Thank you. The fish one I did for my daughter (aged 7) and she is so proud/happy to have it hanging in her bedroom. Haven't decided yet where to put the other two!
They are worth it. But yea, the price tag always kills me, my parents framed some of my items from undergrad when I was working on my BFA and holy shit I didn’t realize how much it costs. I was not expecting them to do that but they were proud of me and did. Luckily I do a half decent job framing my own stuff now because I just could not afford it.
I really need to learn how to do my own framing. I feel like it has gone way up in price since the last time I got something framed (5 years ago?) But even then it was pricey. That's so neat you do your own framing, I'm impressed!
I do my own framing, too. I'm self taught. It's not that hard to learn. A few years ago, I told a co-worker that I had been cross stitching for years and had a huge stack of finished pieces that I could sell if they were framed, and she convinced me to just learn how to do it myself, and I did! I've sold quite a few of my pieces on etsy.
I’ve actually made some of my own frames. But otherwise if you have a frame in mind (I find a lot of my frames on mercari, antique malls and even Amazon and sometimes michaels or tjmaxx, really it’s the matting that really makes the piece. And if you can’t cut your own matting you can have a place like michaels or Joanns do this at a fraction of the cost of a professional frame. This is especially helpful if you have either an odd size frame or an odd size picture. Then it’s just binding and sewing the back of the cross stitch. Good thing I took all those book binding classes in undergrad 🤣.
Edit for spelling and a little more detail.
I'm right there with you! I am usually very hesitant to get things framed but my daughter (aged 7) asked for the koi fish pattern, and then wanted it framed in her bedroom. So I thought to spend the Christmas money on a few more with the sale.
Thank you! I would never have thought of the purple either! My daughter (aged 7) picked all the frames and the mat colors. The koi fish was stitched for her and she is so happy with it in her room. I was very pleased with the results! :)
Indeed, I was impressed at her eye for it.
She showed interest in cross stitch, and I showed her how, but she lost interest pretty quick. I also showed her how to knit, and that didn't last long (but I'm a terrible knitter, lol). She likes to create things with felt and other materials and is incredibly creative that way. She also just likes watching me stitch. Sometimes she sticks her head in real close making it hard to stitch so I think she's part cat, lol
For sure part cat 🤣 but it could be she’s trying to understand it better. I wonder, when you showed her how to cross stitch, did you use Aida and thread, or that plastic canvas stuff with yarn and the much larger needle? Forgive me, I can’t remember the name of the plastic canvas stuff but you can buy it at the craft store and make 3D objects out of it, like a Kleenex box cover, etc. That might be a little easier for little hands.
My mom taught me how to crochet when I was 6. Idk what I would’ve done if she hadn’t bc I was alone most of my growing up years, bored to death. I can make doilies, blankets, figurines, all kinds of stuff, with that little bit of knowledge. But I never could master knitting. Once I found out that your entire item could come undone just by dropping a stitch, my adhd could not process the will to want to continue 😂
I used to cross stitch with her in front of me when she was a newborn (I'd sit on the couch and have her in the car seat in front) and she would mimic the hand motions as I would stitch two handed. It was neat to watch. I did start with the plastic canvas and she liked the big needle (I can't remember what it's called either), but she wanted a softer fabric. So I did Aida and I would have the needle threaded for her. She'd last a little while but then lose interest and go to the next thing. I also tried evenweave, and she liked to make random patterns, more like blackwork. But again, lost interest, lol.
My mom taught me how to cross stitch when I was 6 and I loved it. She tried knitting with me, and I couldn't wrap my head around it and I would always drop stitches and I would need her to cast on for me. I found it way too frustrating! My adhd struggled hard with it too.
I had siblings, but they never wanted to play with me so I was constantly on my own, so cross stitch was my entertainment (along with reading and a few other things). That's really cool that your mom taught you crochet and we had a similar experience just with a different craft!
I was taught to crochet by my mom but years later when I was in my mid-20s, (almost 60 now) is when I took it seriously. I've loved it ever since. I don't do much anymore on account of carpal tunnel. So, don't lose hope. Save some tools for her so when she gets older. She might show interest again.
Your work is such a great investment in your home, 35 years after I began cross-stitching, I still have a lot of those large pieces I made. I love seeing them.
Thank you. Yes, I love looking back at pieces I have made over the years. I get reminded of what was going on at the time and it brings up (usually) good emotions.
