An email from listener Donna Gotts prompted this second stretcher-bar video. This time we cover some of the finer points of using stretcher bars that can make stitching life more pleasant. If you have other suggestions, please leave them in the comments.–Gary
Links to items mentioned in this show:
EverTite stretcher bars, Frame Lock corner devices, and tacks: http://www.needlestack.com/WebStore/Accessories/StretcherBars.html
Adjust-A-Frame stretcher bars: Download price list at wetalkfiber.com/canvas
1) I mark the canvas with T or TOP (depending on the size of the canvas) because when I take the canvas to be framed, it’s important for the framer to know the origination of the canvas for hanging on the wall. I do a lot of Kathy Rees geometrics so I know where the top is but it’s not obvious to the framer.
2) I bought a pair of the thinner Evertites a while back. They are not noticeably thinner and they have held up very well over the years. Of course I treat them with tender loving care because they are the most convenient for me to use and I love them…..so I take better care of them than I do most other things. I pair them together with rubber bands and store them upright in a box that keeps them snug in a dry place so none of my bars over the last 20 years have warped.
3) I generally write the number length on the end of the bar with a black sharpie so that I can see it when it’s in use on a project. I sometimes have two or three canvases going at a time and when I’m looking for a specific length, I can see what the number is on the works in progress.
4) I have found online seller groups on line to be a good source for used Evertites. Our stashes outlive us and there are many sellers who acquire stashes in estate sales and the like. So I have been able to get the more popular sizes that I didn’t have before from those online sellers. eBay has been a great source for me….but I’m sure there are other sellers like Etsy who also can be a source.