Love the delicacy of the restart and Dexter's contribution to the video! I am totally with you in the linen thing. I am always on the lookout for evenweave.
Thank you for another great video, Love Dexter too! What a lesson for us all! Can you imagine if you had started a large chatelaine and then found the fabric was too small. Lesson I have learnt from this is that I will ALWAYS check the count stated against a measure before starting. I have had to be careful in the past with hand dyed fabrics especially linen as they shrink too and the design can come out smaller than expected! I have only recently found floss tube but been a stitcher for about 25 years so have now watched all your videos and enjoyed them all. I can't wait to see your progress on this latest piece it's beautiful.
Death to cross stitch, awesome. I just received mine in the mail today. I too am changing mine up. 💗 dexter is essential for the videos, you can't cut him out in future videos. 😊
Looks wonderful, I feel for you having to restart it I had to restart my flower sampler three times!!! Cant wait to see your start on your long dog sampler. Aww! Dexter the model strikes again haha! so cute. happy stitching kisses to Dexter xxxx
You know Mckenzie you could still do something with your first piece, finishing it a little differently. I do like the second one you started though with the one thread. I can't wait till you get to the flowers ! ☺️
I love Wichelt linen and I thought I'd hate it. I can stitch with it in hand. I use a hoop or qsnap sometimes. I agree that the colour pops off the silver grey fabric better. You could keep that as a small sampler. It looks lovely on the new fabric as well though 😊. Love your cat. My daughters cat spends its time sticking it's back end into the camera when we are on FaceTime. Lovely! Thanks for sharing.
I love the color that you restarted your stitching on, the white really stands out, I'm stitching on Cashel linen right now in hand, without any issues, I really don't like a fabric that is stiffer and feels like it has been soaked too long in starch, Dexter will settle down once he gets used to it just being you and him.
Ugh! I think we've all done something like this - thanks for sharing your story and for having a sense of humor about it :) Looking forward to your Stephen King haul!
I totally hear ya on linen. Evenweave all the way! I don't stitch in hand but ugh, slubs... I know a lot of people love the look of it but I'm one of those that don't. Good luck on your restart! :)
I think the slubs look nice but unfortunately they make my brain unhappy. It's like I can't focus and then I have to re-count all my stitches - I second guess myself!
So sorry you had to restart! I agree the 2nd start looks more delicate, it is a big difference. I think the white looks fine on the marble linen though. Not quite so stark, but I don't think it gets lost. Also, loved seeing Dexter! I'm a kitty person hehe :)
I always used to stitch in hand So much has changed with being part of the flosstube community. Though, I do love the new work! So sorry that you had that little problem with the fabric! You had such a positive reaction to that. ( Here anyways! ) I would have been pretty frustrated with myself. Haha. Can't wait to see more of it. I'm sure it will be gorgeous.
Trust me, I didn't have a positive reaction at first! But like I said, I think I knew something was wrong for a while, so when I finally checked it was just like "oh, I was right". So that's good! Do you use frames now, or q-snaps? I'm curious!
I use q-snaps now. I find that they give me the best tension I could ask for, really. My scroll rods don't even give me the tensions like my q-snap does.
I love Perennial Garden. It was so worth starting again. I love stitching on linen. I often stitch in hand but use the 'scoop' method so maybe that is why it works for me. I don't mind soft linen he he
I agree with Molly, while I don't stitch in hand, the Wichelt/Permin linen seems to have a lot more stiffener and substance. It does soften some over time. I definitely want to purchase and stitch Death By Cross Stitch. Your stitching is always gorgeous and we seem to have very similar taste., except for Mirabilia. I think they are simply gorgeous, but due to arthritis and dexterity issues, beading is difficult for me. I do have L &L Fairy Grandmother that I am going to try and do. We will see. Love your videos. Hope your dad is doing well. Have a great weekend
First, love the photobombs by Dexter, hahaha. Then, I would like to say that I think the 2nd fabric will be fine with the white because the flowers are so colorful the whole thing will pop. Lastly, as a (most of the time) in hand stitcher, I don't really have an issue with linen. Yes, it does crinkle up where I hold it, but when I'm done, I spray it lightly with water and iron it really well face down on a towel, and it comes out beautifully. That said, I haven't done that with silk threads. I HAVE done it with GAST, WDW, and DMC. Really large pieces (especially with specialty stitches) I will do on a scroll frame.
And I'm so with you on the not framing. I've stitched lovely things on tiny pieces of fabric and people point out I have no border and I point out I'm just putting it in a DRAWER.
Cats usually develop bad behaviour when they are bored or pissed off. He's gone from a big house to a small apartment where he is alone more so he's having a rough time adjusting. He probably needs more stimulation, some play. He has lots of time to study people to see what bugs them and when he's annoyed or bored he does stuff that gets a reaction which amuses him. There are utube videos for cats , some that are hours long that might help entertain him while you work , I often put it on when I'm stitching so they don't get into my stitching stuff. I have a tv in my bedroom that I don't often use so I can put it on there and use my living room tv or computer to watch my stuff or listen to books. The project is lovely, too bad it's giving you problems, each one is a lesson though and that's why we love it.
