Friday 6 February 2015

Adrift, Page 14 Completed!


Page 14 is done, done, done!   My next page, I get to start the tail!!!  I'm so excited! (But judging from the confetti in the pattern, I may yet live to regret that excitement.)

Finishing this page, I got to learn first hand the TRUE meaning of frustration.  I was probably within 100 stitches of a page finish with no work scheduled for a week, and then I got called in.  (I work 12 hour shifts, so when I'm working, my life consists of working, eating and sleeping, and no stitching time whatsoever).   So I got called in to work a shift.. then another... and another. Being so close to a page finish and having to wait 4 days before I could pick it up again!   TORTURE! 

Anybody following this blog work with stands?  I got a little bit of money for Christmas, and bought one, that I don't know the name of.   It's not like the standard Hearthside stands that we usually see. This one looks more industrial, with a metal base (which is what I needed above all, because I have a wood loving Cockatoo, who would have made short work of my new expensive stand) 

It's hard to describe, so here is a photo of it.  I prefer to work with Q-Snaps, so this fits perfectly into the frame, and holds nice and snug while I learn how to stitch with both hands (omg, so much faster)
It took me a few days to get used to it, and at first I thought I'd made a huge mistake and that it was more awkward and uncomfortable, but then I spent some time adjusting to my comfort level and really giving it a chance, and now I'm convinced it was the best purchase I've ever made.

It's not the prettiest stand, but it's perfect for me!  And being that it's small (as far as stands go) I can fit my light AND my magnifier beside it.  I now have an extremely busy little stitching corner, but it's mine all mine and I love it!

Hopefully I should have a nice page of Winter Hat Owl to show off in a few weeks, this time with Owl! 

Happy stitching, everyone!

~Rai Rai





24 comments:

  1. Hi! Congratulations on another page finish! This is coming along so beautifully. I know what it's like to be so close and not be able to stitch for a while. Glad you got through it. Is that a Lowry stand? I've heard those are wonderful. Getting your setup just right is a lot of work, but so worth it! :)

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    1. I checked out "Lowry Stand" and although it seems very close, there are some subtle differences. Perhaps a newer version (or an older version - it had been in the store for a while) In any case, it's very close to a Lowry stand. It kind of looks like something my grandfather would have tacked together in his tool shed. It's very industrial looking. But I love it!!!
      I'm now thinking if I love this stand, maybe I'd also love a Hearthside stand? But it's not practical. I'd have to set it up in my office in order to keep it safe from a very sharp and determined beak. But suddenly I'm ALL about the stands!

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  2. She looks amazing, I hate it when you're looking at the edge of of a page finish and it's so far off... you've got there now though it's she's brill

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    1. It was terrible torture. I actually considered bringing it to work so I could stitch during my lunch hour, but an hour really isn't enough time to really get into it, plus (and I hate to admit it) I really need my magnifier. (sad face) And there was no way I was lugging that thing in.

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  3. Wow, she's beautiful! The shading is so detailed. You got there in the end....

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    1. Thanks Justine! The shade is really something, isn't it? The more I stitch of her, the move I fall in love with her. At the end of this row, I will be officially half done.

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  4. Congratulations on another page finish. It's going to be exciting seeing some of her tail appear next.
    I hope the floor stand continues to work well for you. Now that you're able to work two-handed you should notice a marked increase in your stitching speed. And that is beneficial to us too as we get to see more progress more often! Yay! :)

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    1. I'm love, love, loving my floor stand!!! I wonder how I ever got along without it. After figuring out what was more comfortable for me, and getting used to stitching with the aide of support pillows under my elbows, because I'm stitching higher than I would if I were just holding the Q-Snap myself, it all came together beautifully!
      And yes, more progress more often is a definite win all around!

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  5. Well done on another page she's looking great. I had a stand but could not get used to it so sold it. Glad it's working out for you.

