A few months ago I sent a question to all the cross stich groups and forums I belong to about the quality of patterns and kits. I've collated all the responses and ended up with about 12 pages. Some of the same coments about specific companies are repeated again and again. Now I'm in the middle to trying to put it into a report style for everyone to read. It's going to be way too long for a post in a group, so I'll put it up here. I'm also hoping to contact the companies mentioned with the comments and put their responses here as well.
I've been working hard on my new project. It's an eagle with five feathers at the bottom. Lots of half stitches and similar colours, which can get confusing, but also makes it easy to fudge if you make a mistake.
The next free pattern will be of a scorpion (If my computer doesn't crash). It will be a little more difficult than the ones I've previously done as I'm getting better and better at creating patterns. I'm also going to re-do both "the fighting dragons" and the "celtic roses". There's been some problems with the symbols and the fractional stitches. Many thanks to those who alerted to me of this. I wouldn't get anywhere without your input (especially Aly whose helping me with the dragons).
That's about all for now.
Za
Not much happened last week - hence no weekly blog. Lots of things have happened this week though. I finally got an answer from Plaid Bucilla about "Quiet Reguge". So now I've seperated most of the floss pieces (they are in 2 yard lengths). My son and I even put some strands of floss under the microscope to try and figure out if they were "cream" or "light yellow". We didn't have any success. Plaid Bucilla have sent me a link to a floss conversion chart (Bucilla to DMC), so I'm hopeing that is going to help. If worst comes to worst I'll use DMC.
One of the other problems with this pattern is that it is mostly done in fractional stitches. I've worked on many difficult patterns with many different stitches, however, I've never come across large areas done in quarter stitch instead of full crosses.
I've also finally finished my mum's copy of "The Enchanter" (thank goodness) and can now move on to something else.
See you next week.
Za
Happy Dance!! I've finally finished my Bonsai and Buddha. The pic should be up this week. I'm so glad to get it out of the way. I always get sick of big projects towards the end, then get excited again as I frame them and hange them. They always look better a couple of feet away (rather than in your face when you're stitching). I hope to finish off my mum's Enchanter next and do some more pattern makeing int the next week. The Enchanter has a lot of blending filiment so I will have to get out the "Thread Heaven".
See you next week.
Za
OH NO - I'm late with my blog! I found this great website that stocks all sorts of patterns and accessories. As I'm in Australia, it can be hard to get a hold of a wide range of patterns (especially when you don't have a credit card). The site is run by a lady called Tina. She's been great answering all my questions. The URL is: http://www.institchesdesigns.com.
I'm still having trouble figuring out subtle backgrounds, but on the up side my Buddah and Bonsia should be up next week. I've also just finished a rose which I am very proud of. It's in the free section of my site (under floral designs).
See you next week.
Za
This week has been a bit of "recovery from the flu" week. I have, although, become fasinated by all these acronyms. I think I'll add a page dedicated to them. I've already collected quite a few. Hubby should have the page up some time next week (gotta get the info to him first though). Anyone with any suggestions for the page - please e-mail me.
I'm working on a rosebud at the moment. I really want to put a subtle text background, but I'm having a little trouble with it. Hopefully it'll be up next week as well.
That's about all for now.
See you next week.
Za
I started the week well, with adding more patterns to the free section. The one of the penguin and snowman is so cute. I'm working on a zebra. But then I got the flu, so I'm under the weather at the moment.
I found a great site this week: Mystic Stitches. The stuff by Maxine Gadd is spectacular. If I had the money I'd do all of her peices. I also found out the the acronym S.E.X. stands for Stash Exceeding eXpectaions (well that's one version of it anyway).
See you next week.
Za
I've been doing plenty of work on my new patterns. I've got heaps left to do though. It's a hard decision which ones to do first, so if you have any suggestions of things you'd like to see, please e-mail me and I'll see what I can do.
Yes, I'm STILL working on my Buddah and Bonsia. It's looking great. It like lots of little cross stitches in one. You'll get the picture when you finally see it.
Apart from that I've been pretty busy with family stuff so I've not much else to report. Remember, please e-mail me if you have anything you need help with or any patterns you'd like to see.
See you next week.
Za
I've found some great graphics for new patterns. They are 1920/30's advertising signs. They are all from a link at TuDogs (a great place for free stuff). The copyright has expired on these so they're ok for public use.
I'm still working on my Buddah and Bonsia. I started it over easter while the men of the house where away camping. I hoped I'd get it done before they got back, but I think that was a a little ambitious. I've been "railroading" every stitch (for the first time). I've heard a lot about this technique from different groups. It is supposed to make the stitches lie flat and stop your floss from tangeling. I think it's made a difference in the appearence of the project - it looks a lot neater, but I'm not sure my floss tangled less.