Counted Cross-stitch: August 2008 Archives

So, the problem with quickly whipping out a post between meetings at work is that I forgot to say a lot of the things I meant to say in the post. *sigh* There are a few more things I want to say about the Beatrix Potter Colors cross stitch that I posted yesterday.

One of the main reasons I stopped working on this piece is that it's a really, really tiny Aida cloth count. I think it's 18-point, but it might be as high as 20-point. That's really freaking small. Even with my lovely magnification glasses (remind me to post a photo of that beauty someday) it hurt my eyes to work on it for long periods. I do wonder with my new glasses and better Ott-light if it would be easier to see now.

One of the problems with using Aida cloth is that the edges fray. The smart thing to do to prevent this is to do a quick zig-zag stitch along the edge with the sewing machine. This will keep the edge from fraying as you work on it.

The not-so-smart way to prevent the fraying is to do what I did on this piece: use masking tape to cover the edge. *doh!* I really don't know what I was thinking when I did this. The tape has dried out in places now, and it's left a stained, sticky residue on the fabric. I think I will just leave it and then cut off that edge when I go to have the piece framed. Luckily it's only about a quarter-inch that is taped.

This is another cross stitch project that I started years ago and has gone fallow. It's called Beatrix Potter Colors, and it shows various characters hanging their laundry on the line, and has the words for the colors with each item. It would look just lovely in a baby's room. Or my craft room. :)

I probably got this pattern on eBay. But I just discovered that you can also get it on Amazon. What can't you get on Amazon these days?

Beatrix Potter Colors:
Started: ~2001

This is an amazing counted cross-stitch pattern that I picked up years ago. I purchased it from the now closed Dutch Treat shop in Livermore, CA. It's a map of the United States, complete with major cities, rivers, vegetation, and landmarks.

I decided to make my version of the map truly my own. Rather than put in the names of the cities as suggested on the pattern, I decided to include the names of cities that I have lived in. So rather than Detroit, mine says Ann Arbor. It will say Evergreen instead of Denver.

Rather than the typical aida cloth that you often seen cross-stitch stitched on (there's a mouthful), this is done on evenweave linen. I'm guessing that it's 32-count, but I honestly can't remember. It's tiny though, which is adding to how long it is taking to make. But it will be lovely when I'm done.

Map of the United States
Started: ~2002