I was hunting through RUclips for another stitcher I could identify with. And there you are! I took a hiatus from cross stitch but kept quilting and doing regular embroidery for a good 20 years as my vision just did not allow cross stitch. But, now I've had eye surgery and I'm back trying to do it all... time is the most difficult resource to manage. I've enjoyed your two videos I've seen and look forward to more, Girlfriend!
Thank you so much! That's how I felt. There are wonderful young, bright eyes Stitchers out there, but I, too, wanted to see someone like me trying again. 😁 It's fun sharing my ongoing experiences, like having a girlfriend close by! 🥰 And I'm learning so much from everyone!
I've never gridded before. Watching your video, I can see how it can be useful (I've had to "customize" more than one piece over the years due to counting errors). Thanks for the Kindle Unlimited magazine suggestion!
And thank you for watching! There are many ways to grid. Check out other 'gridders' and you will find the way that fits you. It is very useful to me to have the full lines and check where I'm at. I love all the designs in that magazine. I always want to do all the things! 😁 🌸
Found your channel through StitchyWitch42 on RUclips, she gave you a shoutout and very glad she did 🤗. New subscriber and will enjoy watching both of your episodes! Best Wishes ❄️
Thank you! It always helps me. Usually I'm only a couple stitches in when I see I'm off. Those lines really help. You just have to get used to checking them. Have fun stitching! 😃
Thanks for the information on the pens. I have seen many quilters use these but they live in warm states. I live in Michigan and my porch gets quite cold in the winter. It would be heartbreaking if the markings came back on the quilts I keep in the porch. I subscribed and liked your video and look forward to your next one.
Yes, I can imagine how heartbreaking that would be! I personally don't have a porch that I can keep a quilt on. The picture that formed in my head of yours looked so cozy. 🤔 I may have to consider where one might go. Thanks for the nice comment 🙂
Hi, Annette. I was very happy to find your RUclips Channel. I started doing counted cross stitch recently - after having done a lot of needlepointing was I was younger. I chose to partially grid my current project with Sulky Sliver Metallic Thread to get my bearings on the fabric. The Sulky worked great and is easy to remove. Personally, I will not use a FriXion pen for quilting or cross stitching because I find the risk of ironed-off lines returning a risk that is too high. :-D
I also grid with the frixion pen, but instead of drawing lines every 10 holes I make a dot in the 10th hole. So I have a 10 x 10 square with a dot in each corner and I usually mark as I go. I usually cover the dots up with my stitching so don't worry about marks reappearing. Great video looking forward to many more!!!
Hi Annette, so glad that I found you. I myself done cross stitching about 25 years ago and stopped and got into quilting now I’m back cross stitching and also making quilts. Is that a 820 Bernina? That is what I have. I think we are pretty close in age so I love watching someone who has some challenges. My eyes aren’t what they used to be. I am going to buy some of the magnifying glasses. I will look forward to more of your videos. Thanks Becky from Michigan
Hey Becky! My machine is an 830 from about 10 years ago and I love it! I think you'll like the glasses. There is a time period of getting used to the weight on your nose but it feels so good to see up close without straining it's worth the effort! At least in my opinion! I do love quilting but sometimes it's less of a physical effort to sit and stitch 😂 Thank you for your comment!
Annette, I use Frixion pens for gridding also! I also started from quilting and have used them since their invention. I also have had criticism for doing so but don’t care!😄 Thanks, Lonnie from Texas
I love using them! What I have learned is if you use them heavily on dyed fabric, they may leave a slightly bleached line. So now I'm restricting their use on my cross stitch to light fabrics. I'll have to add that to my description so none gets mad at me. 😳. Thank you for commenting. 🪡🙂
Hi Annette, I have enjoyed your two videos! I am like you in that I started stitching in the early '70s and started stitching again a couple of years ago. Discovered floss tube, etc. and there are a lot of new things about stitching compared to years ago. I also have to use magnifying glasses. The real reason I am writing is to let you know (I didn't see anyone else mention it) that 123stitch and probably other shops have fabric called "EASY COUNT GRID". This is gridded fabric and supposedly the grid easily washes out. Full disclosure I have not used the fabric but Dizzy Stitcher, Darren, uses it all the time. He has a You Tube channel. Take a look as the pre-gridded fabric would save a lot of time. Betty Azbill, Albany, GA
I also have the China Blue to stitch but downloaded my on the internet in PDF form. I also use the pens but primarily only grid the top lines where I start as landmarks. Love the pens. I also have started the Mini Bouquet. Great videos!
