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.