Cross Stitch

[ben10]

This isnt really anything to do with c&c but i have been working on 14 count Aida and have seen a project that is on 18 count aida, would i be able to do this and what is the difference

[Sharon Duncan]

The holes are much smaller but you could easily stitch it up on 14ct just make sure you have extra threads as it will work out larger at the end.

[craftycat]

It just means that you will be getting four more cross stitches to every inch you work. No difference at all in the way you actually do the work. Some people find that an 18 count is a bit harder to see but I don't find it a problem.

If you scroll down into the other folders there is one whole section dedicated to cross stitch. Not many posts on there but you may well find some helpful ideas.

[suban]

Ah we cross stitchers are devious little monkeys. Apart from the size of the finished article the other thing is the density of colour. That's why 14 count is sometimes done with 3 threads, and 18 count with 1 thread. I've also found that there tends to be less use of back stitch, fractional stitches and that dreaded stitch - french knot - with the finer fabrics.

[craftycat]

Ah we cross stitchers are devious little monkeys. Apart from the size of the finished article the other thing is the density of colour. That's why 14 count is sometimes done with 3 threads, and 18 count with 1 thread. I've also found that there tends to be less use of back stitch, fractional stitches and that dreaded stitch - french knot - with the finer fabrics.

If you enjoy doing some fractional then it is much easier to use even weave. Looks scary to start with but remember 28 even weave is the same as 14 Aida. Strange how tastes vary though,I really enjoy doing french knots!

[suban]

Jane Greenoff has at last converted me to french knots - I used to use Mill Hill beads (hangs head in shame!).

[craftycat]

I've just treated myself to the Jane Greenhoff Cross stitch bible. Although I have done a lot of cross stitch, the book has lots of hints, plus some really nice charts.

[suban]

I've just taken out membership of the Cross Stitch Guild - there was a query on my card so her husband rang me - now that's what I call a family business.

[Rosilee]

My french knots always, always end up on the wrong side of the work. lol

[craftycat]

My french knots always, always end up on the wrong side of the work. lol

Probably as you are not holding the thread down with your left thumb as you work the knot. Don't let go until the very last possible moment!

LOL the embroidery and cross stitch section is always quiet but this is a really good thread.

[Janiceb966]

I love watching Jane Greenhoff on C&C - I don't know what it is about her but I find her very calm and entertaining, I love listening to her tales. I'm keeping this week's shows until the weekend to see if it enourages me to pick up my stitching - I'm supposed to have this project finished and framed by November but not even a quarter way through it yet.

[RozMinis]

I'm working on a blackwork church, the third in the series, using 14 count Aida. That is my 'home' project, but I am working on a linen bellpull on 28 count linen at my stitching group. Normally I have some mini WIP, but for some reason I haven't at the moment. Think I must be slipping!

I've worked the same designs using 14 count Aida, and 28 count evenweave, the latter being over 1 thread, so it has been half the size of the Aida. I love working over 1 thread, can't do fractional stitches of course, and close shading doesn't work out very well, but then nothing is perfect.

I've always been a fan of Jane's, think we must have started cross stitching round about the same time. My very favourite was the late Jo Verso, she was brilliant at designing people that could be used in samplers. I managed to see the morning show, dunno if Dave is a stitcher, but I have never seen him so animated. Didn't see the afternoon show as I was at the hospital - again, think I ought to take a tent and sleeping bag as I seem to spend so much time there! ;)

Roz

[craftycat]

I'm part way through a very pretty cat design, an American kit. Lovely to work but taking ages. I do find cross stitching very relaxing though. I'm always impressed with Jane Greenhoff on CC as she doesn't seem to be bothered by all the "gallery says" and sales hype.

Not sure I would want to join the guild at the moment as I have a few pieces waiting to be worked, plus expecting some more from a friend soon!!!! Some of the designs on the site are sooooooooo gorgeous though.

[RozMinis]

Oh go on crafty kitty, join in. I joined last year and have done a few of the smaller projects from the magazine she sends out. I'm quite keen to have a go at a biscornu, or biscuit as memebers of the stitching group insist on calling 'em. ;) I'm also more than keen to make some beaded tree decorations this year. Have to make at least two. If I make one, the other tree gets very upset! I've also several crochet and tatted items on my 'to do' list. Sigh, never enough hours in a day. :(

Roz

[suban]

I'm definitely in the WIPs, UFO and Sables category. To cheer myself up last night I went and ordered from PurpleLinda Whisper Yarn, Circus Pompom yarn, some yellow crochet cotton 20 - it was in the reduced section, and some varigated crochet cotton in red, white and blue. Should arrive in the next few days as she's always prompt! Also want to have a go at a biscornu! Then there's the jewellry, passementerie, bobbin lace, knitting, patchwork ................. oh heck need double the number of hours in a day.

[Janiceb966]

In the past I've bought quite a lot of charts from Heaven and Earth Designs - they are huge projects to stitch on 25ct lugana fabric with one thread but they are so gorgeous. I keep telling myself that I'm acquiring things to keep me occupied when I retire but think I'm just kidding myself - I'm 45 so have a wee while to go yet. At this rate I'll need to buy another house for all my craft stash.

[suban]

I'm buying cheap cushion pads and pillows and covering them with cross stitch as framing is so expensive - although some classic pieces I will eventually get framed. I've got about 15 lavender and lace kits to finish and several other large projects. There are so many projects to finish, but it's my one big vice!!! I'll still probably keep buying kits, and also hoard magazine patterns - although I am trying to weed through them.

[craftycat]

Must admit I am tempted to join Jane's guild, won't be this month though.
Not sure I would buy very many of her charts, I've got a few John Clayton kits waiting to be done, plus a collection of flower fairy charts. Really fancy doing some "biscuit" though and a whole batch of scissor holders etc etc. Jane has some nice things there. If I make many more needle cases I will be able to have one needle in each case!!

[suban]

They have a 3 month taster for £9, then you can take out the full year's membership paying the balance of £20. That's what I did as I couldn't afford the full whack in 1 go.

[craftycat]

LOL think I misread the info with Jane's guild, I thought the membership was nearer £60. Gawd, I really was having a bad day yesterday.

Given that Chocolate Baroque is no longer doing their guild then ........

[suban]

Doing my sort out yesterday I came across another club I used to belong to (in 1998!!!!) - looked on the web - they are still in existence - membership free - so I signed up again!!!! Yipee more free patterns - and cheapo cross stitch kits - to go with ones I've bought in the past from Poundland and Poundworld :mysmilie_512:

[craftycat]

Link please Suban!!!

[suban]

Creative Needle Sewing Club is the one I've rejoined but there is also cross-stitchers-club.com which is free! Yippee! There's that magic word - FREE!

[keiko1]

I have a cross stitch designer (not the jane greenoff ones) and love putting photos etc in them. I'm currently stitching Tim Curry as King Arthur from Spamalot and have finished one for my niece of Red Rum, Desert Orchid and Seabiscuit, she loves horses..

[Sharon Duncan]

My daughter Laura has inherited a few of my 'havent even opened the packets yet' kits so hopefully she will have more luck finishing them than me lol I used to cross stitch as many minutes of the day as I could fit in. Not much time now but have been really tempted to dig out some of my UFO's and get them finished, they are stored in a big drawer under the bed and I sit there and watch telly for hours every night and never think to just lean over and grab one out.

On the subject of french knots I remember there was a craft program many moons ago on one of the discover channels and Jo Verso demonstrated how to do a french know with a shoe lace and a tennis racket. I was hooked after that.

This is one of the Smiley Bears pics I did for my daughters room over 10 years ago, the tutus are all knots.

3121

Smiley Bears were designed by Betty Davies who I was a huge cross stitch fan of, now I get to work with her artwork to create craft CDs. Amazing how the world goes round.