What a nice coincidence! How did you download the China Blue pattern? I have it in the digital magazine but the pattern is across two pages. I'm handling that, but a pdf pattern would be nice. Isn't it a pretty pattern? I'm hoping I can keep up with the mini bouquet. It's such a pretty design. Thank you for commenting ☺️
@@annettesneedles I had no trouble hearing you. It was very well explained, thanks again! PS: non related... I totally love one of your favorite websites, it helps me live the "The Best Life Ever"! 🎶📖💜
Hi Annette, I found your video through Audrey StitchyWitch42. Thank you so much for sharing about gridding. I am definitely going to try this. What is the board that you had underneath as you were gridding? I subscribed to your channel. Keep the videos coming🥰
Thank you for commenting. I had to go look her up and watch it 😁 What a nice shout-out she gave me! As you saw, gridding that way isn't hard, just time consuming. I hope it works as good for you as it does for me. The board I have on my table was a gift from my son. It is a Martelli 30" x 60" cutting board. I'm also a quilter and sometimes garment maker and it's so nice to have this board. Much nicer when it's all cleared off 😉
Question: does anyone know if the erasable gel pens would wash out? If so, that might keep the lines from reappearing when exposed to cold temps. The mini bouquet flower pattern is available at different stores (like 123stitch) for around $35 USD. I missed the free download. Vivian Ann
I haven't ever experienced the lines returning. I've used it on quilts that I have washed and dried but I can't say if the ink itself washed out. I know my lines didn't return, though. ' I am so glad I went and downloaded the designs each month that they were released free! But, having said that, they are so pretty and easy to stitch, the cost is probably worth it. Thank you for commenting.
I Just found your channel and watched both video's 😀 I am verry curious about that q snap frame because i always stitch with a 'normal' q snap but the frame looks really easy 😀 I love your project with the seashells Happy stitching 😀
Thank you so much! Yes, I'm still testing out that frame, I got it on Amazon. It's not expensive, but it works pretty good. The reviews say a few times that removing it tore their fabric. So I put a fabric strip under each clamp. I'll try to talk about my results next time 🙄 hopefully there will bea next time 😂.
Loving your videos!! I have always just used thread to grid. I have never used a disappearing pen or done a full cover piece. I do think it would be easier to use the pen for a full coverage piece and it wouldn't matter if it erases as it would be under the stitches. TFS 😃
I love watching people who have been stitching for a long time as myself. I really have enjoyed your videos. I don’t grid. I just count count count and yes I do the big haeds. I do have a question for you and that is do you still use charts or have you gone to pattern keeper like most of the floss tubers? I still use charts. I don’t understand the pattern keeps way. I’m just curious. Also liked how you titled your 1st video grandma stitching (something like that 😉). I am a new grandma both our girls had baby boys 8 months apart so they are 2 1/2 and almost 2. Bought HAED Christmas stockings to do for them. That should be fun. Ok I’m sure I’ve bored you do death with my story. Have a wonderful week of stitching and stay safe ❤️❤️
I love your story! I do still use paper charts! I downloaded the trial of pattern keeper but like keeping the part of the chart in working on under my needle minder, so I haven't really used it yet. I need to give it a fair trial before my month is up! I haven't tried a HAED, yet, but it's on my to-do list 😁
@@annettesneedles Great! I’ll be lookout for your take on pattern keeper. I like the paper patterns like I said. Just got my yarn have to start 2 baby blankets that need to be done by June for one of my daughters. Can’t wait for the new grand baby. Will incorporate my stitching and crocheting in my plans now. ❤️. Have a blessed week. God is good ❤️.
I thought I would but it took me off the holes. The fabric wasn't necessarily straight with the holes no matter how neatly I laid it out. It may work for you and if you find a way, please let me know! Thank you for commenting 🙂
Thank you for that. I had such a confusing experience with my sloppily thread gridded piece that I haven't tried it again. I'll share that, if I may, when I comment on my post next time. 🙂
Nope, hot water do want fix the problem. I washed one of my pieces in hot water with a small amount of detergent and oxyclean. The lines disappeared in the hot water but when I rinsed with cold water the lines came back.
