Some cool cross stitch patterns and question about scroll stands

[tammywammy]

I found some awesome patterns the other day. http://www.artfire.com/users/BellaStitchery

I was looking for a Sorcerer Mickey Mouse that didn't look like a 10 year old could do it and stumbled upon this design:


I ended up buying 7 more patterns and getting 2 for free. :) I love 50s pin-up girls so I couldn't resist a few of those, including this one:


Oops! She's grilling and her skirt flew up! They crack me up and will go perfect to a hand-me-down clock from my great grandfather that has pin-up girls on it too.

Anywho, so I'm getting ready to start some more intensive cross stitch patterns. It's been a while since I've done more than just my run of the mill wedding sampler. I'm thinking about investing in a scroll frame and stand. I'm wondering if anyone else on here has a lap stand or floor stand, pros & cons and all that. I usually do my cross stitch while sitting on my sofa, so I'm thinking a lap stand would be best.

[pengillian101]

1. Oh that pin-up gal is great!

Post that in the lounge, lol.

[eShirl]

5. +1 ...wow

[pengillian101]

2. On second look,,,

BellaStitchery is a talent for certain, converting a picture into cross-stitch. Wow, thanks for posting it! I was never really taken by cross stitching, but I appreciating the craft/art.

[tammywammy]

3. There must be some type of program that she uses

I started on Mickey's nose tonight. :)

BTW, I'm not much of a lounge poster, but feel free to post the pin-up girls there. I think they're hilarious. I don't think of my cross stitch as "art" since I really just follow a pattern that someone else comes up with. Her conversions are truly art.


edited to add: If you do post them in the Lounge please PM me and let me know. :)

[pengillian101]

4. pin-up girls

I hesitate to post art pics so as not to infringe, ya know? These probably are just fine though. Thanks for posting!

Edit for a PS - I watch a DIY program that is fabric/yarn/crochet/knit/sew program called "Uncommon Threads" that is so interesting and great for artsy fartsy ideas ;-)

It's probably on youtube.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

8. Crs stitch is an art

I like to try and make sure the back of the piece is as tidy as the front. Just having the patience to keep each stitch perfectly smooth and taut is a talent in and of itself. :)

The gardening season has interrupted my finishing this one.. it's going to be beautiful.

[Warpy]

6. I had a huge scroll stand for my first and only needlepoint adventure

which was a needlepoint rug that copied the poppy pattern Oriental carpet. The rug was beautiful but I decided I preferred weaving to needlepoint.

Whether it's a scroll stand or a large hoop stand, having it resting on the floor and being able to adjust both the angle of the work and the position of the work within the frame are real advantages. With a floor stand, both your hands are free to work above and below the fabric. Plus, it's a lot less fatiguing than having to hold the work in your hand. You'll want that floor stand, in other words.

I've often thought those 50s pinups showing women in acute humiliation when the stupid skirt blew up were a large part of the reason we all decided to wear jeans in the 60s. This silly git looks more like she's trying to fan the coals, though, unless she's discovered a new perversion with charcoal smoke.

Besides, what kind of chicken brained bimbo would want to grill outdoors in 3 inch stiletto heels?

[AngryOldDem]

7. I tried a lap stand once....

It was more like a scroll-type frame and it didn't work out too well. It was hard to put together and adjust, and did not hold the fabric well, so I abandoned it and went back to the hoop, which I've been using ever since. My main complaint with some recent hoops has been they don't seem to hold the fabric taut enough either, unlike a really good hoop I had some years back, which unfortunately broke.

Good luck with your patterns -- I've been working on one myself since about late September and I am only about half done, and that does not include backstitching. My goal is to have it ready so that I can enter it in the state fair in late August. The color gradients on it are incredible and it is taking intensive concentration and work. I may very well be blind by the time I finish it, but the design is absolutely gorgeous.