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    1. Sorry your stand didn't work out for you, Angel. I definitely had the same doubts the first few times I worked with my stand. I'm glad I stuck with it.
      But after reading several comments on multiple stands, I've learned that when it comes to stands, you either love them, or you hate them. There is no middle ground.
      I hope you at least recouped your money on your stand. They are expensive little buggers.

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  6. Congrats on getting another page done!!! She's coming along beautifully. I've never seen a stand like that, it looks very unique. I have a wooden one that I purchased from JoAnn fabrics. But it doesn't get much use - it kept tipping over.

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    1. Thanks Jan!
      You know, I had bought a wood stand that I found on the local buy and sell, and it sucked! It kept tipping over too. It had to be set up just so.
      But the stand I have now is pretty sturdy. It wasn't cheap, but it was worth it!

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  7. Just returning the following!
    Congratulations on the page finish, a real reason to celebrate.
    I only work ten hours a week so plenty of time for stitching. I can't imagine four days without picking up a needle. The last time that happened was six years ago when my second son was born. I did take my stitching into hospital for doing while he was being induced!
    I love your owl, I've seen a similar one but the stitcher is not doing all the background,she's going to use a coloured fabric.

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    1. ps you are a no-reply blogger, so if you reply to my comment by email then I will be able to respond to your's in future 😃

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    2. Not stitching for 4 days is torture! Even worse when I'm so close to a page finish.
      I've seen the owl done on a blue background, but I think the finished product of taking the time to stitch the background makes for a softer finished look. The threads blend into each other, rather than stick out. Both finished pieces look beautiful, but for me, I prefer the stitched background.
      I'm really pleased with the results so far!

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    3. Oops, and I meant to add, I will try to remember my password and email you. I set this blog up under a dummy account, because I didn't want spam, so I don't know if I still have access to it. IF I do, I will email you. But I have to be honest and say I don't really monitor it, like ever. So your emails to me might not get seen. But I will see what I can do about accessing it!

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  8. Wow Rai Rai very exciting that your stitching speed is more than likely going to pick up now that you have entered the world of 2 handed stictching! I think you were fast before, now you're going to be like rocket woo hoo! I really like the little holder attached to your stand that's a really cool feature.

    Adrift is coming along swimmingly (see what I did there LOL). Have fun starting her tail!! Can't wait to see that beautiful tail come to life!
    xo Alicia

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    1. Boy, has my speed ever picked up. I'm already 1/2 way through a page of Winter Hat Owl. Two handed stitching makes all the difference!
      I love that little holder feature of my stand. It has a hole to stick my scissors in, and I can put the extra threads I am using on the little pegs. It just simplifies things, and simple is definitely better!!

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  9. Congrats on the page finish! It is looking wonderful! I have been thinking about a stand as I find the bigger frames hurt my wrists after a while so for now I have been sticking with a smaller frame...not sure how long I can keep doing that though x

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    1. I asked at the store where I purchased my stand, and it's a K's Creation stand. Here is a link to their site and the stand in particular. I love it because it's small, and doesn't take up half my room.
      http://kscreations.com/floor_metal.htm
      It fits every size of frame - although I haven't used it on a big scroll bar frame, but I don't work on those.
      So far I love this frame. They aren't cheap, but considering how much I stitch, I think it's money well spent.

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  10. Another page finish! well done, she's looking beautiful! I've only got a wooden lap stand which is great, it leaves both hands free.your new stand looks great. cant wait to see that beautiful tail!
    Happy stitching :)

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    1. Thank you very much!
      You know, I thought about a lap stand, but with all the crap I usually have on my lap, I thought having something higher might suit me better. But I've heard good things from people who do have lap stands and like them.
      Hopefully I will have a peek a boo of the tail in a month or so. (Crosses fingers)

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  11. Gorgeous stitching stand :-D I don't have a stand yet but I do want to get one down the track.

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  12. Gorgeous stitching stand :-D I don't have a stand yet but I do want to get one down the track.

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