Love the restart - but goodness that's a horrible feeling! I had a mild panic attack last week thinking I was going to run out of room on Angel of Love! I'm SOO tempted by Death by Crossstitch
Hi there. I like all types of linen and even weave, except for Wichelt. It is just too stiff for me. I love the Perrennial Border. Both starts are beautiful. You mentioned not being able to find the Lambswool Jobelan where you are. If there is a Hobby Lobby near you, they carry it in both the Lambswool color and Antique White. They also have a few other types of fabrics like Zweigart and Wichelt. Your cat is adorable and made your video fun. Happy Stitching!
Unfortunately, the closest Hobby Lobby is across the border in the states :( I might make it there at one point though, and I'll be ready to shop! Thank you Maureen!
LOVE this pattern! Believe it or not I had the very same experience with miscounted linens... I was stitching the 9th piece of a series and I actually finished it (!!) when I noticed that it was a tad larger than the other ones... I frogged the whole frickin' piece :D So I do feel your pain... Anyhow, I do 75% of my stitches on my hand and YES, I do like stiffer fabric too. I am stitching my linens in a q snap mostly (and I love that feeling as well but I am always going back to on-hand stitching because it just feels very comforting and cozy). I did discover a stiffer linen though and where else then in a JoAnn store. Unfortunately I can't remember what brand it was but it is a 32 count linen, comes in your fav color, the darker, cooler grayish and in cream, and it is pre-packed in a square format. All JoAnns have it, it is one of their staple products among the other cross stitch/embroidery stuff. It is about US $8.99 or so. I think it is worth a try if you are still feeling adventurous because it IS STIFF. And linen. BTW, go Dexter!!
Have you tried Permin linen? A lot of people complain that it's really stiff, but it might be perfect for you. I stitch in hand, and I don't really have a problem with linen, but I would agree that it can be difficult to work with when it's too soft. Also, you can't take 10 years to finish Death by Cross Stitch, because you're supposed to be the first one done! ;) Always a joy to see you McKenzie. :)
Your stitching is so lovely! I, too, have been ensnared by 'Death,' but won't be starting for a couple of months...at least that is my current hope. I do stitch in hand, nearly always on linen, and I know what you mean about the wonkiness of the weave, which can be a problem. I tried one piece of Weeks Dye Works linen and nearly made it into a dust cloth. Very wobbly weave and no sizing at all. Disaster! I generally use Zweigert for solids and a couple of 'stamped' colors, and Picture This Plus or Under the Sea Fabrics for jhand-dyed. Wichelt linen is very like a French Lace linen in that it will hold up walls. Really. The linen threads seem to be a bit harder on my embroidery threads, and I do get more wear, so need shorter strands and Thread Heaven. You might try a 36-40 ct if you like a tight weave? Slubs, by the way, are bits of lint that got caught in the weave, and can be teased out with fine tweezers. Your kitty is adorable!
McKenzie - I have just bought Perennial Border as of this week - it looked such a pretty pattern - however I don't think I will be stitching it anytime soon. I will be interested and will take in your tips. tricks and wisdom as you stitch away ;) I just checked out 'Death by Cross Stitch' - oh, my goodness I don't think I have enough life left to stitch that... But I can imagine it would be satisfying to stitch. I 'fell' at the first jump with Save the Stitches and never progress beyond the first bit. I think about it from time to time - but that is all I do... As for your fabric question - I am sorry I am no help... I think as stitchers at a gut level we know what we like and go with that. As for your very cute furry face - I love it!!! Our cat Matilda would do exactly the same. If she wants my attention she will put herself between me and the computer screen or the television screen or the book I am holding until she is acknowledged... It is true cat owners are just servants serving the needs of their King or Queen!! Look forward to seeing more from you as you 'grow your garden' or start your 'Death'... Take care now Sharon - Australia
Great video and hi to the cat too! Sorry about the restart but it is beautiful! I'd still keep the first one as just the white area though, it's pretty on its own! As for linen Ive only done small projects in hand so probably not much help there, but what Ive noticed is MG Textiles is the most slubby, Permin is rather stiff, and Zwiegart has the most "heft", meaning it just seems denser. It all wrinkles unfortunately though lol.
I am SO with you on the linen fabric issue. And for the exact same reasons. I've just started my first Mirabilia and I'm using the recommended fabric which I do not like. I was so excited to finally start this Memorabilia but I'm not liking my stitching on this piece of linen that gets extremely wrinkly and is way too soft for my liking. I was thinking of just starting over with a stiffer linen or Aida. I haven't been stitching very long, maybe a year and a half now, so I'm not familiar with all the different fabrics out there. But I do know that I do like the stiffer fabrics. And I loved seeing Dexter!! What a sweetie. :) I really enjoy seeing your projects and they always look so beautiful.
