Take it from the top

...or how to stitch a sampler after it's framed. Thank you for suggesting a curved needle.  Great idea!  I fixed Mary right after I posted, but will certainly remember that for next time.  Yes, I'm sure there will be a next time.

 

 

 I started with the loop knot method and picked up the threads from the bottom of the cross in the prior stitch.

Pulled through the loop, slipped the needle under the fabric, and came up at the correct spot.  The loop disappeared and I can't even tell where it was.  Keeping the needle flat, I used a piece of paper to cover the linen starting directly where the needle came out.

This made it really easy to stitch without snagging onto any other threads.  Ended with the needle beneath the fabric to catch the back threads and it worked.

Done.

Good thing I didn't have glass installed!  I keep forgetting to ask my husband about our little air compressor for inflating tires.  Instead of buying canned air, I wonder if there is a way to depress the valve and use that contraption to clean the samplers.  Or blow them off the wall.  Nah.  This isn't the type you attach tools to so it can't be that powerful.  I'll let you know.

I know there will always be the debate about glass/no glass and it really is personal preference.  Do you remember the post showing the inside of the sampler's glass?  I removed the piece to take a photo without glare, and saw why they always looked dull even though the outside of the glass was clean.

I think that's what did it for me.  And yes, they may get dusty without protection and eventually change somewhat, but that's the look we try to achieve for reproductions, and being pressed against this film can't be good either.  Being completely sealed, this must be an off-gas from the threads. Or the mounting board?  Acid free yes, but there are glues and binders in mat board and who knows what in foam.  Spacers would prevent the build up where the floss touches but would it still release something?  So do they need to breathe?  Is it because of something in my house?  Another thing I noticed - the old pieces that didn't have the paper dust cover were not as filmy. ??? Pros and cons for both methods and I like the elegant beauties behind glass, and the primitive repro's bare naked.  As I'm typing this, I'm looking at large Hannah on the wall.  The sun angles here briefly only at sunset in spring before the trees leaf, and I can see it needs to be unassembled and cleaned also.  Take a look at how dull and hazy this is. 

This is another 20+ year old piece.  After cleaning the others, big difference!  I didn't intend to open a can of worms again but the debate will continue as long as there are stitchers.

I'll shut up now.

Have a great day!  Thanks for visiting.

 

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