Cross-stitch cafe 2010

*Louise*

Bubbles911 wrote: »

btw, does anyone actually stitch not using a frame hoop? I read another stitching site and it said you should never stitch without on of these to get the right material tension but I have never used one, even for large projects.

I used to always use a hoop, but now use a clip frame. I use them mainly because too much fabric gets in the way if I don't use some sort of frame. I don't mind doing small projects without anything.

Oh and another thing, what is it like stitching on evenware? Some projects in XSW say to use this but I have never used it before and the holes look tiny! I have only ever used aida.

It's a little slower, and takes longer to double check the counting. But if you have a lot of blank background in a picture, evenweave gives a much nicer look to the finish.

And lastly, I have always started my cross stitch from the bottom and worked my way up but everywhere I have read says start from the middle. I do count the stitches down and across to make sure I start in the right place but aparently starting from the bottom is harder. Does anyone else do this?

It is advisable to start from the middle, so you know you won't end up with a deficit of fabric if there has been a miscount. I tend to work from the middle, then up to the left hand corner and down from there.

I always think though, if it's working for you then stick with it.

Bubbles911

Thanks for answering them louise. The project I liked was normal stitces on everything then the face in petit pois (sp) which is why they said to use evenware. I might try it out on something small I guess. When I was last stitching it was all just different sizes aida so this is all new to me!

MRSMCAWBER

Evening all

Lots of great stitching going on as usual -well done folks :T...
There must be something in the air -as Im another one who hasn't had my sewing MOJO this week -I have done some-but not my usual amount -must post a pic tomorrow ....

Im another one who has bouts of depression -although I have discovered that in my case Im a b*gger for picking up on others moods -so since I met hubby I have been fine -he is MR super chilled, laid back and always sees the funny side of things -so I seem to have "soaked up" his "happy vibes" :rotfl:

*Louise* + Maria... hubby has been photo copying -so I will get them off to you in the next day or so

Bubbles -I mentioned on here (somewhere) the other day that my mum has quite a few threads that she is looking for a good home for -they are anchor (from one she did yonks ago) -and now we only use DMC ....
You are more than welcome to them if you PM me -oh and I have spare AIDA too ....when I used to do kits I used to swap the aida for evenweave.... so I have some pieces left.... I would much rather them go to somewhere they will be of use (than sitting in my stuff getting in the way)
Sammr85 -I have that "tiger on the rock" too :T-not started it yet -but yours is looking lovely

I must see if I can find my Mojo again... especially as I have my eye on a new HAE chart I would like to do for my niece :shhh:

Right - I had better get back and get some sewing done,,,,
Happy sewing everyone

*Louise*

^^Is it one of the recent mags Bubbles? They had a lady which had a petit point face.

Normally you can get the aida 'alternative' but it oes look much more detailed on evenweave.

You should give a small design a go first though

*Louise*

MRSMCAWBER wrote: »

I must see if I can find my Mojo again... especially as I have my eye on a new HAE chart I would like to do for my niece :shhh:

WHICH ONE???? :rotfl:

MRSMCAWBER

*Louise* wrote: »

WHICH ONE???? :rotfl:

This one:-
http://www.sewalong.co.uk/ProductFull.asp?sel1=(HAE)RA14

I would do it on 28ct though so it would be a nice size -12.5" X 12.5"
She is moving to Sweden at the end of the month and I thought it would be nice to do her some things to brighten her walls in the flat they will be moving into. We have always spent a lot of time together and are very alike :eek: ...plus she is the daughter of the sis I lost 18 months ago -and I promised to keep an eye on her ...she is 18 -but that won't stop me :rotfl:..
anyway -its soooooooooooooooooo pretty I might have to do it for her when I have finished golden earth

shelly

Bubbles911 wrote: »

btw, does anyone actually stitch not using a frame hoop? I read another stitching site and it said you should never stitch without on of these to get the right material tension but I have never used one, even for large projects.

When I first started stitching I only ever done small projects so have always held them in my hand. Then I was given a kit that had a hoop type frame and used the frame for a larger kit.
Since I have gotten back into stitching regularly I bought an elbesee frame and I love it!

Bubbles911 wrote: »

And lastly, I have always started my cross stitch from the bottom and worked my way up but everywhere I have read says start from the middle. I do count the stitches down and across to make sure I start in the right place but aparently starting from the bottom is harder. Does anyone else do this?

I have always found the middle and worked from there. Usually I will stitch up to a corner then work my way back down and across.
I usually go up to the top left corner because I scribble on my charts with pencil as I stitch so working away from the scribbling keeps my hand clean...if that makes sense?!?

Though having said all that I agree with Loiuse, if what you are doing works for you then why change it?

*Louise*

MRSMCAWBER wrote: »

This one:-
http://www.sewalong.co.uk/ProductFull.asp?sel1=(HAE)RA14

I would do it on 28ct though so it would be a nice size -12.5" X 12.5"
She is moving to Sweden at the end of the month and I thought it would be nice to do her some things to brighten her walls in the flat they will be moving into. We have always spent a lot of time together and are very alike :eek: ...plus she is the daughter of the sis I lost 18 months ago -and I promised to keep an eye on her ...she is 18 -but that won't stop me :rotfl:..
anyway -its soooooooooooooooooo pretty I might have to do it for her when I have finished golden earth

That is a lovely one, I have spotted it before. I'm sure she would love it

witchwoopiggy

advice really please, im doing a hae dragon riders and been doing it on 25 count even weave over 1, now i have nearly finished the first page, but my problem is this after a while i cant see it very well, and i dont stand a chance at night under a energy saving bulb, have put it too one side, and started a 18ct that i will be taking on hoilday with me next week , which i have no problems with, now my question is this..before i do any more should i re start dragon riders on 18ct or keep struggling and hope that it doesnt end up as a ufo
sorry for long woffle lol

elliep_2

I always stitch with a frame as I find it much easier when the fabric is kept taut. My Mum has never used a frame and has done a few lovely large projects. As the others have said I'd agree with do what works for you. Maybe see if you can borrow a frame and see if you like it?

As for where to start, it does make sense to start in the middle as there is less likely to be the problem of mis counting then running out of fabric on one side. I like to start in the top left though then I work across and down, usually reaching the bottom right as the last part. It's been a little different with my current Santa project and the bottom left is the last bit. If you're going to start anywhere other than the middle it's a good idea to count more than once before you start though.

I've only started stitching on evenweave in the last year or so but now prefer it over aida. Perhaps it's another thing to try it and see? Or maybe for now use whatever you can get in your charity shops and use that experience to help you decide what to get when you have more choice? (where do you find these charity shops? I've never managed to find stitchy stuff in a charity shop!)