#03-23 The Pixels of Yesteryear - Needlepoint

Hi people, Brini here with another episode for your viewing pleasure. This week we’re delving into needlepoint! It’s a charming craft and so easy to do. The project that I’m working on in the show is Clyde the Camel and he’s ever so much fun.

One of the stitches we detail this time around is the tent stitch, which when done diagonally creates a basket weave on the back of the canvas. The reason we do the stitch in this pattern is to reduce distortion of the canvas because each diagonal line pulls the canvas in the opposite direction of the last, keeping the canvas much more square than if you work the stitch across or down.

The other stitch I demonstrated is the satin stitch. It can be done vertically, horizontally or diagonally and covers more than one intersection of the canvas. The parallel stitches create a smooth surface that’s pleasant to the touch.

If you’re interested in needlepoint you can find materials and supplies at www.needlepoint.com and information about the craft at www.needlepoint.org. For a more ironic view of the craft be sure and have a look at The Needlepoint Museum.

#03-22 Bright and Clean, Always Under Foot - The Care and Cleaning of Carpets

Hi people, Brini here, and this week on the show we’re taking care of your carpet! It’s important to keep your wall to wall looking fresh. It’s a big investment, and a shabby floor makes for a shabby home.

A clipper comb is perfect for shaving the pills off your low pile Berber carpet. You can also find a little electric razor designed for the purpose that’s better for high or loose looped pile carpets. Simply run the clipper along the surface of the carpet with the blade tilted just above the surface and the pills come right off!

Carpet dents can be removed with a spritz of water. The dents will relax with the water and a little fidgeting.

I was pleased to find that the spots on my carpet almost all came up with Kaboom, that product from late night television. Although Orange Glo no longer makes the stain remover (they’ve migrated the Kaboom brand over to bathroom cleaners) I’m pleased to recommend Spot Shot Carpet Stain Remover. Though I haven’t used it myself, I’ve had positive reports from other’s about the effectiveness of it. Of course, be sure and test any spot remover on a hidden area of your carpet before using it on an exposed area.

For more useful tips on home maintenance have a look at the tips section of the part of my website devoted to my Style Network show.