Do You Use Stitching Aids?
Tuesday October 27, 2009
I went to the eye doctor recently and I was so relieved that I didn't have to get bifocals, or as they call them now, progressive lenses. I am at the age when that is expected, but I could still see well enough to avoid them this time. I am sure I will have to take on that adjustment next time I get glasses, but for now, single vision panes are my lot, thank goodness.
Several people have asked me why I don't get laser surgery, but my eyes are so bad that I would still have to wear glasses, so I figure, why bother? I will just wait until I get cataracts (there are indications of that in my future already) and then I will have corrective lenses implanted.
Of course, my concern with my vision is purely based on the fact that I MUST be able to see to stitch and to work online. And, mostly, to stitch, of course! Even with my vision being corrected to 20/20, I still depend on my magnifier and my lovely full-spectrum bulb in my lamp. And, I will do whatever it takes to keep on stitching, even if it means wearing clip on magnifiers and looking all nerdy and stuff.
How about you? How often do you use stitching aids? Not just lights and magnifiers, but needle tuggers or any other implement that assists you with stitching. Vote in the poll and let us know. Use the comments section below to tell us about the implements you use to enhance your stitching experience.
More On Cross Stitch Tools and Resources:
Of course, my concern with my vision is purely based on the fact that I MUST be able to see to stitch and to work online. And, mostly, to stitch, of course! Even with my vision being corrected to 20/20, I still depend on my magnifier and my lovely full-spectrum bulb in my lamp. And, I will do whatever it takes to keep on stitching, even if it means wearing clip on magnifiers and looking all nerdy and stuff.
How about you? How often do you use stitching aids? Not just lights and magnifiers, but needle tuggers or any other implement that assists you with stitching. Vote in the poll and let us know. Use the comments section below to tell us about the implements you use to enhance your stitching experience.
More On Cross Stitch Tools and Resources:
Comments
Connie, great question, and yes I do, and the reason I do is its more enjoyable when I am comfortable, and don’t have to hunt for or try to see while stitching.
I started out much like you, just stitching, but after using a hoop, and having hoop marks, moved onto a scroll frame where I could have more of the design available, then after figuring out that stitching while holding the scroll frame was causing harm to my body, I went to a floor frame to hold it, and to allow me better posture so I could stitch for longer periods without pain. Along the way, I discovered a little gadget or two, one the retractable cord on a pin, for my scissors, great gadget, can’t loose the scissors anymore. Then there is the Little Stripper which is essentially a thimble with a Velcro loop pad on the side, for stripping floss, cannot do without this, and have had to make my own when I couldn’t find it again in my catalogues!Then there is the Q-snaps, the clip on magnifier and of course my lamp, which I got first off when I started stitching having always required lots of light.There have been other devices over the years, some of which are still with me, but changed to suit me, and some of which have fallen by the way side.
My recommendations are the lamp the magnifier and a lap frame or floor frame to help with the posture and allow longer stitching times as the bare minimums.I know some are purists in that they think hand held is some sort of pure way of doing stitching,but there have been frames and hoops and stands for as long as there have been stitcher’s, so bowing down to age and health is not giving up the way, its enhancing it, and making what might become a chore due to problems, a pleasant time again.
Most of all, I think we want to enjoy stitching, and having a helping hand of any sort can enhance the experience, so ENJOY the process and if you find a good gadget let me know, I’m always open to another stitch aid.
Thank you! I also cross stitch using a scroll frame and have noticed stiffness in my fingers after using it. Thanks for the suggestion about using a lap frame! This might help while sewing my latest project.
Trish
I bought an inexpensive pair of magnified reading glasses to help me see my stitching, and now I find that I’m using those glasses everywhere! I guess it’s time to see the eye doctor, but I’m not looking forward to “progressive lenses” in either my glasses or my contact lenses.
The scroll frame and stand are a must for the large projects. For small ones (5 x 7 for example) I use a hoop or just my hands but I always, always need my magnifier and light. Even with my progressive lens glasses, I can’t see the individual stitches well enough to know that they’re laying properly. I can get the needle in the holes but that’s it.
Does Thread Heaven count? I started using that recently thanks to you all. I also have some stretchy knit thing I can wear on my hand for support but not sure if it actually helps.
