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  • Need help: anyone know needlepoint?

    I went to visit Mom today in the Assisted Living center where she now lives.

    She's complained a lot about being bored. We've tried a number of things outside the usual activities of the center: books, dvd's, the newspaper. Brother brought her some puzzles, but they were kids puzzles (Mom has Alzheimer's) and Mom got offended. The puzzles vanished and we never could figure out what she did with them.

    I talked to her today about getting back into needle point. She seemed open to the idea. The nurse who runs the place also is very into needle point and has offered to help Mom.

    Mom sold her sewing machine a couple of years ago, but I managed to find her hoops from when she did this years ago (she made some wonderful things, mostly given away but I've inherited one of them and it is lovely). I'm not sure what else I should be looking for or could pick up for her to get her started again.

    I did find a big bag full of regular sewing thread but I don't think that can be used for needle point, right?

    What would I need to get together to get Mom started again?
    They say that God only gives us what we can handle. Apparently, God thinks I'm a bad ass.

  • #2
    Possibly stamped cross stitch to start.

    Wal Mart used to - I don't know if it's still the case - sell prestamped baby bibs. You could choose your own colors for the threads yourself.

    Lizziebeff and I used to get them for the nieces and nephews all the time.
    Unseen but seeing
    oh dear, now they're masquerading as sane-KiaKat
    There isn't enough interpretive dance in the workplace these days-Irv
    3rd shift needs love, too
    RIP, mo bhrionglóid

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    • #3
      Hit up a craft or yarn store and find one of the needlepoint patterns with the fabric and floss included. It'll be cheaper than starting a collection from scratch, and the pattern will make it easier for your mom to figure out where she is. Frequently, simple patterns can be found for throw pillows or footstools. Something without too much fussy detail, but with clearly delineated colours (not too much shading) will probably be easier - maybe a floral design, or something modern-artish?

      If there's an independent store nearby, try that before checking Glitter Hell or another chain. You'll get good help from the people who work there, and they can point you in the right direction.

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      • #4
        IIRC, the pattern on the paper was smaallll print.
        can you see if there is a pattern that is large print?

        Oh, and what's that hook thing..you can follow a pattern, put yarn on the canvas, use the hook to tighten it..I forget.
        In my heart, in my soul, I'm a woman for rock & roll.
        She's as fast as slugs on barbituates.

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        • #5
          Quoth Der Cute View Post
          Oh, and what's that hook thing..you can follow a pattern, put yarn on the canvas, use the hook to tighten it..I forget.
          IIRC, that would be rug hooking.
          Any fool can piss on the floor. It takes a talented SC to shit on the ceiling.

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          • #6
            I know I've seen prepared kits with the pattern printed in color on the fabric for pillow cases and other items. And I have taken the tiny cross stitch patterns and used my scanner to blow them up into an easier to read size.
            Meeeeoooow.....
            Still missing you, Plaid

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            • #7
              My needlepoint gear:

              * Blunt, large-eyed needles. You'll find these labelled 'tapestry needles' or 'embroidery needles' or even 'needlepoint needles'.
              * She may want/need a needle threader. (I don't use them)
              * 'floss'. It's special needlepoint/embroidery thread.
              * scissors. Small.
              * Aida cloth, if she's doing cross-stitch or long-stitch work. Cotton or linen embroidery fabric, if she's doing free-stitch embroidery.
              * One of the many types of frame to hold needlepoint work. I like the circular frames for most things, but am currently using a rectangular frame for a particularly large rectangular piece I'm doing.
              * She may want a magnifying glass/light combination device, one that either attaches to the frame, or that she can hang around her neck, or even sits attached to her bed/on her bedside table and has a long adjustable arm.

              I agree with the others - start her with a small collection of kits. Many kits come with frames (that double as display frames); so look for some of those.

              This cat is an example - the frame it's displayed in is also the frame it can be worked in.


              If you're reasonably sure that SOME sort of craft will suit her, get the magnifying glass/lamp thingy. Anyone with aging eyes is likely to find those useful for any craft.
              Even if she doesn't end up using it, someone in the family will.


