Another Freebie! An ATC done in cross stitch

It has been over a month since my last posting. In this time, I have completed a fair bit of stitching on my Zodiac chart and have begun stitching my HAED QS Oliana Otter. I hope to have pictures up soon. Also, recently I participated in an ATC exchange. The exchange inspired me to design an artistic trading card of my own. Below are the pictures and download link. I call this card, "Nostalgia". It is designed to be stitched on 20 count off-white or beige fabric. This design could potentially be made to pop more if back stitching is used, but I leave that up to the stitcher to decide if they want more definition. I personally like it as is.

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Nostalgia - ATC - chart.pdf (36 KB)

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The other side of the Biscornu

Here's the other side of the Biscornu that I posted earlier.

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Biscornu 04 - Hearts.pdf (25 KB)

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My first Biscornu!

It has been over a week since I've last posted. I have made some progress on my Zodiac chart, having worked a lot of the cross stitches in pale yellow and some of the back-stitching in old gold. I have also completed Pisces and Aries, and am now working on filling out their backgrounds in dark violet. I will put up a photo once that is completed.
I have recently tried designing my own Biscornu using the free chart making software KG-Chart. Thus far I have no complaints with the program. I have designed the front and back of a miniature Blackwork Biscornu for an exchange I am participating in. As the designs are meant to be kept secret until the exchange has been completed, I will not post the pictures for that right now. I would however like to share another "Hearts" Biscornu that I have designed. If anyone out there uses this pattern, could you please email me a picture of the stitched Biscornu? I would be very much obliged.

 

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Biscornu 03 - Hearts.pdf (23 KB)

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Zodiac chart progress... With pictures!!! [3.5/12]

 Well, I finally got around to purchasing a card reader for my camera chip. I laid my Zodiac cross stitch flat and took a couple of shots.

As you can see, I finished most of the work in old gold, sans the external dotted border and some small ovals.

 
I put in a close up of Capricorn and Aquarius, both of which are complete except for some back-stitching details.

 
In the close-up shot of Pisces and Aries, you can see that I have nearly completed the Ram except for its head, and the tail of one of the fishes need to be completed. I'm currently alternating between stitching in the Zodiac signs in black, and adding in the the pale yellow outlining against the golden border. I might have Pisces and Aries completed within the week!

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Shopping; Zodiac chart progress; Camera frustrations

It has been over a week since I've last updated my blog. Here is what I have accomplished in the mean time in regards to my cross stitching.

Shopping:

Laurel's stitchery: This retailer did not have the needles I wanted in stock, so she ordered some in for me. Laurel has confirmed that she will be mailing out my DMC six stranded floss (135 skeins!) and tapestry needles (Size 28), come this Monday.

Update: Order shipped on Monday, April 19, 2010.

Nordic Needle: I contacted this web retailer for the status of my order which included my special ordered fabric (25 count lambswool Jobelan) and my Handi-clamp scroll frame. Turns out that the manufacturer of both items are slow to respond, therefore my order has yet to be filled. While I was with customer service, I ordered myself some lovely 20 count ivory Lugana that was on sale.

I'm not really concerned about the length of time it is taking my order from Nordic Needle to come in as I had meant to start the HAED once I had my Zodiac chart completed. This experience has taught me to order supplies a month in advance just so that I am not faced with any last minute shopping frustrations. Right this moment, however, I am content to wait.

Zodiac chart progress:

I have now completed 95% of all of the cross stitching in this project done in old gold. All that remains to be done in this colour are some minor details which will require at most an hour to complete and some back-stitching (but that would be the last step of the project). Therefore, I currently have all the little frames for the zodiac signs to sit in stitched and ready.I made a little bit of progress on Pisces before I came to the conclusion that I disliked the little fishes. I moved on to Aries and completed half of the Ram.

Camera frustrations:

I wish I could post a picture of Zodiac chart as I progress, but that isn't possible right this moment. I found my Sony Cybershot DHC-H7, but discovered that the data transfer cable got misplaced when my family moved a few months back. I will be visiting Canada Computers sometime this week to purchase a few items for my brother. I'll pick up a cable for my camera at the same time. I did take pictures of my work. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping I will be able to post my pictures by the end of this week.

