Tuesday, March 9, 2010

~*Needle Punch Helpers*~

Hello Dear Friends! Recently I was given a bag of older, vintage needle punch supplies. The bag was full of brightly~colored, acrylic yarns... that I will probably never use myself, but would be nice to use for a Scout project sometime. Also in the bag was an older catalog from Pretty Punch Shoppettes, inc. and a step by step instruction booklet for the Dial-A-Loop punch needle. I found this instruction book very interesting.

When I first discovered needle punch, it was via the internet. I've never taken a class to learn how to do this... instead, I've read books & websites. Actually, I've never taken a class for rug hooking, cross stitch, doll making... or any of the crafts I CHERISH. I'm totally self~taught... and know because of that, that I am a rule breaker... which is A~OKAY with me. :)

One thing that I had trouble finding were photos or diagrams to show exactly HOW things should be done. Which way should the needle move? What was needle length apart actually suppose to look like? Should the back be as neat as the front, like in cross stitch?

Well, in this older instruction book, mixed among all these vintage supplies, where those diagrams I wished for several years ago. I've scanned them to share with you. Maybe some of you will find them helpful too. (Click on the photos to see them larger if needed.)


Seeing this, I found my direction of punching is "okay". I've tried to slide off the tip like in the preferred method, but sliding down from the point is more comfortable for me.



Uh 'em... well, this is probably where I'm a 'rule breaker'.



I found this one especially helpful... and plan to practice this more.



I'm pretty sure the Cameo instructions (my preferred needle) included a Trouble Shooting Guide as well, but helpful hints are always welcome.


Now I'm itchin' to punch... but still intchin' to stitch, hook, and dress some dollies too!

We have continued to work on the studio. The loose wallpaper is almost all removed. My darling Tony hung sheet rock in the main room last night. I'm hoping by the time the weekend is here, that the walls are ready for mudding & patching. I've truly appreciated all your kind works of encouragement & excitement. My dream is to have you all over for tea, cookies, and crafting!

Wishing you all warm smiles,

Betty

12 comments:

  1. I have wanted to try my hand at needlepunch for a long time so I'm very happy that you posted those instructions. I'm sure that I would have found something somewhere, but my needles didn't really have an instruction sheet. I see so many great punched things that I've wanted to try my hand at it. Thanks so much for posting these.

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  2. Excellent information, Betty! Thanks so much for sharing this with us! Going to have to pull out the Cameo and give myself a punchin' tune-up! ;-) You must be so excited about seeing some progress in your studio!!!! :-)

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  3. While I don't punch (yet) I thank you for the instructions.
    I am happy to hear work on the play house is coming along more rapid than eagles fly - well almost. Congratulations!
    Tea and cookies sound good for the viewing!

    Happy Stitching!

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  4. Thanks for posting that. I am self taught everything, I have taught myself to needle punch too and those are great! I have read every thing I could get my hands on too. I just finished my first rug hooking project and I do wish for just one class, but there as far as I can find on hookers where I live so I will muddle along. Your tutorials have been great! Thanks so much!

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  5. That is a nice tutorial. I do have books that show actual photos of the backs for spacing etc, but always like to see it again, to remind myself.

    Debbie

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  6. Oh WOW...thank you for the step by step instructions :) I purchased a couple patterns last year but have been so nervous to try them. I have never done this before and would hate to make a booboo...

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  7. Betty ~
    Your studio sounds wonderful!!!
    I am self taught at just about everything. I took a class in needle punch only because Lori Brechlin was teaching it and it sounded like fun. Otherwise, I would have taught myself that, too.
    Pug hugs :)
    Lauren

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  8. thank you! THAT is a huge help! I bought a kit a few months ago and now I think I might be courageous enough to try my hand at needle punching!

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  9. Thanks Betty I am growing in this form of artwork and appreciate all the help I can get. I to am totally self taught at all the things I find myself creating.

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  10. Help please. I bought a kit and have followed the instructions carefully. I punch, lift needle, slide needle, punch and the stitch I just made pulls out. The thread is free flowing, the needle is facing the direction I'm punching and I'm just about ready to throw the whole thing in the bin. Please tells you know what I'm doing wrong and how to fix it :(

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    Replies
    1. It could be your needle isn't threaded correctly or that you are pulling the needle up too far after your stitch. I'm sorry, it is difficult to help without seeing how you are working. Have you looked up How To videos online?

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