I chose never and not because I’m a purist. I think one should use whatever one needs to do the best job they can.
However, maybe I should change my answer, because, until I read the other comments, a hoop never entered my mind. I’ve always used a hoop and until recently didn’t know that anyone stitched without one, so it isn’t an aid to me, but just part of the stitching process.
Since I mainly stitch standing up, wandering about, most other aids are impractical.
I don’t use special lights or magnifiers. I do use Thread Heaven for those %$C@#*&^! metallic threads. I hope that by continuing to stitch and focus on small items my eyes will get exercise and last longer.
I don’t use aids because, so far, I have been able to stitch well and enjoy it without them; however, I will gladly use any aid that would allow me to continue stitching and enjoying the time spent doing it.
A few years ago I went to the eye doc to get some new contacts and he told me I HAD to get bifocal contacts. As I have always been quite nearsighted, I was a bit startled. He tried a number of them with me, but none worked (I was foolish enough to listen to him instead of my own instincts about my vision and needs and actually bought some). Well, they didn’t get worn much (even after I “got used” to them. I kept telling him I needed to see well UP CLOSE for fine hand work with sewing and that I currently saw best WITHOUT any glasses or contacts for that! I finally ditched the expensive bi-focal contacts and went back to my old (and outdated) glasses and no glasses while stitching. I recently went to a different eye doc who actually listened to me (HOORAY!) and said that OF COURSE my near vision was best without any correction, and that I didn’t HAVE to get bifocals/progressives. I have a WONDERFUL new pair of REGULAR glasses for everyday use–and they are just fine to stitch with, and I still see better up close without anything.
My greatest fears with lasik/laser correction surgery are that: a small percentage of people end up with their vision not being corrected (it’s worse or not 20/20); and in my case, that even if it worked ‘perfectly’, I would still have been able to see all the fine details up close better BEFORE the surgery–but there is no going back to ‘undo’ it–and I would be heartbroken if all the sewing, needlework, knitting, cross-stitch, etc. that I now do so easily would be difficult or I might have to give some of it up. Plus, one man I know had the surgery a number of years ago, and now he is back to needing glasses. I wouldn’t want to spend all that money and 10 years later need glasses again. So for me, I’ll stick with (and stitch with) my eyes as they are and the simplest correction needed (glasses).
I’m 67, and have used stitching aids for as long as I can remember.
I use Q-snaps and I will repeat my warning: Do not EVER attempt to take those away from me. You will come back with bloody stumps!
I switched from hoops to the qsnaps because I hated that awful ring mark that was left on the fabric with hoops. A lot of times that hoop mark is very difficult to remove on some fabrics. With qsnaps, I can get all of the design area in an equally same-sized qsnap so I can see the entire pattern evolving.
I use a K’s Creations lap frame as I like to ‘double-stitch’ using both hands. It is quicker and that is a must for one (me) that wants the instant gratification on getting things done quicker. It is amazing the comments I get when traveling with the K’s Creations frame.
This company is a joy to work with and if your LNS doesn’t carry the wood lap frame, ask them to do so. There are three sizes, of which I have two. I have had my frames since they first came out and finally after 20 or so years of DAILY use, I had to have them repaired. The company will do this when you contact them for the address to send it. It costs $10.00 per frame to do that and they come back almost new again.
I repeat, this is a marvelous company to work with as well as frame to use. You can also put it on a table as well as your lap to work on. It allows you to swivel the work to the backside so you can bury the threads easily. They also make an adapter to use with qsnaps.
I will use any all aids I can find, because at 67, the eyes need all the help they can get. When I am traveling, I use the cheater glasses perched on the end of my nose below my bifocal regular glasses. I even have a mini-lite as well as a clip-on magnifyer to use away from home.
At home, I use a daylight magnifying lamp. I have the old style magnifying lamp, however, and I need a new tightening nut, and the company says they don’t have any more of those available as they are phasing out that style lamp. BooHoo. Will have to save for another light I guess.
Use whatever you need to continue to enjoy this marvelous painting with thread counted cross stitch activity/passion.
