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You see it almost every time you take a needlepoint class. After the list of things needed, such as stretcher bars, come those dreaded words “usual stitching supplies.” You might know what sits near your stitching chair, but you can’t bring all that. So what do you bring?
Here’s a list of some things to bring along:
Glasses/magnifier: If you need special glasses to stitch or if you are working on a smaller ground and need magnification, put these in your bag before anything else. You can stitch without stretcher bars and can borrow most everything else, but if you can’t see you can’t stitch.
Portable Light: Often classrooms don’t have good light and almost always they don’t have enough outlets. Bringing along a strong ands portable battery-operated lamp can make all the difference.
Tacks: I’ve done this: remembered the stretcher bars but forgot the tacks. If stretcher bars are requested, remember to stick in a package of tacks.
Scissors:Make sure you have a small and inexpensive pair to clip off thread ends. If they are inexpensive, you won’t worry if you lose them.
Needles: Most classes you take will include needles in the class kit, but bring some extras along just in case.
ORT Container: This can be very ad hoc, but you can keep your workspace neater if you can corral your ORTs. I often use an empty coffee cup or plastic water glass.
Stand: If you prefer to work with a stand remember to bring it to class. Many companies make travel or clamping versions of their stands. These are a good investment if you will be taking lots of classes.
Thread Storage/Labeling: Many class kits have pre-cut threads for you. Use Flossaway bags or thread tags to separate, label, and store the threads used in the kit. You’ll thank me a year from now when you pull out the kit and can start right back up with stitching.
Pen: It’s easy to forget, but you should have something for taking notes. Although most classes include printed instructions, you might want to include a pad and some PostIt notes as well, just in case.
These are the things most people will want to include when they go to a class. Beyond these things what you include is up to you and the class. If you are taking a class with beading, you might bring your favorite beading needles and bead storage included.
If you have other items you can’t live without — needleminders, tweezers, project bags, hand cream — make sure to include them.
Being prepared when you get to class can make every class a great time.
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
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