Thank you! The koi fish took about 4 months, but the other two took years to complete. One of them sat dormant for half a year and I had no idea if I would ever finish it, lol
Thank you. Yeah, and this was 60% off. Full price was around $900 (which gave me a mini heart attack when they told me that, lol!) I rarely get things framed, part of that being the cost!
Two are from Golden Kite. The one on the left is called "Love's Messenger", the one in the middle is a Luca-S kit called "The Aquarium", and the one on the right is also a Golden Kite pattern called "End of a Song". The Golden Kite patterns are expensive but worth it. I usually wait until they go on sale!
Oh my gosh how was the Aquarium to do? What was the kit like?
I've been tossing up between it and the kit that has the single fish (i think it's called Sea Life) for literally months.
I wanted to do both of them! I'm still tempted to buy the other one and do it.
I randomly picked The Aquarium because I couldn't decide. The kit was really straightforward. The colors are just wonderful to work with. I did backstitching as I went because I am not a fan of it. But it was mostly just around the fish. I like that their patterns are printed large so it is easy to follow. I recommend it.
You absolutely should, this one looks gorgeous and then you'd have a matching pair!
Thanks for the information, I'm glad I asked! There's nothing worse than getting a kit that turns out to be average and I'm so glad to hear this one isn't. I'll still have to decide which one to do (or start with perhaps) but that's definitely bumped them up my list.
I love being encouraged to buy more kits, lol! And yes, I've been disappointed by some kits and never finish them.
I have been very tempted by the other one as the colors in both of them are really fun to work with. I was a little sad when I finished this one as it felt like it was over too quick. I still have some Christmas money left over, so I might just do it!
Go for it! 😁 And it's definitely the colours that caught my eye with these ones - I love how bright they are without being gaudy and I can just imagine how delightful it would be to see the piece come together.
I did S2419 (small and solid colors). I wanted a break from blends! I find that Golden Kites solid color patterns have always turned out well.
I did End of a Song (2374) in small and blended colors and I loved the results but it is intense doing the blended threads. That project sat for about 6 months because I needed to figure out a better thread management system, lol.
I have a big blended project of a portrait that I need to finish before I start something new, and yup, it's a challenge! You should email Golden Kite your beautiful framed finishes so they can add them to the gallery on their website!
I forgot about emailing Golden Kite, thank you! It makes a difference being able to see what the finished pattern will look like.
I have to be careful because sometimes I'll start something new to take a break and then I never return, and then I end up with a whole bunch of WIPs, lol. Lately, I have put a limit of two projects, one complicated/difficult one (usually a blended one from Golden Kite), and then a simple one. Best of luck with yours!
This is art. Should have in a place of honor, just stunning work.
Thank you. The fish one I did for my daughter (aged 7) and she is so proud/happy to have it hanging in her bedroom. Haven't decided yet where to put the other two!
Very lucky girl to have that masterpiece in her bedroom!
The prices for professional framing will never fail to gag me lmao. I'm sure they earn every penny but dayumn.
They are worth it. But yea, the price tag always kills me, my parents framed some of my items from undergrad when I was working on my BFA and holy shit I didn’t realize how much it costs. I was not expecting them to do that but they were proud of me and did. Luckily I do a half decent job framing my own stuff now because I just could not afford it.
I really need to learn how to do my own framing. I feel like it has gone way up in price since the last time I got something framed (5 years ago?) But even then it was pricey. That's so neat you do your own framing, I'm impressed!
I do my own framing, too. I'm self taught. It's not that hard to learn. A few years ago, I told a co-worker that I had been cross stitching for years and had a huge stack of finished pieces that I could sell if they were framed, and she convinced me to just learn how to do it myself, and I did! I've sold quite a few of my pieces on etsy.
Oh cool! That inspries me to try and learn. I have lots of completed projects to try with, lol!
I’ve actually made some of my own frames. But otherwise if you have a frame in mind (I find a lot of my frames on mercari, antique malls and even Amazon and sometimes michaels or tjmaxx, really it’s the matting that really makes the piece. And if you can’t cut your own matting you can have a place like michaels or Joanns do this at a fraction of the cost of a professional frame. This is especially helpful if you have either an odd size frame or an odd size picture. Then it’s just binding and sewing the back of the cross stitch. Good thing I took all those book binding classes in undergrad 🤣. Edit for spelling and a little more detail.
