by Nancy Lukoskie | Finishing
We use monks braid instead of fabric cording mostly on church kneelers and cushions. Most of the pieces that we receive for restoration will have a separate boxing (gusset) and they were originally finished with a fabric cording. Monks Braid is a great alternative to fabric cording: It is the very last step of completing the restoration. The braid is hand sewn in...
by Nancy Lukoskie | Uncategorized
My blocking experience and training started back in 1979. My job description was a “Blocker”, I blocked hundreds of canvases my first year. No exaggeration! We were the finisher for many needlepoint shops and numerous churches along the East Coast. This is where I had the opportunity to learn and recognize the individual characteristics of needlepoint canvases,...
by Nancy Lukoskie | Blocking
The first blog addresses blocking needlepoint canvases, now I would like to address the characteristics of threads and how they may effect the blocking and finishing processes. For starters, I am not advocating decorative stitches or threads for church kneelers and cushions and rugs, because they would not hold up with the use that these two items receive. They are...
by Nancy Lukoskie | Blocking
I know this may sound very odd to you, but why does blocking make me hungry? Have you ever given thought as to what may be on your hands, or in the air while you are stitching your canvas? Believe me, the yarns absorb these scents and it comes out during the blocking process. I have detected grilled steak, pot roast (I think?) curry, cigars, cigarettes, mothballs...