Huggs, Cait
Connie, don’t be afraid of ‘bifocals’ The day I got mine, life just got immensely easier. The only and I mean only problem I had was walking out of the eye dr’s office and missing the curb. Quick recovery, almost slap-stick in comedial achievments, they have been my lifesaver ever since. One year when we were a bit short of funds, I just had regular glasses and wore cheaters on a lanyard apparatus around my neck and resting on my bosom when I wanted to read. When I gave my grand-daughter an ‘owie’ on her face when I went to hug her, I looked at my husband and said that the next eye exam will include bifocals again, so plan for the extra cost. He said ok, and I did. I missed those bifocals like you wouldn’t believe.
And as a head’s up…….for those of you that use a computer, ask for computer lenses to be put in an old frame. Keep them next to the computer in a case. You will not believe how efficient you become when you have computer lenses made especially for that particular distance.
Really! Ask your eye doctor! If he hesitates, ask him to do it anyway. It is an extra cost, but it has been my lifesaver when on the computer.
When I shelve books at the library, they come out as it is SO much easier for me to work closely in reading the spine letters or numbers with the books and where they should be put.
Don’t ever be afraid of bifocals. My sister got them when she was 12, and I got them in my late 20’s. Those are my special stitching accessory.
Huggs, Cait
Loved reading the comments and suggestions on stitching aids!! I also have tried many, kept most and discarded a few…Love Q snaps…do they have an adapter that you could make them a lap frame? I have a wooden lamp frame, but don’t like it as much.
I use a daylight lamp and readers to stitch with. Have a great pair of scissors that have a ripper blade that works great. Keep a ribbon on my scissors attached to my pincushion arm caddy and use bobbins for my thread. Love Cross Stitching and think most of the aids help make it more enjoyable for longer periods of time!!!
I have used varifocals for a number of years. Can’t get on with bifocals as I need the ‘bit in the middle’ that varifocals provide. However’ I was still struggling with close work. Cross stitch wasn’t too bad, so long as it was no finer than 14 count Aida and not over the one thread of Linda (or finer) that I use for my miniature work.
The real ‘need something better’ was for my mini crochet work. I had tried the clip on magnifiers, but found them too heavy. I have tried round the neck magnifiers, also too heavy, the ’string’ bit into my neck. The post is always way too long as well, plus any back-lighting reflects on the lens.
I also have a daylight lamp which I wouldn’t be without. That too has a magnifier, but as in the case of the neck version, back-lighting and the light from the lamp reflects in it.
A miniaturist friend recommended that the next time I visit the optician I ask about having the reading glasses part of my prescription made up with magnification. Brilliant idea, wish I had bought them years ago.
I can’t stitch without my Ott Lite, and dime-store reading glasses. I can’t stitch without them! I even have a small portable Ott Lite that clips on to a table in case I am travelling!
I’ve also begun using Q-snaps, and like them much better than scroll frames.
What is “thread h:eaven”: and q snap? I love to c/s for my nerves or peace of mind! I read all your mail you send me-thanks, Roy
Thread Heaven is a floss conditioner – see more here – http://crossstitch.about.com/od/optionaltools/p/threadcondition.htm.
Q-snaps are pvc frames many stitchers use instead of hoops, wooden or ratchet frames. I will write more about them soon.
I invested A LOT of money in getting an entire set of scroll frames. The recent project that I completed (hummingbird & cactus) was almost ruined because the glued on strip of loop fabric that is attached to the rod came loose over time, and the glue got all over the fabric. I had to cut a lot away because it could not be washed out, and was sticky and a real dirt collector. I am dismayed because I then had to remove the loop fabric from the rod, and can’t figure out how to remove the sticky rubbery glue that is left on the rod. The manufacturer suggested using a putty knife or like-object to scrape off the glue, and then sand paper to smooth the rod surface, but neither have worked. I even tried vasaline as a solvent to try to remove the glue, but that didn’t work, and it probably has soaked into the wood so that it would ruin any piece of fabric that I attach to it. This made me want to try Q-Snap Frames, and I am really liking them. They are much lighter, and easier to work with. My hands don’t hurt anymore while stitching or afterwards.
I’ve needed bifocals since I was in my mid-twenties, so no big deal there! I wear an Imak Smart Glove on my right hand, I have a cube of Thread Heaven handy when I’m working with a lot of metallics or cranky threads, I have a lap stand frame, … hmm what other gizmos do I have laying around here in my stash?