I was asked by Rescuer to share some of the info about my Snowdrops Tea Light project (found here: http://www.cuteembroidery.com/10213334_snow-drops-tea-light-cover.html) So here goes.

I used 2 layers of non-woven, water soluble stabilizer (wss) (not the clear plastic stuff used as a topper on towels and fabric with a dense pile). Make sure you hoop this very tightly or you'll end up with a donation to the local land fill. (ask me how I know ;-)

I used a 90/14 universal needle and standard 40wt polyester embroidery thread in both top and bobbin.

Each side used just over 1 1/2 bobbins. I loaded 5 bobbins before starting. Your machine may differ so best to be on the safe side and have too many than have to stop mid-project to fill another one.

Each side took just over an hour to stitch.

When finished, cut away the stabilizer close to the design. Trim any jump stitches on the backside (I think there were maybe 2 per side) and rinse just enough to remove the wss that shows in the loops on the side and whatever is left around the edges. You don't want to wash too much of the stabilizer away or your lace will end up limp and floppy.

I dry my FSL between two sheets of plastic needlepoint canvas that's placed on a thick terry cloth towel. Blot both sides with the towel and wait for your lace to dry.

The advantage to this method is, the lace doesn't stick to the plastic nor will it get "fuzzy" from the towel (yep, experience talking again...)

I used (2) 24" pieces of 5/8" double sided satin ribbon to lace the pieces together. Treat the ends of the ribbon with your favorite fray stopping product or you can heat sear the ends if you're more adventurous.

If you want your bow to end up on the bottom, start lacing from the top with the WRONG side of the cover facing you. This will ensure that the right side of your cover will end up facing out. I've included some pictures to help you see what I mean.

Tie a bow, even up the ends, if need be (treat ends again to stop any fraying) Do the other side the same way, making sure the ends are on the front of the cover. Enjoy!