Big needlepoint,

[ERIC]

The piece is 5 ft by 8 ft.

It was made in sections & sewn togeather.

It has thick and thin areas (varying # of plys).

It has areas of text in the center that must be straight.

It will be stretched only - no frame.

My thinking is that after I make a well braced stretcher, I should stretch nylon mesh screening over it. Then position the needlepoint and start sewing it in the middle and spiral my way to the edge.

What are your thoughts? Will it work? :confused:

[Jack Cee]

Eric:

Yes it will work, we have done some like that. You might also want to consider using a good grade heavy linen stretched on your stretcher bars, stapled on the edges and sew to the linen, a bit more body than the screening and easier to work with. You could stretch the needlework as you go so that it will match the tightness of the linen. Lots of luck.

Jack Cee

[fttom]

Eric, go with what Jack says. Linen is much better than the screening, and a whole lot easier to work with. If it is needlepoint, and not cross stitch(some folks don't know the difference, and there is), it is probably warpped off to one side. You will have to pull it into shape. The nylon will stretch with that much tension. The canvas it is stitched on is much stronger than nylon.

[ERIC]

Ummm, yeah, it's more like cross stitch.

I called it needle point without thinking about it first. So there won't be the issue of the pressure you talked about.

[fttom]

You're still better off with linen. It will hold up much better, and be much easier to work with. I do an awful lot of needlework stuff. "The Other Half" does his own original patterns, and is an artist with a needle. I, of course, frame all of his stuff. The linen backer will be much better, and smoother in the end.

[Framing Goddess]

Eric,
what is it stitched on? Canvas/mesh like a needlepoint? Or an evenweave fabric like a linen?
That may make a difference when you get to the point of trying to align the words.

I hope you are charging by the hour.

[ERIC]

Oh boy, how did I forget to ask about that point :confused:

I told them that I would not give them a quote, and they understand. But what issues should I factor in when creating an estimate? I'm thinking that it will take 2-3 people at a time to work on this. Probabably standing up. Also, once I start to mount it, I will not be able to stop or put it down until it's done.

They will deliver and pick up. They may also be willing to wait until January, so I can schedule it better.

Fabric type? - I have not seen it yet.(it is in another state, 2 hr drive away) I will ask them your question. Thanks FG! They are working on emailing me a photo also.

P.S. - I also have the right to refuse the job when they do bring it in. It seems that their respect for me and my professionalism shot up real high when I brought this up. I was nervous about saying this, but over the phone, you must protect yourself and your business.

It pays to be confident about your work AND keep from getting in over your head