Like I need any more [**Enabler alert**]

[BizzieLizzie]

I really should know better by now, but I so liked Agatha's van Gogh Lane with Poplars WIP that I Googled other van Gogh cross stitch designs and it led me to this website (those on a stash ban look away now): http://www.xs-collectibles.com/" target="_blank" target="_blank

I am very tempted by these:
Adoration of the Magi
Christmas Eve
Autumn Landscape
Lilac Bushes

and since I got a distinction in the first module of my degree course, I think I'm entitled to treat myself.

Before I take the plunge, though, is anyone familiar with patterns from this site? Are they any good?

[Serinde]

Congratulations on your distinction! That's fantastic! And OF COURSE you should treat yourself...

Can't help you with the website, although I've seen these designs elsewhere, and you might be able to find them cheaper. You would, however, run the risk of more temptation.

[Pengwenn]

I got the clock fractal from that site.


I didn't have any problems with the site and the service was good (got as paper copy but they do have some digitial downloads too if you prefer).

The only thing that bothers me is the chart itself. Instead of using a bunch of different symbols like % ( # < etc. they used all cap letters for the colors (except a dot for the color black). When scanning the pattern for the next place for the color I was stitching my eyes tried to "read" the pattern like a book instead of finding a specific letter. I found I couldn't work left to right on the pattern because of that. If I worked top to bottom on the page it was better. Took some getting use to but you can train yourself to look and not "read", if that makes sense. I don't know if all their patterns are like this because I've only got this one (although there are several more I'm dying to get).

[Oriettait]

oh yes! this is the one with all those gorgeous fractal design! I am collecting their free bookmarks and they are all made with that same letter style of chart

[rcperryls]

Never came across a better reason to treat yourself to a lovely new chart. Don't know anything about the website, either. And Congratulations on your distinction!
Looking forward to which painting you choose.

Carole

[Mabel Figworthy]

since I got a distinction in the first module of my degree course, I think I'm entitled to treat myself.

Sounds like a good reason to me !

[fccs]

since I got a distinction in the first module of my degree course, I think I'm entitled to treat myself.

Sounds like a good reason to me !

Yep!

[annamarie23]

Well done and congratulations on your distinction! You need a treat for sure.

I've bought a few charts from here and not had any problems. I'm stitching a chart called 'Calligraphy' from the Asian art section of the site and love it.

[Squirrel]

Great news about the "distinction" on your degree module and you definitely should reward yourself. But oh, how to choose.!

[BigRed]

The clock fractal is the pattern Ive just started its a nice stitch I also have some of the free
bookmarks

[BizzieLizzie]

Thanks, everyone. I've decided to treat pattern collecting as a separate hobby from stitching as I'll never get round to stitching them all! I'll be browsing the site again today and will let you know which one(s!) I get.

[rcperryls]

I agree that pattern collecting is its own hobby. Much easier now that charts can be downloaded. I only have to make sure that my hard drive has enough space to store them. Thread and fabric accumulation are becoming separate hobbies for me also. I have to be careful that storage containers, stitching accessories (I love little gadgets) don't take on a life of their own either. Can't wait to see which chart(s) you choose!

Carole

[BizzieLizzie]

I got these:

Bluebells
Christmas Eve 1887
Adoration of the Magi
Starry Night Over The Rhone

I really had to restrain myself and I'm sure I'll be going back for more in due course!

[rcperryls]

One big smile for every chart! They are gorgeous and will definitely keep you busy. I would think of it as an art collection and a very lovely collection it is1

Carole

[bookknurd]

Lovely choices!

Let us know how the patterns look. I'm curious about how easy the symbols are to follow after the above comments.

[BizzieLizzie]

I would think of it as an art collection

Great idea! Yes, that's what I'll call it from now on.

[Lottie]

Noooo.... I'm horribly broke at the moment and 2 charts seem to have found their way into my basket. Must try to resist