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Cross stitching; an easy to learn craft. Get started with your first kit!

Cross stitching is a fun, relaxing, and rewarding past-time. You can easily get started on this craft by purchasing a cross stitch kit from Dimensions-craft, and believe me the selections offered are diverse enough to satisfy every taste. Dimensions-craft counted cross stitch kits pricing starts at about CAD 15.00, with prices increasing as the projects gets bigger and more complex.

An example of a cross-stitch kit is my "Cat and Flowers" by Dimensions-craft. It was a mid-sized project that cost me CAD 28.00 (including taxes), and it too me three months to finish the project, working for about an hour each day. Below is a list of the everything that came with the kit:

1. Enough floss to complete the project
2. One tapestry needle for cross stitching
3. One crewel embroidery needle for back-stitching
4. One cardboard floss sorter
5. One piece of black aida measuring 17" by 18"
6. Complete printed instructions
7. A full colour depiction of the appearance of the completed project

I learned how to cross stitch using this kit. The finished project measured 13" by 14", therefore the canvas provided has a good 2" fabric allowance all the way around - perfect for mounting and framing. The kit included instructions on all of the following:

1. A complete map of stitches with key to interpret symbols
2. A guide on how to prep your fabric for cross stitching
3. A guide on how to start and stop your cross stitches
4. A guide on how to strip one strand of thread from the floss bundle
5. A guide on how to do french knots and back stitching

The only thing that did not come with this kit is an embroidery hoop. An embroidery hoop is not necessary for learning how to cross-stitch, but it is a useful tool if you like having your canvas held tight in a frame as you work. You can purchase an embroidery frame for as little as CAD 3.00 from any craft store or Wal-mart that carries craft products. I had a 5" hoop of my own from my childhood when i was learning the basic sewing techniques from my mother (running stitches, chain stitches, herringbone stitches, etc). I did not however use my hoop for this project. It was done entirely in hand. So to anyone out there looking for a wonderful new craft to indulge in, do give counted cross stitching a try. It will be well worth your time.

Visit http://www.crossstitchworld.com and take a look at the cross stitch kits available on the market.

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EMS Zodiac Chart Update...

I've actually stopped stitching Pisces halfway through. Instead, I am focusing on completing all the border work done in old gold and pale yellow floss. I've finished two skeins of old gold floss, and am working on my third skein. The border work should be complete in another week at most. I guess I can work on the actual figures of the zodiac signs after that. I tried to cross stitch by finishing one zodiac sign at a time, but that just isn't working for me. I'd much rather exhaust an entire colour before moving on to the next.

My epic search for a starter scroll frame...

Yes, you read the title correctly. "Epic". As in I made the search needlessly complicated. I will describe the decisions I made that factored into my final scroll frame choice. Its remarkable that I was actually able to make up my mind and stick to just the one!

The winner is... *drum roll*... the Handi-Clamp 18" scroll frame with 8" extenders!

The images above are taken directly from Handi-Clamp's official website.

So, why did I choose this frame with everything else available on the market? Many reasons. I will list them, because I like making lists!

1) The wood on the frame is finished. Some of the more inexpensive frames available on the market are unfinished. This can cause issues with dirt accumulation. (The whole point of getting a scroll frame is to keep your fabric clean and crisp as you work on your project.)

2) It comes with wooden ball knobs. These knobs are easier on the hands than the wing nuts and plastic knobs most frames come with.

3) The process of attaching the fabric to the frame is easy! Adjusting the fabric in the horizontal direction can be done easily enough to ensure proper tension in the fabric. I don't want to baste my fabric onto the dowels or velcro them as some frames would have you do it. The problem with split rod dowels is that it really is a pain trying to get your fabric on just right the first time. Its sort of a process of trial and error and you get better with practice.

4) The scroll rod measurements are provided by the manufacturer as per the actual measurement of the sewing area, and not the length of dowels or bars! An 18" scroll frame by Handi-clamp means it can accommodate a fabric width up to 18" wide. With every other scroll frame manufacturer, you have to make a 2" or 3" allowance on top of your fabric width to get your correct size in framing. I'd rather not have to estimate, thank you very much.

