I have been doing some FSL and using just the one layer with success, but now it has me thinking - for those who use only the one layer please tell me what do you do with the bits left over?? I usually use the base layer and then use the bits as a second layer.

Save the small pieces to fill up

I move my design to the closest position on the side and the top, and then rehoop to save the washaway. The waste pieces are either stuck together with a wet cloth or sponge and left to dry and then used again. Any small pieces are put aside for glue later on. I also sew together larger pieces to use on my towels, etc.

I sew them together and use as a regular stabilizer when sewing towels, felt or material. Works just as nice. I have bags of left overs as I do a lot of FSL projects. Just snip the zigzag stitch under if it is in your way to remove if necessary.

I use one layer. After the firt design I take out the design carefully and just cut a small piece on new stabilizer to fit in the hole. Then do the next one. I stick the small pieces together with a damp sponge or my fingers. I keep doing it until I get a new sheet to sew on.Nothing wasted. The bits that are way too small I dissolve in a jar to stiffen FSL when I need to. Suzanne

This is just a thought that I had. I haven't tried it though. What if you put it in a bottle with some water, spray it on FSL ornaments (for Christmas next year) would the glitter then stick? I guess it doesn't have to be Christmas, any FSL you want glittery! I don't do alot of them-but it's on my "to do" list.

5 comments

by annsalem 10 Jan 2012

If you make up a bottle of spray don't forget to mix alcohol with it. Alcohol stops it from going moldy.I keep a tub full by my machine and put my FSL to soak in it. Makes them nice and stiff.
Ann

by susiesembroidery 10 Jan 2012

Thanks Ann for this tip.***

by edithfarminer 10 Jan 2012

What sort of alcohol do you put in this Ann ??

by dino 10 Jan 2012

I do the same thing with bits of WSS (adding the alcohol) and I've had a bottle of the solution for a couple years and it is still good.

by nama2 10 Jan 2012

thanks for the tip.

I stitched two pieces down the middle and reuse it on another embroidery, I use alot of big pieces in my 200x 360 hoop and can almost always recuperate enough to resue in my 180 x 130 hoop.
Hugs
Michelle

Save them in a bag to use as "starch" later.

1 comment

by mi30kaja 10 Jan 2012

I have been saving mine as well, but can see I am going to have this collection everywhere.

Sometimes I use the pieces to fill up in the middle if the designs where small. It works. Marie

1 comment

by mi30kaja 10 Jan 2012

Thanks Marie.