Thank you April! What Mira did you start? I feel like I don't know much about different fabrics either because I found what I like pretty quickly and then I stopped experimenting. We have the same timeline - I started stitching and about a year or so later I picked my first Mirabilia :D
Hello again :) My first Mirabilia is Fairy Idyll. Oh my goodness it was love at first sight with that design lol. Although, I can probably say the same thing about EVERY Mirabilia! I have a feeling I'll be trying to do them all. :O I ended up taking out the stitches and starting over. (what a pain that was) but I'm liking it just a little bit better this time. I'm still using the recommended fabric but am going very slowly and really taking my time. I didn't want the fabric to go to waste and it looks so pretty with the pattern so I'll give it another go. So we'll see! :)
As a relatively new convert to linen, if you are looking for a stiffer one, try Wilchelt; it is pretty stiff (you can stand it up without help, feels as though it's been starched kind of stiff) and it holds the stitches well. I had to use a small piece and used it in hand and though it could get wrinkly (I used it for a small ornament that I had put in Paul's halfway box when he was deployed), it didn't get WRINKLY, if that makes sense? And it held its shape up well AND stayed in shape during a deployment on a sub (I didn't make it pretty, still haven't and he's been home for ages, but I didn't make it 'pretty' as I knew I would have to wash it when he came home and it smelled like sub...a smell that is just incomparable to anything else in this world, it's just gross). So if it can handle well on a sub for over 6 months, I would say it would handle well in hand stitching. I got use to the feel of it rather quickly as well. Some people can't and that's why they hate Wilchelt but I just
Kind of got over the feel. I don't know if this helps at all, but maybe? And good luck!! I do love the Drawn Thread and it doesn't seem so intimating now (I don't know why I thought it was).
The mess up one would be really pretty in a frame. One of those more ornate frames with all the filigree and stuff. Maybe on your vanity or nightstand.
I did a piece on linen, bookmark, and I'm exclusive in hand. 😔 didn't like it. I tried a few other pieces of linen and the same. So I just avoid it. Great video, can't wait to see it finished.
oh no, you drank the KoolAid!!! :) :P Death by crossstitch is a beautiful peace but i don't think i would be able to do it. Gonna love watching everyone work on it though :). And your mom's comment about save the stitches is hilarious haha!
Other than saying that I, too love those designs that come from what looks like meandering threads, the only thing I can add is DEXTER RULES. I love him.
Ok so now I know why my "in hand" experience with Wild Lilies was not ideal - I stitched on soft floppy linen! Agree with the 2 over 2 plan on the flowers for sure! AND the flowers on the lighter fabric will pop like nobody's business 🌷🌹🌼🌻 I'm just imagining you stitching Death By Cross Stitch in hand - buried under a blanket of Monaco with Dex curled up on top! 🐱
The flowers are going to look so pretty! And that's pretty accurate actually, me trying to rearrange my fabric and Dex grabbing at it! Who could blame him.
I usually stitch in hand. However I roll my piece from the top or bottom, rather than the side. When I start a piece on a soft linen, I generally start the piece using Q-snaps until there is enough stitching added to add body to the linen. I don't pull the linen taut in my Q-snaps, so the tension of the stitches remains the same when I switch to stitching in hand. The linen will crease more when stitching in hand, but it will iron out easily.
I stitch in hand using the sewing method on softer linen so it doesn't distort in the hoop. At my LNS, they have a lot of different types of linen, some with more slubs, some with less, some that are stiff and scratchy (like burlap), some stiff and soft, and there's also linen that is cotton blend, lambswool, and other materials. I've used the 32 ct lambswool linen by winchelt and it's very stiff, kinda looks like a screen door when you hold it up to the light though lol.
I came across some sprat starch the other day and will use it to stiffen my linen that is soft. I think the higher the stitch count the denser the linen. When you get linen that is really stiff it has a lot of sizing on it and when you wash it , it gets softer so spray starch is sizing. I found it at Homesense I think, that or Marshalls. You could probably order it online.
I want Death by Cross Stitch too! Just not sure whether to do it in a solid color or a hand dyed or variegated. Keep your first start of The Drawn Thread and just stitch the inner white part, it would be pretty just by itself. I stitch in hand on Aida but for evenweave unless it's Monaco, I use my qsnaps. Lugana was ok in hand but my piece was pretty small.
If you like your original one and would want to stick with it you could always sew on extra fabric. Since the design fits the extra fabric is more for framing purposes. Whatever you decide it will come out lovely!
I stitch in hand too, and I started a piece on linen last summer (holy cow, has it been that long?), and it was my first time stitching on linen, and I hated it. Hated it so much. The slubs were annoying, and the fact that it wasn't exactly even all the way across and down just made me question my stitching and go back and count and recount and recount, and... I lost my stitchy bug. I've mostly stitched all my life in aida because I always stitched kits. So I am very used to stiffer fabric. But a few years ago, I discovered flosstube, and then a whole bunch of things, like evenweave, and now my favorite fabric is evenweave, hands down. Now aida feels too rough, and big. I still like it for certain things for sure, but I much prefer evenweave.
Wichelt is stiffer than Zweigart in my experience. I don't stitch in hand, but I have sewn (clothes) with linen many times. Linen is just a wrinkly, rumply fabric and the more it is exposed to warmth, etc (from handling), the softer it gets. Death by Cross Stitch is seriously tempting.
