Hi people, Brini here with another episode for your viewing pleasure. This week we’re delving into needlepoint! It’s a charming craft and so easy to do. The project that I’m working on in the show is Clyde the Camel and he’s ever so much fun. 

One of the stitches we detail this time around is the tent stitch, which when done diagonally creates a basket weave on the back of the canvas. The reason we do the stitch in this pattern is to reduce distortion of the canvas because each diagonal line pulls the canvas in the opposite direction of the last, keeping the canvas much more square than if you work the stitch across or down. 

The other stitch I demonstrated is the satin stitch. It can be done vertically, horizontally or diagonally and covers more than one intersection of the canvas. The parallel stitches create a smooth surface that’s pleasant to the touch. 

If you’re interested in needlepoint you can find materials and supplies at www.needlepoint.com and information about the craft at www.needlepoint.org. For a more ironic view of the craft be sure and have a look at The Needlepoint Museum. 

This week on my NPR podcast I’m discussing the wonders of life without furniture. It’s a young look, but can be lots of fun in a rumpus room! Be sure and have a listen. 

Don’t forget to have a look at Felix Populi this week. We’re just about to add some exciting new products, and while you’re shopping have a gander at the Brini Maxwell auctions. This week we’re featuring easy shifts for casual summer living.  

That’s all for this week. Bye now!

Hi people, Brini here, and this week on the show we’re taking care of your carpet! It’s important to keep your wall to wall looking fresh. It’s a big investment, and a shabby floor makes for a shabby home.  

A clipper comb is perfect for shaving the pills off your low pile Berber carpet. You can also find a little electric razor designed for the purpose that’s better for high or loose looped pile carpets. Simply run the clipper along the surface of the carpet with the blade tilted just above the surface and the pills come right off! 

Carpet dents can be removed with a spritz of water. The dents will relax with the water and a little fidgeting.  

I was pleased to find that the spots on my carpet almost all came up with Kaboom, that product from late night television. Although Orange Glo no longer makes the stain remover (they’ve migrated the Kaboom brand over to bathroom cleaners) I’m pleased to recommend Spot Shot Carpet Stain Remover. Though I haven’t used it myself, I’ve had positive reports from other’s about the effectiveness of it. Of course, be sure and test any spot remover on a hidden area of your carpet before using it on an exposed area. 

For more useful tips on home maintenance have a look at the tips section of the part of my website devoted to my Style Network show. 

My NPR podcast this week is all about stew. Even though it’s spring, it’s still quite nippy in a good part of the country. Stew can warm your cockles and make you a hit with your family and guests. Be sure and have a listen! Here’s my recipe for Hungarian Goulash: 

You’ll need: 

2 lb stew beef cut in 1� cubes

3 Tbs. all purpose flour

2 Tbs. vegetable oil

¼ cup chopped onion

1 bay leaf

2 whole cloves

1 ½ tsp salt

¼ tsp pepper

1 Tbs. paprika

1 ½ cups beef bullion

8 oz egg noodles

2 Tbsp butter 

Coat the beef with the flour, then sauté it in a heavy pan with the vegetable oil. When the cubes are browned on all sides add the onion and cook until transparent. Add all remaining ingredients except the noodles and butter and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat and simmer until fork tender, about two hours. About 15 minutes before the two hours is up boil the noodles, drain and toss with the butter. Top the noodles with the stew and serve. 

Don’t forget to come by FelixPopuli.com and have a look at the Brini Maxwell auctions this week! 

That’s all for this week!