Cross Stitch Cafe - stitching out of 2012 and into 2013...

tellmeitsfriday

They can't make much money... it's so expensive in there, and they must have more mags read in the shop than purchased...

laura2481

Hi everyone- not posted properly since last monday as I was busy at work and then went away to centre parcs for the weekend with family. Bought new crossstitcher magazine on Friday and finished the cute little Robin that was free gift- just need to assemble him into his frame. Does PVA glue work to stick felt?

Also did a chunk of work on my Noahs Ark. Need to keep moving with that or it won't be ready for friends for christmas present!! Will post update pic later.

*off topic* you know I mentioned that boss hadn't paid my full wage on monday, and he promised rest by Wednesday? Well- he finally paid me the rest this morning. Not happy :mad: Words will be spoken when I get back to work tomorrow.



[QUOTE=Ailsb;56397297]
Will it be ok to ask my question?
[/QUOTE]

Ask away- I'm sure we'll help if we can

catwoman150 wrote: »

I found out about the loop start method on here and used it ever since, when using 2 threads, so much quicker using this method.

I had never even heard of the loop method until you guys strated talking about it a couple of days ago and then when I got the latest issue of Crossstitcher it explained how to do it and now I can't believe I never knew it!

flowerofscotland wrote: »

Oh and I realised when reading the paper last night that yesterday's date was "interesting" 08 10 12 so I dug out the Joan Elliott Christmas Fairy which was almost done and finished the last bit of backstitch so that I could stitch the date on it. How sad am I :rotfl:
My plan is to make it into a cushion so am looking forward to sorting through my fabric stash for something suitable

Well spotted!

Flat_Eric

Firstly, Hugs Ruth - hope all goes well. thinking of you and sending hugs x

Maria? I'm sure I have read when stitching with metalic threads - a thread conditioner can help. I think it is called Thread Heaven and is in a little blue box - There is also an article in this month's WOXS (out on shops on Thursday) that talks about the different types of metallic thread - I haven't read the article properly but this might give some tips. Also might be worth a post on the FB page for WOXS or Cross Stitch Crazy to ask for tips??

Chicky
Agree with you re WH$miths. I suspect they will end up in administration in early 2013 with most of their high street stores in small towns closing - I suspect the stores at train stations and airports will remain open.

Anyhow - here is my review of the new issue of WOXS - Issue 196


Free Gift:
Not keen on the chart booklet. Nothing I fancy stitching. Threads cool. Will add to my stash :j
Meet our guests:
Keep meaning to join the reading panel!

Tatty Teddy:
This is cute and a bit different to the usual all grey bear.
Not something I would/fancy stitching immediately but something I might consider in the future.

Science of Stitch (letters page)
This is cool and something I would consider stitching because hopefully it will mean I would learn the periodic table!

Note from Margaret:
Would rather read stitching themed news/what designs she might be doing at the moment etc.


Advent Calendar:
Not keen on this. Have seen nicer advent calendar designs (remember one in Cross Stitcher last year)

Assisi Cards:
So I do like these and if I had to pick one to stitch first - it would probably be the robin kit in the bottom left hand corner. BUT I feel there is something about them that isn't right. It strikes me that the designer worked really hard designing them :T but then got bored and couldn't wait to finish them so half heartedly did the last bits. Louise what do you think? I also think the text doesn't sit very well/isn't obvious enough???

I do like Assisi designs - there are not many of them. Perhaps I should have a go at designing my own?

Michael Powell Cottage:
I like this but not enough so that I immediately rush out and buy all the bits to stitch it. Do like MP designs but not stitched one of his yet.

Your questions answers
Some useful letters/tips

Gingerbread House:
Don't like this. On a sidenote. Hope JE gets better soon.

Subs Only: Design Library:
Not sure about this. Looks very much like its a JE design but it isnt.

In the Nursery
Like the holly. Not sure about the other designs.

Top of the Charts
I remember this being posed on the FB page by Cathy Lewis!

Fairy Lights:
Interesting!

Bra advert
grrrrrrrrr

Useful guide to metallic threads
Very handy :j
Wreath Design:
I do not like this

Blackwork Baubles:
Might stitch these but not in red/gold

Giveaways - Ho Ho Ho
Like the Jingle Bells ornament kit

Cupcake: One of the better cupcake designs but not sure I would stitch
Again - please can we have a pic of Durene smiling!

Reindeer Games:
Hmmm ok - not sure would stitch. Like the reindeer on the right with the multi coloured antlers :T

Furry Tales:
Cute but not sure about stitching it.