5) All parts are made from hardwood. This means the product is durable. Most reputable scroll frames are made from hardwoods, but a few of the cheaper makes are not. Ratchet frames are pretty much plastic scroll frames. Don't like plastic. They bend when you apply pressure, causing uneven tension throughout your fabric.

6) Manufacturer provides excellent customer service and lifetime warranty for products! Not so sure if it extends to their clamps, considering that the clamps are made by Q-snap. But the Q-snap company themselves have been renowned for standing behind that product lines 100%, so I don't see why this would be an issue.

So there you have it. Very soon I will have a lovely scroll frame all my own! For those if you interested in this product, check out Nordic Needles' website. They have a variety of sizes available in this frame.

How do you handle your work in progress?

If you do a quick Google search, you will find numerous articles detailing the pros and cons of using the various methods of maintaining evenness of stitches in your cross stitch project. I have to date worked my projects in hand or on a hoop. I will share my cross stitching experiences thus far.

In hand method: I had worked my first cross stitch project - "Cat and Flowers" by Dimensions-craft - using the in hand method, without any kind of framing aid.

Pros: The only advantage to this method was that I was able to work rather quickly using the sewing method as opposed to the stab method of cross stitching.

Cons: I had problems maintaining evenness of tension in the stitches, and the fabric became dirty and wrinkled despite my best efforts to keep it clean. Also, given that the pattern was worked using black Aida, it was difficult to see the holes in the fabric. I had to constantly readjust my position so that I could see the white towel I had placed on my lap to make the holes more visible. My project when finished looks gorgeous from a distance. Up close, the shoddy workmanship is readily apparent.

On hoop method: My second project - "Zodiac chart" by Ellen Maurer-Stroh, I worked using a 5" diameter hoop.

Pros: Immediately I noticed that my cross stitching came out remarkably even in tension in every last stitch! Since I was once again working on a dark Aida, I had to use a towel on my lap. I had to fold and clip back the excess fabric dangling over the sides using a pair of hair clips. I was easily able to see the holes in the project. Overall, it was a wonderful experience. I even found myself liking the stab method of cross stitching over the sewing method.

Cons: I was only faced with two problems. The first was that I had crushed stitches from where placed the hoop and wrinkles where I folded the fabric. This issue can be resolved by washing, blocking and ironing my project upon completion. The second problem was that the hoop was noticeably distorting my fabric as time passed. I did resolve this issue by spraying water over the distressed edges and letting my fabric rest flat on the table overnight everyday. When I woke up the next day, the fabric was back to its original flatness with the holes spaced evenly throughout the Aida.

My next project, once I complete my Zodiac chart will be my HAED. Based on my past experiences, I have decided that the in hand method will most certainly not work for me. The uneven tension in the stitches and the dirty fabric makes me want to quit the project all together. The hoop method is preferable, but still not suitable. I was fortunate to have been able to remove the fabric distortions every night, but the crushed stitches remained an issue. Also, if I want to attach beads to my project, a hoop cannot be used as it would crush my 15/0 Miyuki Delicas.

I have been told Q-snap frames are supposed to be as good as hoops without causing the fabric to warp, but the issue with adding beads as you progress remains. I have thus decided to invest in a scroll frame for my HAED project. The concept of never having to take your work off your working frame is attractive to me, as is the reduced soiling and wrinkling of the fabric. Additionally, I find that the price difference between Q-snaps and scroll frames isn't very large.

Since there is no way I will be purchase a scroll frame in store, I've decided to purchase one online, regardless of shipping costs. If you do the math, the shipping costs pretty much even out if you factor in the gas that I will need to leave Toronto and return, the time wasted on getting just one frame, not to mention the inflated prices of scroll frames in brick and mortar stores, I actually end up saving money, even after paying $10+ in shipping and handling.

Craft supplies shopping frustration in Toronto

I do absolutely adore living in Canada, and to be honest, the weather down here in Toronto for the vast majority of the year is quite wonderful. Freezing temperatures during the months of December, January and February aside, we get by just fine!

I do have one heavy point of contention living in Toronto given my craft of choice; cross stitching. There are no major carriers of cross-stitching supplies in Toronto! The only craft product suppliers in and around Toronto are Walmart, Michaels, Mary Maxim, Overstock.com and Herrschners.ca. All big names, right? So they should technically carry known brands of cross-stitch supplies, right? Wrong! I'll give you a break down of each store and what they carry.