              If she does continue the cross stitch, get her a box to keep stuff in. Floss can be organised on plastic (or cardboard) 'spools' (usually flat things, these days), and stored in rows sized just for those spools. A needle case or two, and a space in the box for it. Scissors. A spot in the box for spare aida cloth, and for patterns.
              Craft stores should have such boxes. Especially if you find an independent store (online or brick-and-mortar) that specialises in needlework.
              Seshat's self-help guide:
              1. Would you rather be right, or get the result you want?
              2. If you're consistently getting results you don't want, change what you do.
              3. Deal with the situation you have now, however it occurred.
              4. Accept the consequences of your decisions.

              "All I want is a pretty girl, a decent meal, and the right to shoot lightning at fools." - Anders, Dragon Age.

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              • #8
                I latch hook rugs! I have a few I have completely finished, but I need to decide if I want to turn them into rugs, pillows, or hanging things.

                I vote for the latch hook rugs just because I can zone out, and the patterns are large (and depending on the picture/pattern, the canvas can be large too).

                The cross-stitch patterns (if you're doing the counted ones) can be small. Even the ones for the stamped cross-stitch can be small too. And then there's the actual fabric you cross-stitch on. My eyes sometimes cross.

                Good luck in finding some things for your mom to do! Also, I don't know if you have Dollar Stores (or something equivalent), but they do have 500 piece "adult" puzzles there. Not the greatest of quality (warped pieces come to mind), but those are something to consider too.
                And you're welcome (in regards to my avatar).

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                • #9
                  Quoth Der Cute View Post
                  IIRC, the pattern on the paper was smaallll print.
                  can you see if there is a pattern that is large print?

                  Oh, and what's that hook thing..you can follow a pattern, put yarn on the canvas, use the hook to tighten it..I forget.
                  Latch hook. Mom and I both used to do latch hook when I was a kid. We made some nice pillows and rugs. I found her latch hook with the sewing stuff and saved it.

                  Great suggestions, guys, thanks so much!
                  They say that God only gives us what we can handle. Apparently, God thinks I'm a bad ass.

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                  • #10
                    I used to do cross stich and stuff like that (still have 2 cases of floss actually) before I found quilting.

                    Micheal's is a good store for that, Hobby Lobby is another - Hancock Fabrics, not so much. You might also have a mom and pop specialty store. In OKC we used to have one called "stitch by stitch" but it's closed now
                    https://purplefish-quilting.square.site/

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                    • #11
                      ... need a home for that floss?
                      Seshat's self-help guide:
                      1. Would you rather be right, or get the result you want?
                      2. If you're consistently getting results you don't want, change what you do.
                      3. Deal with the situation you have now, however it occurred.
                      4. Accept the consequences of your decisions.

                      "All I want is a pretty girl, a decent meal, and the right to shoot lightning at fools." - Anders, Dragon Age.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        I wish people lived closer so I could give them stuff.

                        Seshat, if it fits in your quilt box, I'll put it in there for ya.
                        https://purplefish-quilting.square.site/

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                        • #13
                          Awwww.

                          Now I'll have to needlepoint you something. :P
                          Seshat's self-help guide:
                          1. Would you rather be right, or get the result you want?
                          2. If you're consistently getting results you don't want, change what you do.
                          3. Deal with the situation you have now, however it occurred.
                          4. Accept the consequences of your decisions.

                          "All I want is a pretty girl, a decent meal, and the right to shoot lightning at fools." - Anders, Dragon Age.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            You know what would be great, Seshat?

                            Make something for some who's having a rough time. Kinda a pay-it-forward thing
                            https://purplefish-quilting.square.site/

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                            • #15
                              Since I'm a member of a disability support group, such a person won't be at all difficult to find.

                              Consider it done.


                              Thanks, Kanalah.


                              (Oh, and if floss doesn't fit in the box, that's fine. With all the crafters on the board, sooner or later someone will be near you, or getting a shipment from you with space in it.)
                              Seshat's self-help guide:
                              1. Would you rather be right, or get the result you want?
                              2. If you're consistently getting results you don't want, change what you do.
                              3. Deal with the situation you have now, however it occurred.
                              4. Accept the consequences of your decisions.

                              "All I want is a pretty girl, a decent meal, and the right to shoot lightning at fools." - Anders, Dragon Age.

                              Comment

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