Filed under: ANG Central Jersey Chapter, General comments, Name Tag Lee Canvas, Tools
I decided to add a blue “mat” by stitching 3 rows of tent stitch using the same dark blue Impressions 6040 used to frame the name.
I cut 4 tabs on each side, folded them back, steamed the canvas, added a piece of magazine board, placed a piece of double stick fusible web on the canvas (about 1/2″ smaller than the canvas), placed a piece of blue Ultrasuede on top and pressed it into place with my iron. I used my ironing cloth to protect the Ultrasuede since I had and still have no idea if applying an iron with or without steam to Ultrasuede is a good idea or not! It is sufficiently stiff and not too thick. I had left about 1/2″ around the edge so I could glue the edges to the white canvas tabs on the back. Glue could not reach the front because of the magazine board. If it did, it would only be on the blue “mat.”
I should have attached the pinback to the Ultrasuede first but my curved needles allowed me to attach it relatively easily. The pinback measures 1.5″ end to end but the center part is 1″.
Have I mentioned that I don’t like necklaces? Well, I don’t! So, I’ve come up with a way to display these.
I started using my Smasta in 2022 as a travel tool kit. Here is the inside. Note the pointed metal arch at the top.
Here is the outside. Note the clear plastic oval. It has 2 magnets that are paired with the pointed metal arch on the inside (originally purchased at Barnes and Noble to hold glasses, but I never used it for that). It was in my travel tote as an extra needle minder if needed at a class.
By placing it where it is now, I can use it to display my name tags as I stitch! My Brandywine Chapter name tag already had a pinback. So, I knew this would work.
I added one to the back of my Main Line Stitchers Chapter name tag just in time for our Saturday Stitch-in tomorrow.
And, the newest name tag . . .
All 3 look great with the blue Smasta!
I believe I got this name tag holder at an EGA Mid-Atlantic Regional meeting. It holds all 3 name tags! The newest one just fit in the center zipper pocket.
That leaves New Jersey Needle Artists as the odd man out. I do have instructions for theirs. Maybe someday.
If you have Evertite Stretcher Bars, you have a Bondhus Hex T-handle. This looks like a lethal weapon and would never keep it in my carry-on luggage figuring it might get confiscated.
Someone mentioned (probably on Facebook) that any 3/32″ Hex Dogging Key would work. I found a pack of 10 of them on Amazon. So, I got them to have one hanging off my lamp next to me where I stitch and one in my travel tool bag. It’s so much easier to carry. A few of the rest are part of gift bags. It works just as well.
Melitastitches4fun's Blog 
Filed under: General comments, Tools
I heard about Adjustable Stretcher Bars by Frank A Edmunds and found a set of 12″ and 16″ online and had to try them – because they exist!
They are easier to put together than Evertite bars (no hammer needed) and square up better. But, some of the bars hang off. With the first arrangement, I could attach my lap stand along the upper left extended bar which which would be good but the lower right extended bar would be cumbersome because I am right handed.
So, I switched orientation.
I can’t make the canvas more taut by shifting the bars because they interlock. Evertites are easy to stretch taut with the turn of a screw.
Once I get stitching on this project, I’ll see what it feels like.
Does anyone else use these?
Updated November 2024: They are going to Ebay. They didn’t keep the canvas tight. And, they easily got bumped out of shape. Not for me.