[suban]

Sharon - that is beautiful. Jings it's funny calling you Sharon after being used to thinking of you as a wee person on the telly. Cult of celebrity is alive and well here!!! TEEHEE. I've got a Jo Verso book, and I love Teresa Wentzler and the late Sheila Hudson.

So that's it folks I've got to win the lottery, hire the Orient Express and take us all by train to Italy - my money, my destination, so we can sit and sew and watch the scenery go by. Buy more stash abroad, and have plenty of time to stitch in Sorrento, with a stop off at the DMC factory and a few stops in Belgium for lacemaking, cross stitch, crochet, knitting and papercrafting stashes!

[RozMinis]

I have a cross stitch designer (not the jane greenoff ones) and love putting photos etc in them. I'm currently stitching Tim Curry as King Arthur from Spamalot and have finished one for my niece of Red Rum, Desert Orchid and Seabiscuit, she loves horses..

I bought the same cross stitch program that Jane started with, cost over £250 originally. Mind you my computer and printer didn't cost anywhere near the five grand that Jane said hers cost. £1000 for the computer, £450 for the HP printer. 350 MB hard drive, 4MB memory. I am now looking at a laptop with 650GB hard drive and 8GB memory all for round about £600. Dunno about a new printer, this one seems to be chugging along quite nicely, despite my doing my best to wreck it!

I would love a chart of Monet's Garden, Neptune Collonges, Stalbridge Colonist and Flakey Dove - I have a 'thing' about greys! Maybe one of The Dickler, Sea Pigeon, Night Nurse, Maori Venture and Seagram while I am about it. :) No idea where I would find the space to hang them of course, especially as I have four pictures in need of framing, and another in the wings. Oh well, cross that bridge if I ever come to it. :)

Roz

[suban]

Don't know what I'll do when and if I get mine all finished. There could be cushions and pillows from floor to ceiling, and the smaller ones turned into biscornu or patchworks.

[RozMinis]

Ooooo I wanna do a biscornu or two, or three, or.............. There are several designs on Jane's cross stitch program. Honestly it is worth the money just for the designs on it. I also bought her DVD Hardanger For The Horrified. So far I have been too horrified to try! No honest, I do have loads of material that is suitable, plus the various threads required, so tomorrow I am going to bite the bullet, horse racing permitting, and try some of the designs in last months New Stitches. They are soooo small that even if I make a pigs ear of it, I won't mind chucking the piece out. :)

The project I am doing at the stitching group is going to be turned into a bellpull, I have even got the ends, so at least it won't be as costly as framing the thing.

Roz

[craftycat]

most of my embroideries end up as cushions. The cat one I am working on now will be framed though, as will the John Clayton ones.

[suban]

I've noticed that the pound shops have some nice frames for some of my smaller ones so that's one problem solved.

[Sharon Duncan]

DVD Hardanger For The Horrified

Must look out for this, I love the look of it. Its like Parchment craft for stitchers lol

I did a tiny little kit and thought it was great but have never found any others.

[Granny Penny]

I have a strong need to reply to all the threads (I am holding myself back :giggle:) because I couldn't get on for a few days with the log on problems. I have loved this "thread" (sorry) because it is good to see stitchers amongst the cardmakers. I don't do much cross stitch these days but I have a friend who has recently decided to make a sort of miniture rag rug technique tea cosy. While she was working out how to do it we looked at Aida, etc., and then a word to conjure up the past - Binca. How many of you remember making cross stitch mats and fraying the edges at school? The whole thing led our conversation on to the gingham we made napkins with - learning to hem I think and the skills they no longer teach in schools - or do they?

[Sharon Duncan]

I started stitching last night, found a huge bit of yellow 6ct binca (must have bought it for the kids to stitch!!) I'm stitching a Buzz Lightyear for my grandaughter, it will work out twice as large as expected but will be nice and chunky for her room, will post a pic when I'm done.

Do we have a cross stitch chat section, maybe we could do a round robin some time.

[Janiceb966]

I've also done a wee bit of stitching this morning, just had lunch outside and now back in to stitch some more.

[Sharon Duncan]

I found the section on this forum and have posted some websites I often use.

[vampyre]

Ooooo I wanna do a biscornu or two, or three, or.............. There are several designs on Jane's cross stitch program. Honestly it is worth the money just for the designs on it. I also bought her DVD Hardanger For The Horrified. So far I have been too horrified to try! No honest, I do have loads of material that is suitable, plus the various threads required, so tomorrow I am going to bite the bullet, horse racing permitting, and try some of the designs in last months New Stitches. They are soooo small that even if I make a pigs ear of it, I won't mind chucking the piece out. :)

The project I am doing at the stitching group is going to be turned into a bellpull, I have even got the ends, so at least it won't be as costly as framing the thing.

Roz

Hardanger For the Horrified is an enhanced ebook and 'tis brilliant as there are excellent videos. I love Jane Greenoff but I don't find her to be great on written instructions which are my preference. Have also had problems with kits and not found much help. I love her designs though and I may, perhaps, possibly actually make the Christmas biscornu from the disc. Me what don't like Chridtmas :laugh:

[craftycat]

Going off the subject completely. HI THERE VAMPS!!!!!

Back to cross stitching, I spent some time yesterday evening looking around various sites and have come to the conclusion that, for the fabrics/threads/kits I want I am better of shopping elsewhere than the cross stitch guild. When I get round to it (and I've got a whole lot of round tuits already) I will post some links on the embroidery/cross stitch section of the forum. Now a few of us have got chatting about the topic, maybe it will take off again.

Just noticed Sharon's post!! So will add to her list:handshake::handshake:

[suban]

Parchment craft for stitchers - Now that really is interesting - I went from cross stitch to pergamano - way tooooooooooooooooo big a jump! Actually the first training pack was lousy - the starter kit is far better now.

When I get a moment I'll try and post some photos of my stitching and a piece of parchment craft I did. ~I don't just need a round robin I need a whole flock of birds to catch myself up.

Looking forward to seeing your completed project Sharon!!!!

[RozMinis]

Well I bit da bullet and fished out some Hardanger fabric, or 'ardinger if you are a fan of the Needlecraft Mysteries, the audio versions that is. ;) I tried the simple bits to begin with, that was just working the four side square (are squares anything other than four sided I wonder!) cut out the middle bit, then did the easy peasy filling as shown in which ever issue of New Stitches I was looking at. Turned out quite well, so decided to give one of the designs in the lastest magazine a go. They are only small designs, so I reckoned if I had made an almight hash of it it wouldn't matter. I came out with a few choice words as I kept sticking the needle in the wrong hole. Then I held my breath while I cut the threads. Phew, breathed a sigh of relief. Got so carried away I added fillings to the bits that had been left open. I do think white on white looks really cool, which probably explains why I prefer white parchment to coloured.

What, what, what Vamps....... you don't like Christmas............ I can see I am going to have to come and sort you out! ;)

I could do with a whole flock of birds, swans preferably, to help me out too. I have a drawer full of cross stitch stuff, plus some other bits and bobs, perforated paper, plastic canvas and other canvas in another drawer. Two drawers are filled with DMC threads, so full there isn't even room for the variegated (can't spell that word) threads. Got other threads I use for my mini crochet, including the six stranded, in a couple of boxes in a cupboard. I haven't even included the parcel of evenweave and Aida I received from a friend, or the stash of patchwork material. I can see I am going to have to live to be at least a thousand years old at this rate.

Roz

[suban]

Jings I thought I was the only one with boxes of needlecraft stashes. I also have a confession to make!!! I went on the PurpleLinda website the other night - that was after I looked at Mariescrossstitch.co.uk. I went, I saw, I bought! I bought some Whisper yarn - to go with some I'd already bought, and some crochet cotton - some reduced in their sale section others not so - I just loved the colours! So off we go - more needlecrafts YAHOO!!!!!

