Top 12 types of needlework
Top 12 types of needlework

In the good old days, you might have heard or seen images of knitwear and wondered how painstakingly the artisan has put it. You might even have seen your grandmother making one and marveled about the needlework. But did you know that there are 12 major types of it? Let us take a sneak peek into their types.

1. Applique: It is an ancient type of needlework, where the decorative pieces of one layer of fabric are applied to another base, or another textile or layer.

2. Bead embroidery: As the name suggests, it is simply the submission of beads to a fabric and weaving a pattern in them. The possibilities are endless with this.

3. Crocheting: This type of needlework is made by inter-looping yarn or thread with a hooked needle. It has been practiced for centuries and is one of the common types during medieval ages.

4. Cross stitch: This is a common type of needlework used in a regular pattern of stitching. It can be used on a wide variety of fabrics.

5. Hand embroidery: This is the type where a yarn is used to decorate a piece of fabric. This can be done with beads, jewelry, and even gold.

6. Knitting: This is a household needlework method. Usually done with 2 knitting needles, loops are created in the yarn and the loops are interchanged using the needles. This is a great stress buster.

7. Needle felting: This type of needlework is usually done using wool yarn. More professional artisans prefer this method over conventional means.

8. Needle lace making: Laces are an integral part of needlework. They throw the attention towards them in any fabric. They can be made with just a thread, pair of scissors, and a needle.

9. Needlepoint: This is a type of artwork where you will need to count the number of threads across your canvas. The stitches have to be laid over the surface area and depend on the size of your pattern. Many factors are taken into consideration while making a needlepoint.

10. Punch needle embroidery and rug making: This is a separate art in itself and a hollow needle is used to determine the type of thread to use. Usually, these types of work require a frame and have to be tight to the core.

11. Quilting: Most of us might have heard of quilting, but may not have realized that it is a type of needlework. In this type of needlework, a thread is used to join at least three layers of fabric and forms a padded quilt material. The fabric can be of multiple types.

12. Tatting: This is an art of lace making and a crochet hook is used for making the laces. Patterns are created through this and are looped into the spaces where the decorative richness can be exhibited.

  • Best train tours in the country

    Several regions in the country boast charming landscapes, watercourses, and landmarks. Train tours are among the best ways to enjoy these sights while traveling. There are many such tours that offer scenic routes along with great amenities. You can either take a tour in a single state or take a trip that goes across multiple states. Either way, train tours will give you a wonderful showcase of the country’s best views. Here are the best train tours in the country:

    Great Smoky Mountains
    Traveling through the mountains in a train is something that most people may have seen in a movie. While there are many other ways to enjoy the scenery of this exact area, train tours are most probably the best one. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad passes through the enchanting Great Smoky Mountains range situated in North Carolina. This famous tour starts in Bryson City and then goes on to take the scenic route of the quaint mountain range to give the passengers an extraordinary view. You can also gaze upon the magnificent views of Nantahala Gorge and the Tuckasegee River. This tour offers a combined experience of wildlife and mesmerizing sights. This is why it is one of the most awe-inspiring tours in the country.

    Coastal Route
    Train tours on the coastal route span between the cities of Los Angeles and Seattle. While many people just opt for specific portions of the tour, the entire tour is a truly remarkable experience. A tour on the coastal route offers a memorable experience by taking you through national parks and along oceanfront cliffs. It also takes you through important cities like Santa Barbara and San Francisco. The total time taken to go from one end to another is approximately 36 hours. The amenities provided on the tour are lounges, cafes, dining cars, and sleeping cars. 

    Grand Canyon
    When it comes to natural landmarks, there are hardly any other places that can beat the Grand Canyon in its grandeur. Tours through the Grand Canyon give you a closer look at the geological marvel. It involves following a two-hour route that starts from Williams, Arizona, and goes all the way to the South Rim of the Canyon. This route began operating in the year 1901 and still transports people from all over the world through the landmark. The complete tour takes a little over 8 hours for a complete round trip and includes a four-hour stopover.

    Denali Star
    Tours along this route travel a total of 350 miles in a matter of 12 hours. The complete trip covers bewitching sights between Anchorage and Fairbanks. The view from the train allows you to gaze upon Hurricane Gulch, Nenana River Gorge, and Mt. Denali.

