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Joined: 3/10/2009
Posts: 7
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Hi! I noticed this subject is a little neglected. I hope that means you are all still working on your projects! I'm currently working on a carousel horse, one of four seasons. It's driving me a little batty with the details and quarter stitches, but I'll persevere. Do a lot of you make designs? I tend to use patterns from books, websites, etc. What I really love is getting something right, and knowing where each stitch goes. Go stitchers!
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Joined: 12/19/2007
Posts: 558
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Yep, I'm still cross stitching. If you check my other thread, I finished my last project in July last year, and I'm still working on the one I started after that, little by little. I think I might be able to finish it before summer. I work from bought patterns.
Michelle, Manitoba Canada
http://www.forest-of-dreams.com
My blog
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Joined: 3/10/2009
Posts: 7
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You sure have a lot of patience! I have an blanket I started knitting when I was pregnant five years ago. I've finished stuff since then, but every time I look at it I think "It's been so long since I started on that." I tip my hat to you.
I like books with themes to work from, but don't like kits so much. I like to fool with the colors sometimes. Also (though I hate to admit it) I have days where nothing goes right from knots to miscounting a start spot. What if I ran out of floss? Some people I know really like them though, because they don't need to find a lot of floss or store it.
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Joined: 12/19/2007
Posts: 776
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Hey xstitcher, I love cross stitch. I do some almost every evening. I do from kits, and books and web sites. I have at least one skien of every color of DMC floss but mostly two skiens. I do small projects for cards and gifts. Do pictures also. Some take weeks, some days, some months. I love it. Check out my photobucket. Linda
Life Member, Fayetteville, AR. Creative Minds are seldom tidy.Tex’s PhotoBucketTex's PhotoBucket
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Joined: 2/21/2009
Posts: 8
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Hi everyone! My name is Pam. I love xs. I finished a pattern with my baby's feet print last year and just got it frame. And now I am working on a sachet w/butterfly on it. I started last Dec. on a wreath of sunflowers and dry red peppers, I got tired of it and put it down. I was just thinking of picking it up again. 
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Joined: 3/10/2009
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Tex, you do nice work! Lots of different kinds of projects too. I usually so stuff for others, but not so little. For some reason it never seems like a lot of work when I get the idea so start something.... Like the four pillows I did for my mom that took a little under six to finish. Last Christmas I did a name thing for my parents, and brother and sister-in-law. It had wedding rings with a trinity symbol in the middle of them in the corner. The horse I'm doing for me.
Pam, I'd finish the sunflowers. Unfinished things get me a little down, and nothing quite feels as good as getting something done! (Said the champion procrastinator.) Keep up the good work girls!
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Joined: 2/23/2009
Posts: 13
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Hi, Everyone I do quite a bit cross-stitch, interspersed with other crafts. I knit, do some crochet, and am now getting into quilling, scrapbooking, cardmaking, stamping, and plastic canvas, amonst other things. I live way out in the boonies, in extreme northern New Hampshire, so during the long winter months, crafts is about all one can do! I tend to knit, crochet, and cross-stitch when I'm watching TV, but the rest is done at my work table, during the day. I don't watch much TV during the day, although my husband has it on all day long, I just sit down to watch it in the afternoon and evening. I guess you could say my strengths are cross-stitch and knitting, since I've done both of them since childhood. Aslo, I always have more than one piece of anything going at one time, so I have plenty of variety! Right now, I have two cross-stitch projects going, two knitting projects, one embroidery project, about two Christmas ornament projects, and a plastic canvas project going, too. I'm making myself a small box that I really need so that's the one that I'm concentrating on right now. It's about half way done. The box itself is almost done, but I still have the lid to complete. I think it will be finished tonight. That's about all!
Kayne4
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Joined: 12/19/2007
Posts: 776
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Thanks xstitcher. Would love to see some of your work and anyone else that does cross stitch. Happy stitching all. Linda
Life Member, Fayetteville, AR. Creative Minds are seldom tidy.Tex’s PhotoBucketTex's PhotoBucket
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Joined: 3/10/2009
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Kayne, that sounds like a lot! I have three kids under six, so I tend to do knitting during nap time, and save the cross stitch for the hour or two between their bedtime and mine. I also read, but have been neglecting that since I tend to get sucked in until it's done. Not good for projects! What exactly is this plastic canvas thing I've heard about? It was mentioned in reviews of that crocheted rug from the magazine.