Oh my. . .thank your cat for the laugh for me. :) I don't think I find anything as funny as random animal antics. I'm glad you're not editing his presence out. It's cute. . .and it adds character to your videos that really can't be replicated. No help to offer for the bowl thing. I did have one cat that used to do stuff like that too. Was really annoying. I think my 'solution' was to take her water dish and put it elsewhere, so when she dragged her food tray out, the water didn't slop everywhere. lol If it makes you feel any better, you're not alone in the limited fabric options and stash. ZERO fabric stash here. (I did have one roll, but I've started something on it, so that is that!) I also have Michaels to choose from - and yeah, they're great if you like basic colours. But sometimes it's nice to have -other- choices. (I have learned there is a stitch shop in the area, but it's like a 2 hour drive from here, so when I go, I'm going to have to have enough money to spend there to make the trip REALLY worth it.) So I totally get the frustration when you need something a little 'different' than what you normally need. For the Fray Check - yes, it stays 'good' for quite a long time. But it DOES change consistency!! I had a bottle that I literally had for about 20 years. I ran across it when I started digging my Xstitch stuff out again and it was. . .weird. But we tried it - and it worked. It had gone all runny and lumpy, even though it was sealed. (Sounds contradictory, I know. But there were the lumps, and then the liquid still around it was quite runny.)Hadn't changed colour, though. It worked fine, but it was weird and a pain to use because of the lumps. I ended up letting my mom use it to help repair a rip in her down vest before pitching it and just getting a fresh bottle. Though, I've started borrowing my mom's sewing machine and just zigzagging the edges of my fabric and rather like that better than the fray check. But yeah, you should be able to keep using it until yours goes lumpy. Hopefully you'll use it up before then. ;) No opinion on linen. I've actually yet to try it myself. Since I mostly work with the evenweave I get at Michaels there's really been no need to try it. Wouldn't mind, though, if it doesn't warp in a frame.
SO APPARENTLY I'M LIVEBLOGGING YOUR FLOSSTUBE NOW I just bought the Death by Cross Stitch chart this morning. I am so terrified of it, because I'm going to have to pick floss colors and I always feel bad about my choices after I see other peoples choices which are BETTER. But I think I have some forty count white linen large enough for it, so I might hit up my limited LNS and just PICK SOMETHING for the first corner.
Thank you! I think I did have a problem with the wedding sampler but I stayed up half the night to stitch it so perhaps I was too sleep deprived to notice. :)
I'm totally a Monaco/evenweave lover , for some reason linen and I just don't get along :P it's stretchy and crazy I can never adjust it either on hop or snaps ! and then it's too soft to stitch in hand which is what I do (unless my fabric is too soft ) so I'm not much help lol
Some of the linens that are marketed for prim projects, or reproduction samplers, like that? Are a lot stiffer and more tightly woven. I've stitched in hand on floppy loose woven linen and it's really fun to fill it up with stitches and see it turn into real useful fabric but other than that yeah, kinda horrible.
Love your videos. Does the Death by Cross Stitch have specialty stitch? I don't stitch in hand, but I prefer my evenweave over linen. I noticed that I was pulling the linen too tight on my Lavender and Lace project.
I've heard that if you wrap the fabric around something circular to hold in your hand (like a dowel of a rod of some kind) it will eliminate the creasiness. I haven't actually tried it myself yet though!
You're going to what. You're going to STITCH the BACKGROUND. oh why not. HEY STEAL PATTERNS FROM SAVE THE STITCHES to do a pale shadowy metallic fill on some of it? .....you're way ahead of me. PROBLEM OF LIVEBLOGGING.
![FINISH: Quaker Game Board by Papillon Creations (+ Giveaway!) [CLOSED]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/L3P1soTv8to/mqdefault.jpg)
You have the cutest laugh!!! Loved seeing Dexter!!! Beautiful stitching....and yes, we all make frustrating mistakes!!!
Thank you Cindy!
Love the delicacy of the restart and Dexter's contribution to the video! I am totally with you in the linen thing. I am always on the lookout for evenweave.
Evenweave sisters! Kindred spirits! :D
Thank you for another great video, Love Dexter too! What a lesson for us all! Can you imagine if you had started a large chatelaine and then found the fabric was too small. Lesson I have learnt from this is that I will ALWAYS check the count stated against a measure before starting. I have had to be careful in the past with hand dyed fabrics especially linen as they shrink too and the design can come out smaller than expected! I have only recently found floss tube but been a stitcher for about 25 years so have now watched all your videos and enjoyed them all. I can't wait to see your progress on this latest piece it's beautiful.
I've heard that about hand dyed fabrics - good to know! Thank you so much for watching!
Death to cross stitch, awesome. I just received mine in the mail today. I too am changing mine up. 💗 dexter is essential for the videos, you can't cut him out in future videos. 😊
I would never! He's half the reason people watch my channel I think! :D
Looks wonderful, I feel for you having to restart it I had to restart my flower sampler three times!!! Cant wait to see your start on your long dog sampler. Aww! Dexter the model strikes again haha! so cute. happy stitching kisses to Dexter xxxx
Thank you Maureen!
I missed you! Thank goodness you made a video! ;)
HAAAAAAAAAAA
You know Mckenzie you could still do something with your first piece, finishing it a little differently. I do like the second one you started though with the one thread. I can't wait till you get to the flowers ! ☺️
Thank you Laura, I can't wait either!
I love Wichelt linen and I thought I'd hate it. I can stitch with it in hand. I use a hoop or qsnap sometimes. I agree that the colour pops off the silver grey fabric better. You could keep that as a small sampler. It looks lovely on the new fabric as well though 😊. Love your cat. My daughters cat spends its time sticking it's back end into the camera when we are on FaceTime. Lovely! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Sara! I will have to try some Wichelt :)
I love the color that you restarted your stitching on, the white really stands out, I'm stitching on Cashel linen right now in hand, without any issues, I really don't like a fabric that is stiffer and feels like it has been soaked too long in starch, Dexter will settle down once he gets used to it just being you and him.
