Hiya. Quick post. Received my fabric order today and as usual, not the same as my first piece. But close!! I think all they will need is a dip to darken and they will be fine. That's sometimes hard to do because the tone can change depending on the dip.
I was really surprised at how easily I could stitch on the higher counts with one thread. Really surprised. Those numbers always scared me! I use Dollar Store magnifiers for all stitching and didn't change the strength as I thought I would need to do. Trying something new is so hard without being able to feel the texture and weight which many of us shop-lackers can't do. So I thought if anyone would like to attempt a piece of 35 count I would show the difference in these two from my order. One is 35 count Lambswool (Wichelt), and the other 35 count Beige (Weeks Dye Works). 123 Stitch offers smaller pieces to try and reasonable shipping rates.
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Although the same count, one looks more open and easier to see. So I will show a few photos for you to get an idea of weave in case you would like to try either.
As for texture, the Wichelt Lambswool (right) is stiff. So is the 40 count and if you like a very soft hand, this isn't it. But the weave is easier to see.
The Weeks Beige (left) is softer and has a more dense weave, not as open, but still fairly easy to see for stitching. A little darker than the Lambswool.
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I like both of these pieces for color and also their feel. I have a 28 count piece of 18th C. Rook, soft and not the dark bronzey green, that I may offer for sale along with a Fossil iPad easel that I found at their outlet. She told me it was universal and would hold my Samsung 10" tablet but it doesn't.
Gotta run.
Just wanted to have a show and tell for 35 count newbies like me. If you're considering an online order to try out a 35 count, I hope this helps a little.
Spooning on a snow day.
Spooning on a snow day.
20 comments:
Really good information for all of us with no LNS!
Sweet, the cats together.
Thank you for sharing about the materials.
Your lovely pets how cute.
I really like 35ct and up. the single strand coverage is a bonus.
Sweet kitties.
I tried the Dollar store magnifiers, like you said, but they made me "dizzy". I would love to be able to stitch on a higher count material. Maybe new glasses would help me ?
The kitties are so cute. They are so blessed to have you take care of them.
Charlotte
I love stitching on 35 count! I do have a question though that you possibly could answer. How in the world can you soften up those stiff fabrics? I like using the lambswool because it's readily available to me and it does well with coffee/tea dyes, but I dislike how stiff it is. Any suggestions?
Thanks for all your good tips ~ so enjoy your blog.
thanks for the info on the 35 ct. I've tried 35 ct. before and haven't had a problem with it. The stiffer linens I've actually washed by hand and that has soften them a bit...it's probably a no-no...but why follow the rules. LOL.
I just love snoozing, spooning kitties!
Donna
Thank you! 32ct. is as high as I've ever gone. Love the spoons!
Ha! I just happen to be stitching on Wichelt 35ct lambswool right now. Over one!
Good information....I love stitching on the higher count linens.
I love the look of stitching on higher count linens, but prefer the coverage of 2 threads, so 32 is usually as high as I go. I see a lot of designers are coming out with models stitched on 40 ct - yikes! I use a Daylight Slimline magnifying lamp, the one that clamps on to a table or desk. It gives good light and magnification. I've been buying from 123 Stitch for many years now, and have always received reliable, prompt service with reasonable shipping charges. I like that all her fabric is serged on the edges. I have been surprised a few times to buy standard sized cuts from other online shops that weren't serged, just raw cuts. Thanks for the info on the different 35 cts.
Colleen
Thanks for the info. I also don't have a LNS and this info is very helpful.
When I'm looking for anything Cross stitch I always go to 123 first, then if its not there I start looking in other on line shops. It is so helpful to see your opinions Marly cause I am one of those who must shop on-line too.I also like the look of the higher count linen. I just finished one of those little thimble purses of Brenda Gervais on the 40 count and I was so surprised at how easy it was. Thought I would try one of those cause they are such a small piece but now I wouldn't hesitate to try a bigger piece. (of course only with my magnifiers.LOL
Thanks for the info. I like 35ct and that's my limit! I use regular drug store reading glasses on 35ct and it works well but have yet to try them on 40ct of which I have one piece in my stash. As for the lambswool being so stiff, I tried wetting it but got some weird sticky-like substance from the fabric. Don't know what that was, maybe it was used to make the fabric so stiff. I'm not too crazy for the stiffness! I also like 123 and use them for ornament size cuts and they ship very fast.
That's interesting about the fabric differences. I might be able to see the lambswool in 35 count, since holes are more visible.
I tried 40 ct. a couple of years ago, and gave up because it was too hard to see. But, it was an overdyed piece of linen, and holes were not visible at all.
Thank you for the information.
Love to see the cats together!
Have a nice Sunday
I have been using 36 and 40 count of late, and do enjoy using just one strand of thread. It is a somewhat softer look, but works for me! Hugs!
This is so helpful to me! Thank you very much for sharing this information with us!!!
Kristina
I have found the Weeks fabric too soft and too many flubs for my liking. Could just be certain colors, perhaps the way the dyes take, but they also seem much more dense on the darker, higher counts.
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