[Janiceb966]

I also have boxes of needlecraft stash - about 20 boxes of threads, mostly DMC and a carrier bag full of new DMC skeins (all bought from ebay at bargain prices). I also have many many cross stitch kits collected over the years and I still seem to buy them - if I ever do manage to stitch them all I will be a very old woman with no wall space in the house :o I also have loads of charts as well.

[morgana123]

I rarely buy kits usually charts and have so many stacked up ready to sew at some point. My living room walls are adorned with 5 of my creations at the moment and others are dotted abut the house and some still awaiting framing. I search out frames in charity shops and make them over for my cross stitch. I dont put any behind glass, I love to see them well padded so the stitching and beadwork stands out. Both my daughters have inherited my love of cross stitch, the youngest daughter (now 22) still has a wall of bang on the door cross stitches that she and I have done, all in bright, sparkly frames and every time her room is redecorated they have to go back on the wall.

[Waterlily]

Another one here with boxes of cross stitch kits, charts and silks. I'm still waiting for hubby to make frames for mine, he keeps thinking about it lol. There's a lot to do though, more than 30 finished ones plus some long stitch ones. Don't think I want the long stitch ones framed though.

I was wondering if to put them behind glass morgana, hubby said he thought they would look better without the glass.

Sharon, I love the cross stitch in your picture it's super.

[suban]

I've even thought about joining mine all together and having them hanging on a wall like a Tudor tapestry in a stately home! And before you ask - my home ain't stately!!!

[craftycat]

I inherited the contents of a (very tiny) needlecraft shop some years ago. Lots and lots and lots of threads but never seem to be the ones I need for a particular chart. Several cut work pieces too. I enjoy working those.

LOL there are going to be some very ancient people involved in this forum if we all live long enough to use up our various stashes

[suban]

I'll probably need a 42inch computer screen to see the forum. But I'll probably have the nattiest zimmer frame with all the craft hanging from it.

Gee my skin'll have more creases than some of my fabrics!

[Shadow]

Another one here with a stash of cross stitch kits. I seem to have collected Lavender & Lace kits, Plus the "Gold" kits (can't remember the other name) and loads of the original Disney kits by Debbie Minton. I also have ALL the books/kits that Debbie did - my daughter had a fit the other week when she 'found" them. Had her eye on them, but I'm not parting company. As you say, we'll all be very old ladies if/when they ever get done LOL
You've all started me off again - must get them out and have another go!

[suban]

I have some of those Dimension Gold kits as well!

I used to buy kits etc when I went on holidays - I've got 4 tapestry views of Sorrento to do, and a set of cushion fronts - pattern from New Stitches, fabric and threads from t'vingerhoedje in Ostend. Just came across them yesterday!

[RozMinis]

I had a good old rummage in one of the drawers in the bedroom yesterday, yes some peeps have clothes, I have stash! Found a couple of UFO's, well half a dozen to be exact. I know why one of 'em is a UFO, t'was an American kit with unsorted threads, I refuse to call it floss. I thought I had go them sorted properly, but when I came to one part of the design I discovered I had used the wrong thread elsewhere, and there wasn't enough to finish the piece. I sort of slung it in the drawer thinking I would get 'a round tuit' eventually, but after at least fifteen years it still remains unfinished and unloved. Shame really as it has assorted kitties on it, and just to make it unique, I had backstitched to names of all the kitties I have had assisting me with my stitching over the years.

Once this third blackwork church is finished I will have four pictures that will need framing. I want the three churches to have the same type of frame and mounts, so I will have to take those all at the same time. I would like my Ireland map framed first though as I have a home for that, though it does mean finding a home for the thimble sampler that is there at the moment.

I think once my church is finished I am going to concentrate on some smaller projects, biscornu's and stuff like that, plus some more Hardanger of course. Once bitten by that particular bug it is hard not to want to do more. ;)

Roz
Roz

[suban]

Love blackwork!!!!

Must find that other New Stitches Rose window I started. It was supposed to be done on black fabric, but I've4 used cream and am using black threads where the original fabric shows through. Then there's the medieval ladies, the Christmas table cloth and the lagatera ................ Now you know why I stopped buying the magazine - though I still get the catalogue ............ oh yes I'm also doing Bright Eyes, Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots!

[craftycat]

Guess who else loves Blackwork! Dining room walls are covered with the New Stitches set - Henry VIII, his wives, Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots. Hallway has a brass rubbing style design of a knight and his lady. Assorted small pieces too, needle cases, bookmarks etc etc

I finished my hand sewn patchwork runner for my bed last night so back to my American design cat cross stitch tonight.

[suban]

Yeah hey - maybe that's what we need - a progress and encouragemen to finish UFOs section!!!! If we can do it for the diet club - then surely we can have one for we poor addicts!!!!!

[Sharon Duncan]

What is a biscornu and do I need one?

I thought it was a biscuit lol

[spainjane]

Well, shall I be wicked and send a bit of temptation your way, peeps? I am sorting out my craft studio, as I have way too much stuff that I shall never be able to use, amongst which are loads of cross stitch kits and charts. I really don't see well enough to do much embroidery now, and so I am going to just keep some real favourites and dispose of the rest.

I am starting with the charts - bundles!

Bundle 1: 30 assorted charts - Debbie Mumm, when i am an old woman, Christmas, Better Homes, Kimono, Framecraft, Wild Cats, elephants, blackwork, silk ribbon, plastic mesh etc.

Bundle 2: Framecraft mini sets - Christmas, Japanese ladies, Gems, Flowers, Rudolph

Bundle 3: assorted small charts - Lizzie Kate, Lavender and Lace, Just Nan,Danish flower thread, DMC beaded needlework, Sarah May and odds and ends

Bundle 4: 9 JBW Sweet nothings mini charts

Bundle 5: 13 Shepherds Bush mini charts

Bundle 6: 9 Just Nan mini charts

Bundle 7: 10 assorted smocking design sheets and patterns

If anyone would like any of these, please let me know and I will send them off to you.

Jane xx

[craftycat]

What is a biscornu and do I need one?

I thought it was a biscuit lol

Bit hard to describe, an eight sided pincushion:

tp://socreastitch.co.uk/News/biscornu-pincushions-read-how-it-all-began.html

Lots of nice kits around and that is probably the best way of approaching one! Some people add a ribbon or tassel and hang a small scissors from it as well

[craftycat]

being a techie idiot here again.

Pretty please, can someone explain exactly what an "enhanced e book" is.

[suban]

being a techie idiot here again.

Pretty please, can someone explain exactly what an "enhanced e book" is.


Damned if I know!!! And since I don't own a kindle etc Damned if I care - I like paper where I can turn the pages, and if it is a text book I can scribble in the margin!

[craftycat]

Damned if I know!!! And since I don't own a kindle etc Damned if I care - I like paper where I can turn the pages, and if it is a text book I can scribble in the margin!

Same here Suban. There is a lovely hardanger kit on Jane's site but I got the impression that the e book was needed as well.

[vampyre]

being a techie idiot here again.

Pretty please, can someone explain exactly what an "enhanced e book" is.

I'm terribly sorry I thought I had made it clear that it contains videos as well as standard text.

[craftycat]

I'm terribly sorry I thought I had made it clear that it contains videos as well as standard text.

Not your fault Vamps!! I'm just so thick when it comes to techie stuff. So, a book with videos stuck in the back then!!

[Sharon Duncan]

An E book is a downloadable book I think an enhanced e-book must have videos or music or something attached to it lol

Love the look of the bisquits errr I mean biscornu
.

