- Store pattern pieces and their envelopes in self sealing bags so you can see the pattern.

- To separate embroidery floss, cut the length of thread you'll need and moisten with a damp sponge. The strands will come apart easily.

- Cover edge of needlepoint canvas with masking tape so yarn doesn't fray or catch.

- Don't fold the canvas when you stop for the day. Roll it around an empty paper towel or wrapping paper tube.

- Keep a small magnet in your sewing basket. Use it to pick up any pins that fall on the floor.

- If sewing needles get rusty or dull, rub them lightly with fine steel wool to bring them back to life.

- Always leave some thread in a needle before putting it in a pincushion. You'll be able to spot it faster.

- Spritz thread end with hairspray to stiffen for easier needle threading.

- Before you tackle a knitting project, read all the instructions and underline those that apply to the desired size.

- If you get interrupted while knitting or crocheting, prevent slipped stitches by clipping a clothespin over the work and needles.

- When knitting, put the skein of yarn in an old stocking. This provides a good tension to keep the yarn flowing smoothly and prevent tangles.

- For clean, sharp and handy pins and needles, use a covered steel wool pad as a pin cushion.

- When giving a hand knitted gift, enclose a label from the yarn with washing instructions.

- Tape or staple swatches of ribbon or fabric to index cards. This makes it easier to get extra supplies at the craft store.

- Cover cardboard rolls in acid free tissue and then wrap your ribbon around them for storage.

A TIP FOR LEFT HANDERS:
- If you have problems following embroidery illustrations the computer can help you. Copy and save the image. In a graphics program flip the image horizontally so that you have a mirror image. Work from this and you will find it makes sense and 'feels' right!

- Remember this adage: clean hands, clean project.

- Use a damp q-tip to pick up small beads. They stick to the q-tip and make loading a needle much easier.

- For those who use Silk Thread when they do applique but get frustrated because the thread keeps slipping out of the needle, try this. After you thread the needle, pull the thread through so one end is only about 4" from the eye of the needle and tie a double knot immediately behind the eye of the needle. (I use the old boy scout reef knot as it doesnt slip). You will find that it will not hinder your appliquing as the knot is still smaller than the end of the needle.

- When you finish with your cross stitch cloth place it in a shallow dish or pan, pour regular table salt all over it and let sit for 3 or 4 hours, take out, shake off excess salt and put your cloth in the dryer for about 15 minutes. The salt removes oils from your hands and dirt when cross stitching. I never put mine into water...this seems to do the trick.

- When you finish with your cross stitch cloth place it in a shallow dish or pan, pour regular table salt all over it and let sit for 3 or 4 hours, take out, shake off excess salt and put your cloth in the dryer for about 15 minutes. The salt removes oils from your hands and dirt when cross stitching. I never put mine into water...this seems to do the trick.

- Avoid the frustration of threading frayed edges by folding thread in half, and pulling the smooth edge through the needle

- When you are knitting a very complicated pattern, read and record the instructions onto an audio tape. You can then listen while you stitch, and avoid moving your eyes back and forth from needles to pattern - and mistakes!

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