Walmart: They only carry some small Dimensions-craft kits branded "Creative Accents". I think there are less than ten patterns available. Ten might be too generous a quote. Five might be more appropriate. They have discontinued carrying the bland, basic, prepackaged 14 count white Aida made by Charles craft. That should tell you how dire the situation is. You could purchase size 24 tapestry needles and Hoop-la hoops from them. Buts that's about it. Need finer needles? They don't have it. Need DMC or Anchor floss? They don't have it. Need any kind of cross stitch fabric at all? They don't have it. Need Embroidery scissors? They don't have it. Need I continue? I think you get where I'm going with this. Next...

Michaels: This actually is a pretty good store. They have everything you need on hand (even if it is just a tad pricey). The customer service is amazing.
So why am I complaining?
They closed all of their Toronto stores, that's why! The closest one is an hours drive outside the city by highway! If I need anything from them, I need to actually set aside a day to do so! If they were closer, life would rock. Right now, to me they are completely inaccessible. Next...

Mary Maxim: Grrr... This has to be the most pointless craft store ever. They can get you floss, needles and a good variety of Dimensions-craft kits. The problem? They don't carry any cross stitch patterns, scroll frames, stands, or ratchet frames. Also, the only cross stitch fabric the carry is white and ivory Aida. This store specializes in needlework, but you will need to look elsewhere for project inspiration. In my opinion, this store is okay for a seasoned needleworker, but for a rookie, it can be very frustrating. Next...

Overstock.com: Pretty useful website, actually if you need scroll frames and stands for them. Has a limited number of cross stitch kits. Its not a craft specialty store, so I can appreciate that they do not carry any patterns, needles, floss, etc. Next...

Herrschners.ca: I have no idea how these people turn a profit. They have a very limited selection of cross stitch frames, and all of them overpriced compared to their US counterparts, even after you pay taxes, customs, shipping, etc. Also, they absolutely refuse to special order any oversized piece of fabric, other than the cut pieces they have listed on their website. Customer service rocks, and so does product availability. Price stinks, however. Anything Herrschners.ca carries, you can get cheaper from their US competitors at 123stitch.com and nordicneedle.com. Wonder how long this site will stay in business...

Well, I guess it is evident from this long-ish rant that I am doing all of my shopping from 123stitch.com and nordicneedle.com. Toronto does have an incredible number of quilting stores, but quilting products do not easily translate into cross stitching products. I'm pretty sure that its not just me, but many Canadians indulging in the wonderful art of cross-stitch have faced similar frustrations and resorted to US based websites for their shopping needs. To those lucky ones out there who have the good fortune to live in those cities of Ontario that actually have specialty needlework store, I envy you.

Zodiac chart freebie by Ellen Maurer-Stroh [2/12]

I finished my Dimensions kit about two weeks ago, and have since been working on the Zodiac chart freebie provided so generously by Ellen Maurer-Stroh. I am using DMC threads on 14 count navy Aida by Charles craft.

I did make two colour changes to the original design. The royal blue threads that form the background for the zodiac signs, I replaced with very dark violet, and the dark royal blue forming in the rings I replaces with pewter. The end result is that impression of the night sky seen from in between metal grills. I quite like the effect.

At present I have completed Capricorn and Aquarius. I am now working on Pisces.

Myka Jelina @ Heaven and Earth Designs

I have only recently discovered the heaven and earth designs, and have fallen in love with the patterns available. Myka Jelina's "Lillian" (top),  "Lucia" (middle),  and "Melita" (bottom), and are my current favourites. I have already purchased a copy of the pattern for Lucia, which is a whopping 40 pages long with the final project measuring 14" by 30 1/4" on 25 count fabric. I have already placed an order for 25 count Lambswool Jobelan by Wichelt which will be coming in my mail later this month. I'm looking forward to getting started on my first HAED!

My first cross stitch project

I began cross-stitching in December 2009, and have since completed "Cat and Flowers" by Dimensions-craft, designed by Wendy Stevenson. The project measures 14" by 13" and is stitched on black Aida using DMC threads. I will post a picture of my completed project whenever I manage to find my camera.