Crafty Threads 'n' Yarns

Piglottie · Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2006 4:11 pm Post subject: Wedding Sampler

I used to be an avid cross stitcher until I discovered knitting, and then my cross stitch has severely taken a back seat. However, I have two things that I really would like to get on with this winter as I always seem to find cross stitch a winter activity. One is a Brambly Hedge piece as I love the characters and have some of the china figures. The other is a wedding sampler that I had originally hoped to get done for my wedding anniversary in May this year but I have yet to start it properly Embarassed

It is a celtic design, in lovely jewel shades, with a lot of red and gold which were the colours of my wedding. It is done on evenweave which is my first go on this fabric. I'm finding it quite a challenge after using Aida. I would love to get it done for my next wedding anniversary, just need to calm down on the knitting obsession Laughing

Any other cross stitchers out there? What are you working on? And how do you find evenweave, is it just a case of practise makes perfect?

Seahorse · Joined: 06 Nov 2006 Posts: 1430

My story is very similar to yours! I stitched madly for years, then rediscovered knitting and have barely stitched since Embarassed

I've got an embarrassing amount of things half done - several big pieces by Teresa Wentzler, Mirabilia, The Victoria Sampler and Dimples Designs to name just a few. I've also got some canvas work pieces started - 'Nova' by Genny Morrow and 'Pieces of Eight' by Gayle Bicknell.

I'll try and make an album with some pics of finished pieces and one or two WIPs sometime soon.

I really like evenweave but I do think it depends on exactly which one you choose. I've worked with a couple that were really 'scratchy' and didn't look or feel very even at all! I actually started out using it, so never made the transition from aida, so I'm sure you'll master it in no tim

Claire

Piglottie · Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2006 4:36 pm Post subject:

Thanks Claire. Its funny how one hobby overtakes another isn't it? But to be honest, just lately as the nights have been drawing in, I have had the urge to start cross stitching so think I will pick it up again.

Re: evenweave. I love the actually material and think it will make a lovely finished piece. Its just much easier on Aida counting the squares etc, but I'm sure I shall get used to it.

Would be lovely to see some of your stuff.

pictish · Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2006 4:42 pm Post subject:

Is evenweave the lineny stuff? I have used that and find it hard to count the stitches and am thinking of getting a magnifier to help.

I've done quite a few small things and am nearly finished a sampler cushion designed by Cobweb Designs based on an C18th sampler in Culzean Castle - will post a piccy soon Very Happy

But like both of you knitting has conquered in a big way recently Laughing

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Ali xxx

Blossom · Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2006 4:43 pm Post subject:

Same old story...I cross stitched loads before I had my DS and discovered knitting!! Laughing

I still do the occasional bit, trying to keep my hand in! Laughing

I did Nova on aida, it's a really special piece for me as I begain stitching it when my maternity leave started at the beginning of May 2004, I can remember exactly which square I got too before I had my DS and I finished it when he was four months old!! Smile

The other big piece I have done is a Mirabillia...Midsummer Night's Fairy which I really enjoyed..although I'm not sure I'd do another one unless I loved the design as much!! Laughing

As for evenweave I was dead nervous before I started, but the best thing I can suggest is to use 28ct Jobelan evenweave, it's lovely stuff and the holes are a good even size! You just have to get your eyes used to looking at the squares as nine little holes as opposed to four corners! Smile

The first thing I stitched on evenweave was some Christmas cards and I really liked them....you'll get quicker as you practise and I've never looked back from evenweave, I only ever used aida after I had mastered it for my Nova!

My current cross stitch WIPs/UFOs are Michael Powells Pots of Love, which I absolutely adore but I just need to get the kick up the backside to finish...and the Lizze*Kate 2005 Flip It Blocks..I have done the first four months, just need to get that going too..one a month I keep trying to tell myself! Laughing

You can see all my cross stitch stuff in my webshots album in my 'www' link if you fancy a peek! Smile

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Sarah

Ravelry ID ~ Blossom

FO's ~ 21

melody yarns · Site Admin Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 8688 Location: UK

I think I've always cross-stitched on evenweave, but usually count two blocks as one square as Blossom said above.

I have a cross stitch WIP that I haven't touched for years because like YarnAddict cross stitch makes my neck ache! It's a poppy design. It's in the cupboard, so I'll dig it out and give you a peek at that too!
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Melody's blog
Ravelry name ~ melodyyarns
22 out of 24 completed in 2009 - only 3 to go!

Seahorse · Joined: 06 Nov 2006 Posts: 1430

I'd definitely say get a magnifier if you find evenweave fiddly. I wouldn't be without mine. I've got a Lowery stand too, which makes stitching so much quicker, as I can use both hands.

The magnifier I have is a daylight lamp as well. I got lucky re the price as they're expensive but I'd buy one at full price if I had to. You can see the sort of thing here:

http://www.sewandso.co.uk/ran923-0.html

Claire

pictish · Posted: Tue Nov 07, 2006 9:44 am Post subject:

Thanks for the link Claire - I've been thinking of one of those all-in-one things with the daylight light and magnifier and clip for my chart. Soon as I've got the money I will Very Happy

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Ali xxx

loobyj · Joined: 05 Nov 2006 Posts: 1648 Location: Swindon, Wilts

I love working on evenweave and really like the way the stitches stand out on it.

I do like cross stitching - but hardly ever do any now... but have got quite a big stash!!! I've got Lavender and Lace Celtic Christmas which I started in December 1995 - and it's still not finished! Shame really 'cos I really like the design and would love to put it up as part of my Christmas decorations, but not this year....

LJ

Piglottie · Posted: Tue Nov 07, 2006 1:48 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the link Seahorse. I've been looking at a combined daylight lamp with magnifier, so may get that. Although I'm off to Hobbycraft at Birmingham on Friday and I'm sure there will be a few there (there was last year). T