I want one!

[topbiddy]

Hey all,
I have been reading for awhile about the lovely HAED charts you have all been doing and of course seeing the pictures. I have never attempted one, but I am captivated by them and would love to try one. I guess the size of them has always made them sound rather daunting, but I think I could attempt one Can anyone give me any advice on which chart would be the best to start with. Not to big! I know some of these have 80 pages or so. Do you always start at the top left? I have never done this before either, always the middle. Do they look better finished on Aida or evenweave? I don't mind as long as the count isn't too high. Also I notice some of you swear by tent stitch. I guess that makes sense with the size and colours of them.
Any tips and ideas appreciated. Also where do I get one from? I have heard they take ages coming direct from HAED and I am keen now. If anyone has a chart they would be willing to swap with me for another or threads etc, let me know. Thanks everyone.
Judy

[coffee_freak]

they have a lot of quick stitches on their site..even a freebie one of a fairy...
there is also a lot of info on the site that would tell you about the fabric needed ,etc.

a lot of people do grid them and start top left..

I have 3 in my stash and I hope to start them one day..

[helbel]

I downloaded my two storykeeps (bookmarks) from HAED so got them at once. I figure they will be a nice start and not too big (only about 2 pages)

If you have access to a printer then no need to wait!

[burgundyice]

Yes - one of the best things about HAEDs is that you can download them instantly - at first I thought they e-mailed it to you which would have been good enough in itself but no, as soon as you checkout you can click on them
I would also say it's important to pick one that you really really love as yoiu'll be looking at it for a long time, so do have a good look all through the website first I'd maybe say this was one of the more important things - a few more stitches for something you're really going to love working on it worth it rather than getting a QS you might not be as taken with!
I started at the top left corner and I don't grid (I just count very carefully for the first few stitches/rows, then I've got something to measure up against so I can tell if things don't line up properly. Also I work page by page and am strict with myself about finishing each page completely before moving on to the next (this has been my downfall before) Also makes it easier as you can throw each page away as you finish it
Finally, I wouldn't do a HAED in anything other than tent stitches - but have a play around with full & tent stitch, different counts etc before making your decision

Have fun!!

Louise

[skitzzzzz]

well iam doing my 1st haed at the moment talk about jumping in at the deep end lol
its quite large doing it on 25 count 1x1 full x's i would say the magnifier is my new best friend its in the sal section if ya want to go look

i asked lots of ? at first but the only way really is to jump in and drown lol

[Play Outside]

The most important thing is to pick a design you love with colors you enjoy; otherwise you won't finish it. The designs all list the size, so you know what you're getting in to before you purchase. The storykeep, quick stitch, and faces charts are smaller and might be a good place to start your search. As others have said, buy directly from the HAED site and download the chart as soon as your payment goes through. You can wait for their next sale if you want to save a bit of money.

I'm doing mine on 25 count, 2 over 1, full stitches, with a 28 needle. You can chose any size fabric depending on what you're comfortable with. For large designs, a large stitch count will result in a huge finished piece. For smaller designs, it doesn't matter as much. Let us know what you decide!

[Nachstenliebe]

I didn't know that you could download the HAED pattern right away..you guys keep giving me a reason to purchase a pattern right away from HAED lol
Faith