by Susan Ashby
Having spent some time completing your cross stitch project, it is now the time to begin the process of preserving this piece of work. This article will explain how to get your piece of work spotlessly clean in preparation for framing.
Cross stitched pieces must be washed separately by hand and should never be allowed to mix with other garments. If you know there is a stain on the piece, treat it with either lemon juice or white vinegar before you wash it. Do not be tempted to soak the stain in bleach as this will probably remove the colour of the sewing threads used to complete your cross stitch. You need to place the piece of work in luke warm water containing either a very mild washing up liquid or gentle soap flakes. You should not use harsh detergents and although it is possible to buy products designed for hand washing, these are not suitable for needleworked items. Let the cross stitched piece soak for about a quarter of an hour, moving it very carefully around in the water. If you spot any further stains, these may be rubbed with a soft toothbrush but it is imperative not to scrub the article.
When you have finished washing the cross stitch, rinse it in several changes of water until the final rinse is completely soap free and the water remains clear. Place the work carefully face down on a clean white towel, smooth out any creases and then place a further clean white towel on top of it. Roll the towels gently squeezing the water out but do not wring the towels as this will cause creases which may be difficult to remove. Obviously, if you have cross stitched a table cloth or other large piece of work, it would be extremely difficult to towel dry and it is, therefore, better to carefully place larger items on a washing line and allow them to drip but do not let them dry completely. Please do not fold wet cross stitch pieces.
The piece should now be placed face down on another clean dry white towel and pressed on the reverse side using a pressing cloth and the iron should be set at a medium heat. Continue pressing the piece until it is completely dry. If you have cross stitched a heavy material, you may need to use the steam setting on your iron to remove the creases but as long as you use a pressing cloth, the heat from the steam will not damage the cross stitch or any beading you have worked into your pattern. You are now ready to frame your work.
You have created a beautiful piece of cross stitch work just using a piece of cloth, some thread and a tapestry needle but it will last for some considerable time if it is properly washed and pressed prior to framing. It will become a family heirloom, uniquely hand made by you and is a piece which could last for generations. Friends and family members will greatly appreciate a cross stitched gift and when you look at a finished piece or see the pleasure your cross stitching gives others, you realise the care taken to sew, wash and frame it are extremely worthwhile.
For more free tips about stitching go to Stitchtastic. We also have loads of new cross stitch designs.
Article Source: www.homehighlight.org
If you have
never peeled tomatoes before, it is very easy. The key to peeling tomatoes is to
dip them in boiling water for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the skins
start to crack. I place them in the bottom of the pan and then remove them with
tongs. Next dip them in cold water until you can handle them. The skins slip
right off. It is best to keep a pan of boiling water on the stove while you are
working. If you let the water cool while you are working, it will not be as
effective in removing the skins.
Gently squeeze the tomatoes into the sink or a bowl until all of the seeds
and liquid are removed. A colander works well to catch the seeds. You might want
to save some of the juice to top off the jars when you are pouring the sauce
into the canning jars.
As you finish removing the juice and seeds from the tomatoes, drop the
tomatoes into the blender. When the blender is almost full, process the tomatoes
until smooth, and then pour into a bowl. Continue until all of the tomatoes are
seeded and processed.
In a large pot over medium heat, cook the onion, green peppers, mushrooms,
and garlic in the butter and olive oil until the onion softens, about 5 minutes.
Pour in the processed tomatoes. Stir in basil and Italian seasoning. Bring to a
boil, reduce heat, and simmer on low for about 2 hours to allow the flavors to
blend. If a thicker sauce is desired, add tomato paste to desired consistency.
Pack hot jars with hot spaghetti sauce leaving 1-inch head space. Wipe rim
and screw threads and adjust lids and screw bands.
Following manufacturer's directions, process quart jars in pressure canner
for 25 minutes at 11 lbs pressure.
Let your jars sit somewhere where they will not be disturbed for at least 24
hours to cool and finish the sealing process.
Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom who is the author of What's for
Dinner?, an e-cookbook containing more than 250 quick easy dinner ideas. For
more recipes, gardening, organizing tips, home decorating, holiday hints, and
more, visit Creative Homemaking at 
Dried pasta comes in a
variety of sizes and shapes. If you don't already have some in your kitchen
cupboard, you can find a variety of different pastas to choose from in the bulk
section of your grocery store. Let your child go with you to pick it out.
Pour approximately 1/2 cup
rubbing alcohol into each bowl. Add 10 or so drops of food coloring into each
bowl, one bowl for each color. Drop the pasta into the bowl and stir gently with
a spoon for a few seconds.
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