[vampyre]

The videos are interspersed as an integral part of the tuition and also accessible as a folder to just see whichever you need.

Just in case it's of use to anyone the cross stitch guild app is excellent.

[craftycat]

Think I will go in for a standard instruction book of some sort. I've got the Anchor one which is pretty clear. Don't know when I'm likely to have time to try doing Hardanger anyway!

[spainjane]

It is times like this that I curse this bl%%dy disease - I am an avid Hardanger nut and used to teach it professionally. Taught some of the Sheikh's children in Dubai as well as running classes at the Dubai International Art Centre and also exhibited both there and at the Needlecraft show at Olympia. We could have had an on-line class! Ah well, maybe sometime in the future if I get lucky, huh?

Jane xx

[suban]

I'm holding you to that Jane!!!!!

I'm always terrified at the fabric snipping!!!! I think I'll probably need Darning for the Dangerous! One of these days I'll get the final piece of work for submission to the Royal School of Needlework - if the programme is still running!

[craftycat]

I've done quite a bit of cut work so not a great deal different really. Tempted to try some using random dye threads. Some of the work I have seen with colours looks totally amazing

[RozMinis]

Love blackwork!!!!

Must find that other New Stitches Rose window I started. It was supposed to be done on black fabric, but I've4 used cream and am using black threads where the original fabric shows through. Then there's the medieval ladies, the Christmas table cloth and the lagatera ................ Now you know why I stopped buying the magazine - though I still get the catalogue ............ oh yes I'm also doing Bright Eyes, Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots!

I got the materials to do Liz the wonth, never actually got that 'round tuit' going yet though. Had a drool over some American charts this afternoon at the stitching group, but I am going to resist. :)

The second of the churches was supposed to have been worked in cream on a brown background, but I didn't think it would look right with the other two, so it is black on white. There was a Nordic church a couple of months ago, but I think that will have to wait in line for, well how ever long it takes me to get a 'round tuit'! ;)

Roz

[suban]

Try some of the blackwork from Jane Greenoff - the pansy and lily are amazing.

[RozMinis]

What is a biscornu and do I need one?

I thought it was a biscuit lol

It is two pieces of fabric with a design on both sides. You begin stitching the pieces together half way along one side. Biscornu means an irregular shape. I was going to add a link, but I don't think I am allowed to. No matter, do a search and low and behold you will find not only picies, but also freebies.

Yes you do need one, not just one, but lots of 'em. :)

Roz

[RozMinis]

I did a search on t'Internet and found loads of destructions for Hardanger. Haven't dare to check out You Tube yet. I've only done one small design, plus played about with four of the Kloster blocks, but I'm hooked. Is there a cure for crafting? If there is I don't think I want to know what it is, especially the stitching aspect as it is the one craft that keeps my poor lickle fumble warm.

My physio told me this morning that what we have achieved is as far as we are going to get. She reckons if we try for any bend in the first joint it is likely to snap. Not something eihter of us want. Of course I will have to be my own physiotherapist for the rest of my natural, but that is no great hardship, especially as my thumb isn't exactly slow in telling me when it needs help. Just waiting to see a independent orthopod now, then with luck my solicitor and the insurance company will sort it out between them. Hopefully some of the compensation will be spent on investing in assorted craft goodies, and a new laptop. :)

Roz

[suban]

Every room should have a biscornu!!!! And a hoop and stitching!!! also a pair of glasses in my case!

I'm a bit naughtie about changing the colour of fabrics and yarn - I've got a Cathedral from New Stitches I'm doing on Cream with browns and copper (another UFO) I've also got the medieval ladies to start!!!

So I'm going over to Time for a Cuppa to start a progress to keep me going and actually get my UFOs finished!

[RozMinis]

I'm planning on having my church finished by the end of the week. :) If we have to have a biscuit, sorry biscornu in every room, I presume that also includes the bathroom, then I need six. Well the hall is practically a room in its own right. I reckon three pieces of furniture means it is a room. Maybe I ought to make one for the shed, though not sure there is room for anything larger than a spider in there! Attic, um, no, not really. No way I am going up there, I'm frightened of heights. I feel sick standing on a deep pile rug! We do have a bench and table in the front garden, so perhaps I could make one for there as well. ;)

Roz

[craftycat]

I have a cunning plan. Every door handle in the house deserves to be decorated. Biscornus would be perfect. Any excuse.

By the way my Henry etc blackworks are actually done in dark tan with added metallic copper threads on some bits.

[Waterlily]

Love blackwork!!!!

Must find that other New Stitches Rose window I started. It was supposed to be done on black fabric, but I've4 used cream and am using black threads where the original fabric shows through. Then there's the medieval ladies, the Christmas table cloth and the lagatera ................ Now you know why I stopped buying the magazine - though I still get the catalogue ............ oh yes I'm also doing Bright Eyes, Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots!

Is this the Elizabeth 1 you are doing suban? I'm off to see if I can find a Mary Queen of Scots one now lol. I love the historical ones. I've done a Henry V111 one and a Henry V111 and his 6 wives one.

Sorry about the pic I think it needs a press lol!

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k158/PamE24/ElizabethRegina1.jpg

I've never done any blackwork!

[Janiceb966]

Wow, Pam!!! That's gorgeous - love the dress.

[suban]

That really is absolutely beautiful. The one I'm doing is from Stitch Direct - there was a blackwork version and a cross stitch version. I'm not sure if the Mary Queen of Scots is still available - I never said some of the kits were recent - TEEHEE!

[RozMinis]

I have a cunning plan. Every door handle in the house deserves to be decorated. Biscornus would be perfect. Any excuse.

By the way my Henry etc blackworks are actually done in dark tan with added metallic copper threads on some bits.

Now that sounds like a brill idea. I have three sets of cupboards either side of the gas fire, two doors on each cupboard................ Even my sums tell me that is an awful lot of biscornu making. Plus all those other door and drawers that would also need to be decorated. Hmmm, this is gonna take some time, and I have two Chrissy trees that want 'em too. Nearly finished my church, should get it done tomorrow. :)

Roz

[RozMinis]

What a lovely design Pam.

My charts of Henry, his wives, and Liz were in one of the magazines, can't remember which, but it might have been New Stitches. They certainly wouldn't have been in Quick & Easy! Dunno if I will get around to doing those, if I do it won't be this year, got lots of other plans once my church thingie is finished - tomorrow. :)

Roz

[RozMinis]

Finished it, I now have five items waiting to be framed. All need washing and pressing first though, just don't know if I can hold an iron properly to do it.. The Ireland map will have to be the first, followed by the churches, probably one at a time. I did think I would have them all in the same sort of frame, but on looking at them today I have discovered that all three are completely different sizes. You would have thought I would have noticed that when I was doing 'em, but noooo. I knew the second one was landscape, the other two portrait, but I thought those two were the same size. No matter, they are finished now, which is the main thing.

I had intended to make a biscornu next, but got sidetracked with digging stuff down from the attic. By the time that was sorted out it was time for the racing, 25-1 winner, so didn't have time to print my pattern, and sort out the material and threads, so did a little bit on my Monday stitching group project instead.

Roz

[suban]

Sorry to hear they're not the sme size - have similar problems with Lavender and Lace.

[vampyre]

Damned if I know!!! And since I don't own a kindle etc Damned if I care - I like paper where I can turn the pages, and if it is a text book I can scribble in the margin!

You run these books on a pc not an e reader.

[suban]

Thanks Vamps but book are paper for me, and videos for TV or PC. Got to look after the Vashta Nerada!

[craftycat]

Same here Suban. Books feel and smell totally different.

I don't even like solving crosswords on line but would rather print them off.

[RozMinis]

Ah but I can alter the size of the text on my Kindle, something I can't do with a paper book. The lady who runs our stitching group also manages to knit and read using her Kindle at the same time, something she couldn't do with a book as the pages will insist on falling back on themselves.

