New project?

[Pegasus]

I'm utterly in love with this HAED... http://heavenandearthdesigns.com/index. ... ts_id=6035" target="_blank
However, I've really not been stitching all that long, and have so far only worked on 14 count aida, and this design requires 25 count (presumably evenweave). I've heard people discussing 2 over 1 for HAEDS, or 1 over 1. What would you suggest? Or would you recommend steering clear altogether for the time being? Will greatly appreciate any advice anyone can offer....

[mechie]

You don't have to do an HAED on 25 ct. Really, that's just what they use for all of their floss usage and fabric size calculations, but there's no rule that says you have to use 25ct. On this forum alone I've seen people do HAED designs on 25ct, 22ct, and 28ct evenweave as well as 18 and (I think) 16ct aida. It really is a personal decision on what you feel comfortable with. The same goes with how much floss to use.

Personally, I like using 2 strands over 1 on 25ct, but I know a lot of people hate that combination . To each their own.

If you really like that design (I know I do ), I say go for it. The nice thing about HAED is that there are no fractional stitches, blended threads, or specialty stitches. Just one little x after another. If you do a search of the forum you can find many a thread discussing different strategies for tackling HAEDs.

mechie

[Rose]

Since all HAED are full stitches I don't think they are as difficult as some people might believe. I agree with mechi if you really love the pattern then go for it and also as she has indicated you can change to 18 ct and still be comfortable with the fabric or if you are up for a challege then see if some on will offer you a sample piece of the evenweave and try it to see if you would be comfortable working on it.

[Mystonique]

I think you'll find it's more the time it takes to finish them than the difficulty of stitching that makes HAEDs such a challenge.

So if you love the piece enough to spend a great deal of time on it then go for it!

[rcperryls]

If you love it and want to do it go for it. I am doing one HAED 2 over 1 full stitch on 25 ct, one HAED 2 over 1 half/tent stitch on 25 ct, two HAEDs fullcrosses on 18 ct afghan fabric and one on 18 ct evenweave. How did I get to be doing 5 of these things? Anyway, do what you are comfortable with and as Rose says they are full stitches, not 1/4s or 1/2s or blended threads. They are large patterns which makes them seem daunting, but I bet your Pegasus is a pretty big chart and has plenty of challenges right there. I think the design you have picked is fantastic and hope that if you do it you will keep us updated. And we will encourage and cheer you on.

Carole

[LadyS]

I'm doing two HAEDs, both 2 x 1 tent stitches on 25 ct Lugana. HAEDs are only difficult 'cus of how large they are, but they're just full crosses, no back stitching, no french knots, not quarter or half stitches anywhere. Some charts will be more complicated due to the sheer amount of confetti, but it's still one cross at time. If you love the chart enough to spend over a year on it (depending on size), go for it!

[Squirrel]

Thanks Pegasus for the chuckle. I was wondering how long it was going to take you to get tempted with something gorgeous and exciting.

Always remember, no matter how big or small it is always 1 stitch at a time.

Just love that HAED and "no" I am not going to get into those at all. I have got loose with the lovely Mandalas by Chatelaine and will be starting my first one in the new year - says she hopefully.

Sally

[Mrs Milkybar Kid]

That is a gorgeous chart that you have picked out! I would echo what everybody else has said - its not difficult technically to stitch a HAED, what you need is patience and time to finish the design! The computer wizard chart is 394,275 stitches - so definitely a BAP (Big A*s*d Project!). But if you really love the design I say go for it! Everyone on the board is very helpful and willing to give advice so just ask! And as Mechie said there has been a lot of discussions on HAEDs here already so you may find it helpful to search the forum too. I would also say to try out different fabrics - I love stitching on evenweave and never found it a problem to "jump" from aida to evenweave - but not everyone feels the same. Try stitching a little project on evenweave to see how you feel about it and you may find more options open to you. Cross Stitch Heaven offers free fabric samples (22ct aida, 25ct evenweave and 25ct linen) for just the price of postage.

If you decide to go for it I would say that HAED always have a sale on or just around the corner so never buy a chart at full price - unless you can afford to of course or just can't wait

Just love that HAED and "no" I am not going to get into those at all. I have got loose with the lovely Mandalas by Chatelaine and will be starting my first one in the new year - says she hopefully.
Sally

Never say never Sally.......!