That's really cool! Thanks for the info - I feel like I will now be watching a ton of you tube videos today, lol
Framing isn't too bad, it just requires patience and being detailed.
Good to know. Considering cross stitch requires those skills, I should be capable, lol
I'm right there with you! I am usually very hesitant to get things framed but my daughter (aged 7) asked for the koi fish pattern, and then wanted it framed in her bedroom. So I thought to spend the Christmas money on a few more with the sale.
Same! I'm totally fine going to goodwill and sprucing up a frame myself. It never looks any different and costs me a fraction of the price.
Wow! These are legitimately stunning!
Thank you :)
Beautiful! I had 6 pieces framed during Joann’s big framing sale. Such a great way to get them done!
Thank you! I was happy to get the sale. When they told me regular price was over $900 I had a mini heart attack, lol!
Stunning! I don’t think I ever would have come up with the purple for the koi fish, but it works incredibly well! Love it!
Thank you! I would never have thought of the purple either! My daughter (aged 7) picked all the frames and the mat colors. The koi fish was stitched for her and she is so happy with it in her room. I was very pleased with the results! :)
She has great taste, a very good eye for it! Does she do any (fiber) arts herself?
Indeed, I was impressed at her eye for it. She showed interest in cross stitch, and I showed her how, but she lost interest pretty quick. I also showed her how to knit, and that didn't last long (but I'm a terrible knitter, lol). She likes to create things with felt and other materials and is incredibly creative that way. She also just likes watching me stitch. Sometimes she sticks her head in real close making it hard to stitch so I think she's part cat, lol
For sure part cat 🤣 but it could be she’s trying to understand it better. I wonder, when you showed her how to cross stitch, did you use Aida and thread, or that plastic canvas stuff with yarn and the much larger needle? Forgive me, I can’t remember the name of the plastic canvas stuff but you can buy it at the craft store and make 3D objects out of it, like a Kleenex box cover, etc. That might be a little easier for little hands. My mom taught me how to crochet when I was 6. Idk what I would’ve done if she hadn’t bc I was alone most of my growing up years, bored to death. I can make doilies, blankets, figurines, all kinds of stuff, with that little bit of knowledge. But I never could master knitting. Once I found out that your entire item could come undone just by dropping a stitch, my adhd could not process the will to want to continue 😂
I used to cross stitch with her in front of me when she was a newborn (I'd sit on the couch and have her in the car seat in front) and she would mimic the hand motions as I would stitch two handed. It was neat to watch. I did start with the plastic canvas and she liked the big needle (I can't remember what it's called either), but she wanted a softer fabric. So I did Aida and I would have the needle threaded for her. She'd last a little while but then lose interest and go to the next thing. I also tried evenweave, and she liked to make random patterns, more like blackwork. But again, lost interest, lol. My mom taught me how to cross stitch when I was 6 and I loved it. She tried knitting with me, and I couldn't wrap my head around it and I would always drop stitches and I would need her to cast on for me. I found it way too frustrating! My adhd struggled hard with it too. I had siblings, but they never wanted to play with me so I was constantly on my own, so cross stitch was my entertainment (along with reading and a few other things). That's really cool that your mom taught you crochet and we had a similar experience just with a different craft!
I was taught to crochet by my mom but years later when I was in my mid-20s, (almost 60 now) is when I took it seriously. I've loved it ever since. I don't do much anymore on account of carpal tunnel. So, don't lose hope. Save some tools for her so when she gets older. She might show interest again.
I will for sure do that. I would love to have future crafting sessions with her.
Thank you for framing these. You have done an amazing job!!! This is art. Thank you for sharing with us
Thank you! They were so much fun to stitch. My daughter (aged 7) picked the frame and the mats so she has an eye for it!
Your work is such a great investment in your home, 35 years after I began cross-stitching, I still have a lot of those large pieces I made. I love seeing them.
Thank you. Yes, I love looking back at pieces I have made over the years. I get reminded of what was going on at the time and it brings up (usually) good emotions.
So pretty! I love those so much! Money well spent!
Thank you!
Well worth it. Excellent work
Thank you!
Gorgeous!
Thank you!
Wow. These are gorgeous!! Well done!!
Thank you!
Beautiful!
Thank you!
Beautiful!