I can't read via the computer. I always had to print out my crochet/knitting patterns to check for mistooks. But for Jane's ebooks it is different as they are interactive, and of course there is also the video aspect as well. I've found pictures are worth a thousand words, at least they were when it came to learning to tat! :)

I made a start on my first biscornu this afternoon. Done about a third of one of the pieces. It took me ages to decide on which material to use. In the end I chose Aida. It has a strange sort of weave running through it, so looks a bit on the vintage side. It does have a name, but I'm blessed if I can remember what it is. The design comes from Jane's cross stitch program, the one with the oak leaves on it.

Roz

[suban]

I hope you'll be showing it off here when it's finished.

[RozMinis]

I'll do my best, but not worked out how to do it on the forum. Not that I've exactly tried, I assume it is the 'insert image' button. I'll work it out once I have finished it. Discovered today I am running short of one of the colours. Probably got enough to finish the side I am working on at the moment, but not enough for the entire thing. I'll invest in another skein on Monday when I go to my stitching group. :)

I had a look through the first issue I received from the CSG way back last October this morning. There are a couple of designs in it that would look good as Christmas decorations, making them into the biscornu shape of course. I would also like to have a go at a watbow as I think they would make lovely tree decorations. My trees expect something new, and different, each Christmas, so these might be just the thing. :)

Roz

[suban]

When it comes to stitching then I'll have to start Christmas stitching shortly.

[craftycat]

Roz, never heard of a watbow?

[RozMinis]

They are three sided pincushions, but would make nice tree decorations. Check out the Cross Stitch Guild as Jane is selling them. She designed them after seeing something similar on her trip to Thailand. She will be on C & C on Wednesday (11 and 4) so she should have some with her then.

Finished one half of my first biscornu, made a startm on the second half. Run out of one of the colours, so will need to invest in another skein on Monday.

I will be making a start on my Christmas card, and other Christmas related stuff, once we have reached 199 days to Christmas, or sooner if the urge takes me! :)

Roz

[craftycat]

Thanks for the info Roz. I'm planning to make a biscornu before long. I was going to shell out for a kit until I discovered how easy they were to put together and naturally I've got lots of oddments of fabric and threads.

Found it on Cross Stitch Guild. "watbo" without the "w" which explains why I couldn't find them before. LOL Roz, my computer does things like that too. Watbos are nice aren't they

[suban]

I'm going to do some as Christmas Decs! Just think folks a tree full of Watbos and Biscornus!!!!

[RozMinis]

My pooter is very inventive with its spilling too. What it manages to put for Yorkshire sometimes.................. No it isn't me hitting the keys wrong, I know it isn't, it is my pooter playing silly persons. That's my excuse, and I'm sticking to it.

I like the idea of a tree covered in watters and biccies. Not that I have all that much room on my trees as they are already well stuffed. Pity I don't have room for a larger tree, or several other trees. Think I might have to give some of my old ornaments to the charity shop to make room for the new. :)

Made a mistook on the second half of my biccie today, so had to frog the thing. Not happy, not happy at all. On a brighter note.............. I was trying to buy some more of those white cotton gloves on eBay earlier, need 'em because my thumb gets soooo cold outside. Anyway just out of interest I decided to see if I could get a copy of the only Monica Ferris book I don't own in one form or another. Managed to get a second hand copy for 99 pence plus £1.95 postage. Oh and I got my gloves as well. Rats, just thought I should have checked out those two missing Mrs Pargetter books whaie I was at it.

Roz

[suban]

What do you mean "frog it" - is it like giving it flying lessons?

[RozMinis]

What do you mean "frog it" - is it like giving it flying lessons?

It is what they say in the US of A. Rip-it, rip-it when they make a mistake, so they call it frogging. I obviously read far too many Monica Ferris books. :) I even have a scissor keeper with a frog stitched onto it with the words "Rip-it, Rip-it". Doesn't stop me misplacing my scissors of course. Not quite sure how I manage to do that as I only use that pair for the stitching group, but they still managed to hide under my threads. I refuse to use the American term for threads though. Floss indeed. Could throttle the twits on C & C who call them that. At least Jane doesn't say floss, and of course they wouldn't dare sell the cheapo stuff on her shows. She is on the telly on Wednesday by the way. 11 am with Dave, and 4 pm with Debbie - or have I already said that? No matter, make sure peeps notice. ;)

Roz

[RozMinis]

Finished my biscornu. Now making one on 18 count, same design, as a scissor keeper. Haven't taken a piccy of it yet, will do so when they are both finished. ;)

Roz

[suban]

Looking forward to seeing them!!!

[Belinda B]

My cross stitching has lapsed a bit lately, but I love the Shepherds Bush designs from the US, and old sampler styles. So I was just flipping through the C&C website to see what they had and quite liked the look of the Jannlyn Olde World map which is a Craft Universe Item but I thought 44 quid less 10% was a bit steep. And lo, a quick Google was had, and first site on the list was Amazon which is selling it for 24.64. Quite a difference.

[suban]

Hi Belinda - you're learning fast - £20 is a heck of a difference in price though!

Bought some threads on Amazon on Tuesday - happy accident. It wasn't stranded cotton but 105 skeins of a similar item to cotton perle. I can use it for passementerie and luceting. Heck of a lot cheaper than coton perle, and a wonderful range of colours. May also use it to practice hardanger - got some New Stitches patterns!

[Janiceb966]

Belinda I'm stitching the Janlynn Olde World Map just now - trying to get it finished and framed in time for my dad's 70th birthday in November. There's a lot of fractionals and backstitches though, both of which are not my favourite thing :sad:

[morgana123]

Got in from work last night to be met by an excited daughter as she had picked up the latest copy of world of cross stitching as it had a bang on the dooor design as one of the projects. So this morning she has asked if I will get out my threads and aida to check I have the threads she needs as she wants to complete it this weekend. And knowing her she will and next week I will be painting a frame in colours to match the design so I can frame it for her to add to the collection that already adorn her bedroom walls.

I think it is lovely that both my daughters have wanted to learn to craft in all forms and now that they are in their 20's still enjoy it. The only downside is they usually raid my stash (one only working bank shifts so no regular income and the other still job hunting after finishing her degree) but at least they use their spare time to craft and not become a social nuisance. When they were younger many of their friends would come to play and for sleepovers and would be fascinated when I sat cross stitching on a night. I taught many of them to cross stitch, giving them the freebie kits that came with the magazines and more often than not then giving them charts and threads to do a larger project. Unfortunately not many of them had parents who encouraged them to continue which I find so sad. I wish I had been able to continue to fund a little stitching group for them all but as a single parent my funds were limited but no matter what I always encouraged and supported my daughters and hope that if they have children then this will continue. At least when I pop my clogs they will have a good selection of crafting stash in different forms to be able to craft if they want to.

[suban]

lad you're encouraging younger people - makes a change from them hanging round street corners.

[RozMinis]

Hi Belinda - you're learning fast - £20 is a heck of a difference in price though!

Bought some threads on Amazon on Tuesday - happy accident. It wasn't stranded cotton but 105 skeins of a similar item to cotton perle. I can use it for passementerie and luceting. Heck of a lot cheaper than coton perle, and a wonderful range of colours. May also use it to practice hardanger - got some New Stitches patterns!

Ooooo you lucky lickle person you. I bought myself a luceting tool on eBay a few weeks ago. It isn't the plastic sort they flog on C & C, but the genuine wooden article. I bought the medium size, but I now wonder if I might have been better with the finer one.

