Stitching in the sunshine

[paul]

Looks like the nice hot weather has arrived in the UK at last.
I've always thought about doing my stitching outside in the nice hot sun but never have.

I was just wondering if there are any pro's and con's for stitching outside.
Like will sun effect the aida and cotton?
May seem a silly thing to say but I'm not sure if the sun would have any bad effects.

Does anyone stitch outside?

[rcperryls]

I love to stitch outside when the weather is good. I put my stash in a picnic basket and take it to a terrace in the backyard which is under a tree so it is mostly in the shade. My biggest problem is bugs (we have a lot of gnats and mosquitos) but have never noticed any effect from the sun, but then I tend to not like to sit too much in the direct sunlight as it gets on the warm side. There is something especially soothing about stitching outdoors. I haven't in a while, but hope to get a few good outdoor days in before the weather really heats up.

Carole

[Mabel Figworthy]

I've stitched outside and really enjoy it (on the rare occasions that I get the chance!) and haven't noticed any adverse effects on fabric or threads (except the cat snuggling up to me and trying to go off with any loose threads )

[BizzieLizzie]

I'm glad you asked that, Paul! I don't know the answer, but I've been wondering lately if my craft lamp will cause my DMCs to prematurely fade if I stitch for a few hours at a time at the weekends.

[Athalie]

I used to spend hours stitching outiside and have never found it caused any discolouraion of my threads or fabrics. Mind you I didn't sit in full sunlight, had a lovely shady tree in my garden. Same with my lamp, I've stitched under it for hours at a time and there has been no damage.

[mechie]

Sunlight can fade your fabric and/or threads, but it would take a lot of exposure. I once left a WIP that was done on navy blue adia on my scroll frame in a guest room for probably more that 6 months without touching it. This room got direct sunlight for a good majority of the day. When I picked it back up there was a huge line across the fabric where the sunlight had discolored it. Needless to say that WIP became a UFO after that. So, unless you're planning on sitting outside for months on end in the exact same position, you should be fine stitching outside.

mechie

[Angel]

My only problem sitting outside is that random, unexpected gust of wind that comes and vanishes with no warning...Many a thread has been stolen away by this great british breeze

[Emmylou]

I like to sit on the balcony of our flat, there's no shade and I haven't noticed any problems. Tend to sit there for 2-3 hours as I find it very relaxing.

[Nachstenliebe]

I absolutely love to stitch outdoors. I think this year I'll really get to sit and enjoy it as the youngest usually wanted my attention quite often. I never noticed any effects on anything I stitched.. but I did once leave my scissors outside... and didn't find them until a few days later... I wouldn't recommend it...
Faith

[wendywombat]

My only problem sitting outside is that random, unexpected gust of wind that comes and vanishes with no warning...Many a thread has been stolen away by this great british breeze

The French breezes can do the same too!!! Sun is stronger here too. but I've stitched in the sunshine here and in southern Spain...no worries!

Except I get thirsty and seek the shade!

HINT!!! do NOT drop any Ribena on your fabric!!!! I did once and din't notice until later. Luckily it was an area to be stitched over and couldn't be seen!

[franacropan]

If you are actually in the sun and not shaded I suggest putting sunscreen on the back of the hand that is on top of the work and exposed to the sun. I have "age spots" on my right hand and none on my left. They appeared one year as freckles after stitching often in the sun and never went away.