Tex, unfortunately, I'm computer impaired. Not most technology, but computers hate me. And since I have to borrow my husband's laptop when it's home I don't foresee pics being available. Sorry! I do enjoy seeing what others can share.
Oh! I did finish that wedding sampler, just have to get a frame and ship it off. Poor neglected horse, I'll be working on that one for a while...
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Joined: 5/5/2009
Posts: 4
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I am a new member to the website. Have been x-stitching for many yrs now & love it. I have many patterns & if there is any that I can help you with; contact me thru here or email. I don't come here often but check email several times a wk. Email: ls_53@hotmail.com">dls_53@hotmail.com
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Joined: 5/5/2009
Posts: 4
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I am new to the creative arts website. I have x-stitched for many many yrs & saw the pattern for 'handbags' in the last issue of home arts. I want to get the lime green aida cloth to make this but can not find it anywhere. I have looked all over this website for a place to order, no luck. Have gone to craft stores in my area, no luck. Help?!?! I live in western NY. Thanks
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Joined: 5/5/2009
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Hi Kayne...enjoyed reading your message. I live in the boonies of western NY!! I love cross-stitch and crocheting. Want to learn to knit but I just don't get it!! Haha. Mom tried teaching me yrs ago; no luck. Recently I took some classes; no luck. Guess I am just clumsy w 2 needles. If you want to stay in touch & perhaps swap patterns, try my email: ls_53@hotmail.com/">dls_53@hotmail.com/. I check that several times a wk but this is my 1st time for this 'member forum'. Only found it as I am looking for aida cloth!!
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Joined: 5/10/2009
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I love cross stitch, I have made many projects, mostly from kits, although I just finished a wedding sampler for my oldest grandaughter, she is getting married in September. The most costly part of the project is getting it framed. My daughter did work at a shop for a long while and did all my framing, but fortunately for her, she got another job. I had to take the wedding sampler to Jo Ann Fabrics, very costly. I work on my cross stitch every night while I watch TV, how about you??
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Joined: 12/19/2007
Posts: 558
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Yeah, I like to cross stitch while watching TV too. I probably wouldn't watch much TV at all if I didn't cross stitch. 
Michelle, Manitoba Canada
http://www.forest-of-dreams.com
My blog
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Joined: 3/10/2009
Posts: 7
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Framing can be expensive! My wedding gift did not lend itself to a normal proportioned frame. Since I have no skill whatsoever at matting I had to get it custom done. Oh well, every once in a while is not too bad.
I would suggest doing a web search for the cloth you're looking for. Seems to be how I find most of my stuff....  Keep up the good work ladies!
Food for thought: I'm nearsighted, also, just turned 30, so I need no magnifier as of yet. How many use them? I imagine they save a lot of eyestrain..
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Joined: 12/20/2007
Posts: 1164
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I checked out all the photo albums for X-stitch...and there are some great pieces there! quite a few detailed pics. I used to do a LOT of X-stitch...Before I learned how to piece quilt tops together. I have spent a lot of time on X-stitch & quilt tops go together so much faster. I kind of switched gears but I really would be happy if one day I did finish all the X-stitch projects that I have started. I've posted most of my X-stitch projects in my photo-bucket. They all have been given as gifts...Mostly to my Mom. And she has since passed away so I have them back now. (Never thinking that day would actually happen) You will see that I prefer to do samplers....I think because they have some repetition to them...but a lot of different things. I get very frustrated with myself when I discover I have made a mistake in the project & it is too late to go back & fix it. That's when it gets set aside & ignored for a long time. I do hope to maybe pick it up again one day...Still have all the materials & supplies.