I bought some really nice coton perle type thread from the dolls house fair at York once. The only trouble was that there was considerably less on the ball than I had anticipated. :(

Roz oz

[suban]

You know me - see something crafty, try it! As long as the start up is cheap enough. My latest thing is a knook - in effect knitting with one needle or hook The fabric really is knitted. Also bought some of the knitting looms and a haniami wool flower maker - you can actually do more designs than they show on C&C!

[Sharon Duncan]

Got in from work last night to be met by an excited daughter as she had picked up the latest copy of world of cross stitching as it had a bang on the dooor design as one of the projects.

What a weird quinkydink! Not seen Bang on the Door stuff for years but my daughter was having a rummage through some old magazines (Cross Stitch Favourites 2003) and found a Groovy Chick chart. She's now stitching it for her friends Christmas.

Will have to look out for this issue if it has one in.

[suban]

Hey all things come round again! Half my wardrobe should be back in fashion soon!

[Sharon Duncan]

Yep me too Suban lol

[morgana123]

What a weird quinkydink! Not seen Bang on the Door stuff for years but my daughter was having a rummage through some old magazines (Cross Stitch Favourites 2003) and found a Groovy Chick chart. She's now stitching it for her friends Christmas.

Will have to look out for this issue if it has one in.

Sharon if you dont find one let me know and as soon as daughter has finished stitching it will pass it on to you.

[RozMinis]

You know me - see something crafty, try it! As long as the start up is cheap enough. My latest thing is a knook - in effect knitting with one needle or hook The fabric really is knitted. Also bought some of the knitting looms and a haniami wool flower maker - you can actually do more designs than they show on C&C!


It sounds a bit like Tunisian crochet, but with a hole in the end of the hook instead of the knob thingie. Never heard of it before though.

Think the stuff in my wardrobe is so ancient it'll never come back into fashion. I have reached the age where I like comfy clothes and shoes, stuff fashion. ;)

Roz

[suban]

It's definitely different to Tunisian crochet - already do that and have done for over 20 years. I'm going to start having another weedout of clothes - far too many which may or may not fit! And sorry they are not going to be up-cycled!

[craftycat]

I looked at a video of the wotsit also thought it was Tunisian crochet until I saw it. Very interesting technique

Suban, naughty girl. What will happen to your weeded out clothes if you don't recycle?

[Sharon Duncan]

Sharon if you dont find one let me know and as soon as daughter has finished stitching it will pass it on to you.

Thankyou - hubby on the hunt now, will let you know what turns up!!!

[Impossible Princess]

Not that I have all that much room on my trees as they are already well stuffed.

Plenty of room on our tree. We've been wheeling it out for 12 years and it's as bald as a badger!! xx


Anyway just out of interest I decided to see if I could get a copy of the only Monica Ferris book I don't own in one form or another. Managed to get a second hand copy for 99 pence plus £1.95 postage. Oh and I got my gloves as well. Rats, just thought I should have checked out those two missing Mrs Pargetter books whaie I was at it.


My friend lent me a couple of those Monica Ferris books (ages ago :blush:) and I still haven't got around to reading them. I have read some of the Mrs Pargetter books, though :) xx


There's a lot of fractionals and backstitches though, both of which are not my favourite thing :sad:

Me neither, particularly backstitch! xx



I think it is lovely that both my daughters have wanted to learn to craft in all forms and now that they are in their 20's still enjoy it.

Yes, that is really lovely :) xx

[suban]

Charity shops will do very well out of me in the next few months. Then I can sit back and craft to my heart's content.

[RozMinis]

Well I've finished my second biscuit. Going to unpick the stitching together on the first one though as it isn't right, as in the corners on the first half don't match up to the centre on the second piece. Have to get it right don't ya know. I know what I did wrong, should have turned over the edge and tacked it down before trying to sew the thing together. Didn't notice it to start with, but Christine at the stitching group pointed it out to me today. One lives and learns! ;)

Haven't quite decided what I am going to do next, might be the poppy bell pull I have a chart for.

Roz

[suban]

I love poppies!!

Got a couple to do!

[keiko1]

been doing out my wardrobe and found loads of things to get rid of, not good enough for the charity shops, so took off all buttons, zips etc and put them on recycle bin. Did find a mahooosive stash of cotton yarn that i must have put in there yonks ago....
still haven;t done any cross stitch as been trying to get knitting out of way and then made mistake of tidying the back garden (with "help" from the dog - husky and gardening is an interesting combination) :)

[suban]

I'm sitting here sorting out a (very) small part of the stash I have acquired over the years! Mary, Queen of Scots, Elizabeth I, Millenium Angel, Tenderness, Oxford, Heavenly Delights, Fruit Bellpull, Nefertiti, Magic in Motion, Sunshine Wreath (crewel work), Boy King, Beautiful Britain (Cross Stitch Collection Dec 1997??????), Winter Angel crewel work, Magnolia Tree (Cross Stitch Collection April 1998), Psalm 104, Quilting and Candlewick Rose cushion front, the King of Beasts, Cowboy Alphabet Sampler (got this is a lucky dip and will probably use the fabric and threads for something else!), Santa and Friends.

Heigh ho, heigh ho a-stitching we will go!

[craftycat]

wowie, "winter angel, crewel work" - brand information please suban!!!

I've decided that if I don't go to bed for the next zillion years I might actually catch up with all the "must dos"

Made a huge mistook this morning though, decided to sort out all my clear stamps (apart for clarity which are well organised). The book I'd "recorded" in - AKA a stamp sample of each - was falling apart. So restamping for a new record sounded logical. Trouble is I thought i would be clever and ditch any stamps I knew I would not use.

Result, sheets of stamps all over the work tops, very messy inky fingers which will have to be sorted before I can start cross stitching tonight (so, na na na na naaa I haven't gone off topic - just round the bend again)

[suban]

Have you waahed your hands Crafty - let me see?

Right fine! You may now cross stitch!

Winter Angel is or was by Dimensions (copyright 1995) Goodness knows when I bought it got it half price from Fenwick!

[RozMinis]

Done stuff all today. Wasn't exactly feeling up to snuff after yesterday in Barnsley, waaaay toooo hottttt for me it was. Ended up reading my book, finished it, and for a change I worked out who the murdered was before Betsy Devonshire. One up to moi. :) Tried watching DB this afternoon, fell asleep before the first 20 minutes were up.

I've spent most of this evening trying to make a donation to Cancer Research Race For Life, and to the Elsecar Railway thingie. For some reason the bank and PayPal don't seem to want my card. I did manage to order two of Rob Addams CD's that are on offer, been wanting those for years, but everything else was a no, no.

Soooo no stitching or anything else done today. :(

Roz

[suban]

Having bought some eymount the other day I eventually got round to starting to mount up my paint fusion stamps (yes I know I'm way behind the times). Man is that stuff sticky! So one pair of gundged up scissors later went and got some talc and brushed some between the stamps - hey presto, was able to cut out with no effort at all. Then ran out of ezymount. So ordered another 2 sheets and a memento ink pad in cocoa - wanted a brown ink pad for ages, and Joanna Sheen had one so it seemed churlish not to!

Found one cross=stitch piece three quarters finished so I'm going to complete that one first!