Hmm that's interesting. That is good to know. When I heard her say that, I thought that would work. Did ironing take them out again? Ironing is always my last step, and, like I said, I haven't had a problem🤔. Thank you for commenting! 👍
Yes. These ones I used from Amazon were firm enough to stitch over yet soft enough to use an office stapler for mounting it. Also, to put them together is like a puzzle so I had to be gentle. I used to use a staple gun, but on these my stapler worked fine. Thanks for asking.
Yes, when I'm in the right position I use two hands. It's comfortable. As I'm currently on a road trip to my daughter I realized how easy it is to pack, too. I keep finding things I like about it! Sitting here in the car I can't remember the exact name of it but it is from Amazon. Read all the reviews and protect your fabric with a fabric strip if you get one. 😁 Thank you for commenting ❤️
I am aware of that and have tried to adjust it. I'm so sorry and I hate to have to tell people to turn it up in places but I'm still learning how to do this video stuff. So sorry. Thanks for letting me know. 🙂🪡
I was hunting through RUclips for another stitcher I could identify with.
And there you are! I took a hiatus from cross stitch but kept quilting and doing regular embroidery for a good 20 years as my vision just did not allow cross stitch. But, now I've had eye surgery and I'm back trying to do it all...
time is the most difficult resource to manage.
I've enjoyed your two videos I've seen and look forward to more, Girlfriend!
Thank you so much! That's how I felt. There are wonderful young, bright eyes Stitchers out there, but I, too, wanted to see someone like me trying again. 😁 It's fun sharing my ongoing experiences, like having a girlfriend close by! 🥰 And I'm learning so much from everyone!
I've never gridded before. Watching your video, I can see how it can be useful (I've had to "customize" more than one piece over the years due to counting errors). Thanks for the Kindle Unlimited magazine suggestion!
And thank you for watching! There are many ways to grid. Check out other 'gridders' and you will find the way that fits you. It is very useful to me to have the full lines and check where I'm at.
I love all the designs in that magazine. I always want to do all the things! 😁 🌸
Found your channel through StitchyWitch42 on RUclips, she gave you a shoutout and very glad she did 🤗. New subscriber and will enjoy watching both of your episodes! Best Wishes ❄️
Thank you, Denise! I am going there now to watch her, I am so surprised I got a shout-out! 🤭
I’m a quilter who just went back to cross stitch, so enjoyed this marking video, imagine it will help with the frogging😃
Thank you! It always helps me. Usually I'm only a couple stitches in when I see I'm off. Those lines really help. You just have to get used to checking them. Have fun stitching! 😃
Thanks for the information on the pens. I have seen many quilters use these but they live in warm states. I live in Michigan and my porch gets quite cold in the winter. It would be heartbreaking if the markings came back on the quilts I keep in the porch. I subscribed and liked your video and look forward to your next one.
Yes, I can imagine how heartbreaking that would be! I personally don't have a porch that I can keep a quilt on. The picture that formed in my head of yours looked so cozy. 🤔 I may have to consider where one might go. Thanks for the nice comment 🙂
Hi, Annette. I was very happy to find your RUclips Channel. I started doing counted cross stitch recently - after having done a lot of needlepointing was I was younger.
I chose to partially grid my current project with Sulky Sliver Metallic Thread to get my bearings on the fabric. The Sulky worked great and is easy to remove. Personally, I will not use a FriXion pen for quilting or cross stitching because I find the risk of ironed-off lines returning a risk that is too high. :-D
It is a risk, that's true. I've never tried the Sulky. I've heard good things about it, though.
Thank you for commenting 🌸
I also grid with the frixion pen, but instead of drawing lines every 10 holes I make a dot in the 10th hole. So I have a 10 x 10 square with a dot in each corner and I usually mark as I go. I usually cover the dots up with my stitching so don't worry about marks reappearing. Great video looking forward to many more!!!
That's a good idea! I'm spoiled by having the whole line, but you are right, that one mark wouldn't cause as much concern!
Thank you! 🌸
Hi 👋 love your video on grafting. I have never grafted my projects but I’m going to give it a try
Thanks, I hope it helps you as much as it helps me!
