I would like to dedicate the blog post today to something all needlepointers struggle with, UFPs. What is a UFP? A UFP is an unfinished project.
Growing up around a needlepointing mother I became VERY familiar with UFPs. Next to my mother's needlepointing chair lived a growing collection of UFPs. Every year the collection would multiply like bunnies. Finally, the UFP pile became as high as the chair. It was in this moment that my mother decided to leave all of her UFPs to me in her will. Thanks mom. However, I know it is not just my mother who struggles with UFPs. I struggle with UFPs. Frequently, we have customers come into the store who also have their own UFP pile. SO how can we combat UFPs? Susan and I sat down last week and came up with some UFP solutions.
1) CHANGE YOUR FIBERS
A lot of times I find myself becoming discouraged with a canvas simply because I don't like the fiber I am using. There is an easy solution to this problem! Simply switch out your fibers for new ones. At The Point of It All we can help you pick out new fibers so you can finish your UFP.
2) TAKE A BREAK
If I am working on a large needlepoint project, like a detailed pillow design, I often become discouraged and bored. A great way to reinvigorate your interest in a piece is to pick up a new small project! A lot of The Point of It All staff practices this UFP combative measure. Working on a smaller, less complicated canvas such as a Christmas ornanment or a key fob can provide a refreshing break from a larger project.
3) CHANGE THE CANVAS
Sometimes a canvas just doesn't hold the same appeal it did when first purchased. A great solution to this problem is to have our custom artist Deborah repaint some of the canvas or change the canvas colors. This is an easy way to revive a canvas falling into the depths of your UFP pile.
4) CHANGE YOUR STITCH
The continental stitch and basketweave stitch are great basic stitches, but sometimes they can feel repetitive. If you are working on a canvas in solely continental and basketweave it is easy to become bored. We have two solutions for this problem. First, we sell informative and easy to follow books that teach a plethora of stitches. One of our favorite books is by The Point of It All owner Susan. Swing by The Point of It All to pick it up and you could even have the book signed by the author! Second, schedule a private lesson with Laurie. Laurie is an experienced needlepointing teacher who will take you step by step through different stitches. Call The Point of It All today to schedule a lesson!
5) HELP US HELP YOU
At The Point of It All we have a fabulous team of stitching nuns who can finish your project. Their work is impeccable and oftentimes, dare I say it, flawless! The turnaround time is fairly quick, so your UFP will transform into a finished project in no time. We charge by the square inch for the stitching.
6) OPPS SALE
If none of these suggestions hold any appeal, there is always one last resort. In the summer The Point Of It All holds an "Oops Sale." At the Oops Sales customers bring in their UFPs. In return we sell the UFPs steeply discounted with all of the proceeds going to breast cancer research. Donating to the Oops Sale is a great way to dwindle your UFP pile and support a fabulous cause.
So here's to UFPs! Let's raise a needle and vow to combat our own UFP piles this spring!
