PROJECT NOTES FROM SHEILA MEEHAN To the designs/stitch-outs: I found it easier to spray the appliqué fabric, uncut to the backing fabric, do the 2 outline rows (for strength), remove the hoop from the machine, trim the appliqué fabric very close to the stitching, replace the hoop and then continue. I stitched out all the designs on oversized squares of fabric and cut them to size (15 cm X 15 cm) using a window template I cut from clear plastic. Thus I could stitch without having to worry about exact placement. I only hooped the stabilizer, securing the backing fabric using Madeira 1100 spray adhesive. I used a lot of gold embroidery thread - different types - and made a discovery! From my own experience and from what I read on the lists most people seem to have trouble with metallic thread breaking and shredding (and several times during the same stitch out). I love the effect of metallics and have tried everything but this time I watched carefully as it sewed and realized that as it fed through, it did so unevenly: It seemed to be tugged rather than flow. As it was tugged, a certain excess of thread resulted between the spool and the tension roller and this excess thread would kink, resulting in a tiny "lump" (for want of a better description). I suspect that is these lumps which get stuck in the tension roller/discs and cause the breakages. My solution? I kept the spool on the vertical spindle, without a net, and rested my finger lightly on the side of the spool. I exerted no pressure but this was enough to ensure that the thread was released gently with no kinks or lumps. I did not have any further breakages!!!!! Talk about self-congratulation!! Some of the designs lent themselves to being used to create Christmas ornaments. I stitched the Father Christmas in different colourways on felt and backed these with a plain piece of felt using spray adhesive, then pinked the edges. I intended doing him in green and purple too. I also want to use some of the designs in a row to make a mantel edging. The wall hanging is very attractive (and rather big!!) in real life - my choice of cream for the backing meant that the snow and the wings etc. which I did with opalescent thread don't show to their best advantage in a photo. My niece liked it so much I gave it to her. I must start again! I have enjoyed this project very much. I didn't want to go to work! I hope you like the results. If there had been more time, I could have done so much more!! Thanks for the designs, Sheila Ps. You will notice that in the wall hanging I filled the space between the appliqués with Christmassy freebies from the Needle Passion Embroidery web site published in the past.