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Stitching & Crafting Room:  ATTN: cross-stitchers, I need some tips  |
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ProgressiveHomemaker
True Blue Farmgirl
218 Posts
Rachell
Mars Hill
NC
USA
218 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 15 2012 : 2:32:05 PM
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I wonder if you have any tips to share with me to help me complete my projects faster. I can speed through small patterns or ones with fewer color changes. But when it comes to large projects or ones with many color changes, it seems to take me forever and a day. I am getting behind on gifts for folks. Please help me figure out a way to speed things up!
Thanks, in advance, sisters.
Life's short. Make today count. |
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craftystranger
True Blue Farmgirl
525 Posts
Barbara
Franklin
NC
USA
525 Posts |
Posted - Jan 15 2012 : 3:04:34 PM
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The only thing that I can think of is to have many needles with the different color thread that you need. I do this when I applique. This saves me time I do not have to stop and rethread with the next color. I have tried to skip around with the correct color of thread with cross-stich but always count wrong and then have to undo. Larger projects seem to take longer in our mind ... I know when I have a little time I would rather work on a quick project. Of course then the larger ones just sit there. Maybe if you "break up" the larger projects for example you can tell yourself that you will complete the "tree" over the weekend. Or a certain number of stitches? Best of luck, Barbara
Don't forget to laugh! |
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22angel
True Blue Farmgirl
498 Posts
Pam
Manitoba
Canada
498 Posts |
Posted - Jan 15 2012 : 3:10:25 PM
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Yes, I totally agree with the lots of needles with lots of thread! Not sure what else to tell you - I'm terrible for having ufo's around. My brother gave me a set of cat pillow cases one year to cross stitch - I have one done, but not the other! It's not even that hard! My grandma also gave me a pattern to do, and I think it's great, but for some reason, I can't keep at it. Maybe this will be the year for ufo's that get done?? Haha.
Life isn't about finding yourself. It's about creating yourself.
"When I grow up, I want to be dirt." seen on a box through construction in Wyoming 2010 |
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vmfein
True Blue Farmgirl
247 Posts
Valerie
Dale City
VA
USA
247 Posts |
Posted - Jan 15 2012 : 4:29:17 PM
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I third the motion of having multiple needles with threads, also make sure to cross stitch at least 15 minutes every day. This can give you a break and you can at least get some work done on the project. It may not seem like much time but it equals to a hour and 40 mins a week. I enjoy cross stitching while I am "watching tv."
Farmgirl Sister #2619
http://www.etsy.com/shop/vmfein |
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gramadinah
True Blue Farmgirl
3557 Posts
Diana
Orofino
ID
USA
3557 Posts |
Posted - Jan 15 2012 : 5:18:16 PM
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It is unanimous.
Diana
Farmgirl Sister #273 |
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Penny Wise
True Blue Farmgirl
1903 Posts
Margo
Elyria
OH
USA
1903 Posts |
Posted - Jan 15 2012 : 5:19:49 PM
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something that helped me when i used to cross stitch was to make sure that i did dark colors-navy, black, etc., in good daylight--easier on the eyes!
i agree with the needles and also with doing a specific "part(the tree, etc)" in one sitting.
i used to really enjoy stitching late at night when the kids were in bed.....
Farmgirl # 2139
proud member of the Farmgirls of the Southwest Henhouse
~*~ counting my pennies and biding my time; my dreams are adding up!~*~ |
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FarmDream
True Blue Farmgirl
1085 Posts
Julie
TX
USA
1085 Posts |
Posted - Jan 15 2012 : 7:01:59 PM
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Patience. I work on Lavender and Lace angels and those typically take me 6 months to finish. DH says I should just make bigger "x"s. I prefer to finish a whole area before moving on to another. I also color on my pattern with a highlighter what I've finished.
~FarmDream is Farmgirl Sister #3069
Live Today, Cherish Yesterday, Dream Tomorrow
http://naturaljulie.etsy.com
http://julie-rants.blogspot.com |
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Simply Satisfied
True Blue Farmgirl
427 Posts
Emily
Montana
USA
427 Posts |
Posted - Jan 16 2012 : 06:13:34 AM
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I have a standing frame. I sew with one hand under my work and the other one above. This helps my wrist not get tired and helps me sew faster. I don't know if most people use a stand or hold their frame but I love not holding it. My stand even holds my book and has a table to hold my thread and a light clip spot. Good luck catching up. I know I already have plans to get going on next Christmas to see if I can get more projects done for people.