    Arkansas and Missouri Railroad
    You get a chance to experience the charming beauty of the Midwest region through tours running on the Arkansas and Missouri Railroad. You can get an up-close experience of the majestic Ozark Mountains. These tours offer a great visual combination of rugged terrain and colorful forests. This day-long round-trip is a great way to experience natural beauty.

    Southwest Chief
    Tours on the Southwest Chief allow you to travel through eight states including Arizona and New Mexico. Across these eight states, you will get to see the rugged landscapes of the Southwest region of the country. The view gets even better as most trains on this route have large windows. These train tours have top-notch dining and sleeping accommodations. The crowning jewel of the trip is the desert and mountain views. This is the reason why these tours enjoy immense popularity. As a result of the long distance to be covered, these train tours take a little over 40 hours to travel one-way.

    California Zephyr
    Tours on the California Zephyr route start from Chicago, Illinois, and go all the way to California. However, many travelers join the tour at Denver, among other stops on the way. Train tours on this route give you a breathtaking view of Midwest sights like the Rocky Mountains and rivers, along with cities like San Francisco. Zephyr is also the name of the train. It is an extremely comfortable train that has sleeping accommodations, multiple dining options, and double-decker cars. These tours are the perfect option if you want to have a cross-country experience. One-way distance of the tour takes around 51 hours to complete and offers a great blend of comfort and adventure.

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  • What you need to know about DIRECTV packages

    DIRECTV is one of the best satellite tv providers in the industry. With some of the best bundled services, they combine your telephone line and internet bills together to make paying bills easier. They are partnered with AT&T which means that their internet services are very reliable.

    However, for first time users, it can be a little hard to know what to expect in terms of what DIRECTV has to offer. If you don’t know a thing about directv packages and what they offer, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

    Here are a couple of things you need to know regarding their satellite tv services and the basis of their directv package prices.

    No Overages: When you bundle your AT&T Unlimited Plus with DIRECTV, you can stream unlimited shows and movies and not worry about paying any overage charges. They offer wireless plans and unlimited speed. However, there’s a data cap of 22GB. When you cross that,your speed may be less. On the bright side however, you don’t have to pay extra and can keep streaming for as long as you like without worrying about any extra charges. You also get a $25 monthly credit for the first three months with bundled plans.

    No Contracts: The best part about DIRECTV services is that you don’t have to commit to any contracts. You can stick with them as long as you like and can cancel anytime you desire. You can stream live TV shows and get access to 10,000+ on-demand titles. Additionally, there’s no equipment needed for the setup and you don’t have to worry about paying equipment fees.

    Available Add-Ons: Premium content is the stellar side of DIRECTV packages. Whether you love music, news, sports, kids channels, entertainment, infotainment, or international content, various add ons are available. You can customize your subscription and pick the channels you like. Every package comes with different channels and if you don’t like or want certain channels, you can remove them from your subscription and lower your monthly bill.

    There are also premium movie channels available alongside local channels. You can get access to local news and sports, plus enjoy the benefits of watching HD movies whenever you like. There’s no end to entertainment and customization for binge watchers where DIRECTV is concerned.

    Recording Features: DIRECTV’s Genie HD DVR which comes bundled with their services can record up to 200 hours of premium content, movies, and TV shows. You no longer have to worry about missing another show ever again. You can also record live streaming shows.

    2-Year Combined Guarantee

    When you combine your AT&T subscription with your DIRECTV or DIRECTV NOW plans, your bill is combined for two years. You will pay the same directv package prices for bundled services. This can be convenient for new users.

    Opting for DIRECTV can be quite advantageous. Be sure to check it out this year.

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  • Important Factors To Keep In Mind While Buying Power And Hand Tools

    As the infrastructure has advanced, there has been a growing need and demand for tools that make complex tasks more manageable. And the best part is that today you can find a range of power and hand tools that save time and increase efficiency. These are designed according to every user’s requirement and convenience. So, whether you are a DIY enthusiast or a full-fledged builder, you are exposed to a comprehensive line of essential and specialized tools and machinery. However, before choosing power and hand tools, you must be aware of certain things so that you don’t have anything to fret about later.

    Purpose – Firstly analyze the intent of using power and hand tools you are planning to purchase. For instance, if you are a professional carpenter then you might need a specific type of industrial tools that have several advanced features. On the other hand, if you are just looking for products for a home improvement project then you can opt for power and hand tool kits which can competently execute simple tasks.
    Also, remember that you should refrain from substituting tools for different tasks. For example, don’t buy a screwdriver and intend to use it as a chisel too. This can not only cause damage to the project but also result in grave injuries. Therefore, use the right power and hand tools for the best finished product.

