Among Friends

[Patriot3]

I have been doing counted cross stitch for about  30 years.  Self-taught.  If  you start w/small things like samplers, you will eventually find little tricks to make it easier.  Then you will move up to larger and larger patterns. 

I haven't used the kits, just the patterns.  I have a huge 26 x 30 picture that I had framed of an Italian street scene.  (I'm Italian)  It is beautiful.  (Don't know how to post a pic).  I have several large scenes that I have done.  I just keep putting them in my stash

I'm working on another big one right now, but I think after this one, I am going to work on smaller ones.  Getting older......  I am very blessed w/good eyesight yet.  No glasses except for driving and spectator sports.  Thank God because I don't know what I would do w/out my stitching and reading!

[nanny24]

Another vote for the aida cloth. No stamped here. Self-taught like many of you, and so much fun. I don't want to derail this thread, but do any of you frame your own cross-stitch? It is so expensive to have it done.

[LilLadyNJ]

I taught myself counted cross stitch and made a lot of place mats. I haven't done it in some time. Craft stores have the fabric and the floss. I use books with patterns and bought my own pre-cut fabric and floss and followed the patterns. I enjoyed it very much. 

[Drythe]

@Winkk

I just assumed I could do it, so I started off.   🤪

Eventually I did some pieces I really liked and had framed.  No pre-stamped patterns for me, wanted to pick my own colors.

Ultimately, my RA flared so badly I had to give it up.  Really enjoyed it, especially in waiting rooms, and long flights.

Have fun!

[CelticCrafter]

@nanny24 - if you have a Hobby Lobby, check them for professional framing.

I was quite surprised at how much less they were than Michaels.

You can't use the weekly 40% off coupon on the actual framing but you can use it on the glass.

[drizzellla]

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@nanny24 wrote:

Another vote for the aida cloth. No stamped here. Self-taught like many of you, and so much fun. I don't want to derail this thread, but do any of you frame your own cross-stitch? It is so expensive to have it done.

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I did frame one. It was so easy. I went to a craft store and got a board that was sticky on one side. And placed the cross stitched item ( good side up) on it. It held well and then just popped it into a frame. The boards were cut into common frame sizes.

[nanny24]

Celtic Crafter, I did not know you could use the coupon for the glass. Good to know. Even at Hobby Lobby, I have paid around $100 to frame a 6x6 piece. And Drizzella, thanks for the info on the sticky board. I will look for that and try to frame my next piece. I mostly stitch Christmas pieces, they are my favorite, and give them to family. I wish there were a Forum on Crafts/Sewing!!