Pine Nut's Photobucket
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Joined: 12/19/2007
Posts: 804
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Donna, I just took a walk through your photobucket and am amazed at your needlework. I don't do it but can easily recognize the hours you've spent at it. It's lovely and I can certainly admire anyone who has the patience for it. Jenx
Jenx’s PhotoBucket Metamora IL/Sebring FL (There's a very fine line between hobby and mental illness. Dave Berry)
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Joined: 12/20/2007
Posts: 1164
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Thanks for looking Jenx. I was quite devoted to the craft for a long time. (ha! That's how long it takes to do some of those)
I should pull out an unfinished project & keep it handy. Like the big sampler I started...and found a BIG mistake & got so bummed I never looked at it again. I can probably work something out on it.
Pine Nut's Photobucket
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Joined: 9/17/2008
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Hi cross stitchers, I need your help. I live five minutes from Chicago, IL and have several cross stich ornaments that I want to frame, I am looking for brass, pewter or silver plated frames and cannot find any frames for my ornamentes not even thos flimsy plastic ones. I did however see one place that sold frames, oval, square, rectangle and circular ones but the site was in the UK. If I purchased them I would have had to pay a tariff, then taxes on top of the cost of the product, making the cost skyrocket and I would never be able to sell them. I've searched the internet and have spoken to shop owners in CT, UT and GA and no one sells frames or knew of anyplace that does. Are they a thing of the past? Doesn't anyone frame their cross stitch ornaments anymore? Your help would be greatly appreciated, if you know of a website or store that sells frames for cross stitch ornaments please email me casti9499@aol.com">Dcasti9499@aol.com Thanks so much.
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Joined: 12/19/2007
Posts: 139
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Personally, I've used wooden hoops to frame some of my ornaments other than that, I haven't really looked into the other types of frames.
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Joined: 2/1/2008
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yes I am working on a great piece right now. It is of Betsy Ross holding the American Flag along with 2 chambermaids. There is also 4 colonial men in the background. The piece is done in the old world antique style and is taking me awhile to complete.
Joseph Belfield
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Joined: 12/19/2007
Posts: 776
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Joseph, that sounds like a very nice piece. Would love to see it when you finish or during the time it takes you to finish it. Linda
Life Member, Fayetteville, AR. Creative Minds are seldom tidy.Tex’s PhotoBucketTex's PhotoBucket
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Joined: 3/7/2008
Posts: 13
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It has been awhile since I have been on here. I to love cross stitching. I have completed a Thomas Kincaide Christmas kit and now am working on number 2. It takes quite a while to complete. I believe it took me nearly a year to do the first one as they have a lot of thread changes. Still need to get it framed. I work on my projects while watching, or listening, to TV. I just love it and it is a great stress reliever for me. Ran into a problem that Dimension Thread has been closed. Now, I am converting the threads into DMC. Thank goodness for the conversion charts on the internet. I plan to make a couple more of the patterns for my daughters to put up. Wish me luck getting these finished. Enjoy reading the posts.
crafty55
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Joined: 12/19/2007
Posts: 804
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I greatly admire you people who do these long, tedious projects for which I have no patience. Tex, did you get your ornament for the contest mailed off yet? You still have time if you hurry.
Jenx’s PhotoBucket Metamora IL/Sebring FL (There's a very fine line between hobby and mental illness. Dave Berry)
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Joined: 12/19/2007
Posts: 776
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I don't know if I should enter it or not. I got the ideal out of a book. It is not original. So I really don't think I should enter it. I will try to come up with an original for next year. Linda
Life Member, Fayetteville, AR. Creative Minds are seldom tidy.Tex’s PhotoBucketTex's PhotoBucket
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Joined: 12/19/2007
Posts: 804
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It doesn't have to be original---and it's for a good cause. Send it! You'll feel better for having donated.
Jenx’s PhotoBucket Metamora IL/Sebring FL (There's a very fine line between hobby and mental illness. Dave Berry)
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Joined: 12/19/2007
Posts: 776
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Okay Jenx. LOL. That one cross stitch I have not gotten finished and will not have time. But I am sending four others that are ready. I think all of them are in my photo bucket. It is the felt santa, felt mouse, beaded spider w/legend and beaded iciclesl. Good luck to you and to me. Linda
Life Member, Fayetteville, AR. Creative Minds are seldom tidy.Tex’s PhotoBucketTex's PhotoBucket
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Joined: 12/19/2007
Posts: 804
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Good for you, Tex! My favorite thought about it is, "You can't win if it ain't in." Nicky's entry is in and, hopefully, Judy has hers in by now. I love to see winners from the boards.
