The only crafting I managed to do this week was to spend a few hours cross stitching my Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher:
I'm loving how it's turning out. That said, the body and the branch are tedious to stitch, and I know there are mistakes - some I ripped out and did over, but some are just going to stay and I'll be the only one who knows they're there (even though I wouldn't be able to find them myself).
I'm also understanding now why people invest a lot of money in a decent stand (to hold the frame the piece is on). While the frame above is small-ish and isn't heavy at all, any type of frame (even a hoop) can get tiring to hold. And with so much detail in a piece like this, and because I remove my glasses for the close-up work, it all just becomes very cumbersome to shift my focus from the fabric to the pattern while holding onto a frame.
So I'm going to be doing some homework and studying what's available, comparing stands to what my true needs are, and hopefully I'll find one that works well for me.
To see what other YOPers are up to,
visit their blogs in my sidebar. 👉
Oh, I just love this! I have one of the cheaper stands you can find at Michaels. I think it comes in a pink box. I would say it's not the greatest stand in the world, but I did not want to invest too much until I tested it out. I usually stitch in hand, with no hoop, but there are some larger projects I use a frame and stand for. This allows me to stitch with both hands and I like it. One of these days I will purchase a better stand, but it works for now.
ReplyDeleteI was hoping you'd pop in, Jenn! I am tempted to use a coupon and buying a cheap one at Michaels. I think the brand is Edmunds (saw a video where someone adapted it with a clamp like I'd need for holding a scroll frame. I don't think I'm into adapting anything right now, but I'll study that one again before I make my final decision.
DeleteI have a bit of a fear that stitching stands are a little like tattoos. Once you get one, you're forever wanting another one. They're all so different and I imagine it's not until you use one that you can see what would make it better. It seems none have all the features I want in the price bracket I feel good about.
I made my own floor stand using PVC piping and clips. Sturdy, cheap. There are tutorials on YouTube about it. Might be worth your while to check into that before shopping.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see your stand, Liz. And since you suggested it, I am going to go look and see what making one of these entails. But I know me... even if I find the idea inspiring and imagine that I could do, it wouldn't get done. I already don't want to do it! lol
DeleteIt's currently dismantled because of the downsizing. But it's really easy to make. Just cut the pipe, join with connectors, use clamps for attaching the work. I got all the stuff from local hardware store, built my niddy noddy, several tapestry looms, and other useful things, from PVC pipe. I've taken apart and reassembled the same bits of pipe for different purposes!
DeleteSomewhere way back in my art blog, searchable with the subject index, you'll see pix. If you feel like it, that is! To me, it's fun to build my own tools. Ymmv.
I just checked. If you go to https://beautifulmetaphor.blogspot.com and check embroidery frame in the subject list, also PVC embroidery, and PVC embroidery plans, you'll get to posts with info. The last is a long post with a link in the middle to Mary Anne's blog with a whole lot more info. Okay, I'll leave you alone now!
DeleteNo! Don't leave me alone. I've commented more below, but let me say I enjoyed checking out your stand. Very clever and it's helpful to know how easy it is to disassemble and reassemble. That wasn't something I even considered until I read your post.
DeleteThat bird is so pretty! I stitch in hand...ie; I don't use a hoop or anything. It's so much easier to pick it up and get started stitching and not have to worry about taking it in and out of a hoop. Try it and you might not need a hoop and/or stand.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sam! I know there are people who stitch whole samplers "in hand" and I am in awe of that. I can manage small designs that way (especially, if the fabric is stiff - like Aida), but even that cramps my hand and wrist after just a short amount of time. I actually started this project thinking I could do it in hand, but soon found it difficult and ordered the scroll frame I did. I decided to try a scroll frame instead of a hoop precisely because I could leave the project in it and not worry about creases in the fabric or marks left on my stitching. I'm loving the scroll frame (even for this small of a project).
DeleteA stand should not only relieve the strain my hand (and fingers) go through, but it should alleviate to some degree the tiresome necessity of having to put the project down to check the chart. That's two movements (putting it down & picking it up) every single time I have to check the pattern. And in such a detailed patterned I have to check it a LOT. And still I make mistakes. I'm pretty sure a stand that holds the frame (or hoop) will feel like a great relief, and might even minimize some of the mistake making.
I love it. It looks like he is sitting on a pussywillow branch. If there are mistakes, I certainly can't see them.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary-Anne. The pussy willow branch, while very tedious to stitch, really brings this to life. I'm looking forward to seeing what outline stitches do to this.
DeleteOh my goodness Becki, it is so pretty. I just hung my mockingbird at our Auburn house and ordered some more linen to do at least two more of those patterns. I am so excited to see yours. It is perfect in my book.
ReplyDeleteYour mockingbird was my inspiration to get my hands on some of these beautiful bird patterns. I have another bird pattern kitted up to make after this one (and I'm hoping they'll make a pair), but I may take a break and do something simple as soon as I finish my gnatcatcher.
DeleteI had been wondering if it was Sandy's mockingbird that inspired you! Hers is beautiful, and so is yours. It's coming along so nicely!
DeleteYour wee birdie is turning out so cute - and nobody will even notice any small design elements if you don't point them out. As for a stand...have a peek at the directions found here for one made out PVC pipe...http://www.shawkl.com/p/make-your-own-hoop.html I made one and use it all the time.
ReplyDeleteThat's not a style that would do what I'd need it to do. I need something that will hold the stitching upright so I'm not bent over it. Here is a picture of one that comes close:
Deletehttps://www.reddit.com/r/CrossStitch/comments/7q1dci/pic_diy_qsnap_lap_stand/
Curious, I looked at the diagram (for how this is put together), and looked up what all those pieces cost, and using low numbers I figured that that design would cost me about 39.00 to make! And there's no flexibility to it. And it wouldn't hold scroll frames. Suddenly the prices I'm looking at for an adjustable wooden stand don't look so outrageous. This was helpful, actually, in helping me to see that. Thanks, Mary Anne!
You're welcome! Glad I was able to spark something that might lead to what you need. I just had a look at the one on reddit and it's similar to mine but with the addition of legs. There are so many configurations you can achieve with PVC pipe!
DeleteI think that's the one I was referring to above. This is faster, thank you.
ReplyDeleteLiz, I'm curious if you'd look at the link I have above and if you have a thought as to whether my calculations look reasonable for that design. I don't expect you to do the calculations (unless you want to), but if you've made one you might have some idea of what all those pieces might cost. (In case you read my response above before reading this, let me say I did the math again, and I came closer to 40.00 the second time. I'm going to correct my reply above.)
DeleteOh that stitch is coming along so nicely. I tried so many different hoops, snap frames and scroll frames when I did cross stitch. I loved the scroll frame the best. My mom had a floor frame she used for needlepoint. They are not cheap.
ReplyDeleteWe did make it to the movies today. We loved the movie. There were many times I laughed so hard I snorted.
I'm really liking using a small scroll frame. Years ago I did crewel work and had a larger scroll frame and I don't remember it feeling cumbersome to use. Getting older makes everything harder, it seems...
DeleteYour gnatcatcher is beautiful, but I cannot give you any advice as to a frame so I will leave it to the others!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lucy. :)
DeleteJust beautiful work. If there is a mistake - it is invisible - so it doesn't count. :-)
ReplyDeleteThat's what I'm thinking. :) Thanks, Retired Knitter!
DeleteThis design is coming out very well as cross stich. I really like the pussy willows and how one can tell what it is.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Stef!
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