HAED Help!

[Puzzley]

So. Olivia's original cross stitch that I started when I was pregnant with her (Summer 2011) still isn't done. But I'm fairly close to finishing it. I'm getting the itch to start stitching again. Maybe because baby #2 will be here in what will be a fast 9 weeks.

I'd like to finish Olivia's baby cross stitch before then and consider starting an HAED. I have no expectations of finishing the HAED in anything less than a year! But it would be nice to have one started.

Here's my confusion. I don't know how HAED's work. Do you have to buy the thread seperately? Are they kits? How many patterns are there that I can choose from? I've visited their website but I get lost very quickly on it! And I'm a computer person!!

Help!?

PS: Here are two photos of Olivia. One has me in it with her.


She enjoyed an Oreo in this one! ...and then painted me with her sticky fingers.



This is one of my favorite pictures of Olivia. This is her and how she is everyday. Full of smiles and life!

[rcperryls]

Didn't see the photos when I first replied, but I have to comment first and foremost on your absolutely precious adorable cute as can be Olivia. What a smile! Are you trying to prepare her for a sibling? You are so going to have your hands full.

WOW. Depending on the chart you pick it can take a year or more to complete. Some websites like 123 Stitch will send you the chart and will give you a list of the threads needed and you can purchase them then. I'm not sure who else does this but that would be one option. What I do, and what I think most of the members here do is to go to the HAED website and then you can look at charts by subject or by designer. They have full charts, minis (smaller versions of a design but Michele does the charts individually), QS (Quick Stitch)designs which are a section (typically) of a larger chart and SK's (Storykeep)which are also a section, usually a vertical section, of a larger chart. Then you put the chart in your cart, choose how you would want it delivered (they will snail mail the chart) or you can get it as a pdf file. It downloads so fast, that the first time I didn't realize I had it downloaded. It just kind of appeared and I didn't save it right away so had to send an email to Michele and she resent it to me. You can choose a large or regular size format. Then you check out and pay via paypal (what I do) or a credit or debit card. I'm sure I have forgotten something, but I've only been addicted for a year or so, and I'm sure there are others who will be able to tell you more. Fabric and threads are your responsibility. Hope this helps.

Carole

[Puzzley]

It does help! Thank you RC.

Next question...the bigger the number of the count of the fabric, the tighter the stitches? Where do I buy the thread from? Does HAED sell the thread? And the fabric? I've got a few designs picked out...but not sure what to pick! Thinking I might do a stitch for baby #2's room. Or a "bless this house" type of pattern for the front entrance. Its so hard when you can only pick one!

http://heavenandearthdesigns.com/index. ... ts_id=9291" target="_blank

http://heavenandearthdesigns.com/index. ... ts_id=9381" target="_blank

http://heavenandearthdesigns.com/index. ... ts_id=9382" target="_blank

Thoughts so far?

[Rose]

As far as i have ever seen HAED only sell the chart and the information you will need to kit up your own they tell you the size of the finish and how many skeins of each color that you will need. I believe that they base there estimations on you working the patterns on 25 count full cross 2 over 1. I believe that is there method since the 2 charts I have purchased are that way. I think that others have made special requests and got information on floss for different counts.

[wolfmom]

Olivia is a beauty. Such a cheery girl.

Gorgeous chart choices, there is a floss usage chart for all of them as well (scroll down to near where you order)

Cross stitch heaven do thread packs for charts and will make one up for any that isn't listed (it can take a while though) and she sells the magic guide fabric.

[rcperryls]

Those are adorable. I think he is a fairly new designer and his designs are all so precious. Rose is right, they only supply the chart and information for 25 ct fabric 2 over 1. You can click on the floss usage chart and see how much thread they suggest before making any decisions. The size though is really u p to you. I am doing 2 on 18 ct afghan fabric, several on 22 ct Hardanger 1 over 1, several on 25 ct evenweave 1 over 1, but there are a lot of people who do these on aida and linen. If you go to the HAED BB I think in the Tips and Techniques section there are some examples of different sizes and types of fabric and stitching styles (full cross vs tent, 1 over 1, 2 over 1, etc.) From the HAED website there is a list of important links on the left side of the screen. Click on Bulletin Board and I think it will take you to it, even if you are not a member, but I don't remember.

