Our Friends' HAED SAL: Dragon Stocking Update

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Dragon Stocking Update - Kelly S

Yeah! I'm now a full fledged posting member!

This is my progress on the Dragon Stocking as of March 27, 2011. You can start to really make out the details in this design (see the dragon's tail!!!?). The part I'm working on now is the treasure chest. I had to start rolling up the threads for each set of 10 x 10 stitches because I found that, when they hang down off the back, I tend to catch them in another stitch. I have a custom made floor stand, so all I have to do is flip the frame over when I need to finish off a thread. No knobs to loosen or anything like that.

As soon as I finish this set of 10 rows, I'll post another progress picture.

Happy stitching everyone!

3 comments:

sharine said...: That's going to be one cool stocking!; March 28, 2011 at 2:44 PM
Ali said...: WOW!!! Awesome stitching. How have you anchored the threads not in use? Are you using straight pins? After time will they leave holes? I have just begun to organize my first HAED project......so I am looking for tips!! Not sure if I will do 1 over 1, 1/2 cross stitch.....no idea about keeping it ALL as neat and organized as yours!!!!
Cheers, Ali; March 29, 2011 at 6:06 AM
Kelly S. said...: Hi Ali,

When I get done with a 10 x 10 sections, first I twist the threads to make sure they stay together, then roll them up on two fingers and use a very small sharp straight pin to secure them. So far I haven't had any problems with them leaving holes, but if they do pop up ever so often, I just run my fingers over them and they disappear.

Thanks for the compliments!; March 29, 2011 at 8:55 PM

Tutorials

How to Carry Threads
This is really easy...it takes a while to get used to though....and your back will look terrible...this you will have to live with...One thing...You will be working your 10 x 10 grids in colums...it makes it easier...
1. Start with a 10 x 10 grid..
2. Find your first symbol...and stitch all of that symbol in your 10 x 10 grid....When finished...
3. Find the same symbol on the 10 x 10 grid below it...take your needle and bring your thread up like you are going to make the first 1/2 of the X ...but don't do it...just unthread your needle and lay the thread down..
4. Go back to the first grid you were working on...and stitch the next symbol the same way....when finished bring your thread down....
5. continue each symbol until your first 10 x 10 grid is finished....
6. start the next 10 x 10 grid ....you should have thread there already for you to pick up and stitch...
Posted by Vickie 3/7/2009

Tent Stitching (Wikipedia)
Tent stitch variants
There are three types of tent stitch, all producing the same appearance on the front of the canvas but each worked in a slightly different way and having particular characteristics, uses, benefits and drawbacks. These variants of tent stitch are known as basketweave, continental and half cross tent stitches:
Basketweave tent stitch - The basketweave form of tent stitch is worked in diagonal rows up and down the canvas. The yarn on the back of the canvas has a typical basketweave appearance, with alternating horizontal and vertical stitches. Basketweave is the best stitch to use for covering large areas of canvas as it does not distort the canvas as the other two forms of tent stitch do.
Continental tent stitch - Continental stitch is worked horizontally or vertically across the canvas. On the back of the work, the stitches appear diagonally across two threads. This method uses more yarn than half cross stitch tent stitch but is more hardwearing.
Half cross tent stitch - Half cross stitch is worked horizontally or vertically across the canvas. On the back of the work, the stitch appears vertical or horizontal, not diagonal, and crosses only one thread. This method uses less yarn than other stitches but is not very durable as coverage on the back of the canvas is a little thin.