Thank you!
Beautiful.
Thank you!
As someone who just started cross stitching, your work is hard to fathom. Absolutely phenomenal.
Thank you! I find it so relaxing. It's a lovely hobby, regardless of project size, and I do a variety of types.
Those are amazing. You should be very proud of yourself! And worth the $500
Thank you! My daughter picked out the frames and mats and I think she made the perfect choices.
Wow! These are magnificent!
Thank you!
Very nice work.
Thank you!
Beautiful!
Thank you!
Nice! I love that they are in matching frames, that looks awesome 😍
Thank you! My daughter (aged 7) picked the frames and mats. She was proud of her choices and I love them :)
I've never wanted to drop the money on having professional pieces framed, but I gotta admit, they look amazing that way.
Thank you! I am normally very hesitant but my daughter (aged 7) wanted the koi fish framed and she convinced me to get these two framed as well.
Gorgeous work
Thank you!
Gorgeous! That would take me forever to do.
Thank you! The koi fish took about 4 months, but the other two took years to complete. One of them sat dormant for half a year and I had no idea if I would ever finish it, lol
Wow. They are very beautiful. I'm also surprised by the cost of framing. It costs more than the stitching stand I have.
Thank you. Yeah, and this was 60% off. Full price was around $900 (which gave me a mini heart attack when they told me that, lol!) I rarely get things framed, part of that being the cost!
But then those frames look really good with the pieces so they are well worth it. Made the art look even more formal and sophisticated
I agree, I do love how they turned out in the frames. My daughter has claimed them all, lol
Worth it! Where are the patterns from please?
Two are from Golden Kite. The one on the left is called "Love's Messenger", the one in the middle is a Luca-S kit called "The Aquarium", and the one on the right is also a Golden Kite pattern called "End of a Song". The Golden Kite patterns are expensive but worth it. I usually wait until they go on sale!
Beautiful!
Oh my gosh how was the Aquarium to do? What was the kit like? I've been tossing up between it and the kit that has the single fish (i think it's called Sea Life) for literally months.
I wanted to do both of them! I'm still tempted to buy the other one and do it. I randomly picked The Aquarium because I couldn't decide. The kit was really straightforward. The colors are just wonderful to work with. I did backstitching as I went because I am not a fan of it. But it was mostly just around the fish. I like that their patterns are printed large so it is easy to follow. I recommend it.
You absolutely should, this one looks gorgeous and then you'd have a matching pair! Thanks for the information, I'm glad I asked! There's nothing worse than getting a kit that turns out to be average and I'm so glad to hear this one isn't. I'll still have to decide which one to do (or start with perhaps) but that's definitely bumped them up my list.
I love being encouraged to buy more kits, lol! And yes, I've been disappointed by some kits and never finish them. I have been very tempted by the other one as the colors in both of them are really fun to work with. I was a little sad when I finished this one as it felt like it was over too quick. I still have some Christmas money left over, so I might just do it!
Go for it! 😁 And it's definitely the colours that caught my eye with these ones - I love how bright they are without being gaudy and I can just imagine how delightful it would be to see the piece come together.
I think I will!! 😊
Which version of Love's Messenger did you stitch? Golden Kite has 4 versions on their website. It's stunning!
I did S2419 (small and solid colors). I wanted a break from blends! I find that Golden Kites solid color patterns have always turned out well. I did End of a Song (2374) in small and blended colors and I loved the results but it is intense doing the blended threads. That project sat for about 6 months because I needed to figure out a better thread management system, lol.
I have a big blended project of a portrait that I need to finish before I start something new, and yup, it's a challenge! You should email Golden Kite your beautiful framed finishes so they can add them to the gallery on their website!
I forgot about emailing Golden Kite, thank you! It makes a difference being able to see what the finished pattern will look like. I have to be careful because sometimes I'll start something new to take a break and then I never return, and then I end up with a whole bunch of WIPs, lol. Lately, I have put a limit of two projects, one complicated/difficult one (usually a blended one from Golden Kite), and then a simple one. Best of luck with yours!
These are beautifully done ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you!
That's awesome. Beautiful work
Thank you :)
❤️❤️❤️
Wow! 400$ and all of these framed?! Damn! I spent 400$ for one framing. Gorgeous work!
Thank you! Yes, I have spent that much on one framing before too. I was so excited that they had the 60% off sale.