Hi Annette, so glad that I found you. I myself done cross stitching about 25 years ago and stopped and got into quilting now I’m back cross stitching and also making quilts. Is that a 820 Bernina? That is what I have. I think we are pretty close in age so I love watching someone who has some challenges. My eyes aren’t what they used to be. I am going to buy some of the magnifying glasses. I will look forward to more of your videos. Thanks Becky from Michigan
Hey Becky! My machine is an 830 from about 10 years ago and I love it! I think you'll like the glasses. There is a time period of getting used to the weight on your nose but it feels so good to see up close without straining it's worth the effort! At least in my opinion! I do love quilting but sometimes it's less of a physical effort to sit and stitch 😂
Thank you for your comment!
Annette, I use Frixion pens for gridding also!
I also started from quilting and have used them since their invention.
I also have had criticism for doing so but don’t care!😄
Thanks,
Lonnie from Texas
I love using them! What I have learned is if you use them heavily on dyed fabric, they may leave a slightly bleached line. So now I'm restricting their use on my cross stitch to light fabrics. I'll have to add that to my description so none gets mad at me. 😳. Thank you for commenting. 🪡🙂
Hi Annette, I have enjoyed your two videos! I am like you in that I started stitching in the early '70s and started stitching again a couple of years ago. Discovered floss tube, etc. and there are a lot of new things about stitching compared to years ago. I also have to use magnifying glasses. The real reason I am writing is to let you know (I didn't see anyone else mention it) that 123stitch and probably other shops have fabric called "EASY COUNT GRID". This is gridded fabric and supposedly the grid easily washes out. Full disclosure I have not used the fabric but Dizzy Stitcher, Darren, uses it all the time. He has a You Tube channel. Take a look as the pre-gridded fabric would save a lot of time. Betty Azbill, Albany, GA
Thanks for the tip! I have heard it mentioned, but have never seen it. I may have to try it out!
Thanks for commenting!
I also have the China Blue to stitch but downloaded my on the internet in PDF form. I also use the pens but primarily only grid the top lines where I start as landmarks. Love the pens. I also have started the Mini Bouquet. Great videos!
What a nice coincidence! How did you download the China Blue pattern? I have it in the digital magazine but the pattern is across two pages. I'm handling that, but a pdf pattern would be nice. Isn't it a pretty pattern?
I'm hoping I can keep up with the mini bouquet. It's such a pretty design. Thank you for commenting ☺️
Thanks for the tutorial! I was wondering about grading fabric, so this was very helpful!
Sorry I spoke so quietly on the video. I'll figure it out before the next one, hopefully! 😉
@@annettesneedles I had no trouble hearing you. It was very well explained, thanks again! PS: non related... I totally love one of your favorite websites, it helps me live the "The Best Life Ever"! 🎶📖💜
💕💖💕 One of my favorite songs 🎶💞
I've just started using these pens for one of my full coverage pieces because I started it before I realised you can get easy grid fabric
I've seen that fabric but never used it. That would be much easier! Thank you for commenting! 🙂
Thanks for sharing
Hi Annette, I found your video through Audrey StitchyWitch42. Thank you so much for sharing about gridding. I am definitely going to try this. What is the board that you had underneath as you were gridding? I subscribed to your channel. Keep the videos coming🥰
Thank you for commenting. I had to go look her up and watch it 😁 What a nice shout-out she gave me! As you saw, gridding that way isn't hard, just time consuming. I hope it works as good for you as it does for me. The board I have on my table was a gift from my son. It is a Martelli 30" x 60" cutting board. I'm also a quilter and sometimes garment maker and it's so nice to have this board. Much nicer when it's all cleared off 😉
The dye and fancy fabrics are gridded so I thought this was great for me I’m new really like you show I’ll keep watching
Thank you!
Gorgeous stitching
Question: does anyone know if the erasable gel pens would wash out? If so, that might keep the lines from reappearing when exposed to cold temps.
The mini bouquet flower pattern is available at different stores (like 123stitch) for around $35 USD. I missed the free download. Vivian Ann
I haven't ever experienced the lines returning. I've used it on quilts that I have washed and dried but I can't say if the ink itself washed out. I know my lines didn't return, though. '
I am so glad I went and downloaded the designs each month that they were released free! But, having said that, they are so pretty and easy to stitch, the cost is probably worth it.
Thank you for commenting.
I Just found your channel and watched both video's 😀
I am verry curious about that q snap frame because i always stitch with a 'normal' q snap but the frame looks really easy 😀
I love your project with the seashells
Happy stitching 😀
Thank you so much! Yes, I'm still testing out that frame, I got it on Amazon. It's not expensive, but it works pretty good. The reviews say a few times that removing it tore their fabric. So I put a fabric strip under each clamp. I'll try to talk about my results next time 🙄 hopefully there will bea next time 😂.
