Answer #10 - Half Stitch vs. Tent Stitch

Diane asked:

The only difference I see is where you came up and down with the needle, therefore I don't see why there is a difference between half stitch and tent stitch?

You are correct that the only difference between half and tent stitch is where you come up and down.  The differences are noticeable though.

Tent stitch is used primarily in needlepoint.  Since needlepoint is usually done on canvas, adequate coverage is important.  Also for something that may be used to be handled, say a pillow or chair cover, the more thread used the better it will last.

In cross stitch, the material is a closer weave and good coverage is not as difficult to achieve.  If it's something that is going to be framed (or otherwise not handled), there is no need for the extra thread for durability.

Here's an example showing both stitches from the front and the back.  The amount of thread used doing tent stitch is over double what you would use in half stitch.

I hope this helps!

Happy Stitching!

Stacy

Online Needlework Show...

is now open! If you've never checked it out, you should. You can't buy from it but you are allowed to drool. It's a great resource for finding new designs/designers. 

I'm headed over there now to see if there's anything I can't live without.  I will share any must haves here on my blog and possibly at my Pinterest boards as well.  (If you are on Pinterest, you can find me as: stacy27c)

Here's where you find the Needlework Show.

Happy Stitching!

Stacy

Crafts of My Past & Present

I was just browsing the weekly sale at Herrschners, specifically the Hot Buys, and got a blast-from-the-past feeling.  I am amazed at how many of the different crafts that are on sale that I have tried.  I thought I'd share the crafts that I've done and see how many of you have at least attempted some of them. 

I've added a poll on the right side of the page.  I'd be thrilled to see your responses! 
Update:  For some reason, the poll never worked correctly so I removed it.

Here's my list:

• Latch Hook - never actually finished one in the past but just bought a small one that I'm going to do for DH for either his birthday or Christmas.
• Felt kits (not felted) - I made a felt Christmas ornament for DH a few years ago
• Sequin Art - I finished a horse head and one other though what it was escapes me now
• Mosaic Art - two Christmases ago, I did an eagle head for DH.  Last Christmas I bought him a kit to do for himself and he gave me a small one that he made for me.
• Doodle Art - this really brought back memories!  My sisters and I used to buy these at our local PayLess store (now Rite-Aid).  I remember doing the plain paper and the flocked (velvet) kind.
• Paint-by-Number - the only one that I know I did was of a puppy and kitten.  My grandmother had it  hanging at the end of the hall in her house.
• Stamped Cross Stitch/Stamped Embroidery - I've tried both of these.  To say that I stink at doing them would be an understatement.  I could never get the stitches to look neat.
• Plastic Canvas - I made a coaster set.  I have no idea where it went but I remember the coasters were bees.
• Découpage - had a kit when I was about 9.  My mom told me not to attempt it without help - I did anyway; made a mess; got in trouble; haven't attempted it since.
• Needlepoint - a couple of small ornaments.  Never had the urge to attempt anything larger though I do drool over some of the canvases - they are so lovely!
• Tatting - a couple of ornaments, a pair of earrings, and a bookmark.  I've mastered needle and shuttle tatting techniques but not well enough to be willing to do anything larger.
• Knitting - I can handle knit and purl but I'm not comfortable with it.  I did make a couple of scarves; a sweater; and an afghan
• Crochet - I can and will tackle anything crochet.  I used to love making afghans - now I'd much rather do thread crochet.  I've finished at least 40 afghans; a couple of sweaters; a few doilies; over 50 snowflakes (so far)
• Bobbin Lace - I bought the basic supplies and have the twist and cross movements down.
• Cross Stitch - I've been doing this for over 30 years and it's still my greatest passion!
• Quilting - I am self-taught.  I started my first quilt in 1995.  I've completed at least 9 quilts; have 1 that only needs binding; 1 being hand-quilted now; and at least 3 tops that need to be quilted.

Happy Stitching (or Crafting)

Stacy

Needlepoint Pillow

I finished the needlepoint pillow that I have been working on for the last few months.  I had the kit for a couple of years prior to stitching it.  About a year ago, I was getting ready to start it but couldn't get the colors sorted properly and got frustrated. 

I finally decided to at least get the wool sorted as part of the January 1 Challenge on the 2MuchXS list:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/2muchXS/

On January 1, I got all the colors arranged and put in the first few stitches.  I finished the stitching this past week only to realize that I didn't have any stuffing to make it into a pillow!  Saturday, I made it over to Walmart to get the polyfill and later that night, finished the assembly.

Here's a picture of the finished pillow:

Happy Stitching!

Stacy

2 Small Finishes

I finished a couple of small items recently. The first is a Santa Claus ornament.

• Twinkle Claus



• Charmed Santa Faces - Series II



• kit from Mill Hill

The second is a hen and chick in needlepoint on plastic canvas (ugh!).

• Mother Hen

Curly-Q's needlepoint ornament

kit from Needlemagic, Inc.