I'm really pleased with how it looks. There's some marks on the aida which have been left by the embroidery hoop though so it does need a rinse through, I wonder if any of you cross stitchers out there can tell me the best way to wash it and what with.
I'm always curious to see the back of people's work, I know it doesn't really matter what it's like as it's never seen, but just in case anyone out there is like me, here's the back. It could be neater but I don't think it's that bad.
I really fancy having a go at an alphabet sampler next but can't seem to find any I like. It doesn't have to be a kit, a chart would do. Any recommendations please?
Well done you, I tried but can't get on with cross stitching, I am having another day with the sewing machine . I am not brilliant at it but have a go, x
ReplyDeleteI keep saying that I'll have a go with Eleanor's sewing machine but still haven't got round to it. I'm enjoying cross stitch, another new hobby. Perhaps you could give a small cross stitch project a go, I always find that it's much easier to start small.
DeleteWow, incredibly neat on the back. I would never show off the back of my x stitch! Much too messy
ReplyDeleteAs to washing, very gently by hand then lay out flat on a towel to dry. Iron on the back with the front on a folded up dry towel
I didn't think the back was that neat, I know it could be much neater, but I don't suppose you get any points for the back, do you? Thank you for that, I'll get on with giving it a rinse through this week.
DeleteAnd forgot to say that's why I never use a hoop for big cross stitch but a frame instead as I dont have the patience to take it in and out of the frame every time I stop
ReplyDeleteI've looked at frames, I've realised that hoops are a bit of a pain, something else to put on the Christmas list I think.
DeleteIt's beautiful - both back and front!!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I know it's not perfect but I'm happy with it for a first attempt.
DeleteNicely done, I've been thinking of giving cross-stitch a go, but not till after Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThere's just so many things that I want to have a go at, not enough hours in the day. I've still got my needle felting kit which Mick bought me last Christmas as well as other things.
DeleteWell done,it looks good. Interesting to see the back of it. Flighty xx
ReplyDeleteI always want to see the whole project when people show their makes, that's why I showed the back. It's not brilliant but not bad for a first attempt I suppose.
DeleteIt's really lovely Jo. Where do you think you'll hang it up?
ReplyDeleteLisa x
I wouldn't have necessarily hung this but seeing as it's my first cross stitch, I probably will. It won't be in a prominent place though.
DeleteIt does matter how the back looks, if it's bumpy it will spoil the front. Love your work, if you want to smooth the unstitched area, place a thick towel down, dampen the area and iron only the unstitched area, try and avoid the stitched area because you can flatten it and the colours may run from the thread. Use the towel to help dry the aider and cushion the aider.
ReplyDeleteThat's great advice, thank you.I think you can tell I'm a novice at all this but I'll hopefully improve in time.
DeleteI think it looks great Jo and I like the colours you've used. The back looks very neat to me too. Well Done - you should be pleased.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
I used the colours which were provided in the kit but to be honest, I'd have probably used something different if I were choosing myself. I think it looks ok though.
DeleteI like it. I don't know anything about cross stitch, but it looks great to me!
ReplyDeleteI'm very new to cross stitch too but I've really enjoyed stitching this.
DeleteWell done Jo. I think it is beautiful for a first attempt. Yes, I've done x-stitch in the past, but not for a long time as I find it difficult to see now unless I have "very" good light. Are you going to have it framed? I have a few small ones to finish, so maybe will do those on hot nights instead of a big heavy crochet rug, (the CAL is growing). Take care.
ReplyDeleteMy eyesight it terrible now, I really need to go and have my eyes tested again as I definitely think I need stronger glasses. I'm thinking of getting one of those magnifier/lights, like you I have trouble seeing what I'm doing if the light isn't really good. I think I will frame it, only because it's my first one otherwise I don't think I'd bother.
DeleteYour cross stitch looks great, Jo. And the back is very, very tidy. You can feel very proud of yourself!
ReplyDeleteI never use a hoop when I do cross stitch or embroidery because of the marks a hoop can make and, if the embroidery is big enough, the squishing it can do to your stitching. Anyway, use something like Stergene - handwashing stuff that is gentle. Wash it gently, rinse it gently and leave to dry on a (plain white, if possible) towel. A gentle press on the back on top of a towel so you don't flatten the stitches. As you can tell, the key word is "gentle". :o)
I'm quite pleased with it for a first attempt. Thanks for the advice, I must admit that I'm a bit frightened of washing it, but I shall because there are some marks on it from the hoop. I shall make sure I'm very gentle.
DeleteJo super stitching...La-D-Da have a few freebies including alphabets, worth a look...Maria xx
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of La D Da so thank you for that, I shall take a look and see if anything takes my fancy.
