Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Framing Up DMC Stitchable Metallic Mesh

Gold Stitchable Mesh Side

I finally decided the best way to mount the DMC stitchable metallic mesh was to treat it like needlepoint canvas.  I simply thumbtacked it to two sets of ten inch stretcher bars.   As you can see, the edges fray a bit but instead of covering them which I might do with needlepoint canvas, I left them bare just to see how badly the edges fray as they are worked.


Silver Stitchable Mesh Side

The mesh itself seems slightly stretchy as you pull it into position.  I didn't pull it drum tight as I don't know if it will tear under stress but I did pull it enough so that it was straight and that the dents from mailing were pulled mostly straight.

As far as I can see, the mesh is roughly 13-14 holes to the inch.   Therefore I think I can work one of Threedles' "Christmas Diamond" designs from the December 2015 issue of Needlepoint Now magazine on one half of the 10 inch square mesh and then flip the design over to stitch something else. 
https://www.needlepointnow.com/product/november-december-2015/

You can see the three "Christmas Diamond"designs stitched by Brenda here.    Number one looks to be the easiest to stitch so that's the one I will work on.
https://brendasneedlepointstudio.blogspot.com/2016/12/christmas-diamond-ornaments-12416.html

Since counting is involved, you might want to start praying hard for me!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 22, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Dry Hands: Ideas UPDATED

Mary Corbet tackles the issue of dry, rough hands.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2017/01/rough-hands-fine-threads-some-tips.html

I suffer from split skin on my fingertips in the winter, courtesy of genetics.  (Mom had the same problem.)  If you do as well, I highly recommend Liquid Bandage.  It stings when you put it on a split but it quickly seals the split, protecting you from infection. It is available under various brand names but they all seem to work, except I cannot recommend the spray on version as the nozzle is plugged every time you use it. This is the sort of item I'm recommending for split finger tip skin.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/New-Skin-Liquid-Bandage-First-Aid-Liquid-Antiseptic-0.3-oz/10316533

Lots of my friends have similar problems and recommend quite a few brand name lotions to help heal and prevent dry skin on one's hands.  Note that these are not to be applied just before stitching.  You'll want to go with lotions specifically made to be non-greasy for that.  (I use Udderly Smooth.)

In alphabetic order:

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion
CeraVe Healing Ointment
L'Occitane en Provence Creme Mains
Luberiderm Intense Skin Repair Lotion
Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula

If you have other products you've tried on your hands that work really well for you, please add them in the Comments or email me at chilly hollow at hot maildotcom and I will add them for you.

Here's to healthy skin!

UPDATE:  Make sure you read the comments below for other great skin care products!  Many thanks, everybody.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 27, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.