General Chat

Yes, it all looks so easy, but those half stitches are a real pig.Sylvia

Chrissy, Thanks for the advice! Sylvia, I didn't know there was different stitches!! OMG - i am gonna be in trouble!! LOL Tracey

If you're not an expert then avoid 1/2 stitches, 3/4 stitches. I myself really dislike patterns with these stitches in. Sylvia

Hi Tracy, My daughters chart came as DMC chart which she sent for from a C/Stitch magazine and they will convert it to what you want so of course they recommend dmc threads but she used 14 count aida and madeira thread [MC] and the chart is 8 by 8 Hope this is helpful for you . Chrissy.x

Hi Bob and Jill, That's probably good advice! I'll treat myself to a mag and have a little practice first. Better get a move on if i'm gonna get one done for christmas! She, Have mailed you. Thanks. Tracey

Have mailed you Tracey :-)

Hi there....I would definately go for Aida as the fabric....general opinion seems to be!! I'm not sure that the thread would matter that much to be honest. I've done loads of cross stitches using both DMC and Anchor....noone would know the difference! I would like to agree however with our man on the board!! If you havent done anything like this before I'd get the magazine and have a wee practice first. The pattern you get back for the picture you are choosing may have various stitches on it and I would say practising before hand would give you an idea on how easy you might find it, as well as managing stitches etc. It can be very time consuming although the result is most definately worth all the hard work put in! (You might not have time left over for your family tree and message boards!!! lol) Best of luck with this very relaxing and very rewarding hobby...let us know how you get on with it... Jill x (might actually go pick up mine again soon!)

I know that as a man I am not supposed to know anything but don't you think a picture like that is a little ambitious for a first attempt? I suggest that you first buy a mag like Cross Stitcher which has a free kit on the front together with full instructions. These should only take an hour or two and will give you taster before you start spending real money. Bob

Hi Sylvia, As i've said, it's not something i've done before but i'm willing to give it a bash! Hopefully i'll get something done in time for christmas. Most people have said to use aida but there's mixed replies on which thread to use. I'll go to the craft shop and have a look at some. Tracey

I wouldn't say I'm an expert but have made quite a lot of cross stitch pictures - Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Pooh Bear, and Paddington Bear. I also make a lot of guest towels to give away as presents, also hand towels. I mostly use Aida and DMC always. If I use evenweave then it's mostly for fine work with 1 thread instead of two. Sylvia

Thanks Pat, Have mailed you via GC now - will mail photos when i get your e-mail addy. Tracey

Tracy, I got it from PC World. About £20. Yes send them to me. I will have a go. Pat

Hi Janice and Pat, I'm hoping to get them done for christmas - better get cracking then!! LOL Pat, where did you get the CD from? Would you mind if i mailed you a couple of photos to try for me? I'd really appreciate it if you could - thanks for the offer. Tracey

Tracy, I have done these pictures myself of my children. Are you planning to stitch them yourself before christmas? They do take quite a while. I am experienced but it took me about 3 months to complete, for a 10 x 12 Picture. I have a cd which makes a chart from your photo, you can choose the thread type i.e Anchor/DMC. It does depend on the picture what thread you should use as the shades of colours can vary. If you want some help, you can email me your picture, and I will chart it for you, in both anchor and dmc thread, then you can see which you prefer. Happy stitching. Pat

If you are choosing Aida - and I would - think about the person's eyesight. 14 count Aida is the one most commonly used. 16 count has the holes closer together and I find that I can't work on it for so long unless I use a magnifier as it strains my eyes. Janice

Hi Aileen and Jane, Thanks for your replies. I'll have to have a look in hobby craft and see what threads they have. It's not something i've done before so it'll be a challenge!! Take my mind off those elusive rellies for a while!! Tracey

I do quite a lot of cross stitch but have never done anything from a photo. I have seen one that my cousins did though and it did look good. Aida is the easiest to work with. As far as DMC, Anchor etc is concerned - well it depends what is available in the local shops. A good sewing shop will usually stock both so really it doesn't matter. Be careful which photo to choose though. Some have so many colours which can get expensive when buying the thread - around 35 - 40 pence each. Also it could contain quite a bit of grey/black tones which can get a little boring. Bue for anyone who wants a challenge and something a little different to the usual pictures you get then it will be fun. Jane

Definitely go for Aida and I would choose DMC thread over Anchor as I've always found it more readily available in craft shops. On the other hand, check out your local craft stores to see which brand is the most popular in your area before making a decision......just in case you need to buy more thread if something goes wrong. Aileenx

Hi Chrissy, I thought i'd get a couple done of the kids for grandparents as stocking fillers. Would you mind asking your daughter what material and thread she used? Aida and anchor have been suggested so far so i would probably get those. Tracey

Tracy , My daughter has just done this with a photograph of my grandson it is very good if you need any more info let me know as she will becoming to me this afternoon Chrissy.x