    Quality – Ensure that whatever tools you are getting, whether they are heavy or light are created with robust materials, which are anti-slip and have insulating qualities. Avoid buying products that just seem to appear lustrous. If you can’t gauge its quality, look for the necessary product as well as safety certifications. To gain more insights, peruse through consumer reviews and ratings on online e-commerce sites and blogs.

    Design and weight – Your chosen power and hand tools must not only be good at their job but should also be comfortable. Repetitively using tools can often commonly cause pain in the wrists, arms, and back. Therefore, pick a product that has an ergonomic design. This means that you should use power and hand tools that can efficiently perform a task without the use of extra force, frequent movement and tricky handling.
    The hand and power tools should ideally have such a body which divides its weight uniformly so that the operator can maintain balance and the tool can perform tasks in the safest and effective method. Likewise, ensure that its handles are sturdy and facilitate a fantastic power grip so that your body is not strained even after using it for an extensive period.

    Non-conducive – As mentioned before, buy tools that protect you from any kind of heat or shock. Ensure that they are covered with insulating materials so that you don’t suffer from burns or any unpleasant shudders while working.

    Vibration and noise – At times, some power tools can create a high level of vibration and noise. The former can cause your hands to experience numbness, paleness, and tingling. On the other hand, excessive noise can damage your hearing capabilities. So, when you are scrutinizing your options, look for power tools that produce an acceptable level of tremors and mechanical noise.

    The factors mentioned above can be helpful while selecting power and hand tools. However, you must also focus on the safety measures. Some of the common ones are wearing safety gears (such as goggles, gloves, hard helmets ear muffs, etc.), timely inspection and maintenance, responsible transport and storage, and using the tools with correct techniques. These will significantly reduce the chances of getting injured and will increase your productivity as well.

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  • Top smartphones with the best reviews

    Picking the best smartphone is getting more and more difficult nowadays. In every price range, there are multiple options available. There are numerous features in smartphones under $800 too. 

    Let’s review a few smartphones to understand the best choice.

    Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
    The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has been one of the top picks for many reviewers. According to reviews, the S21 Ultra is the best smartphone in the world right now. The smartphone has a very beautiful design, and its camera setup is top-notch. Although the smartphone is more expensive than most phones, it is worth the money and has the best smartphone reviews.

    iPhone 12 Pro Max
    According to online reviews, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is one of the best phones to buy and is practically perfect. It is one of the most talked-about phones with the top reviews. It sports the exceptional A14 Bionic chip that offers spectacular performance and complements the 6.7-inch OLED display beautifully. The battery life is better than any other version of the iPhone 12 and lasts for 11 hours. It certainly is not cheap at a price tag of $1,099, but it’s a great all-around performer.

    iPhone 12 Mini
    The iPhone 12 Mini has some positive smartphone reviews. The features on the phone are exquisite and compete with the best in the market. The phone has a 5.4-inch screen, which makes it very comfortable to hold. It’s no surprise that it is dubbed as one of the best small smartphones of 2021.

    OnePlus 9 Pro
    Released in March 2021, the OnePlus 9 Pro is a welcome improvement on the single biggest shortcoming of the OnePlus 9 – it’s the camera. The OnePlus 9 Pro competes with various other top smartphones available right now. It comes with a great display offering a refresh rate of 120 Hz, impressive power, and an eye-catchy design. The battery is not the best on this one, and this is why people might not prefer to spend the extra money on the iPhone 9 Pro. However, considering the plethora of features available, this phone is worth the money spent.

    Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
    The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is undoubtedly an expensive phone at approximately $1,299, but it does more than practically any other phone at the moment. The S Pen has been a stand-out feature on the Note series, and with this upgrade, the pen receives some enhancements as well. The phone is smooth to work on and has an impressive camera, thus receiving positive reviews from everyone, especially business users.

