The cross stitch tool box

 

Last week I posted about the "comfy crafty" area in the corner of our bedroom,

next to our bed.  You can see on the small table there is my cross stitch tool box.

 

 

 

Below is a closer look at the tool box.

 

 

One of the things that I'm most excited to share is the bobbin-thread holder. 

With this tool, I've eliminated the paper legend. I feel like there

is one less step for my eyes as each new thread color is started.

My husband made this first set as a prototype.

 

I copy the paper legend....enlarging it so that  can see it easily. 

I've put black electric tape under the legend info so that these

holders can be reusable.  The legend can be taken off and a new

one put in its place. 

The bobbins are slipped through the key-type ring.  Bobbins can

be taken off the ring and go back into the plastic bobbin case

in numerical order....*when*

the project is complete (you noticed I did say "when"??, okay

this is a grand hope that it WILL be a finished project eventually)

 

These are my favorite scissors on their custom made necklace.

LeAllyson Meyer makes the most wonderful scissor holders!

You can send her a picture of fabric or other color scheme and

she will make a beaded scissor necklace.....

 

 or eyeglass necklace (as the one below) - just for YOU!

LeAllyson is on Etsy as Plumbeadacious.

 

She also does other fun beaded items as well as jewelry.

If you visit her, please mention I spoke highly of her on this

blog post =)

 

 

 

These are some of my needles.  So far, I don't feel too

particular about my needles, except that they be blunt ends.

I use a highlighter for marking stitches competed. I prefer the

highlighter over a colored or regular pencil.  Pencils  need

to be sharpened to mark off small areas of stitching.  I can

get confused if I wait too long and have to mark off large areas.

 

If you look closely above you will see there are small squares

around some stitches.  I know some of you might make a loud, large

gasp as you read this...but, those are mistakes.  Yep...mistakes that will

remain stitched with the "wrong" color of thread.  I do this only if

I feel that it will not undermine the design...and go unnoticed should

anyone not be holding the pattern in their hands to compare to my

stitching.  The mistakes are marked with an Ultra Fine Sharpie, using

blue so it is differentiated  from the pattern's markings in black.

 

 

 

All the tools fit nicely into this Snapware container.  These containers

come in groups of three with one lid.  So, those not being used have to

to stack taller together with one lid from another group.  I prefer the "hard"

case as opposed to a soft zippered one.  I feel that my tools are more

protected from being broken or bent while in the larger tote.  I also

much prefer clear containers.  The light that seeps in all around makes

it easier for me to find things in the "pile" of tools. 

 

With my scroll of needlework and tool kit inside my tote...

I'm all ready to "GRAB n GO"  =). 

Or...just sit in a comfy place at home and everything is at my finger tips.

 

~~~~~~~~

How about you?  Do you have special tool kits or Grab n Go kits

for your crafty adventures?

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

 

 

A Cross Stitching Tote and some accessories

 

It's been since November of 2014 since there was additions to my blog.  I've posted on Facebook a bit.  But, Instagram (rubyslipperz106) has been my place of choice to post lately because it's so fast and easy. Sadly, though, many of my friends and fiber/craft friends don't use Instagram.  For these people it's easier to just visit me here on anniesrubyslipperz. 

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  A Stitching Tote

 

This is my tote that holds my cross stitching "tool kit" (a clear plastic container with lots of stitchy goodies inside) and scroll frames.  I quilted two premeasured rectangles with batting in the middle.  Then I sewed it up like a pillow case and turned the edges down.  It's not fancy.  It IS...however practical and fun, especially with frog fabric and frog skin as lining.

 

 

....Just KIDDING!!  You probably guessed...it's not real frog skin!!  lol.  Kinda looks like it...don't you think??

Some of my stitchy progress so far.  This is going to be Elizabeth, a Mirabilia design by Nora Corbett
I use scroll covers to keep the Aida cleaner .  This is done on hand dyed 16 count Aida (color-Blush)from Silkweaver fabrics

 

Below is the stand that sits in front of my chair.  My husband improved the stand by making the joints more stable with a bit of sandpaper.  And he added a much larger wooden clamp that holds the frame much better than the original design did.  I also found this awesome magnifying clamp.  Now I don't need "reading" glasses to work.  I can look up from my stitching and not have to look over glasses.  Beside my chair is a rectangle OTT light. "Mr. Fix-it" (aka husband) also shortened the light pole about 2 feet so that the light swings right over the frame and not over my shoulder.  This keeps the light's brightness focused directly on the stitch area. 

 

 

 

My chair is a folding lawn chair.  The seat and back are a lightweight mesh.  It's the perfect size to fit in the small corner of my bedroom next to my bed.  I did look into other more house-type chairs, but most of them were too wide or too deep.  Or, there were no arm rests. I also use a small lower back massager while stitching.  The massager helps to keep the back from getting stiff.

 

I've really enjoyed sitting in this comfy place to stitch while watching TV in the evening with Mr. Fix-it.  =D

 

Do you have a favorite chair for sewing or stitching?  Is there something(s) special that you've done to make it more comfortable?