The "no frills, no gremlins (hopefully)" cross-stitch cafe

Ayeshalush

caroline78 wrote: »

I use a hoop for everything. Did buy a frame at one point but found it too thick to hold properly. Try a standy up frame too, but couldn't get the material to be tight enough, so went back to my trusty hoop.

My hoop belonged to my Mum's Granny so it is so smooth and I love the history behind it. It must be about 80 years old....xx

That's really lovely that you're using your granny's hoop. I bet she would love the fact that you use it.

The frame I have was given to me by a very dear friend. It belonged to her mum who died several years ago from MS. My friend doesn't stitch but couldn't bear to get rid of it, so when I started stitching she said I was welcome to have it as it would be nice to know it was being used again. I felt really touched and privileged.

The hoop I have is only 6" so thought there would just be too much 'loose' aida getting in the way. What size hoops do people use for larger projects?

nmm Looking fab! You've done loads.

nmm

I use an 11" R&R craft frame, I have a 9" hoop but I haven't used it since buying this frame.

moments_of_sanity

blue_eyed_girl wrote: »

Here we go mos



b_e_g

Wow, she is absolutely beautiful and must have taken you ages. Thank you for posting.

moments_of_sanity

On the frame discussion, I do have a wooden frame but I find it too heavy so tend to use an 8" frame and it doesn't seem to affect the stitching that I have done if I put the frame over a worked area.

I am going to try and get as much of the stocking done as possible this week as the girls are on school holidays next week so it won't be anywhere near as quiet here :eek:

Here is my update on the stocking so far, I have managed to get the fiddly potting table done so very pleased

http://www.flickr.com/photos/91707691@N04/10399034425/

flowerofscotland

Good morning everyone and what a dark and wet morning it is - typical half term weather

Busy weekend for me with lots of visitors but did manage to get a bit more done on my SB stocking. Forgot to take a progress pic though.

maisiem just reading your post about the decorating made me feel exhausted; I'm sure it will be worthwhile when finished

nmm thanks for the link to the new DMC colours - I saw this on a US site and wondered if we would get them here as well. Not sure that I felt I needed more bright colours but perhaps the demand came from designers ?

winnie I've done a bit of freehand embroidery but not very much - were you thinking of adding to your range?

Louise I wouldn't spend that much on a card either but I did wonder if the buyers would frame the pieces in the card mount.
I use homemade cardboard thread holders for my WiPs as well.
I also have a Loran thread storage system (which I don't think is available anymore) which is based on card thread holders in plastic files - when I finish a project I file the left over thread on the appropriate thread holder in the Loran system. This means I don't have to start a new skein for each colour in a new project and must have saved me quite a bit over the years
I love the stash cabinet you linked to. Am wondering if it should be my present from Santa this year - I've been very good
Fairyland Dreams is lovely - I particularly like the castle in the background and the colours are beautiful. It would look stunning on some hand dyed fabric - have you tried Polstitches fabric viewer? Linky but with health warning - time just disappears when you start playing with this

Here is an even more extensive fabric viewer site - just spent an enjoyable half hour playing with fabric choices for Fairyland Dreams

beg great progress on Nativity - it is a lovely design especially on the glittery fabric

flowerofscotland

Ayeshalush wrote: »

Last night I tried to stitch with the metallic threads that came free with WOCS. What a nightmare! I knew if I stuck at it I would manage but also knew I was going to hate every minute of it so gave that up as a bad idea! What to start on now? It's either going to this:

image

Or, hope you don't mind b_e_g but I bought a Sleeping Beauty kit from ebay as I loved yours so much.:o

Not sure which one to do first.

Ali
Xx

I agree - metallic threads can be a nightmare to use and I certainly wouldn't do a whole project using them (as suggested by WOCS).

Both your new projects are lovely but SB is stunning. Lot of work in both of them

rhaben wrote: »

Update on my reindeer project. Finished both sides of the body, part of the belly, 3/4 of the head and all of the ears.

Love this.
Saw your 3D Tardis on your website - fabulous

Ruth_honey wrote: »

Thanks, *Louise*. All my stitched Christmas cards come back out every year. I love seeing them again.
I want my stitching bug to return! It's so annoying. I've got some lovely Christmas kits I could be getting on with.

I bring out all my stitched cards and ornaments every year. I've framed some of the cards as well.
The one I received last year from Mrsmp will be part of this year's Christmas display

caroline your felt stockings sound lovely.

I thought I was mad stitching until 2 a.m. on Saturday night especially as I had to be up by 7.30 but I'm obviously not the only one who finds it difficult to stop stitching

flowerofscotland

pm2326 wrote: »

Afternoon ladies,

Have managed to do a few hours stitching but my back is aching so had to stop for a bit to give it a break.

Anyway here's the weekly update:


2013-10-20 16.00.47 by pm2326, on Flickr

I decided to start some of the backstitch as there's quite a lot and I hate doing it so don't want to leave it all until the end.

I've outlined the mountains and started on one of the buildings but I'm just going to do a bit at the end of each session.

This is looking great I would do the same as you and tackle some of the backstitch as you go

nmm wrote: »

pm2326, love panda the backstitch is making it come alive

Update time again, I seemed to have managed quite a bit this week, there must be something motivating me

Perhaps what is motivating you is that the end is in sight .....

moments_of_sanity wrote: »

On the frame discussion, I do have a wooden frame but I find it too heavy so tend to use an 8" frame and it doesn't seem to affect the stitching that I have done if I put the frame over a worked area.

I am going to try and get as much of the stocking done as possible this week as the girls are on school holidays next week so it won't be anywhere near as quiet here :eek:

Here is my update on the stocking so far, I have managed to get the fiddly potting table done so very pleased

http://www.flickr.com/photos/91707691@N04/10399034425/

Looks fabulous

flowerofscotland

nmm wrote: »

I use an 11" R&R craft frame, I have a 9" hoop but I haven't used it since buying this frame.

I've tried various frames and hoops and my favourite is the R&R as well. Although when I'm stitching on evenweave I often don't use a frame or hoop and use the sewing method. Just a personal preference

firefly369

I have a large freestanding frame that can take a lot of different sized projects. I like that it makes the front and back of the material easy to get to. I also have a smaller square frame but only use it for card sized pieces that are done quickly because if I have to hold on to a frame or hoop as I stitch I get really bad cramp in the hand that is holding it.

PM2326 - You are making great progress with your Panda.

nmm - BD as always is amazing. It must be so satifying to see him taking shape.

Caroline - That is some late night stitching:eek:. Are you trying to meet a deadline?

This is my finished sampler. The reciepient now has it so I can post a pic:

DSC_0036 by Firefly9336, on Flickr

Following Louises inspiring card collection I have been stitching the Xmas card patterns that I got from the Making Spot before it closed. Will post some pics when I have a couple.

flowerofscotland

firefly369 wrote: »

I have a large freestanding frame that can take a lot of different sized projects. I like that it makes the front and back of the material easy to get to. I also have a smaller square frame but only use it for card sized pieces that are done quickly because if I have to hold on to a frame or hoop as I stitch I get really bad cramp in the hand that is holding it.

PM2326 - You are making great progress with your Panda.

nmm - BD as always is amazing. It must be so satifying to see him taking shape.

Caroline - That is some late night stitching:eek:. Are you trying to meet a deadline?

This is my finished sampler. The reciepient now has it so I can post a pic:


Following Louises inspiring card collection I have been stitching the Xmas card patterns that I got from the Making Spot before it closed. Will post some pics when I have a couple.

Sampler is beautiful and a real heirloom piece