Debra Jo Rupp shares another favorite stitch, the Hungarian basketweave, which is great for filling in backgrounds. Several examples of this stitch, each worked in a different fiber, are shown in figure A. One especially appealing feature of this stitch is the fact that the tiny spaces left between the stitches can be left as they are or filled in with French knots or beads. Although needlepoint is intended to be completed and then used, Rupp admits that she enjoys the journey more than the destination -- in fact, out of some 20 projects she has begun, she has finished only one! Here, Marci Gould shares some finishing tips for needlepoint projects: - Most needlepoint stores will have finishers associated with them , or they will be able to recommend one nearby.
- Some items are fairly simple to finish, while others will be more complicated and will require the services of a professional (figure B and C).
- Remember: You're putting your valuable time into each project, so it deserves the best treatment in order to be shown to its best advantage!
Web extra: More on needlepoint with Debra Jo Rupp Did you grow up in a crafty household?
My mom did a lot of sewing. She did a lot of things. I actually have her rug-braider contraption in my garage. She used to do braided rugs. She also made all of our clothes. For hours we would stand on a table while she pinned up the hems on the skirts and the dresses. Did you sew as a child?
No, I didn't care for it. I made potholders. That's all. Where does your mind go when you're needlepointing?
If it's a stitch that I know, it's busy work. And it's a design, so you have instant gratification because you see it happen as you're doing it. There's a soothing part of it and there's a creative part of it. Do you stitch on set?
I'm constantly needlepointing at work. I actually own two needlepoint stands. They're kind of like easel stands. I have one at home in front of the TV and I have one in my dressing room. Why does needlepointing work for you?
Needlepoint is an activity that takes place at one time, and there's only one way that that needle goes in and comes out. So it's soothing to me. And if you make a mistake you can rip it out. It's not a big deal. Why do you take the needlepointing class?
I love this class. I initially fought it because it's kind of early on Saturday morning, and I tape the show on Friday night, and that can be a long night. But I really look forward to it now -- just chatting with a really good group of women. Can boys come?
Boys can come, but they have to be very quiet. Do you have a favorite part of needlepoint?
My favorite part of needlepoint is the different materials that you can use and the different fibers that you can use. I had no idea of the variety. How popular is the hobby of needlepoint?
There are several people on our crew that do it. It's much more widespread than I imagined.
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