2006 Needle in a Haystack

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Thank you for purchasing "Stitching Essentials"
from Needle in a Haystack Stitchery Design!
This eBook covers the basic fundamentals of stitching from choosing
embroidery hoops, needles, floss, and fabric, to learning 7 basic embroidery
stitches that will leave you stitching like a pro! Once you've completed the
accompanying pattern, you'll also learn how to frame your work for display
in your home. With detailed instructions, photos, and a new complete
pattern, this book is perfect for beginners ages 8 to 108, or for anyone
simply interested in learning a bit more
about the world of stitching!






This eBook contains complete instructions for learning 7 stitches, as well
as stitching and framing the included pattern. !f, for any reason you
need assistance or have questions, please feel free to contact me at
needleinahaystack@readytek.net.

No prior knowledge of basic embroidery stitches is required for
completing the patterns shown. For other reference, you can also visit
www.inaminuteago.com
for detailed descriptions and photos of the various stitches.


!tems contained in this eBook may be printed, and are for personal use only. Any reproductions of the
pattern, instructions, photos or other contents of this book, or sales of completed project are prohibited
without written consent from Needle in a Haystack. You may contact me at
needleinahaystack@readytek.net. Thank you, and enjoy your project! -Shelli



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Supply List

y Embroidery needle
y Embroidery hoop
y Fine-tipped black or brown felt tipped pen, such as a Zig"
(0.5 mm)--available at craft or scrap booking stores
y DNC Floss in the following colors:

*81+ Red *221 Red
*+69 Green *581 Green
*3852 Yellow *3371 Brown
*383+ Purple


y 9" x 12" (approx.) section of tea-dyed muslin
(instructions for tea-dying included)
y 5" x 7" Frame
y 5" x 7" section of poster board
y 5" x 7" section of thin quilt batting such as Warm and Natural"
y Spray Adhesive
y Acid Free Glue Stick






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!nstructions for completing:


Stitching Essentials"

From
Needle in a Haystack
copyright 2007


!'m so excited for you to explore the exciting world of stitchery, also known by
some as Primitive Stitchery. This form of handiwork is less intricate and more friendly
than traditional crewel embroidery, and much less complicated and more enjoyable (in
my opinion!) than counted cross stitch. Once you learn the stitching basics, you'll
discover you have a great activity for traveling in the car, while watching T.v., or for
anytime that you have a few minutes. AND.it won't break your bank to do it, as
supplies are relatively inexpensive. There are many perks to this fun activity, aside
from the fact that you will be creating beautiful works of art for display in your home.
This book is full of tips and information that !'ve gleaned and used over the
years. There are many different techniques out there, but !'m sharing with you my
own opinions and preferences. !nside this book, you'll find the following:

1. Everything you need to know when choosing fabric, floss, and other supplies
2. How to tea-dye and prepare your fabric for stitching
3. How to trace your pattern
+. How to measure, separate, and knot your floss
5. 7 basic embroidery stitches that will be utilized in the practice sampler and
the accompanying pattern
6. How to successfully follow and stitch the pattern included in this eBook
7. How to frame your completed project


!f you have never stitched before, this is the perfect eBook to get you started. !f
you have stitched before, simply skip over the information you are familiar with, and
get to the parts you are interested in. There's something here for everyone! The
instructions are divided into the sections listed above, so good luck, have fun, and let's
start stitching!





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1. Supplies:

Before you begin stitching, you'll want to be sure you have all the supplies you
need. Nost fabric or craft stores that carry embroidery or quilting supplies will have
everything you want at one stop. As ! already mentioned, !'m sharing my personal
preferences with you, but of course, as you find your stitching groove, you'll figure out
what you like best as well!

Embroidery Hoop--You'll find hoops made of wood, metal, and plastic. !'ve
stitched with all types, but my favorites are the simple plastic hoops. They are
sturdy, inexpensive, and easy to work with. For young beginners with small
hands, or for small and dainty patterns ! would recommend purchasing a +" sized
hoop. They are easy to hold, but have to be repositioned more frequently. For
adults, and for most basic stitching, ! would recommend a 6" hoop. They are still
comfortable to hold, yet you can stitch on a greater surface area without having
to reposition as often. These plastic types have a screw on the top hoop that
allows you to tighten the hoop over your fabric and loosen to remove it.



+" and 6" Plastic Hoops


Needle--Ny best advice here would be to purchase a package of assorted
embroidery needles" or craft needles" that come in different lengths and
thicknesses. This way you can find just the right needle that is comfortable for
you to stitch with. ! prefer long, thin needles, while my daughter likes the
shorter, thicker ones. Find one you like, and hang on to it! (See photo - next
page).