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meistroracer
USA
12 Posts |
 Posted - 05/27/2010 : 05:18:48
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I am missing a step. I just know it. I do not remember what you do with floss you have when you are working on a project.
The problem is that I am not getting the length like I use too. When I get floss or a skein, I usually cut from either loops to get my strands, but I feel that I am missing a step.
If not, then floss length isn't what it used to be.
I hope some one understands what I am saying here and can help me on this topic. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks.
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Edited by - meistroracer on 05/27/2010 05:19:44 |
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Dragonlair
USA
2863 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2010 : 08:01:30
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Most instructions recommend you stitch with no more than 18 inches of floss. If you are stitching with an even number of strands, you can use 36 inches and just fold it over for that 18". You need to use shorter strands with some specialty flosses, such as rayon and metallic flosses because they tend to tangle more easily.
The folded skeins are not intended to be a true guide to cutting the lengths. If you know you are going to use the entire skein, you can undo the whole thing, fold it into 8ths and cut all the loops. That's a bit longer than 36" but close enough. Then just pull out your individual strands to fold over for the loop method. If you're not using the loop method, you can fold your 8ths over again to 16ths and use that.
Some people put their partial skeins in little ziploc bags for that purpose. I use a "floss-fly". It's a holder (of many shapes but the original are butterflies) with holes. Fold a group of floss strands in half and put the folded end through the hole. Catch it from the other side and slip the 2 loose ends through the loop. that hold your floss and makes it easy to pull one strand at a time (if you're careful). It does take practice but keeps your colors handy. Most floss flies are even numbered so you can mark your pattern's key with that number so you know exactly what floss to use.
I've also seen pill-paks that work as floss flies. Especially known for this are some birth-control packets.
I hope this begins to answer your questions.
Diane
There is no such thing as a stupid question |
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meistroracer
USA
12 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2010 : 17:44:56
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I am quite confused on the measurement. I got it...I had a board to help with the floss...now I remember..I use that to rind up the strands to get a longer strands...but do I cut both loops after I round it and got it to the length. But thanks Dragonlair, you really reminded me on how I was doing it before. I might need a new board...but I'll take a gander at it and see what kind of condition it is in. I knew I was forgetting a step.
quote:
Originally posted by Dragonlair
Most instructions recommend you stitch with no more than 18 inches of floss. If you are stitching with an even number of strands, you can use 36 inches and just fold it over for that 18". You need to use shorter strands with some specialty flosses, such as rayon and metallic flosses because they tend to tangle more easily.
The folded skeins are not intended to be a true guide to cutting the lengths. If you know you are going to use the entire skein, you can undo the whole thing, fold it into 8ths and cut all the loops. That's a bit longer than 36" but close enough. Then just pull out your individual strands to fold over for the loop method. If you're not using the loop method, you can fold your 8ths over again to 16ths and use that.
Some people put their partial skeins in little ziploc bags for that purpose. I use a "floss-fly". It's a holder (of many shapes but the original are butterflies) with holes. Fold a group of floss strands in half and put the folded end through the hole. Catch it from the other side and slip the 2 loose ends through the loop. that hold your floss and makes it easy to pull one strand at a time (if you're careful). It does take practice but keeps your colors handy. Most floss flies are even numbered so you can mark your pattern's key with that number so you know exactly what floss to use.
I've also seen pill-paks that work as floss flies. Especially known for this are some birth-control packets.
I hope this begins to answer your questions.
Diane
There is no such thing as a stupid question
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xxxxxxxx Cross Stitching is FUN xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Dragonlair
USA
2863 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2010 : 20:08:03
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Generally, I wind my floss onto a paper bobbin. To set a length to be stitched, I unwind it from the bobbin, about the length of my arm (from my fingers to my chin). That's close to a yard. I cut that and pull off one strand (I normally stitch 2 strands so I fold this and use the loop method). I put the rest of the floss (the other 5 strands) through the hole in the bobbin the same way I described for the floss fly. That's assuming I'm not also using the fly.
The floss number and company is written on the bobbin.
Diane
There is no such thing as a stupid question |
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meistroracer
USA
12 Posts |
Posted - 05/28/2010 : 06:23:14
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I had to see what a paper bobbin is. I saw it and that's cool. Now I understand what you are doing and that makes sense now.
Paper bobbin are cheaper than what i have. Yes...I do have the binder and the hooks for the floss. Yes I have the LR project board and master card for my floss. Yes, paying out the rear for all these things and well...to be honest. I have found my other bag in my shed with a lot floss in it. So i am re-organizing both bags. An trying to get a project together along the way.
I am starting to like the way you are doing it. Are the bobbin cheaper than what I have now? I am pretty sure they are.
(LIGHT BULB CAME ON) I just realized now that I could leave the floss in there factory folded..then when I need to use a floss I can use the board to measure the length I need and just cut it. No...that's not a good idea either. I would have to unwind the floss from its original state because this will prevent it from knotting up or getting tangled up.
But ideas are a flowing thats for sure.quote:
Originally posted by Dragonlair
Generally, I wind my floss onto a paper bobbin. To set a length to be stitched, I unwind it from the bobbin, about the length of my arm (from my fingers to my chin). That's close to a yard. I cut that and pull off one strand (I normally stitch 2 strands so I fold this and use the loop method). I put the rest of the floss (the other 5 strands) through the hole in the bobbin the same way I described for the floss fly. That's assuming I'm not also using the fly.
The floss number and company is written on the bobbin.
Diane
There is no such thing as a stupid question
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xxxxxxxx Cross Stitching is FUN xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Rebca
13 Posts |
Posted - 08/23/2010 : 07:35:57
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| When I get a new skein, I always unfold it completely, then wind it around a paper bobbin (when I ran out of bobbins and couldn't get new ones, I'd cut a small piece of thick cardboard, like from a cereal box, and use it instead). Then I'd put the floss number on each bobbin and also on a small plastic bag and put the bobbin in the bag. When I need floss, I cut a piece about 15" from the bobbin, take the two or three strands I need, and stuff the rest back into the bag for future use. Some of my floss has been in my stash unused for twenty years! But it's still there in case I start a new project that requires that color! |
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meistroracer
USA
12 Posts |
Posted - 09/06/2010 : 10:52:33
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quote:
Originally posted by Rebca
When I get a new skein, I always unfold it completely, then wind it around a paper bobbin (when I ran out of bobbins and couldn't get new ones, I'd cut a small piece of thick cardboard, like from a cereal box, and use it instead). Then I'd put the floss number on each bobbin and also on a small plastic bag and put the bobbin in the bag. When I need floss, I cut a piece about 15" from the bobbin, take the two or three strands I need, and stuff the rest back into the bag for future use. Some of my floss has been in my stash unused for twenty years! But it's still there in case I start a new project that requires that color!
Thank you Rebca. I have already bought some bobbins and started to wind all my threads or skeins on them. Use my cardboard ruler to the length I want and cut from there.
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xxxxxxxx Cross Stitching is FUN xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Floss length