Jenx’s PhotoBucket Metamora IL/Sebring FL (There's a very fine line between hobby and mental illness. Dave Berry)
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Joined: 12/19/2007
Posts: 804
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Tex, I checked out your bucket and all of your ornaments are very nice, very neat. I viewed your other photos as well and laughed out loud when I saw your Cox's comb. I even checked it out to make sure you'd messed with the spelling as I thought. Funny!
Jenx’s PhotoBucket Metamora IL/Sebring FL (There's a very fine line between hobby and mental illness. Dave Berry)
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Joined: 12/19/2007
Posts: 961
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Tex Now that you mention it what is the criteria for Orginal? I thought it was using your own colors, fabric, etc. for the project. afterall I have heard that there is no such thing as an orginal thought. Anyone have an answer? Nicky
lIFE ISN'T ALWAYS FAIR, BUT IT IS STILL WORTH LIVING! AND IT SURE BEATS THE ALTERNATIVE!!!
Nickys Photo Bucket
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Joined: 12/19/2007
Posts: 804
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I've never seen anything in the rules saying entries must be original so I figure "anything goes"! More than one winner has stated the item was from a pattern or kit. I'm sure originality counts but the quality of the work is factored in too. Since there's no distinction between pros and amateurs, I feel we need all the help we can get. I'm just happy that we have the opportunity to compete. I've already begun thinking of a toy to make and I have an idea---if I can make it work.
Jenx’s PhotoBucket Metamora IL/Sebring FL (There's a very fine line between hobby and mental illness. Dave Berry)
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Joined: 12/19/2007
Posts: 776
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Got my entries in the mail. Good luck to all.
Life Member, Fayetteville, AR. Creative Minds are seldom tidy.Tex’s PhotoBucketTex's PhotoBucket
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Joined: 12/19/2007
Posts: 804
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Good for you. I knew you could do it! Now the waiting begins. Don't you just wish they could announce the results on the 11th?
Jenx’s PhotoBucket Metamora IL/Sebring FL (There's a very fine line between hobby and mental illness. Dave Berry)
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Joined: 8/30/2009
Posts: 9
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what contest are you talking about rum
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Joined: 12/19/2007
Posts: 804
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Hi Rum, We're actually referring to 2 contests---the ones sponsored in each issue of the magazine. The last one was the ornament contest. Deadline is day after tomorrow. On this occasion, you have to actually send the ornament in and they all are donated to a Ronald McDonald house. (A good cause). If you're interested in entering that one, you'll have to rush to the PO and overnight your entry---hop to it! We're also thinking about the next one. The theme is "Toys". I love that the guidelines are so loose in the CHAC contests. Other than having to be a member, you're free to be creative. For this one, as in most of their contests, you don't have to send in the actual item. Just send in a GOOD photo. (I've not asked Jenny or Tammy but I suspect that some very good entries are disqualified because the photos aren't good enough to reproduce well in the mag or of such poor quality that the judges can't really see the quality of the item.) Several members who frequent the boards have been winners and, aside from the cash prizes, there's a measure of pride that goes with being a winner. I consider even a runner up to be a winner and am proud if my entry is chosen. I encourage everyone to enter because it doesn't hurt to try---and you might just win.
Jenx’s PhotoBucket Metamora IL/Sebring FL (There's a very fine line between hobby and mental illness. Dave Berry)
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Joined: 8/30/2009
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sounds like a great idea rum
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Joined: 2/23/2009
Posts: 13
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The way I understand it - if the stitching is done by YOU, then it can be entered, so long as you don't claim the design as yours. You can say "stitched by xxxxxxxx, from a design by xxxxxxxxxxxxxx". I've entered a number of non original pieces in art shows using this method, although I have designed a few of my own pieces, and I have never had a problem, not even with professional judges.