Next Month:
the free somebunny kit is cute. none of the designs stand out. The Tree Mendous designs look interesting (bottom right in red card looks quite cool).

blue_eyed_girl

sk00bie - great work. Don't envy you all those french knots though :eek:. Looking forward to seeing the little angels. Good luck with the to do list. Good idea putting it in the siggy and then it is there as a reminder I suppose.

sweetcarer - good start with purple. It is going to be so so pretty especially in that colour. I don't think I really have a favourite stitch - maybe don't dislike french knots quite as much as I did at first (except when they 'disappear' . Ooooh those red frames at John Lewis look lovely and certainly worth further investigation re size. The metallic finish on them will add to the christmassy look I think. Thank you for finding them.

Flat Eric - so pleased you enjoyed your weekend. We knew you would :D

Ailsb - question away. Can't guarantee any sensible answers from me mind you. Don't quite know where my head is today.

fos - so pleased your 'bloomers' are still being appreciated - iykwim . Will have a good study of the frames site later when time allows. At a quick glance I think the prices seem to be pretty average - just the oblong ones from Ikea are so cheap.

catwoman - lovely to 'see' you back in the Cafe. Hope your mojo comes back soon.

TMIF - probably too late for you. Advent calendar in WOCS needs 46cm x 41cm (18" x 16") 14ct. They use Zweigart pearl flecked blue aida. Hth.

Take care everyone.

b_e_g

laura2481

Thought I would share a cross stitchy craft make I made for a christmas present for my mother in law last year:

Vintage Teacup pincushion





Vintage teacup was from a charity shop- £5 for a set of 6 with the matching saucers and side plates. I made some into candles.. Anyways, I sitched a co-ordinating flower pattern on evenweave then cut a big circle around it, stuffed it with stuffing and sewed it up. Cut a carboard circle and covered it with evenweave, sewed in a bit of ribbon and the used glue gun to attach the cardboard bottom to the pincushion top. The pincushion bit lifts out so you can store bits and pieces under it. Glue gun (or possibly gel superglue, can't remember..) to stick the saucer and side plate together and then stick cup to saucer so the plates can be used as a scissor rest etc. Fairly easy to make, and the cross stitch flower motif was maybe an hour to stitch? Can be done in an afternoon if you've got all the bits

laura2481

mrs_baggins wrote: »

And thanks to laura for spurring me on to get my vision sorted! at my lens check up I mentioned the trouble I was having threading needles and they suggested a pair of glasses to wear over my contacts just for this type of work. It took me about 10 minutes to thread my sewing machine the other day! so as soon as I have ordered new lenses in an old pair of glasses I should be able to see and no mistakes!

No probs Thought it sounded like something like that

flowerofscotland

laura2481 wrote: »

Thought I would share a cross stitchy craft make I made for a christmas present for my mother in law last year:

Vintage Teacup pincushion





Vintage teacup was from a charity shop- £5 for a set of 6 with the matching saucers and side plates. I made some into candles.. Anyways, I sitched a co-ordinating flower pattern on evenweave then cut a big circle around it, stuffed it with stuffing and sewed it up. Cut a carboard circle and covered it with evenweave, sewed in a bit of ribbon and the used glue gun to attach the cardboard bottom to the pincushion top. The pincushion bit lifts out so you can store bits and pieces under it. Glue gun (or possibly gel superglue, can't remember..) to stick the saucer and side plate together and then stick cup to saucer so the plates can be used as a scissor rest etc. Fairly easy to make, and the cross stitch flower motif was maybe an hour to stitch? Can be done in an afternoon if you've got all the bits

This is stunning. It's both useful and beautiful as well as being unique. Fabulous

maria_and_the_imps

that is such a brilliant idea laura i love it

mrs-moneypenny

pin cushion looks lovely laura

blue_eyed_girl

DAH DAH .......

Finally decided on the following -

Card for exchange - decided on design. Got fabric and threads (just need card sorting). Better wait to see what size apperture I'm going need - that's if I need one. Just teasing :D:rotfl::rotfl:

Project 12/12/12 - have decided on Lizzie Kate - Tis the Season. Got chart and fabric - just need threads sorting.

Project 20/12/2012 - I have decided on MP cottage in WOCS and thats as far as that one goes.

Project 10/11/12 - 11/12/13 - Margaret Sherry 12 Days of Christmas. Just ordered fabric today and the threads will have to wait a little while till funds pick up a little bit. Don't know yet if it will be a hanging or into a frame. Probably size of frame will be cost prohibitive. Fabric measures 50cm x 75cm so it is quite big.

Sorry the 12/12/12 and 20/12/2012 are only little but I have quite a few committments coming up but I still what to take part - hope this is ok with everyone.

Don't know whether I'm brave enough to ask this - but here goes. Do we incorporate the dates into the design on the front or do we just do a card or something and stick it on the back of the frame. Its just I'm new to this dating and signing lark.

Are we keeping a list somewhere of everyone's projects. Seem to have a vague recollection of it being mentioned somewhere. There again I might have been dreaming.

Take care eveyone

b_e_g