Thank you Emma!
Ugh! I think we've all done something like this - thanks for sharing your story and for having a sense of humor about it :) Looking forward to your Stephen King haul!
Thank you!
I totally hear ya on linen. Evenweave all the way! I don't stitch in hand but ugh, slubs... I know a lot of people love the look of it but I'm one of those that don't. Good luck on your restart! :)
I think the slubs look nice but unfortunately they make my brain unhappy. It's like I can't focus and then I have to re-count all my stitches - I second guess myself!
So sorry you had to restart! I agree the 2nd start looks more delicate, it is a big difference. I think the white looks fine on the marble linen though. Not quite so stark, but I don't think it gets lost. Also, loved seeing Dexter! I'm a kitty person hehe :)
Courtney I've been hopeful you will post a new video soon on your channel? :)
It is a big difference isn't it? I like it more too. Thank you! I'm off to check out your channel :)
+Jennifer Ruiz man work has been pretty intense the last six weeks or so, so I feel like I don't have anything to show!
I always used to stitch in hand So much has changed with being part of the flosstube community. Though, I do love the new work! So sorry that you had that little problem with the fabric! You had such a positive reaction to that. ( Here anyways! ) I would have been pretty frustrated with myself. Haha. Can't wait to see more of it. I'm sure it will be gorgeous.
Trust me, I didn't have a positive reaction at first! But like I said, I think I knew something was wrong for a while, so when I finally checked it was just like "oh, I was right". So that's good! Do you use frames now, or q-snaps? I'm curious!
I use q-snaps now. I find that they give me the best tension I could ask for, really. My scroll rods don't even give me the tensions like my q-snap does.
I love Perennial Garden. It was so worth starting again. I love stitching on linen. I often stitch in hand but use the 'scoop' method so maybe that is why it works for me. I don't mind soft linen he he
I'll have to experiment! Thanks Jan!
I agree with Molly, while I don't stitch in hand, the Wichelt/Permin linen seems to have a lot more stiffener and substance. It does soften some over time. I definitely want to purchase and stitch Death By Cross Stitch. Your stitching is always gorgeous and we seem to have very similar taste., except for Mirabilia. I think they are simply gorgeous, but due to arthritis and dexterity issues, beading is difficult for me. I do have L &L Fairy Grandmother that I am going to try and do. We will see. Love your videos. Hope your dad is doing well. Have a great weekend
Thank you Crystal! I like L & L too, I'm glad we have similar tastes :)
First, love the photobombs by Dexter, hahaha. Then, I would like to say that I think the 2nd fabric will be fine with the white because the flowers are so colorful the whole thing will pop. Lastly, as a (most of the time) in hand stitcher, I don't really have an issue with linen. Yes, it does crinkle up where I hold it, but when I'm done, I spray it lightly with water and iron it really well face down on a towel, and it comes out beautifully. That said, I haven't done that with silk threads. I HAVE done it with GAST, WDW, and DMC. Really large pieces (especially with specialty stitches) I will do on a scroll frame.
Thank you Cheryl! That's good advice that I will take!
And I'm so with you on the not framing. I've stitched lovely things on tiny pieces of fabric and people point out I have no border and I point out I'm just putting it in a DRAWER.
You are my soulmate. #drawerstitchers4life
Cats usually develop bad behaviour when they are bored or pissed off. He's gone from a big house to a small apartment where he is alone more so he's having a rough time adjusting. He probably needs more stimulation, some play. He has lots of time to study people to see what bugs them and when he's annoyed or bored he does stuff that gets a reaction which amuses him. There are utube videos for cats , some that are hours long that might help entertain him while you work , I often put it on when I'm stitching so they don't get into my stitching stuff. I have a tv in my bedroom that I don't often use so I can put it on there and use my living room tv or computer to watch my stuff or listen to books. The project is lovely, too bad it's giving you problems, each one is a lesson though and that's why we love it.
Thank you!
Love the restart - but goodness that's a horrible feeling! I had a mild panic attack last week thinking I was going to run out of room on Angel of Love!
I'm SOO tempted by Death by Crossstitch
I have had those moments - even if you double, triple, quadruple check there is always a moment of panic I think. Give IN to that temptation :D
Hi there. I like all types of linen and even weave, except for Wichelt. It is just too stiff for me. I love the Perrennial Border. Both starts are beautiful. You mentioned not being able to find the Lambswool Jobelan where you are. If there is a Hobby Lobby near you, they carry it in both the Lambswool color and Antique White. They also have a few other types of fabrics like Zweigart and Wichelt. Your cat is adorable and made your video fun. Happy Stitching!
Unfortunately, the closest Hobby Lobby is across the border in the states :( I might make it there at one point though, and I'll be ready to shop! Thank you Maureen!
I really like how your second one looks. Also... cute kitty! We have a Dexter Cat at our house too!
