Showing posts with label handwork. Show all posts
Showing posts with label handwork. Show all posts

Friday, April 21, 2017

Take a Stand.......

   
Yes, by all means, take that kind of stand, but this post is all about the hoop stand.

I am, indeed, a hoop-er. I've tried hoopless, but my stitches are hopeless when I do. I've been on the hunt for something, anything, that could help me be hands-free for things like french knots and a few of the fancier stitches.

This is my current batch. All wonderful in their own special way. All pretty easy on the ol' checkbook (debt card) depending on where you purchase them and if you are lucky enough to have a coupon. I'm afraid I paid a bit too much for the lap stand. It did come with three hoops and I did shop local. I was so excited after I tried it out that I had to have it...right then, right there. If I had shopped around, I could've saved myself $30.00 bucks...maybe a little less.



My new baby. I just got it today from Michael's. Yes, I had a coupon. yes, they have better coupons every now and then, but I am not super patient.
I've seen this one on the WWW and it had really good reviews. The pros and price far outweighed the cons. $39.99 before any discounts and/tax.
That is a 14" hoop in there. Feels quite sturdy. Adjustable like crazy and even 360ยบ turning.
I can't wait to try it out tonight.




 My Elbesee lap and table stands.
The lap stand (fanny frame) came with three hoops on a stick. 6-8-10.5"
They will work in the table clamp (barrel clamp) as well. I also have the universal hoop holder on a stick for when I want to change things up or use a funky size. 
I love them and they've worked quite well for the few months I've had them.
They are quite portable



Get yourself one of these little tools. It's for turning wingnuts. 
Three words....
fab  u  lous


The box
The instructions are tiny and a little hard to make out, but it took me about 30 minutes or so and a few adjustments to get things in the right place. I put the plastic knobs where I thought I would use them the most. I am going to purchase a few metal washers to protect the wood from over tightening...that should cost a whole $1.00.

I give all of these items a big thumbs up. Especially the wing nut tool...seriously...I can't say enough good things about it.

There are more hoop stands out there. I've seen them as high as $250.00usd plus shipping. Most of them seem to be in the low 100's. Yes, they have a few more bells and whistles and some are metal and you can buy accessories to make your stitching life easier. (lights, chart holder, etc.) but if you are watching your pennies and don't mind having a little table nearby, this is a great choice.
yes, I did look at the other stands, saw one in person...it was for the hoops on a stick. Lucky for me, they didn't have them yet or I would've over paid in my enthusiastic state. LOL I actually think this is going to work out better...more versatile, less money, not as cute, holds bigger/different hoops. yep, I think I made a frugal and wise purchase.

What kind of tools and/or gadgets do you use when you hoop up?
Do you even hoop?
Inquiring minds want to know. Until recently, I had no idea any of this even existed and I have been sewing for a long dang time. I learned from people sharing.


Wednesday, January 23, 2013

W.I.P. WEDNESDAY

I am afraid I haven't got much stitching done of late. The hubs took the opportunity to use up last year's vacation days and I spent most of my time hanging with him or being his minion while he worked on a few house projects.

I am slowly, but surely getting napkin 3 of 6 done. It's a royal coachmen fly.

My progress...so far.........


Not sure I like my add lib on the wing. I may take it out. 
It just didn't look feathery enough to me,  ya know?


I stopped counting after 50 french knots. 

I have several other projects that I WANT to do so I better get this sucker done asap. lol  
Two blog hops and a possible swap are in my immediate future. Not to mention that I so want to make a shirt and jammies out of my Trek fabric.

What are your crafty plans?

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Something old, something new, something crafty I must learn to do!

I drove my son to work today and to not waste a trip "over the hill", I stopped at a local quilt shop. It was just to save time, fuel; very green of me, really!
I looked through their fabrics, nice, but nothing standoutish.
Bought some thread that I needed. Am loving Aurifil. It's easier to find than dmc thread for the machine, that's fer sure!
And then I saw it!! It was gor-gee-ous!!! A quilt pattern with dressed up dress forms.
I wanted it!
Needed it!
Had to have it!!
Bought it.
Just one teensy, little problem.......I don't know squat about hand embroidery. Small detail, right? 



Weeeeelllllllll, as I looked more closely (after purchase of course) I noticed I can also do it applique` style . I don't think it's quite as cute as the embroidered version, but I know how to do that! ;-) Except it needs some hand stitchery too.


Looks like I will be learning a new skill sometime after the new year. Drop in classes are on the third Monday of the month!!! Where you ask?? Thimble Creek in Concord, CA