Emily
Farmgirl # 3591 |
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ProgressiveHomemaker
True Blue Farmgirl
218 Posts
Rachell
Mars Hill
NC
USA
218 Posts |
Posted - Jan 16 2012 : 07:53:40 AM
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What great tips. thank you all and keep them coming if more occur to you! So far I think I am going to try to apply all of the ideas to help...multiple needles with multiple colors, stitching regularly for a set amount of time per day or a set section of the work, beginning Christmas gift projects now, instead of waiting until later in the year, working in good daylight, having patience with larger projects (and myself), marking what's done on the pattern with a highlighter, making 2012 the year to finish up UFOs and maybe even trying a support frame.
Simply Satisfied, can you show me a link to the one you have? It sounds nice and I have a birthday coming up and 50% off coupon to the craft store.
To all those that use multiple needles for multiple threads...do you cut off between colors or do you just park the needles? If you park, what is your method for that so as to not tangle while working, etc.
Life's short. Make today count. |
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heritagehunter
True Blue Farmgirl
207 Posts
Julie
La Salle
Co
USA
207 Posts |
Posted - Jan 16 2012 : 11:17:40 AM
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Sometimes working on the larger ones can be tedious, so I rotate one or two small projects with it. Breaks it up a bit.
Also, I don't use masking tape around the edges of the aida cloth. I use fray check. I don't have to worry about taking it off when I'm done. |
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beekeepersgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1423 Posts
Luanne
Cresco
PA
USA
1423 Posts |
Posted - Jan 16 2012 : 11:29:42 AM
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I use a stand also, and have found that placing a small lamp on the floor under the stand helps to see the holes better - especially if you are cross-stitching on a dark fabric. Hope this helps!
Hugs,
Luanne
beekeepersgirl #691
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
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Sharon Denise
True Blue Farmgirl
211 Posts
Sharon
Temple
TX
USA
211 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2012 : 12:04:06 PM
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I've been cross-stitching for twenty years, and I never thought to use multiple needles!! DUH!! Thanks for the great tips, ladies! I also like to pick an object to focus on, rather than just skipping around for large projects. I have to see something actually taking shape, or I lose focus and motivation.
Farmgirl Sister #3754
"There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. Yet that will be the beginning."
~Louis L'Amour |
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Apache Lady
Farmgirl in Training
47 Posts
Erika
La Puente
California
USA
47 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2012 : 3:18:30 PM
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| I love to use the stand, I can work much longer and quicker. I also tried experimenting with a double sided needle. I bought these several years ago, the thread goes through the middle of the needle. Takes some getting used to, I think I still prefer the regular X stitch needles. But you may want to give them a try, if they're still available. |
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AmethystRose
True Blue Farmgirl
254 Posts
Rosemary
Huntingdon
PA
USA
254 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2012 : 2:09:08 PM
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Whether you use a stand or not, a good frame is essential. If you use a scroll frame with knobs, take a length of yarn or cotton thread long enough to put behind your neck and loop around the knobs. Brace the bottom against you at an angle, and you can stitch with one hand above and one below. |
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4284 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4284 Posts |
Posted - Feb 02 2012 : 04:47:23 AM
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My husband just made me a simple scroll frame. I am working on a Christmas stocking for my youngest grandson. I love all the tips for helping the project move along. I have not used multiple needles either, so will be giving that a try. I do x off squares when I am done with the area. I did start a stocking for my daughter in law last year, and never got it finished. So I have plans to get 2 done this year. I hope. The second stocking has alot of variegating colors. I took a sticky note, and cut out a four square area, and I stick it on the area I am working on. Hoping I don't lose my place so easily. (Square area, I mean a 10 x 10 square on the pattern.)
Michele |
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Stitching & Crafting Room: ATTN: cross-stitchers, I need some tips |
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ATTN: cross-stitchers, I need some tips
