Can I Do Needlework?

Are you sure you want to tackle this? We will have to have Minnie sneak some pics of you to post while you are busy. The first thing you have to do is mark your middle, thats if its counted cross stitch. Thats easy fold the fabric in forths, take a little thread and make a stich in the center, tie it loosely, this is just so you can keep track of the middle. You can remove it later. Find the middle on your pattern, then go from there. For someone new to this kind of needlework I would start in the middle, and go from there. Its all really easy and the pattern is adorable. Just think how proud you will be when its finished. One other thing that is important is to get a hoop. It will make it so much easier to do and the finished work will be so much nicer. You also do not knot the thread, you secure it by threading it under some of the other stiches. Good luck, your gonna need it, hehe. Actually once you get started it should be easy.

Here is a good site for a Beginner's Guide in Cross Stitch. http://crossstitchexpert.blogspot.com/2007/05/beginners-guide-what-you-need-to-start.html One thing you really need and that is a hoop to keep your work taut so the stitches will be flat when you finish the entire project. You can find these in most stores that carry needlework, even WalMart, I think, although they may not have the size you want. You would probably find them in Hobby Lobby or Michael's. Many people make a mistake not having a hoop or frame (for larger pieces) and then all their hard work doesn't look as good as it would if it was totally flat when they finish.

I sure wish I knew what to tell you on this but I am not very knowledgeable when it comes to things like this. I am sure someone here will be able to help you out though. I know you will do good with it also.

Wow....did you know some of the best needle work I have seen was done by a man? I hope you figure it out. Is it counted cross stitch?

Looks like you have plenty of help here--which is good, because I don't understand it, either! I used to embroider but never bothered with counting or anything, I forget just how I did it. It's very relaxing, though, I think you'll like it.

I wanted to say cross stitch and it appears you have already figured that out for yourself. I am not sure if this site will help you and I sure hope it doesn't hinder you learning - but here's a site about cross stitch you might like http://home.comcast.net/~kathydyer/

Bunting is a thin fabric.. last I knew.. As to the rest of the directions, I'm allergic to instructions..shudder!

That looks like it might be counted cross stitch - so yes, you count the number of stitches in the color of the that the symbol stands for. Is the fabric look like it has little squares to stitch into then each one of those squared count as a square in the pattern. I would not worry about too much until the stitching is done - but be sure to leave enough fabric around it so that you can attach it to a backing peice of cloth. best of luck!

After looking at the photo you have to do the cross stitch part first. On you photo I explained to you how to find the center of the fabric. Once you found the center of the fabric you need to separate the colors of thread and put them in bundles by them selves. You can put them on a piece of 3x5 index card with a hole to thread the sting through it. Then you can number or write the color of thread beside it. Once you have done that you will be ready to stitch. Each square on the pattern is equal to a square on the pattern. You follow the pattern per squares. I find if I do a group of squares I then color them in in pencil so I can remember where I have been. I do not always start in the center I tend to start at one edge I count the squares on my pattern from the center and then the amount of squares on my fabric after finding the center. I am in the process of making a baby announcement for our new grandchild. I have done the outside boarder which I followed a pattern of four hearts and added more to make it go clear around. Now I have to decide what to do in the center. As you can tell by the photo I still have the middle thread in place as a guide. I did not end up centering the design. I will have to count the squares again if I want to center the design in the middle. What I did was had 9 hearts down and 16 hearts across so that is why the picture is not centered. It is my own creation so I have plenty of fabric left over to frame around.

Grandpa Bob can you fax from home? If you can you can fax me the directions tuesday and I will try to deicer them for you. I do loads of needle work. You can PM me and I will give you my phone number. I will be in and out of the house tomorrow so I do not know if I have time to look at it tomorrow.

Grandpa Bob, good luck! I have bought so many needlework kits in the past, but I never seem to finnish them as my enthusiasm peters out way before the thread does! They always look so tempting, but the truth is that they bore me rigid after a while. Hope you get some more sensible advice elsewhere and enjoy making them up!

Well, GB, it sounds like you'll be working on Counted Cross-Stitch. To begin, you work from the center out. How I would do it was I folded my cloth into 4ths so that where all the folds crossed would be the center. And, yes, you do count outward from that starting point (or if the color you want to start starts 5 blocks to the left of center or above center, then move that many FROM center to start.) There should be a dot in the center of the stitch "map" that shows you "center". I haven't done any cross-stitch in a while, but I used to love it! I just don't have the patience for it any more or the eyesight. But, I do love how the end result looks - it is so detailed! Bunting - the stuffing that goes in quilts, stuffed toys, or behind 3-D stitched items to create the three-dimensional look. That sounds like pre-printed crewel, unless you're going to mount the cross-stitch over bunting (aka batting). I've done that as well for a box I made for my father years ago. You but the batting on the base and wrap the completed needlework over and around the base and stitch the back side to hold it in place. You can use tacky glue after you've stitched it to reinforce it, but if you think you'll ever want to remove it, I wouldn't. If Rosie Grier can knit - YOU can cross-stitch!!

I haven't looked at your picture yet, but if it's cross-stitch (tapestry), you generally pick the coloured thread which matches the colour on the canvas, and then make a little cross in the square. I think bunting is stuff you use to fill cushions? It's an American term, so I'm not really sure.

Hi GRANDP BOB, I have not done needlework for years but I think you do count the squares so good luk to you in everything you do and how is your dad doing? I hope he is fine. Tamara