Thank you! You have a ginger kitty too? :D
No, our Dexter is all black. We used to have a ginger kitty, but his name was Rupert. :)
LOVE this pattern! Believe it or not I had the very same experience with miscounted linens... I was stitching the 9th piece of a series and I actually finished it (!!) when I noticed that it was a tad larger than the other ones... I frogged the whole frickin' piece :D So I do feel your pain... Anyhow, I do 75% of my stitches on my hand and YES, I do like stiffer fabric too. I am stitching my linens in a q snap mostly (and I love that feeling as well but I am always going back to on-hand stitching because it just feels very comforting and cozy). I did discover a stiffer linen though and where else then in a JoAnn store. Unfortunately I can't remember what brand it was but it is a 32 count linen, comes in your fav color, the darker, cooler grayish and in cream, and it is pre-packed in a square format. All JoAnns have it, it is one of their staple products among the other cross stitch/embroidery stuff. It is about US $8.99 or so. I think it is worth a try if you are still feeling adventurous because it IS STIFF. And linen. BTW, go Dexter!!
Aah you finished it! Nooo that's my worst nightmare! I've ordered online from Joanns before, I'll have to check it out! Thank you!
Have you tried Permin linen? A lot of people complain that it's really stiff, but it might be perfect for you. I stitch in hand, and I don't really have a problem with linen, but I would agree that it can be difficult to work with when it's too soft.
Also, you can't take 10 years to finish Death by Cross Stitch, because you're supposed to be the first one done! ;) Always a joy to see you McKenzie. :)
I will check out Permin! Thank you Laurel :D
Your stitching is so lovely! I, too, have been ensnared by 'Death,' but won't be starting for a couple of months...at least that is my current hope. I do stitch in hand, nearly always on linen, and I know what you mean about the wonkiness of the weave, which can be a problem. I tried one piece of Weeks Dye Works linen and nearly made it into a dust cloth. Very wobbly weave and no sizing at all. Disaster! I generally use Zweigert for solids and a couple of 'stamped' colors, and Picture This Plus or Under the Sea Fabrics for jhand-dyed. Wichelt linen is very like a French Lace linen in that it will hold up walls. Really. The linen threads seem to be a bit harder on my embroidery threads, and I do get more wear, so need shorter strands and Thread Heaven. You might try a 36-40 ct if you like a tight weave? Slubs, by the way, are bits of lint that got caught in the weave, and can be teased out with fine tweezers. Your kitty is adorable!
Thank you Jeri! I will check out Wichelt!
McKenzie - I have just bought Perennial Border as of this week - it looked such a pretty pattern - however I don't think I will be stitching it anytime soon. I will be interested and will take in your tips. tricks and wisdom as you stitch away ;) I just checked out 'Death by Cross Stitch' - oh, my goodness I don't think I have enough life left to stitch that... But I can imagine it would be satisfying to stitch. I 'fell' at the first jump with Save the Stitches and never progress beyond the first bit. I think about it from time to time - but that is all I do... As for your fabric question - I am sorry I am no help... I think as stitchers at a gut level we know what we like and go with that. As for your very cute furry face - I love it!!! Our cat Matilda would do exactly the same. If she wants my attention she will put herself between me and the computer screen or the television screen or the book I am holding until she is acknowledged... It is true cat owners are just servants serving the needs of their King or Queen!! Look forward to seeing more from you as you 'grow your garden' or start your 'Death'...
Take care now
Sharon - Australia
Haha I guess all cats are the same! Thank you Sharon!
Great video and hi to the cat too! Sorry about the restart but it is beautiful! I'd still keep the first one as just the white area though, it's pretty on its own! As for linen Ive only done small projects in hand so probably not much help there, but what Ive noticed is MG Textiles is the most slubby, Permin is rather stiff, and Zwiegart has the most "heft", meaning it just seems denser. It all wrinkles unfortunately though lol.
This is very valuable information for me - thank you! I will have to go linen shopping :)
that kitty bean-toe spread at the end bout killed me. you have an adorable fur monster!
Thank you Lauren!
I am SO with you on the linen fabric issue. And for the exact same reasons. I've just started my first Mirabilia and I'm using the recommended fabric which I do not like. I was so excited to finally start this Memorabilia but I'm not liking my stitching on this piece of linen that gets extremely wrinkly and is way too soft for my liking. I was thinking of just starting over with a stiffer linen or Aida. I haven't been stitching very long, maybe a year and a half now, so I'm not familiar with all the different fabrics out there. But I do know that I do like the stiffer fabrics. And I loved seeing Dexter!! What a sweetie. :) I really enjoy seeing your projects and they always look so beautiful.
Thank you April! What Mira did you start? I feel like I don't know much about different fabrics either because I found what I like pretty quickly and then I stopped experimenting. We have the same timeline - I started stitching and about a year or so later I picked my first Mirabilia :D
Hello again :) My first Mirabilia is Fairy Idyll. Oh my goodness it was love at first sight with that design lol. Although, I can probably say the same thing about EVERY Mirabilia! I have a feeling I'll be trying to do them all. :O I ended up taking out the stitches and starting over. (what a pain that was) but I'm liking it just a little bit better this time. I'm still using the recommended fabric but am going very slowly and really taking my time. I didn't want the fabric to go to waste and it looks so pretty with the pattern so I'll give it another go. So we'll see! :)
Fairy Idyll is SO pretty! Good luck!