Nicky wrote:Tex Now that you mention it what is the criteria for Orginal? I thought it was using your own colors, fabric, etc. for the project. afterall I have heard that there is no such thing as an orginal thought. Anyone have an answer? Nicky lIFE ISN'T ALWAYS FAIR, BUT IT IS STILL WORTH LIVING! AND IT SURE BEATS THE ALTERNATIVE!!!
Nickys Photo Bucket
Kayne4
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Joined: 2/23/2009
Posts: 13
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Hi, Joseph
So great to see a man on here who is interested in cross-stitch. My father did cross-stitch for years, and did some amazing pieces. He won quite a few prizes in his later years, after retirement, and sold quite a few pieces for hundreds of dollars (Australian dollars, that is). None were original, but all were done on linen, not aida cloth. I'm gradually switching over to linen - I do think the finished product looks better on it, but I also have trouble finding the quality linens. For now, I use both.
Your piece sounds beautiful. What's it called? My husband would like it, and I would love to make it for him.
wuzzle29 wrote:yes I am working on a great piece right now. It is of Betsy Ross holding the American Flag along with 2 chambermaids. There is also 4 colonial men in the background. The piece is done in the old world antique style and is taking me awhile to complete.
Joseph Belfield
Kayne4
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Joined: 2/23/2009
Posts: 13
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I've completed quite a few pieces since I last posted. I've also found some pieces by a Dutch designer, Thea Gouverneur. I was born in Holland, so this was of particular appeal to me. She does the designing hersef, and has many designs of different cities around the world, amongst others. I couldn't find a distributor of her work in the States, so I had to order it from a site in the UK. Rather expensive, but you get the entire kit, so that helps (you can count on about $120 US each, which includes shippping etc). I ordered one of Amsterdam, in Holland, since I've been there many times as a small child. I also ordered one of New York. This one will be especially nice, I think because the twin towers are "ghosted" in - in subtle outline.
How about everyone else?
Kayne4
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Joined: 12/19/2007
Posts: 57
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Boy, I have GOT to check all these threads more often!
Kayne, here are a few sites for cross stitch frames (hopefully one of these will work for you!):
Jenx, you are so right about the photos! It's very difficult to judge what we can't see clearly, so one of the quickest ways to take your hard work out of the running is to submit a dark, cluttered, or blurry photo. Not everyone is a photographer, but placing your project somewhere other than, say, on a plaid couch in front of a bookcase and setting your digital camera to a high quality setting goes a long way. There is no problem if the design/concept is not original, but let us know how you made it your own (colors, etc.)
Good luck to all of you—it's always so exciting to see what you've been up to!
Tammy Schulman
Senior Editor, HomeArts Magazine
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Joined: 12/19/2007
Posts: 804
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Thank you, Tammy for that input. . I sometimes have difficulty getting a good picture of my contest entry. It helps that we have an "almost pro" photographer in the family who is great at giving me hints. She's taught me most of the following: To get the plain background that is soooo important, I use a roll of heavy gift wrap in whatever color best contrasts/complements the item. I tape the end to the wall and let it run down the wall, across the table, and to the floor. I tape the sides to the tabletop and use this as a backdrop for photographing small items. I first try to take pics without a flash---it's surprising how often it's unnecessary. If I must use the flash or indoor lighting, it often discolors the photo and the flash invariably reflects on anything shiny. The best way is to actually take the item outdoors. This gives the best light but watch to make sure your shadow doesn't make it's way into the photo. It's more difficult to hold the newer cameras steady because they've done away with the little viewfinders in favor of the larger window (I hate it!) so it helps to hold the camera up with your elbows in tight to your sides and brace your feet one on front of the other. If possible, use a tripod or set the camera on a firm surface. This is a situation where it would be great to have 3 feet. I've found these to be the most important things for me but there are lots more. You have professional photographers at your disposal. Could you check with them and post some additions and corrections? It would help lots of people here---including me. Right now, I'm off to get more of my immunizations so I can learn more about taking photos when daughter and I go to Asia.
