Q: Can I change colors to my own colors?
A: SDA cross-point is unique in the ready-made kits for stitching business: we offer you the possibility for custom colors. We can change any color on most designs and we state on the pattern page on the website if custom colors are available. In truth, we can change colors on all of the designs but some would require a great deal of work on our part so cannot be done with a simple $25.00 charge for custom colors. If you are interested in custom colorizing a pattern, please contact us. In either case, you need to send us a physical sample of the colors you want, either a snip of fabric, a piece of thread, a DMC color number, a photo if the colors are true. I cannot assume the correct color from a telephone or email description. And, remember custom orders are not returnable as stated on our Policies page so I want to be absolutely sure the colors are as expected before we ship. For more information, please refer to the Custom Services page on the website.
Q: What are some of the time saving techniques you use?
Answer #1: When I stitch a pattern that has repeating motifs or large areas of a single color, I thread at least 4 or more needles with the same thread at once. That way I don’t have to stop each time I end a thread, grab the scissors, cut more thread, etc. It really does save time.
Answer #2: I thoroughly study the pattern before I begin stitching. I use my own instruction sheets and I follow the outline of where to begin, middle, center or left. I fold the pattern pages after they have been joined so only the section I am stitching needs to be in front of me.
Q: What are some of the best ways for preparing the jute fabric?
A: On the cross-point™ Technique sheets included in each kit, under preparing the jute fabric, I suggested shaking the jute AFTER the edges have been glued. Not everyone has the opportunity to go outside to shake the jute and over the years we’ve heard from stitchers about what they do. I want to share those experiences with you because I want everyone to love stitching cross-point™ because it is fast, fun and easy.
One thing I hear over and over from stitchers: “I love your designs and I love the finished product”
Please remember that jute is a natural fiber, mostly hand-made, and, that loose fibers on the surface are part of the process. They do, however, cling not only to the surface of the fabric itself, but also on your clothing as you hold the fabric in your lap. Please share your own experiences so others can benefit. Here are some suggestions I received to eliminate the messiness of working with jute and at the bottom is my method:
- Wear washable pants and manually remove obvious larger loose fibers
- Use an empty pillowcase on your lap for the first several times, after that most fibers are gone
- Vacuum the jute
- Go across the fabric with 2″ wide clear packing tape, pressing down and lifting up sharply
- Here is what I do: To be honest, I am always in a hurry to get started on stitching, so I use a 2″ wide clear packing tape and go across the whole surface, front and back. This method removes 90% of loose fibers. Please try it.
- Or, you can use a combination of all of the above: First, glue the edges, then shake the fabric outside. Then use a furniture upholstery attachment on your vacuum and vacuum the piece. That brings a lot of fiber to the surface. Obvious large loose fibers can be pulled out by hand. Last, use a 2″ wide clear packing tape and go across the whole surface, front and back. This method removes 90% of loose fibers and, the mess. Please try it.
Sieglinde