FSL Drying Method Released August 21, 2009

**MaryEHenry** · August 24th, 2009

FSL Drying Method
Released August 21, 2009

http://www.designsbysick.com/article...drying-method/

**MaryEHenry** · August 24th, 2009

Great Tip!

**gartner** · August 24th, 2009

I use a big sheet of Styrofoam and rinse my FSLace and then pin it to the styrofoam and let it dry. Works great.
the styrofoam sheets can be purchased at most craft stores.

Denise

**dorie** · August 26th, 2009

Great tip I have done that very same thing.

**Dreama** · August 30th, 2009

Great tip. Also like the idea of plastic canvas on both sides.

**clkeck** · August 30th, 2009

I place mine between sheets of wax paper or the backing from sticky back.
Connie

**Rebekah1234** · September 2nd, 2009

When I have lots of FSL to wash, I put it in a lingerie bag and then just through it through a small load in the washer, and that removes all the washable stablizer.

**gartner** · September 2nd, 2009

Remember if you want your lace designs to be stiff then only rinse out the water soluble stabilizer just enough that you don't see it anymore.
The less you rinse out the stiffer the lace will be. This is great for Xmas ornaments, bowls, doilies and anything that you want to hold the shape.

If you want your lace soft then rinse out as much as possible.
Or as Rebekah mentioned put through the washing machine.

Denise in Calgary

**cgillen** · November 11th, 2009

Great tips. I have been wanting to make some of the FSL snowflakes.
My grandmother used to hand crochet those and give them for gifts to the kids.
Has anyone ever used the gold thread for FSL or would it break too easily?

Cynthia

**gartner** · November 11th, 2009

cgillen

I have used Metallic thread in some of my FSL Snowflake designs I purchased from Stitch Delight. These were digitized so that one of the 2 colors in the snowfakes was the metallic thread.
I did use the metallic in both the top thread and the bobbin thread.

I set my top thread tension down abit for stitching and stitched at a slower speed.

When I would the bobbin with the metallic thread I slowed the machine down to wind the bobbin slowly and had no problems.

I did use an Large Eyed Organ needle in a size 12 sharp ( #15x1ST).
These large eyed needles are ment for use with metallic thread..
Schmetz also makes metallic needles especially for embroidering with metallic thread.

I think if you use a FSL design that is not too stitch intensive then you could use the metallic thread.
If the design has more than one color perhaps use the metallic just for 1 color as a highlight.

Denise in Calgary

**seaislandmist** · November 11th, 2009

I have stitched out a star design from embroidery library using silver and just regular white prewound bobbin. Had no problems. I did use the metallic needles.

**p_lanter** · November 12th, 2009

I should mention that you need to be careful with disposing the water afterwards. It has been known to damage pipes. Can be very costly to fix. I dump my water out in my backyard. I don't want to take any chances.
Hugs, Patty

**gartner** · November 12th, 2009

Hi Patty

I have heard if you pour it on the weeds around your yard it will kill them.
Just make sure not to pour it on the lawn and flowers & trees.

Denise in Calgary

**cgillen** · November 29th, 2009

It might be a California thing, but I am not seeing styrofoam anything in our stores anymore. Never noticed it until this post. Every one seems so "green" out here that maybe they do not use it anymore. Guess I will be going to the craft store or waiting until packages arrive from other parts of the country.

**annmarie** · December 11th, 2009

Originally Posted by p_lanter

I should mention that you need to be careful with disposing the water afterwards. It has been known to damage pipes. Can be very costly to fix. I dump my water out in my backyard. I don't want to take any chances.
Hugs, Patty

Thanks for the tip Patty, I really think I would be in the dog house with Mam if I clogged up the pipes or killed her lawn...Il throw it on the stones in the yard

**ravenstreamr** · December 13th, 2009

Thanks for the tip. It was a real help for this newcomer to the FSL game. I really didn't like how ironing flattened the stitching and now I don't have to do it.

**gartner** · January 1st, 2010

ravenstreamr

If you iron or press your FSLace place it on a Bathroom terry towel face down backside up. Place a press sheet or tea towel over the backside of the lace that is facing up at you and lightly press.
The terry towel under the lace prevents it from completely going flat when pressed.

This is the best way to press any embroidery or embroidered item.

Denise in Calgary

**ravenstreamr** · January 2nd, 2010

Thanks Denise for the additional tip on ironing. You always have such helpful and constructive suggestions. I'm really enjoying the tips you so generously share.

**Rebekah1234** · February 3rd, 2010

Another hint for metallic thread is to use a thread stand away from your machine to allow the thread time to relax before getting to the tension discs. Watch it carefully and hand guide it before the discs if you notice tangles. I have found Marathon to be very nice metallic thread.