@@annettesneedles o yes I do hope you will make more videos 😀
Loving your videos!! I have always just used thread to grid. I have never used a disappearing pen or done a full cover piece. I do think it would be easier to use the pen for a full coverage piece and it wouldn't matter if it erases as it would be under the stitches. TFS 😃
I don’t grid but found your video very interesting!
Thank you🙂
You could do center in another color. Thank you for showing this
Good idea. Thanks 👍🌸
I love watching people who have been stitching for a long time as myself. I really have enjoyed your videos. I don’t grid. I just count count count and yes I do the big haeds. I do have a question for you and that is do you still use charts or have you gone to pattern keeper like most of the floss tubers? I still use charts. I don’t understand the pattern keeps way. I’m just curious. Also liked how you titled your 1st video grandma stitching (something like that 😉). I am a new grandma both our girls had baby boys 8 months apart so they are 2 1/2 and almost 2. Bought HAED Christmas stockings to do for them. That should be fun. Ok I’m sure I’ve bored you do death with my story. Have a wonderful week of stitching and stay safe ❤️❤️
I love your story! I do still use paper charts! I downloaded the trial of pattern keeper but like keeping the part of the chart in working on under my needle minder, so I haven't really used it yet. I need to give it a fair trial before my month is up!
I haven't tried a HAED, yet, but it's on my to-do list 😁
@@annettesneedles Great! I’ll be lookout for your take on pattern keeper. I like the paper patterns like I said. Just got my yarn have to start 2 baby blankets that need to be done by June for one of my daughters. Can’t wait for the new grand baby. Will incorporate my stitching and crocheting in my plans now. ❤️. Have a blessed week. God is good ❤️.
My friends have had issues with that ink on letters too!
Your gridding video was interesting,but very quiet. Had to turn my volume way up.
I was afraid it was too quiet. If I do a separate video again, I'll talk louder. The letter thing. That was kind of funny. 😁 Thanks for commenting.
Could you use a ruler to make the gridding go faster?
I thought I would but it took me off the holes. The fabric wasn't necessarily straight with the holes no matter how neatly I laid it out. It may work for you and if you find a way, please let me know!
Thank you for commenting 🙂
I use reg sewing 🧵 thread 10 space in 10 spaces out make a 2hole line up for Every 10 th space kind of like that in center and pattern boarder
Thank you for that. I had such a confusing experience with my sloppily thread gridded piece that I haven't tried it again. I'll share that, if I may, when I comment on my post next time. 🙂
Nope, hot water do want fix the problem. I washed one of my pieces in hot water with a small amount of detergent and oxyclean. The lines disappeared in the hot water but when I rinsed with cold water the lines came back.
Hmm that's interesting. That is good to know. When I heard her say that, I thought that would work. Did ironing take them out again? Ironing is always my last step, and, like I said, I haven't had a problem🤔. Thank you for commenting! 👍
@@annettesneedles yes, ironing took them out right away.
Are stretcher bars easy to use when framing? TY!
Yes. These ones I used from Amazon were firm enough to stitch over yet soft enough to use an office stapler for mounting it.
Also, to put them together is like a puzzle so I had to be gentle. I used to use a staple gun, but on these my stapler worked fine.
Thanks for asking.
@@annettesneedles TY, Annette for your reply and all your very valuable information! I appreciate it so much!!!
That frame your China Blue is on looks like it would be great for stitching and could use two hands if needed when stitching!?
Yes, when I'm in the right position I use two hands. It's comfortable. As I'm currently on a road trip to my daughter I realized how easy it is to pack, too. I keep finding things I like about it! Sitting here in the car I can't remember the exact name of it but it is from Amazon. Read all the reviews and protect your fabric with a fabric strip if you get one. 😁 Thank you for commenting ❤️
I just found you and love your videos but I am having alot of trouble hearing you.
I am aware of that and have tried to adjust it. I'm so sorry and I hate to have to tell people to turn it up in places but I'm still learning how to do this video stuff. So sorry. Thanks for letting me know. 🙂🪡
Another informative Flosstube. I feel like I visited with a girlfriend
Thank you! And nice to meet you, girlfriend! 😁