Some tips before starting

Before I started on my last stocking, Connie gave me some great tips and helps.

1. Separate and Label the Thread

Use the cardboard that comes with the kit  to keep the thread straight.  I punched holes with a pen, but Connie said she cut slots. 

The instruction in the kit say to label the thread colors.  I didn't because I only had two different color greens. But later when I was working on it late at night, I had to stop and wonder, is this tan or gold?  So this time around I'm labeling.

2. Use Sharp Scissors

She told me to have sharp scissors.  She had dull ones and had trouble cutting the felt. Mine were new and sharp so cutting was a breeze. I used  large sewing scissors for cutting out the large felt pieces and little stork scissors for cutting threads little felt pieces.

 (Did you know these are magnetic and the needles and pins will stick to them?) 

3 Use a Needle Threader

I had never even heard of these before. Connie gave me one - and I love these! Makes threading the needles so much easier. I have now gone through several of them. They are super cheap (a dollar or two) at Walmart.

4. Use paper bowls to hold your sequins & beads in

I really liked this idea. Keeps the sequins and beads separated & contained (you don't want those little puppies rolling all over) and then you can stack the bowls and them don't take up much room.

5. Beeswax

As I was stitching I noticed some of the floss would just get wildly tangled and knot. And every couple stitches were a knot. (So discouraging.)  I bought Thread Conditioner - yea, I know crazy.  But it works.  It's also called quilting beeswax.  You find it in the quilting section at Joann's or Hancocks.  ($3.99) Not near the needle, thread or floss.

The little blue box is called Thread Heaven and has sparkles in it (the sparkles do not get on the thread) and the other has slots in the side to pull the thread.  I think the slots are easier to use. 

Linda