[RozMinis]

Actually did stuff today. Unpicked the stitching round the edges of my biscornu's, both of 'em as I wasn't happy with either. Sewed 'em up again which has done my thumb no good at all. Cross stitching is one thing, but it is much more difficult over sewing two pieces of 14 or 18 count Aida together, so me fumble not happy. Done now anyway, and they do look better, even though I say so myself. Lost one of the buttons, luckily I had a spare in my box of buttons, beads and 'stuff'. Plonked my large biscornu right on top of my magnetic needle holder, picked it up to put it in my wotsit bag, and whoops, the needle came with it, it is now lurking somewhere in my wotsit bag. :(

Spent a couple of hours this afternoon half watching QVC and knitting a pair of 1/12th scale trousers. Still have another set of clothes to make for the DHUK birthday group, and then I can concentrate on other swaps. We have a birthday raffle in August, need four raffle prizes for that, need to find a mini Christmas tree, or make one, for the Christmas in July swap. Then I have to get my thinking cap on for the Advent swap, have to make 25 little gifts for that. Somebody mentioned something about having a Christmas raffle as well. At least I think they did, maybe I dreamt that bit. :)

I have problems cutting the exmount stuff, but I am getting pretty nifty with the slightly thinner Klingon, or some such name. I sort of struggle to cut the rubber using scissors in my left hand, plus a lot of rude words. I then plonk, only word to use, the stamps onto the mount stuff, then cut that using a knife in my right hand. Not quite so many rude words with that. I used to be able to cut through the lot without any problems, but that rubber totally defeats my right hand as I can't hold scissors at all. Must remember to mention that to the orthopaedic consultant when I see him/her.
Roz

[suban]

You get that hand seen to Roz!!! Spent part of the afternoon trying to degunge my scissors!

[craftycat]

You get that hand seen to Roz!!! Spent part of the afternoon trying to degunge my scissors!

I use nail varnish remover on my scissors after mucking them up with ezmount. They are non stick coated though. Not sure what would happen with common or garden scissors. Not that I'm suggesting there is anything common or garden in your life suban!

[suban]

Tried the nail varnish trick - but there's still a residue. So I'm going to have to find my can of label-off which should take off the residue and does tend to leave my scissors non-stick for a while. If some card adhesives were as strong as whatever they use on the ezymount I'd buy some!

[craftycat]

Heck Suban, never had that much of a problem with EZ mount. Will try your talc trick though. I've got two sheets of stamps from last Saturday's craft fair to mount.

[suban]

Do you cut out your stamps before you mount them? (That's lousy wording but I'm sure you understand what I mean!)

[RozMinis]

Can't do owt else with my hand, sort of stuck with it for life now. :( Just smile and think of the compensation. :) Actually heard from my solicitor this morning, he has asked LV if I can at least have an interim payment of my expenses. It'll be a start, and just about pay for my holiday in September. Might even more than pay for it, though of course I will need folding stuff to spend.

Made a start on my poppy bellpull this afternoon, which is probably why I didn't know there was a 'C' show on C & C. It is only a lickle bellpull, but I am sure Penny in Aussieland will like it. If I like it I might make a second one for myself. Bellpull's don't take up much space, not as much as pictures anyway. Though the one I am doing at the stitching group is quite a bit larger, though still smaller than some of my pictures.

Roz

[RozMinis]

When I worked at the uni I used to have to back books with sticky back plastic. Well I wasn't very good at it, turned out it was because the scissors were so stuck up with gunge they wouldn't cut. Sooo I bought myself a nice new pair of scissors with plastic handles, much easier on the thumb than metal ones, and a bottle of acetone and some cotton wool. Brilliant, I always had nice clean and sharp scissors. At least I did until the day I caught my boss cutting the plastic tape that was around the boxes of books.

Not only did it blunt my scissors, but the blades fell apart. Was I hopping mad or what! I told her in no uncertain terms that I had paid for those b****y scissors, and as they were in 'my' drawer, therefore not for anybody else to use, she could keep her hands off them, and I wasn't going to back any more books until I had bought a new pair. At that point she gave me a pair with metal handles. No prizes for guessing where I told her she could stuff those. I didn't mind peeps borrowing my stuff, it was what they were using them for that got up my nose.

Roz

[suban]

I used to hate peeps borrowing my pens etc at work. If they were returned, inevitably it was because they'd knackered them!

[craftycat]

Think I've told this story before but, many years back when I was in hospital for aaaaages my mum was looking after the children. Utter chaos although she meant well. One thing she did though was to take (and wreck) my VERY good dressmaking scissors from my craft box and use it to cut up some bacon. AND she had a moan at me for keeping scissors in my craft box instead of in the kitchen.

[suban]

Yikes!!!!

Poor Crafty - bacon smelling shredded fabric!!!

[Belinda B]

Belinda I'm stitching the Janlynn Olde World Map just now - trying to get it finished and framed in time for my dad's 70th birthday in November. There's a lot of fractionals and backstitches though, both of which are not my favourite thing :sad:

Oh how funny! I do like the stitches other than cross though - it keeps it interesting for me.

[morgana123]

Youngest daughter always hands me her work and says it mum stitch time. She absolutely detests backstitching and always tries to get me to do it for her. She was in heaven when she was younger and discovered the Bang on the Door designs - first because she loved them and second and probably most important they have very little backstitch - the designs are usually outlined with a row of dark coloured cross stitch - very effective for the type of design and perfect for little stitchers lol.

[suban]

I used to give my Mam the sewing up to do if I knitted anything!!!!! Is that not what daughters are for?

[RozMinis]

I love back stitching, but the last design I did at the stitching group didn't have any, my present design doesn't have any, and the design I am working on at home doesn't have any either. Makes up for all those hours of Holbein stitch with some backstitch I did on those three blackwork pictures I guess. There was quite a lot of back stitching, and fractional stitches on the Ireland map too.

I might finish the cross stitching on my poppy bellpull tomorrow, though I really ought to get on with my final knitted birthday group swap. Won't be heading off outside that is for sure, as the weather sounds a bit off, as in rain for most of the day. Not sure which is worse, red hot like it was last Monday, or chucking it down with rain.

Roz

[suban]

It's like flippin' winter here! So I'm staying put today. Sorry folks but I'll be watching all the Jubilee stuff - well it'll never happen again in my lifetime!

[craftycat]

It's like flippin' winter here! So I'm staying put today. Sorry folks but I'll be watching all the Jubilee stuff - well it'll never happen again in my lifetime!

Decided I will be watching the Thames thing today, only on TV!! Good excuse to crack on with my cross stitch at the same time.

On backstitching (I do loads natch when I've got a blackwork porject on the go) jury is out on whether I do all the backstitch on my American cat cross stitch. Some of it just isn't needed.

[morgana123]

I think the worse cross stitch I did for backstitch was a me to you design that came in one of the mags. Daughter loves tatty teddy and baking and the design was a tatty teddy baking, covered in flour. The actual design was a doddle but all the backstitching to give the tatty effect was a nightmare. In the end his "tattiness" was of my own making - trying to keep to the design for placing small backstitch was a pain so I gave up and just went my own way and I am sure you cant tell the difference lol.

[RozMinis]

I've done a couple of Tatty Ted designs, wasn't exactly happy with either of them. I think I have the Jane Greenoff bug now, work traditional designs that need very little, except the blackwork that is, but that doesn't count. Back stitch doesn't figure largely in New Stitches either, except the blackwork of course. Neither do fractional stitches. Not that I'm against fractional stitches, it is just those that are sort of nowt nor somat. They should be either 1/4 or 3/4 stitches, especially when working on evenweave or linen. Some of the designs look terrible when they have left an entire stitch unworked, or have worked a stitch and the backstitch hardly covers it.

I seldom do designs that have fractional stitches these days, the Ireland map was a one off that I'd had for years. A lot of what I do is over one thread of evenweave as I need it for my mini things.

