One Piece Almost Framed

Most of the frames I use come from Custom Frame Solutions. I always run a tiny polyester basting thread just where I want the edge of the mat to fit. That makes it easy to get perfect measurements, then when I start to pin or lace the piece to the mat, I use the basting thread as a guide. A friend told me that she pulls out a thread. Works the same way and is faster.

On the ABCD piece by La-D-Da that I had stitched, I thought . . I’ll just pull a thread so I did. I carefully measured and I needed a frame that was 3″ by 11″. I went to choose a frame. Found the perfect frame and WHAT? The minimum width/length is 5″. If I hadn’t pulled that thread, I could have stitched a scallop or something around the border to make it a bit larger. I even thought of getting a thin black silk ribbon and running it through where the missing thread was, then adding a black button or something decorative to cover up where the ends of the ribbon came together.

Then we were in Carthage one day and I noticed a frame shop. I went in and asked and yes, they could order a frame so I did that. The frame is ok . . I’ll keep using Custom Frame Solutions but (1) I won’t pull threads again and (2) I’ll make sure whatever I stitch needs a frame that’s at least 5″ length and width!

Having a straight stitched border is not easy to frame! Borders that have curves and vines are much easier to line up or, rather, to disguise when they’re a bit crooked. I stick all the pins in and kinda make sure it looks straight before pushing those pins all the way in.

The stitched piece is just inserted into the frame. Nothing is fine. I’m pretty sure the bottom right corner needs to come down a bit and there’s a bit of a hump under the bottom right set of leaves or flower . . whatever that is.

It will probably never be perfect but it will be perfect enough for me.

I already know where I’m going to hang it but I need to get probably a dozen pieces framed . . I already have the frames! Then I’ll get Vince to help me but that’s probably a project that should wait for a couple of months . . til it’s not so blasted hot. Even in the house, on the main level, it’s hot. We keep the basement cool but have given up on keeping the upstairs cool.

Anyway . . one piece is almost ready to hang!