Jenx’s PhotoBucket Metamora IL/Sebring FL (There's a very fine line between hobby and mental illness. Dave Berry)
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Joined: 4/28/2008
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Hi xstitcher, I think that was your group name. I love cross stitch so much that I decided to become a freelance designer in cross stitch. I haven't done much lately, took some time off for health problems. I have designs in The Cross Stitcher and in the Zweigart magazine, at home with Needlework, and in the 2005 A Cross Stitch Christmas by Better Homes and Gardens. I have two in that book. I have plastic canvas designs published too. Not too many, since there aren't too many places that take that anymore. I love to do 3D cross stitch ornaments. That was the first design I sold to The Cross Stitcher. So people do still cross stitch and thankfully there are still some magazines out there. In fact if you or anyone else reading this have ever seen my designs or better yet, stitched them, I sure would like to know. Dorothy Roller
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Joined: 12/19/2007
Posts: 804
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Dorothy, I don't do needlework but would love to see what you've designed. Since you've sold the designs, elsewhere, are you allowed to post photos of them here? I know we're not supposed to post published patterns here or in our buckets. It isn't likely but COULD lead to legal problems so the only ones I put in mine are ones I've made.
Jenx’s PhotoBucket Metamora IL/Sebring FL (There's a very fine line between hobby and mental illness. Dave Berry)
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Joined: 12/19/2007
Posts: 961
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Wow! I don't like to cross stitch but I have enjoyed reading what has been entered sence last time I was here.
Jenx, I have a white trifold poster board that I use as back ground. If I need color I cover it with fabric or paper. I can also use pins on it if I need too. It is light weight so I can take it where I need it.
lIFE ISN'T ALWAYS FAIR, BUT IT IS STILL WORTH LIVING! AND IT SURE BEATS THE ALTERNATIVE!!! Nicky,Taylorsville, Ms.
Nickys Photo Bucket
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Joined: 12/19/2007
Posts: 804
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Nicky, that sounds like a really good idea. The main reason I like the roll of paper is that it eliminates the line between the wall and flat surface---makes the item appear to be floating/hanging---but you can get the same effect if you drape fabric over your posterboard. The problem I have with the paper is glare if I use a flash. But it's the best method I've found so far.
Jenx’s PhotoBucket Metamora IL/Sebring FL (There's a very fine line between hobby and mental illness. Dave Berry)
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Joined: 4/28/2008
Posts: 18
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Hi Jenx. Sorry I hadn't replied. I was having a problem logging in again. I think it is hopefully fixed for good now. Anyway, I can post pictures of the designs that I took photos of. Even if I sold all rights to my designs which does happen, as long as I have my own pictures or scans of the designs either before or after publication, it is my model, my design so I can use the photos. I cant't use the photos in the magazines or books because those are copyrighted. I wish I self publish then I could use all photos, but I don't, yet. I have been thinking about it though but it is alot harder, not to self publish but to get them into the stores. That is why I haven't tried it yet. How do I make a photo bucket? I do see that I can attach a file here but does that make a photo bucket? Dorothy
File Attachment(s):
 bell1.jpg (86389 bytes)
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Joined: 12/19/2007
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Dorothy, I can easily see why you're able to sell your designs. It's gorgeous! Excellent work. Most people go to Photobucket, set up an account with them and post a link to it. It's a free service. I'm sorry I can't help you with it but I really know very little about the computer. I was amazed when I actually got mine to work---I had help. We have a few "experts" around here so someone should see this and be able to help you.
Jenx’s PhotoBucket Metamora IL/Sebring FL (There's a very fine line between hobby and mental illness. Dave Berry)
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Joined: 12/19/2007
Posts: 558
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Very nice Dorothy!
Michelle, Manitoba Canada
http://www.forest-of-dreams.com
My blog
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Joined: 9/22/2009
Posts: 2
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Hi folks! Am a "newbie" to this part of the site. I've been doing BOTH Cross-Stitch AND Embroidery since I was 8...25 Years now. Right now, I am working on a number of projects. 1 is a Naturewood Tablecloth for my dining room table(matches my plates and kitchen stuff!), another is a Counted Cross Stitch Picture of Hockey by Dimensions, a Shower Curtain from Pottery Barn that I put 2 old Embroidery Transfers on, and a few other little things. I do multiple projects so as to "break up the routine a bit". I've also found that a yard sale is a "gold mine" of linens, old embroidery transfers and other stuff for crafting purposes... Kelly
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