Sorry if I post too much! I've started on a larger project, my first and I don't usually use frames - well most of you will be chuckling now as I have discovered that of course I need a frame. I'd like a lap stand one and the Lapman from Siesta seems the nicest and the strongest - is it a good investment? Some others are £16+ but seem weaker...

http://direct.hobbycraft.co.uk/products-Siesta-Lapman-Hands-Free-Sewing-Frame_272627.htm" target="_blank

Post too much? What does that sentance mean? *looks at her own post count with a quizical expression* too....much...

Yes a frame i a good investment. I have both a lap stand and a floor stand. I don't think lap stands need to be exceptionally sturdy. I appreciate it a lot in a floor stand, the one I have now keeps working itelf loose and being somewhat wobbly...

I have never used that brand so I can't give you a review, but they are worth the investment. My floor stand was over a hundred.

I use various sized Q Snap frames (In the UK.. R&R frames)
I just hold it in my hand- I don't have a floor or lap stand of any sort

If the carry case is not important, it might be worth looking around as I think you can do better on price. For example:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-ITA-CROSS ... 6rk%3D3%26

Good luck in choosing one. I'm afraid my experience with frames & stands is limited seeing as I just bought one the other day and was limited to what they had at the store I had a gift card for.

[color=#4000BF]I have hoops, Q snaps, Scrolls and use the stretcher Bars. These go along with a sit on lap frame, tabletop frame and a floor stand (even rigged a hanging frame to go along with my floor stand when working with very large projects( my Dad was a little wierded out seeing the hooks in the ceiling for the first time. Until the next time he saw my project on it). As you can tell, I'm lazy. Have had surgery on both wrist already. I really don't like holding my work. I stitch with both hands. Right gets tired I use my left.

All my stands are well worth the investment. The lap frame was about $75, floor stand was close to $200 and that was back in the 80's. Looks like the prices have come down some. Now my tabletop, was the best. My Brother built it for me (he works with wood) and cost was less than $20 for the hardware.
I would not give any of mine up, it would really hurt my feelings if something happened to them and still feel they were well worth the price[/color].

Lots of ladies in my tapestry group have a lapman and they love them - tapestry tends to need to be tighter than cross stitch so I'd say it would be alright.

Thanks guys! Q Snap frames aren't great for me, as I have bad joints for a 20yo (21 in one week!) and I can't even hold a paperback book up for a certain length of time (3 minutes).

Angel: Over 100? O.O

dalronix: Being able to store my work away is important due to have very little room in the house and two cats!

Lori0: You could open a shop! I tried using my left hand too but it's a little shaky, I injured it when I was younger and it's been noticeably weaker than my right ever since.

Mystonique: It's so versatile! I love that I can have it in my lap wherever I am.

Before you buy, I'd advise you look at the siesta site for more choice: http://www.siestaframes.com/acatalog/table_seat_and_lap_stands.html

There are two sizes of lapman, and the larger of the two (15") is on sale here.

Yes, I asked my local Hobbycraft last night if they had the 15".

How do I attach the fabric to the rollers? It says it has Siesta's 'Clip and Sew' roller which goes right over my head! XDD

Nope, still don't understand this whole "post too much" I had a sleep on it and....nope, I think such phrases are caused by too little exposure to the forums!

I don't know for sure, but a lot of frames you sew your fabric onto the frames. My floor stand has some fabric stapled it ot that I sew mine onto, my lap stand has no such thing and I have to sew my fabric into a loop over the frame. I'm going to guess a clip and sew thingy means something clips on and you sew your fabric to it? Just a guess though.

Hmm... time to hunt down some reviews!

5 minutes later: I didn't fin any reviews but I did find this picture which seems to give us a very big clue as to what clip and sew means!

Clip and Sew Means you clip material on to the rollers And then you are ready to start your chart

http://www.siestaframes.com/acatalog/Siesta_Clip-n-Sew_Rollers.html" target="_blank" target="_blank

Ah you found it

Some times reviews are not always positive Just because I like and give good review You might buy and hate it

Ask can you look at it before buying

Yep, I spotted that in the picture above but thank you! D

The picture you showed, looks alot like my table stand with one of my scrolls on it. And if you don't want to hold your work, I really think you would like that one. With the clips to attach your fabric it will be really nice. In facted it has given me the idea to use them on the one I have to sew mine on. The wonderful thing about the scolls, is you can change up the size. I played around one day with a drill and a tape measure. I have the 3 different size side broads. So now I can open my project pretty large and not have to roll my stitched areas.

Pls remember I have collected all my stuff over the span of 30 something years. It's really the only hobby I truely love. Everyone has to have their toys. . Also, pls note that did not have any children, so I was able to spoil myself every once in awhile. Oh how things have changed now

I only have furry children - another good reason to get a frame with a bag! Those clips are great, I think most frame users can use them, depending on the size of the bars, right?

I'm going to Hobbycraft tomorrow, they've put one away for me so hopefully I'll be posting a picture of my new toy tomorrow night!

I also only have furry kids. Dogs. Don't worry about the lenght of the bars or the side boards. You can buy (or make as I did) different sizes for your projects as you go. As long as the stand is comfortable and workable for you is the main thing.

The Siesta Lapman DID NOT work out for me and so I took it back this morning! Onto R&R frames next (Q Snaps) which seems to be the frame of choice. Now, I just have to work out which size - stuck between the 11x11 and the 9x9 - would you recommend either of these or a different size entirely?

have you read this thread

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=17813

I use these

http://www.sewandso.co.uk/ran997-0.html

Just had a look but it doesn't have the advice I need! I'm really against the wooden frames to be honest...