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  • Top phone services that offer free government cell phones

    If you are still researching as to where to get free government cell phones, you may want to consider the below companies:

    • SafeLink Wireless

    SafeLink Wireless tops the list of the best free government cell phone providers. Its plans vary depending upon your zip code. This company gives you a choice between using your old phone with their plans or getting a free device along with their plans. It offers services in the following states:

    • Alabama
    • District of Colombia
    • Delaware
    • Florida
    • Hawaii
    • Massachusetts
    • Mississippi
    • New Hampshire
    • New Jersey
    • New Mexico
    • New York
    • North Carolina
    • Tennessee
    • Assurance Wireless

    Assurance Wireless comes second in the best free government cell phone providers’ list. Following are its plan features:

    • A free Android smartphone
    • 350 voice minutes per month
    • Unlimited text messages
    • 500 MB data per month

    It offers services in the following states:

    • Alabama
    • Colorado
    • Delaware
    • District of Colombia
    • Florida
    • Idaho
    • Massachusetts
    • Minnesota
    • Mississippi
    • New Hampshire
    • New Jersey
    • New Mexico
    • New York
    • Oregon
    • Tennessee
    • Life Wireless

    As per this program, Life Wireless had the fourth place in the top free government cell phone providers list. However, the company which was at number three i.e. Budget Mobile exited the program in the spring of 2017. Here are some of Life Wireless’ features for its free government cell phone plans:

    • Call anyone anywhere in the country at no extra charge
    • Call waiting
    • Three-way calling
    • Caller ID service
    • Unlimited text messaging (Does not include MMS)
    • Free 911 service
    • Voicemail
    • No roaming charges

    It offers services in the following states:

    • Colorado
    • Minnesota
    • North Dakota
    • Oklahoma

    The common states where all three companies provide services are the following:

    • Arizona
    • Arkansas
    • California
    • Connecticut
    • Georgia
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Kentucky
    • Kansas
    • Illinois
    • Louisiana
    • Maryland
    • Missouri
    • Nevada
    • Ohio
    • Michigan
    • Pennsylvania
    • Puerto Rico
    • Rhode Island
    • South Carolina
    • Maine
    • Texas
    • Utah
    • Washington
    • West Virginia
    • Wisconsin.

    Enroll for the free government cell phone program today.

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  • 5 best Christmas ornaments you can buy this festive season

    One of the best things about Christmas is that it gives you a reason to decorate your home with glittery and shimmering baubles. It can get overwhelming to choose Christmas ornaments given the fact, there are so many types of ornaments and decorations. Thus, to help broaden your holiday horizons, here is a list of some of the best decorative articles for Christmas decorations at your place

    BestPysanky miniature wooden Christmas ornaments
    Ideal for small apartments, these miniature wooden Christmas ornaments can be used for tabletop Christmas trees. Each set contains 48 wooden pieces and includes figures raging sleds, snowmen to elves. The pieces vary in sizes and are more than an inch tall, making them suitable for small Christmas trees and advent calendars.

    Clay handprint and footprint keepsake kit
    Holidays are made out of blissful memories and family traditions. Clay hand and footprint keepsake kits are a sentimental way to mark special occasions or holidays (such as a baby’s arrival, or adopting a pet dog, etc.). The 15 ounces of clay should suffice for making two ornaments each of four inches in diameter. They come with mold and glaze so that you can hang your beloved’s hand or footprint. There are no special tools required. Reviewers and customers suggest that the clay materials are durable and can for a very long time provided they are handled with care.

    Christopher Radko Home is Where the Sled is ornament
    If you are up for a splurge, Home Is Where the Sled Is from Christopher Radko adds a luxurious and artisanal touch to a Christmas tree, regardless of the theme. The Christmas ornament is crafted in Europe using specialized glassblowing techniques and Renaissance-era carvings. The ornament also features a cheerful scene of Santa Clause and sleigh brimming with multi-colored and rendered presents.

    Melissa and Doug Mess-free glitter Christmas ornaments
    The DIY (Do It Yourself) ornament-making kit is best suited for children and will probably last more than one Christmas. The kit can be used to make six foam ornaments and comes with seven sheets of glitter paper. Users and reviewers from across the country state that the DIY can help bring out a creative angle in your child and keep them occupied productively.

    Lark Manor Glass Ornament assortment set
    These set of Christmas ornaments are stunning and affordable. They are handcrafted and painted in sparkling shades of white and silver. Lark Manor Glass Ornament Assortment set can be a beautiful addition to your already splendid Christmas tree.

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  • Dog Foods to Avoid and Eat If Your Pet Has a Sensitive Stomach

    The sensitive stomach is common in pet dogs. However, if the dog is vomiting more often than normal, you need to change its food habit. You need to get the best dog food for a sensitive stomach.