DeleteI love it, Jo. It's nice and neat and I'm sure you must be proud. I like to look at the back of my stitching too. :) One of my favorite alphabet samplers, which I have already made, is the Winter Woods ABC's from Alicia Paulson (of the blog Pozy Gets Cozy; she also has an online shop). It's a kit, everything is included except the hoop and needle, I think. It's a popular design. I think you would enjoy it a lot. :)
ReplyDeleteI remember you stitching the Winter Woods ABC's, it's a lovely design. I shall pop over and look at Alicia's shop. I'm glad I'm not the only one who's a bit obsessed with the back of stitching.
DeleteI like the design and sentiment of your cross stitch work and it's very neat on the back too. I've an unfinished piece in my sewing bag. I chose something too complicated with tiny cross stitches. I fancy doing some tapestry work, but so far haven't found anything in the craft shops that's simple enough for me to manage and, more importantly, complete over time! I hope you find what you're looking for re. working a sampler.
ReplyDeleteI love the sentiment of this design too and though I'm not keep on backstitching round the pictures, I did enjoy backstitching the words. Perhaps you might find a tapestry online, there's so many shops catering to different crafts that there's bound to be lots of things which aren't available in proper shops. Hope we both find what we're looking for.
DeleteIt looks amazing, the back is so neat!
ReplyDeleteI'm quite pleased with it for a first attempt, it's not perfect but it's passable. I'm sure I'll improve with practice.
DeleteVery nice and so neat on the back too, it's such a cute design. I have a cross stitch I really should pick up again, so many crafts, so little time xx
ReplyDeleteIt's a good design for a first attempt, nothing too complicated for me to tackle. I've always got projects queueing up, as you say, so little time.
DeleteOlá amiga, vim desejar-lhe um abençoado inÃcio de mês, e lindos dias
ReplyDeletede outono!!!
Obrigada querida pela visita carinhosa!
Doce abraço Marie.
Thank you. I wish you a good November too.
DeleteWhat a lovely design! I used to do a lot of cross stitch, before I was seduced over to the dark side of patchwork and quilting! I still have two big picture to finish - maybe I'll get to grips with them over the winter. It does matter that your back is neat, as stray threads that haven't been woven in can show on the right side - and of course there shouldn't be any knots. If I am using a hoop, I never leave the work in it between stitching sessions, as it can mark and crease the aida or evenweave.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to do some patchwork and quilting but I'm admiring from afar at the moment, too many things I want to have a go at and not enough time. I didn't leave my work in the hoop between stitching sessions but it's still marked it, I definitely think a frame is probably the best way to go, it's on my Christmas list.
DeleteLove the cross stitch. You did a great job. I must be an odd duck and I truly love doing the back stitching. It really does make the details pop and I actually find it soothing to do. Some of the Lizzie*Kate projects I've done lately haven't had any back stitching and I find that a problem. Your back is very neat, unlike some I've seen where there are knots and long pieces of thread going from one spot to another.
ReplyDeleteThere is a cross stitch shop on Etsy called Needle Case Goodies. It's owned by a lady who use to have a shop and retired but found that she loved being in the business she decided to open an Etsy shop and sale from her home. She has some great things and I've seen several alphabet samplers on there. She is also very good to answer questions and help in any way.
Hugs,
Sharon
I do think back stitching certainly adds something to the work, as you say, it makes it pop, so I can see why it's needed, I just don't like doing it. I much prefer the cross stitch bits. I shall have a look at Needle Case Goodies, I haven't come across that before, thank you for the recommendation.
DeleteHi Jo Cross stitch looks lovely. I tend to wash mine in a little soap powder with a bit of curtain whitener included. It doesn't harm the cross stitch but brings out the hoop mark (or has done up to now) I have a similar problem on a large project that has been a WIP for a number of years which I stupidly left on the hoop and consequently I have now got a hoop mark so I am hoping that when I wash it it will come out. Now adays when I cross stitch when I have finished for the day I always take it off the hoop that way I ensure not to get a hoop mark on any of the fabric.
ReplyDeleteI've removed the hoop each time I've used it but it's still left a mark on the fabric. I think I need to get a frame to stop this happening in future. That's a good tip re the curtain whitener.
Deleteforgot to say that I am off to the Hobbycraft show at the weekend so will keep an eye out for any interesting alphabet charts and make a note of the details for you.
ReplyDeleteThat would be great, thank you. Have a great time at the show.
DeleteGreat job! I was never any good at Cross Stitch.
ReplyDeleteI'm struggling a bit with my eyesight so I think I need to invest in a light and magnifier if I'm to continue with this hobby, which I'd like to do.
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