As a relatively new convert to linen, if you are looking for a stiffer one, try Wilchelt; it is pretty stiff (you can stand it up without help, feels as though it's been starched kind of stiff) and it holds the stitches well. I had to use a small piece and used it in hand and though it could get wrinkly (I used it for a small ornament that I had put in Paul's halfway box when he was deployed), it didn't get WRINKLY, if that makes sense? And it held its shape up well AND stayed in shape during a deployment on a sub (I didn't make it pretty, still haven't and he's been home for ages, but I didn't make it 'pretty' as I knew I would have to wash it when he came home and it smelled like sub...a smell that is just incomparable to anything else in this world, it's just gross). So if it can handle well on a sub for over 6 months, I would say it would handle well in hand stitching. I got use to the feel of it rather quickly as well. Some people can't and that's why they hate Wilchelt but I just
Kind of got over the feel. I don't know if this helps at all, but maybe? And good luck!! I do love the Drawn Thread and it doesn't seem so intimating now (I don't know why I thought it was).
I will check out Wichelt! That does help, thank you!
The mess up one would be really pretty in a frame. One of those more ornate frames with all the filigree and stuff. Maybe on your vanity or nightstand.
Great idea!
I did a piece on linen, bookmark, and I'm exclusive in hand. 😔 didn't like it. I tried a few other pieces of linen and the same. So I just avoid it.
Great video, can't wait to see it finished.
Thank you! I'm glad to meet another in-hand stitcher :)
oh no, you drank the KoolAid!!! :) :P Death by crossstitch is a beautiful peace but i don't think i would be able to do it. Gonna love watching everyone work on it though :). And your mom's comment about save the stitches is hilarious haha!
I drank the Koolaid! And I usually don't!
Other than saying that I, too love those designs that come from what looks like meandering threads, the only thing I can add is DEXTER RULES. I love him.
Thank you Millie!
Ok so now I know why my "in hand" experience with Wild Lilies was not ideal - I stitched on soft floppy linen! Agree with the 2 over 2 plan on the flowers for sure! AND the flowers on the lighter fabric will pop like nobody's business 🌷🌹🌼🌻 I'm just imagining you stitching Death By Cross Stitch in hand - buried under a blanket of Monaco with Dex curled up on top! 🐱
The flowers are going to look so pretty! And that's pretty accurate actually, me trying to rearrange my fabric and Dex grabbing at it! Who could blame him.
I usually stitch in hand. However I roll my piece from the top or bottom, rather than the side. When I start a piece on a soft linen, I generally start the piece using Q-snaps until there is enough stitching added to add body to the linen. I don't pull the linen taut in my Q-snaps, so the tension of the stitches remains the same when I switch to stitching in hand. The linen will crease more when stitching in hand, but it will iron out easily.
Thank you Chris! I've never rolled from the top or bottom, I'll have to try that!
I stitch in hand using the sewing method on softer linen so it doesn't distort in the hoop. At my LNS, they have a lot of different types of linen, some with more slubs, some with less, some that are stiff and scratchy (like burlap), some stiff and soft, and there's also linen that is cotton blend, lambswool, and other materials. I've used the 32 ct lambswool linen by winchelt and it's very stiff, kinda looks like a screen door when you hold it up to the light though lol.
Haha that screendoor linen might be just my speed! Thank you :)
I think once you get some color in there you are going to be pleased with the piece. Having too small a fabric is on of my greatest fears.
Thank you - me too! Luckily I hadn't done that much and it was a small design!
I came across some sprat starch the other day and will use it to stiffen my linen that is soft. I think the higher the stitch count the denser the linen. When you get linen that is really stiff it has a lot of sizing on it and when you wash it , it gets softer so spray starch is sizing. I found it at Homesense I think, that or Marshalls. You could probably order it online.
Oh, cool! I might have to give that a try!
I want Death by Cross Stitch too! Just not sure whether to do it in a solid color or a hand dyed or variegated. Keep your first start of The Drawn Thread and just stitch the inner white part, it would be pretty just by itself. I stitch in hand on Aida but for evenweave unless it's Monaco, I use my qsnaps. Lugana was ok in hand but my piece was pretty small.
Thank you Brenda! I will have to try out my q-snaps on linen :)
If you like your original one and would want to stick with it you could always sew on extra fabric. Since the design fits the extra fabric is more for framing purposes.
Whatever you decide it will come out lovely!
Thank you Carolina!
I stitch in hand too, and I started a piece on linen last summer (holy cow, has it been that long?), and it was my first time stitching on linen, and I hated it. Hated it so much. The slubs were annoying, and the fact that it wasn't exactly even all the way across and down just made me question my stitching and go back and count and recount and recount, and... I lost my stitchy bug. I've mostly stitched all my life in aida because I always stitched kits. So I am very used to stiffer fabric. But a few years ago, I discovered flosstube, and then a whole bunch of things, like evenweave, and now my favorite fabric is evenweave, hands down. Now aida feels too rough, and big. I still like it for certain things for sure, but I much prefer evenweave.
Me too, we are so similar! Evenweave is far and away my favourite, and Aida feels rough to me too.
Hello! I think Fray check has alcohol in it, and over time alcohol attracts water, so that may be why it seems more thin to you.
That makes sense!
Spray starch! Auto correct bugs me sometimes.
Wichelt is stiffer than Zweigart in my experience. I don't stitch in hand, but I have sewn (clothes) with linen many times. Linen is just a wrinkly, rumply fabric and the more it is exposed to warmth, etc (from handling), the softer it gets. Death by Cross Stitch is seriously tempting.