    Dogs do sometimes suffer from diarrhea and vomiting. There can be various reasons for it. It may be because of allergies due to a certain food. It may be due to change in food habits. It may also be due to having too much food at a time. But it is mostly due to the variety of food that they eat.

    So there is nothing to be afraid of if your pet dog is often suffering from an upset stomach. You just need to get the best dog food for a sensitive stomach. If this does not solve the problem, you must visit the vet. Let’s go through the ingredients that the best dog food for a sensitive stomach should or should not have.

    Avoid foods with wheat, soy, and corn

    Some dogs are allergic to foods made from wheat, soy, and corn. This means that their stomach is sensitive to such food items. If you feed such foods to the pet, it is likely to suffer from diarrhea and vomiting. So, stay away from foods prepared with any of these as the ingredient. In fact, dogs are better off without any grain.

    Rice and boiled chicken are innocuous

    If the pet is not able to tolerate a variety of foods, then you can put it on a diet that consists of boiled chicken and rice. Some dogs may not tolerate foods that don’t contain wheat, soy, corn or other grains. For them, a diet of rice and boiled chicken can be the best dog food for a sensitive stomach.

    Good-quality animal protein with low fat

    Vets prescribe fat-free and good quality animal protein for dogs. There are some types of animal proteins which are difficult to digest, such as red meat. You need to avoid feeding such proteins to your pet dog. You also need to avoid meat that the dog has never tried before, such as duck meat or rabbit meat. Unlike a wild dog, a pet dog needs to be fed selectively.

    Give sterilized food

    If the pet is often suffering from the symptoms of a sensitive stomach, then you need to offer only sterilized food to it. It is likely that your pet’s stomach has become allergic to some environmental toxin. In that case, the best dog food for a sensitive stomach is sterilized food. This is to ensure that no foreign body or toxin can enter the stomach of the dog.

    Wet food can be good for your pet

    Owners often suffer from the dilemma about whether to feed dry food or wet food to their pets. While dry foods are the most convenient to store and feed, they may not always be the best dog food for a sensitive stomach.

    The best dog food for a sensitive stomach needs to have adequate water in order to provide the necessary level of hydration. This is more important if the dog does not get enough water throughout the day.

    Wet foods can compensate for a certain portion of your pet’s fluid requirement. Wet foods are also richer in the aroma, which may attract older dogs. Moreover, if you are offering dry foods, the dog may suffer from stomach pain. As the dry foods enter the stomach, it begins to absorb fluids and inflate. This may cause stomach pain.

    Fish is good for a sensitive stomach

    You can try fish. Fish is actually an innocuous source of protein for dogs. Most fish are good for its stomach. However, you must enquire from the vet about specific fish types that may not be so good for the dog’s health.

    Avoid foods that ferment for a long time

    Some carbohydrates like legumes and oats can cause excess gas. So, the best dog food for a sensitive stomach needs to be free from these items.

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  • Different types of nail diseases and their causes

    There are many kinds of ailments that may affect a person, and many of them occur when he or she ignores the care and hygiene of that body part. Nails are one of the most delicate regions of the body, and they are the most susceptible to fungal growth and many other kinds of infections and diseases. Such situations call for immediate medical attention for treatment of finger nail fungus, or any other kind of nail disease that the patient may be suffering from. So here are a few common nail diseases that can affect the nails.

    Paronychia: When the nail folds suffer from infections due to the entry of various kinds of fungus or virus, this is known as Paronychia. This condition happens when there is a crack or a break in the folds of the nail, the nail plate or the surrounding tissue as well. This calls for immediate treatment of the nail fungus with nail fungus remedies like anti fungal medication.

    Pseudomonas: This is a bacterial infection that affects the nails, and can be cured with the use of anti bacterial topical creams as nail fungus treatment. This infection usually occurs between the nail plate and the nail bed of the nail. It is caused by any form of common mold. Further, discoloration of the nail plate and the nail folds is one of the main symptoms of this kind of bacterial infection.

    Onychatropia: This happens when a part of the nail plate begins to waste away due to disuse and lack of proper hygiene. In such cases, the nail may shrink or fall off entirely. This kind of condition is usually seen in the little toe. There are many remedies for nail fungus of this kind. The causes may be injuries and disease.

    Onychauxis: This is a condition that causes the nail plate to become too thick. If you are facing this problem, then you will need to see a doctor immediately for treatment for nail fungus, as this condition is usually caused by internal problems.

    One should not ignore any persistent changes in the nails as these may also occur as the symptoms of other conditions.

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