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Before you stitch dimensional ornaments and free standing projects, plan their completion with our
WIRE FINISHING PROCESS
by
Nancy Christy
As originally published in Needle Pointers,
October/November '96
Editor's
Note: Some time ago we enjoyed viewing the New Mexico Needlepoint Guild's needlework exhibit held in Ruidoso, New Mexico. We noticed unique finishing on some of the dimensional projects and found they were the work of Nancy Christy of Roswell. Nancy graciously agreed to share with us her innovative ideas on finishing free-standing designs, ornaments and dimensional needlepoint. A word of
caution . . . understand that glue is used in this finishing process. As the "purists" will readily tell you, the use of glue is not considered conservation quality, but the technique is so intriguing that we felt it must be shared. (If you love the technique, but are one of those "purist ", skip the glue and zig-zag over the wire on your sewing machine.) Nancy Christy was born in Lansing, Michigan and was graduated from Milwaukee Downer College. She studied all sorts of crafts. When she married, she moved to the Southwest, discovered needlepoint, and is now an avid
stitcher.
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Stitched Designs Shown in Color at right:
Nancy's beautiful ornaments include two painted designs from the talented Joan Thomasson. The hanging angel and the free-standing figure from Nancy's Nativity set were both worked on 18-mesh canvas with many different threads.
Supplies Needed:
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1 spool of white covered floral wire (26-30 gauge)
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craft fabric glue, waxed paper, and poly fiber fill
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toothpicks or syringe
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painted canvas and backing material (ultrasuede, felt, etc.)
Order of Working:
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To protect the working area, place the waxed paper under the canvas to be stitched, right side up.
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Using a toothpick or syringe, run a narrow line (beading) of glue on outer edge line of design in 2" increments.
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Place the wire on the glue and hold to dry. Continue to work around edge, butting ends at the beginning. The wire is laid in one continuous piece. Try to glue the wire on a canvas thread (horizontal or vertical) when possible.
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Allow to dry for two hours; weight if necessary.
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Fasten canvas to stretcher bars.
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Stitch piece as usual, being sure to stitch as close to the wire as possible so no canvas shows.
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Remove canvas from stretcher bars and cut out design close to the outside edge of wire.
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Overcast wire in thread to match stitched design. Use a ply of two less than that used for stitching (no more than 2 or 3).
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Place a fine line of glue on the back side edge of piece, leaving a clean space for opening to insert stuffing. A loop cord may be added here if it is to be hung.
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Press piece firmly down on backing material, wrong sides together, and weight until dry. If there are small, protruding areas (like hands, wings, tails), glue sides to area and stuff lightly before continuing glue around piece.
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Cut off excess backing close to wire edge so it does not show from the front.
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Stuff lightly and glue opening together. A jeweler's ring may be sewn to the back in place of a loop for hanging. Use this same method for a free-standing design by adding an oval piece in the bottom for a base. Enjoy!
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