I will have to check out Wichelt - and that makes sense about being exposed to warmth, I certainly handle mine a lot.
Oh my. . .thank your cat for the laugh for me. :) I don't think I find anything as funny as random animal antics. I'm glad you're not editing his presence out. It's cute. . .and it adds character to your videos that really can't be replicated. No help to offer for the bowl thing. I did have one cat that used to do stuff like that too. Was really annoying. I think my 'solution' was to take her water dish and put it elsewhere, so when she dragged her food tray out, the water didn't slop everywhere. lol
If it makes you feel any better, you're not alone in the limited fabric options and stash. ZERO fabric stash here. (I did have one roll, but I've started something on it, so that is that!) I also have Michaels to choose from - and yeah, they're great if you like basic colours. But sometimes it's nice to have -other- choices. (I have learned there is a stitch shop in the area, but it's like a 2 hour drive from here, so when I go, I'm going to have to have enough money to spend there to make the trip REALLY worth it.) So I totally get the frustration when you need something a little 'different' than what you normally need.
For the Fray Check - yes, it stays 'good' for quite a long time. But it DOES change consistency!! I had a bottle that I literally had for about 20 years. I ran across it when I started digging my Xstitch stuff out again and it was. . .weird. But we tried it - and it worked. It had gone all runny and lumpy, even though it was sealed. (Sounds contradictory, I know. But there were the lumps, and then the liquid still around it was quite runny.)Hadn't changed colour, though. It worked fine, but it was weird and a pain to use because of the lumps. I ended up letting my mom use it to help repair a rip in her down vest before pitching it and just getting a fresh bottle. Though, I've started borrowing my mom's sewing machine and just zigzagging the edges of my fabric and rather like that better than the fray check. But yeah, you should be able to keep using it until yours goes lumpy. Hopefully you'll use it up before then. ;)
No opinion on linen. I've actually yet to try it myself. Since I mostly work with the evenweave I get at Michaels there's really been no need to try it. Wouldn't mind, though, if it doesn't warp in a frame.
My Fray Check still seems to work fine - and it's not yellow yet so I'll assume it's fine!
SO APPARENTLY I'M LIVEBLOGGING YOUR FLOSSTUBE NOW
I just bought the Death by Cross Stitch chart this morning. I am so terrified of it, because I'm going to have to pick floss colors and I always feel bad about my choices after I see other peoples choices which are BETTER. But I think I have some forty count white linen large enough for it, so I might hit up my limited LNS and just PICK SOMETHING for the first corner.
That is why I stuck with black - I didn't want to have colour-choice regret!
I think you did have oddness with the size of the wedding sampler, yeah. And the white shows on the second fabric well in the /video/ at least?
Thank you! I think I did have a problem with the wedding sampler but I stayed up half the night to stitch it so perhaps I was too sleep deprived to notice. :)
I'm totally a Monaco/evenweave lover , for some reason linen and I just don't get along :P it's stretchy and crazy I can never adjust it either on hop or snaps ! and then it's too soft to stitch in hand which is what I do (unless my fabric is too soft )
so I'm not much help lol
So stretchy! I'm glad you understand :)
Some of the linens that are marketed for prim projects, or reproduction samplers, like that? Are a lot stiffer and more tightly woven. I've stitched in hand on floppy loose woven linen and it's really fun to fill it up with stitches and see it turn into real useful fabric but other than that yeah, kinda horrible.
Ha! I love this comment!
I don't like linen for the same reasons! I feel like I'm going to break it lol It's a shame that all the best hand dyes are on linen
I feel like I'm going to break it too! Haha! Or warp it beyond repair ;)
Maybe someone already said this but apparently cats don't like their food and water in the same place, maybe that's why Dexter is moving them :p
Oh, curious! I didn't know that! Well he's going to have to suck it up because I'm not splitting them up ;)
my friend split them up for her cats and says they now drink loads more. Be a fun experiment :p
Love your videos. Does the Death by Cross Stitch have specialty stitch?
I don't stitch in hand, but I prefer my evenweave over linen. I noticed that I was pulling the linen too tight on my Lavender and Lace project.
No specialty stitches - just full crosses and a little bit of backstitching :) Which Lavender and Lace were you working on? They are so pretty.
Thank you. I can handle backstitching. I'm working on Angel of Spring as a present for my grandma.
I am stitching linen in hand and the creases definitely bother me, I'm unfamiliar with evenweave so I'd love some suggestions.
The creases still happen even with Wichelt.
I've heard that if you wrap the fabric around something circular to hold in your hand (like a dowel of a rod of some kind) it will eliminate the creasiness. I haven't actually tried it myself yet though!
When you stitch on monoco do you always stitch 1 over 1?
No, I stitch 2 over 2 on it as well - I'm stitching Angel of Love on Monaco right now 2 over 2 :) It is my favourite for 1 over 1 though.
You're going to what. You're going to STITCH the BACKGROUND. oh why not. HEY STEAL PATTERNS FROM SAVE THE STITCHES to do a pale shadowy metallic fill on some of it?
.....you're way ahead of me. PROBLEM OF LIVEBLOGGING.
I reserve the right to backpedal on that plan!