Carole

[Parksfarm]

Hi Puzzley, your daughter is very cute!

There is a company in the UK, Colray Crafts that sell kits for the HAED charts they have, not sure where you are located. Otherwise, you'll need to purchase the fabric and threads yourself. If you dont have a craft store like Michaels or JoAnn Fabrics or local needlwork shop (LNS) near you, there are some great online stores like 123 Stitch and Nordic Needle, just to name a couple. I think it's less expensive to kit it yourself personally...

There are six or seven thousand charts on the HAED website, with subjects to please almost everyone - fantasy, animals, people, still life, paintings of the masters, etc. Michele does a great job charting them and they look amazing when stitched up!

Good luck with your new baby coming!

[Puzzley]

Ok. So I have to buy fabric/thread seperately. I'm sure I can do that.
What does 2 over 1 mean though when your talking about thread/stitches?

where do you ladies/gents buy thread from when purchasing an HAED? What brand thread do you use?

PS: Thank you for all the tips so far!!

[rcperryls]

I didn't know that expression either until I joined the forum. If you go to the Glossary Terms and scroll down a bit you will see Rose's really clear explanation of these terms and then Mabel has examples of the differences. Much better than any explanation I could give.

Carole

[jocellogirl]

Hi there Puzzley,
Firstly, Olivia is just adorable.
Secondly congratulations on the prospect of a sibling for Olivia.

On the question of which thread to use, HAED refer to DMC threads in their charts (apart from the odd time when kreinik number 32 is used, which it isn't in an of those lovely charts you've got your eye on). If you're in the UK, I recommend Across Town Stitching http://www.across-town-stitching.talkta ... index.html" target="_blank" target="_blank for buying DMC threads in bulk.
If you go to the offers section on the left hand side of the menu, she sells 50 skeins of DMC (or Anchor) for £16, 100 skeins for £31 and 150 skeins for £44. That's much cheaper than I've found anywhere else. For fabric, Cross stitch heaven http://www.cross-stitch-heaven.co.uk/25 ... 4470-p.asp" target="_blank" target="_blank sells the DMC magic guide in 18 count and 25 count in all sizes, plus she can kit up a HAED for you if you ask her.
One thing I would recommend is that you do some experiments with different fabric counts to find the one you are happiest with. I started one of mine doing full crosses on 25 count using 2 threads and have restarted tenting (doing half cross stitches) as it was getting so bulky and difficult to stitch. Donna at cross stitch heaven will send you samples of fabric for you to experiment on, all you pay is postage.
If you're in the US, I gather from our friends across the pond that 123 stitch offer a very good service.

Godd luck with watever you decide and remember to post piccies of your stitching (and adorable family!! )

[Squirrel]

Olivia is gorgeous and such a happy little lady. Great to see you too.

I love your selection of HAED and they just could tempt me should I hear of any great grandchildren on the way - most unlikely as yet but who knows what's in the future.

[Puzzley]

Ahhh! Thanks for the info Jocello. I'm in Canada...so neither the US or the UK. =P

At least its a start though! Now its a matter of deciding which pattern and which count.

Suggestions for Aida or Evenweave? And count? I'd prefer the finer stitching. I know its more work, but I really like cross stitches that look almost like real pictures!

Thanks again everyone!

PS: Olivia IS adorable and she is a ball of fun. Thanks for the compliments! =)

[Puzzley]

So i think I changed my mind...again. What about this HAED:

http://heavenandearthdesigns.com/index. ... ts_id=9382" target="_blank

with the verse from this one (instead of the one thats on the above one):

http://heavenandearthdesigns.com/index. ... ts_id=9513" target="_blank

Thoughts?

[BizzieLizzie]

I like that idea and think it would work well.

Olivia is as cute as a button!

[Lessa54]

Lovely choice for a baby's room

All the other girls have given you great advice. