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Embroidery Materials & Tools
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Reviewing Products and Services
What's a slate frame?
Where to Buy Embroidery Supplies
How To Frame a Piece of Embroidery
Should I use a Hoop or a Frame?
Looking for a Pattern
How do I advertise on your site?
Q: Reviewing Products and Services A: I am very happy to review your product or service for my readers, under the following conditions: 1. I will only review products or services that relate to needlework by hand and that I believe will be useful to my readers. 2. Reviews are written for products or services that I have experienced. I cannot purchase every needlework product / service available, though. If you have something unique you think my readers would be interested in, you are welcome to contact me. If I already own whatever you want reviewed, I will review it. If I don't own it, I would be happy to receive a sample. 3. Please understand that my review will be honest. If I like your product, I will give a positive review, along with why I like it. I generally will list pros and cons of any product I review. If I don't like your product or service, I will contact you first to tell you what I don't like about it. If it is something that can be rectified, we can discuss it. If it can't be rectified, I will not review the product, except in the (very rare) case that there is a clear reason to warn my readers about it. Please do not expect a positive review simply because you send me a sample. I write reviews for the benefit of my readers and will not compromise their trust in me in order to "sell" a product that I do not like. If you are confident in the quality of your product or service, then there is no reason to expect a negative review. 4. I will not return any samples. 5. Reviews will be written only after I have had time to test the product or service. I will write the review as soon as possible, according to my publishing schedule.    Q: What's a slate frame? A: A slate frame is a type of embroidery frame that's been around for eons. It's the ultimate frame for providing perfect tension for a piece of embroidery, and really wonderful to have if you're working a large piece of embroidery. I've got a thorough picture tutorial on how to dress a slate frame, which will give you a better idea of what it is! Take a look at the post: How to Dress a Slate Frame  Q: Where to Buy Embroidery Supplies A: If you can shop locally and support a good needlework shop, it would be good for you to see if there's one in your vicinity. Check google maps - you'd be surprised what you may find. However, if you don't have a local shop, or if the local shop doesn't cater to your tastes in needlework, shop online, and preferably at an independently owned specialty shop. I think it's important to support independently owned, fine needlework shops. Otherwise, supplies are going to become harder and harder to get ahold of! I have a list of embroidery resources that may help you find what you're looking for. Some of those resources are informational sites only, so skim through the description of the link. Q: How To Frame a Piece of Embroidery A: There are heaps of opinions on this - some say "never put embroidery behind glass" - others say "absolutely do put embroidery behind glass" - and still others say it doesn't matter. Some use adhesive mat board, others shy away from such materials. Some go to professional frame shops, others do it themselves. Usually, I do the framing myself, if I can find a suitable frame. I do put my work behind glass, always, but you don't "have" to. I just figure the glass will reduce the amount of dust, etc., that touches the work. However, I always use spacers or a frame that is set back a good distance from the glass, so that the embroidery doesn't touch the glass. I never use adhesive mat. If the embroidery needs to be taken apart later for cleaning or what-have-you, the adhesive mat will only provide problems. I lace my embroidered piece onto archival mat board. Here's a post with pictures that shows a simple frame job. Q: Should I use a Hoop or a Frame? A: It's up to you! If you want really good results - good tension, no puckers, etc., - I really do recommend you use a hoop or a frame of some sort. However, some embroiderers like to work "in hand" (without a hoop or frame). There are some techniques, though, that require a hoop or a frame - goldwork, for example, needs to be done on a frame. Most satin stitching (unless you're really, really good!) gets better results in a hoop or frame. Which should you use, a hoop or a frame? Or what's the difference? I've got a couple posts related to the subject: Embroidery Hoop or Frame? Embroidery Hoops & Frames Review Setting up an embroidery project on a frame (and transferring the design) Tacking tool for using stretcher bars Needlework System 4 stand review (with photos) Q: Looking for a Pattern A: You'll find heaps of free hand embroidery patterns on Needle 'n Thread! They're divided into three categories: General Hand Embroidery Patterns - these are patterns right here on Needle 'n Thread. There are a variety of different types for different levels of stitching. Some are very simple, and some are more complex. Church Embroidery Patterns - these are specificially religious designs for ecclesiastical embroidery. Free Patterns Online - an ever-growing list of embroidery pattern links on the internet. I've explained what you'll find at the links, too. I'm always happy to take recommendations for new links! Q: How do I advertise on your site? A: Use the contact page and send me your ideas - we'll go from there. |
