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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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.