of leftovers from it. Since it uses Anchor floss, I've decided to add it to my stash to be used in the future, should the occassion arrises. (My usual brand is DMC) However, I think I would still have kept them anyway had it been any other floss for who knows, I might have need for them in the future. The possibility is always there, right? ^_~

Now that explains my ever increasing stash that never seems to diminish even though I have some patterns that I probably will never stitch. You just never know... especially with my love for round robins. *Grin*

Stitching Blogger's Question: Over-Dyed Opinions

Do you or have you stitched with over-dyed threads? (Weeks Dye Works, The Gentle Art Sampler Threads, Six Strand Sweets, etc.) If so, what is your opinion concerning them? If not, why not?

As of this post, I have yet to try over-dyed threads. On the other hand, I have used Anchor and DMC variegated threads. Do they count? I have some Six Strand Sweets in store though, thanks to Lene but I have yet to find the perfect project for them. I think the colours are very yummy but I have to say I have my concerns about them bleeding, especially the darker colours but since I haven't heard too much complain from other stitches in this area, I guess running the threads in cold water as per the instructions before stitching would eliminate this problem. Also, they're not easy to find in Malaysia which means I'll have to order them online and considering I don't have PayPal or credit card, that's a pretty huge obstacle I have to overcome. That aside, I think they look lovely on samplers, giving it an antique look or on monocolour projects, changing colours and shade automatically so my verdit is yes, I'll definitely give over-dyed threads a go.

Stitching Blogger's Question: In Over Your Head?

Do you do obligation or deadline-based stitching? Why or why not? If you do, do you tend to get in over your head and why?

Actually, I do do deadline-based stitching, in terms of round robins, exchanges and the occasional gifts for my friends and family. However, I don't think of it as an obligation because when I stitch something, it's only because I want to, not because I feel obliged to do it. In spite of my round robins preference to exchanges, I really don't mind either because it's so much fun and enables me to get to know other stitchers better worldwide. I just love the camaraderie stitchers share when involved together in a round robin or an exchange. It's different from when you're just sharing your WIPs (Work-in-Progress) or a HD (Happy Dance), if you know what I mean.

As for whether I tend to get in over my head, I've had my worries about not being able to keep up, being involved in 5 round robins and 2 exchanges at the moment but so far, I've yet failed to meet a deadline. Still, I do realize that this is my limit and have to keep reminding myself to refrain from joining anymore until the exchanges or at least one RR is completed.

Stitching Blogger's Question: Travel Stitching Tips

For those of you that stitch while riding in the car or on the train, how do you cope with the bumps and the motion? Do you have any tips for others?

As I don't stitch while travelling, I don't have much if anything at all to contribute to this week's question. It will be interesting to read other stitchers' answers though. I have always think that there seems to be a lot of work and hassle involve in stitching while riding in the car or on the train. I might stitch on a few hours plane ride but that's about it. Being an avid reader, I usually while away those travelling time with a book.

Stitching Blogger's Question: Stitching-on-the-Go

Do you stitch “on the go?” (On the commute to and from work, during your lunch break, waiting for the kids, etc.) If so, do you have a specific “travel” project or do you just grab whatever you happen to be working on and take it with you?

I don't think I've ever stitched anywhere else other than in the comforts of my own home, mainly my room. Seldom do I take my stitching anywhere else unless I'm going for a trip or it's a RR or exchange piece that I need to post. Thus, I don't have a specific "travel" project. I just bring whatever I'm working on at the moment for my trip.

Never have I stitched in the public not because I'm embarrassed to be seen stitching but rather it's more of a hassle for me, considering the projects I tend to do are of the more complicated type. As I'm not working at the moment, there's no lunch breaks for me. Also, I don't drive and since I don't have kids, there's no "waiting time" for me. Stitching in the car while somebody drives is no go for me either for I'd end up being car sick.

I really have to salute those who stitch while commuting for cross stitching is not like knitting or crocheting where one just work mindlessly without having to consult a chart constantly. Now, if I tried to do that while taking public transport, seeing as how clumsy I am, my chart would keep slipping off my knee or I would poke someone with the needle or something. The disastrous possiblilities are endless.

Stitching Blogger's Question: It's A Mystery!

Have you ever participated in a needlework mystery (i.e., a design that you started before knowing how it will look in the end and by which you receive parts of the design via the internet, magazines, or leaflets at spaced intervals)? If so, why did you decide to do the mystery? What appealed to you about it? Did you enjoy it? If you have not done a mystery, would you ever do one?

I've never participate in a needlework mystery before and probably won't ever do it. I think the reason for is because I really need to like a design before getting the motivation to stitch it. Since I won't know what a mystery piece looks like beforehand, I'll be constantly worrying that I won't like the end result and that would be very stressful for me, an absolute no-no for stitching is supposed to be a pleasure not pressure. Thus, my logic is that with already so many patterns out there that I love and more on the way that I'll never be able to finish stitching in this lifetime, why risk a mystery?