Didn't do any stitching today, sewing up knitted seams doesn't count! Knitted a 1/12th scale jumper instead. I thought I had better make something that is in keeping with the occasion, so made a white jumper with a slip stitch pattern round the yoke in red and blue. Will have to make a beret and a pair of trousers to go with it. Might make a start on those tomorrow, then again I might not, might get on with my poppy instead. :)

Wet and freezing cold here today. The garden looks happy about it, but I'm not. I have visions of the grass being nine foot high by Saturday if we have the bit of sunshine promised for tomorrow. Tuesday is sunshine and showers, the rest of the week is going steadilly downhill, as in raining cats and dogs! Now I know I don't like it mega hot, way too hot last week, and we did need 'some' rain, but it doesn't have to go raving mad. Can't we compromise? Rain at night and temperatures of say 21/22 during the day, nice light breeze, but not a howling gale as we had when it was sunny last year. Bought a bench the year after moving to the bungalow, hardly parked me b*m on it since it arrived as it has either been way too hot, windy, or wet, sometimes all three at the same time! :(

Roz

[suban]

I'm still working on the Warder Bear - keep nodding off!!!! Think I may have to stitch through the night!

[RozMinis]

I've never actually managed to stitch through the night. When my eyes say pack it in I have no choice. I've frequently nodded off while knitting, especially if it is just stocking stitch which I can do with my eyes closed anyway. Even the crochet had that effect on me last year. I'm ok if a pattern is complicated, which cross stitching tends to be, even if it is rows of the same colour, still have to watch what one is doing, especially on evenweave or line.

Today was a prime example of stitching without paying due care and attention. I managed to miss a stitch, no matter, fill it in later. Did the stitches near it, they were a different colour. Went back and did the missing stitch, then discovered later on I had manage to miss the one next to the missing stitch. I then followed this up by trying to miss a thread, three times! :( I'm using 28 count evenweave, three times I got it wrong, and in three different places. Luckily I had only done a couple of stitches before I realised what I had done. That'll teach me not to try and stitch and watch Colombo at the same time. It isn't as if I haven't seen them before - thousands of times in fact. I could not only tell you the plot, but I know the script off by heart for most of 'em. Ditto Maigret and Poirot!

Finished a mini jumper and beret over the last couple of days, and one of the trouser legs today. Should get that done tomorrow. Seeing as it is the Jubilee I have done them in white, with a narrow(ish) red and blue pattern round the yoke. the main part of the beret, and near the bottom of the trouser leg. Pity normal sized knitting doesn't work up that quickly.

Roz

[suban]

Got about half the bear done, and did some of the back stitch! It's starting to look like a bear!

[craftycat]

Did loads of work on my Cat cross stitch while watching the Thames procession. Background is interesting as it is various American Indian style ethnic dishes (Cat is sitting on a dresser!). Only about a dozen fractionals, on the cat's face. Well designed as it has made a very detailed expression.

[suban]

Still working on the bear, today have not got as far as I hoped!!!!!

[craftycat]

Too much I wanted to watch on TV this afternoon so I've been knitting instead. Christmas presents!!!!!!

[craftycat]

Quote by Roz:

"Bought a bench the year after moving to the bungalow, hardly parked me b*m on it since it arrived as it has either been way too hot, windy, or wet, sometimes all three at the same time! "

Oops, Roz, think you've got the bench under the shower in your bathroom not in the garden:mysmilie_15:

[suban]

Ohh CC!!! :mysmilie_458:

[RozMinis]

Hahaha, might as well have. ;)

Finished the stitching on my poppy today. Also finished the second leg of the mini trousers. Was well pleased with myself until tonight when I was trying to order stuff from Readers Union. The first time nothing happened, the second time ditto, when I tried the third time it did eventually go through. The only trouble if, so had the second one. So I have had to contact them to tell them I only want one lot, not two, and would they kindly refund one of the payments. Suds, I don't usually pay for it straight away, but last time I tried to pay I discovered they were not accepting online payments, except at point of order. So this time I thought I was being clever - rats, rats, rats. :(

Roz

[suban]

Haven't used Readers Union for years!!! Nor Readicut come to think of it. Three paws and rest of back stitch to finish on Warder bear. Then going to do Celtic lavender sachet.

[RozMinis]

Oooo I could do with making some lavender sachets, especially as I have a garden full of the stuff, and it is just about to come into flower. Three years ago those plants were naught but fingerlings, now look at 'em, taking over the blinking garden. What they aren't taking over, the pyracanthas are! Discovered this morning that none of my bell pull ends will fit the finished piece. Two sets are way too small, two sets are way too large, and the other two sets are way to heavy for me to post the finished item to Australia. Soooo I ended up investing in another set from Tandem Crafts. Can't just buy one item of course, so I have bought some more coton perle for Hardanger, another pack of needles, and a 7" spring frame.

I can't work with wooden frames, have used the spring loaded ones for years. The trouble is that I keep my favourite one in the bag I use for the stitching group, which means I have to fish it out when I want to use it at home. That was fine today as that was what I was working on, but not so good if I forget to replace it in my bag. Try as I might I just cannot keep an even tension without a frame of some description. :(

Roz

[suban]

Whether or not I use a hoop depends on the size of fabric and type of fabric. Just started the lavender sachet but need to do it in daylight so started Tweetie Pie.

[craftycat]

I've only recently discovered the spring type frames and hardly ever work without a frame now, unless it is a small piece like a bookmark. Didn't do any embroidery today. I'm so tired for some reason I'm going cross-eyed and can't even count properly. So off for an early night I think.

[suban]

Good for you CC Night-night!

[Spendsloads]

I go through phases with using frames - currently I'm not using them for cross stitch, though I do always use them for embroidery and tapestry. I've been reading through this thread and the projects all sound very inspirational.

As posted elsewhere, I was at a wedding over the weekend. During the speeches, the traditional gift giving took place and instead of just giving the mother of the bride a bouquet (which she got as well), as she is an avid cross stitcher, they gave her a most impressive looking kit that had been procured from China. It was a kit of the Great Wall and gave very splendidly packed in a red briefcase. It was funny to see her jaw drop when the groom announced that it was over 9 feet long and she might have to move house to accommodate it.

[suban]

Nine foot long? By that would take almost the length of my living room!!!! Makes the Last Supper kit I've got seem like a miniature. One kit on my wish list is a Pako kit of costume through the ages! Saw it in a shop in Ostend and it was on the large side - but so was the price £90!!!!

[Spendsloads]

I think it was this one Suban (though she got the kit rather than the finished item):

http://www.dhgate.com/chinese-handmade-cross-stitch-end-product/p-ff80808131d78fc00131e0b94d0567b1.html

[suban]

That is breath taking!!! Wonder how many nights that is going to take! But how unique!

[RozMinis]

Oh gosh, I would have to move house too. I don't think there is a wall in the entire bungalow that is a flat nine foot. Maybe above the picture rail in the living room where the either of the doors are, ditto the bedroom, but I would lay bets on it.

Roz

[RozMinis]

The heating system had a hissy fit today, as in Sparky 'the mouse with his box of matches' refused to work. That is the second time in less than eighteen months the darn thing has packed in. Did what one was told to do, reset the thing, but the darn ignition still refused to work. Called out the emergency 24 hour helpline. 24 hours I was told. Ha, bless, the chap turned up two hours later. He said to reset it and it would work, which it did for him, but not for moi. I hate things that make me look a complete idiot.

I was so fed up, cold, and not feeling up to snuff, so I didn't make a start on anything new, even went to sleep just after lunch. :( I just did a bit more of my stitching group bell pull instead of anything new. I do have the bell-pull ends for that, unlike the poppy one which I have had to send for. Received an apology email from Tandem Cottage this afternoon. They were in such haste to get my goodies in the post, and had forgotten to include the bell pull ends. Now that is the sort of idiotic thing I do! ;)

Roz

[suban]

Glad to hear you're warming up now. I'm on to the back stitch of the lavender sachet. Hope I may get it finished today.

[RozMinis]

Started on a 1/12th scale bed cover this afternoon. May take a while to finish it, but as it is for the DHUK Advent swap that doesn't really matter too much. Right orfe to make a start on my first Chrissy topper of the year. :)

Roz