[Sarah Gixxer]

It's a gorgeous design, I can understand you being tempted.

I must admit, when I got my first HAED I was fairly intimidated by the size of it, the fabric count (I use 25 count), the number of colours used and everything else, but as others have said, they're really not as difficult as one would believe, they're just like any other chart which has only crosses - just much bigger. You can just tackle one page of the chart at a time and use what fabric suits you best. It might be a good idea to try a few stitches on a smaller count fabric to see how you get along with it before taking the plunge and buying a huge piece.

Another tip is to make sure you mark the chart with highlighters or felt pens or something as you go - it's so easy to lose those annoying little confetti stitches amongst all the larger areas of colours.

[Pegasus]

Oh wow, everyone around here is so friendly and encouraging! Thank you so very much!
And definitely thank you Mrs Milkybar Kid!! What a great idea to be able to buy mini sample packs - I've just ordered mine and bookmarked that site as their DMC threads are very reasonably priced! I do love the Computer Wizard design, but have been dragging my heels because of the unknown fabric and count issues... this way I'll know for sure if I'll be able to do it.
The size doesn't worry me - Pegasus that I'm working on is across 9 pages, and I think works out to something like 49,800 stitches. This HAED is obviously a lot bigger than that, but it's ok. The problem with Pegasus is that a lot of it, as you have seen, is just night time shading - lots of very fiddly individual stitches which I know now you refer to as confetti (told you I was a newbie! ) What is appealing to me about this new chart is that though it is big, there is so much going on that it will feel like a hundred mini charts...I'll get that 'done' feeling of accomplishment by finishing each of the pictures on the wall, or the flags, or the arches and so on.
Somehow if feels like I'm talking myself into this, doesn't it? The sad thing is I don't really need very much help in that department..... now just to wait for the next HAED sale!

[Mrs Milkybar Kid]

And definitely thank you Mrs Milkybar Kid!! What a great idea to be able to buy mini sample packs - I've just ordered mine and bookmarked that site as their DMC threads are very reasonably priced!

You might also want to check out Across Town Stitching for DMC threads, they have deals when buying large amounts of threads - handy for HAEDs.......

[Nachstenliebe]

I think you can do it!!! It's all just one stitch at a time
Faith

[rcperryls]

Somehow if feels like I'm talking myself into this, doesn't it? The sad thing is I don't really need very much help in that department..... now just to wait for the next HAED sale!

Also know that anytime you do find you need a little nudge to talk yourself into getting a new chart or other stash, we will always be available to aid and abet.

Just love that HAED and "no" I am not going to get into those at all. I have got loose with the lovely Mandalas by Chatelaine and will be starting my first one in the new year - says she hopefully.
Sally

Never say never Sally.......!

As soon as you say "never" around here you end up regretting it, Sally. I can't wait to see which one you decide on.

[numberwhun]

Wow, I am completely taken by that design. Thanks for sharing as I now have one more thing to add to my wish list. Just to share, I recently discovered and added the following to my wish list: http://www.crossstitchworld.com/cross-s ... rdID=52502" target="_blank

I recently got back into cross stitching and am re-discovering all the project stuff that my wife and I collected years ago. Its wonderful stuff like this that makes the internal fire grow even bigger.

Jeff

[Pegasus]

oooo Jeff I can see why you like that Peter Pan one - it's gorgeous!!

[Pegasus]

Oh my....
My free samples just turned up. 25 count is er.... well that's really really small.
Like, minuscule type small.

What started out as a project that might take a while, just turned into a project that is going to take FOREVER!! How on earth do any of you have more than one of these on the go at a time - let alone the people I've seen with four or five!!

HAED have a lot to answer for!!!

[BizzieLizzie]

Relax, it'll be fine. I've just graduated from 18ct to 22ct and now 18ct seems HUGE! Get a magnifier if you think you need one, but I'd bet my savings that once you get going, you'll be so used to 25ct (and the wonderful detail it gives) that you won't want to stitch on anything bigger.

It's still only crosses - they're just smaller, that's all. Enjoy!!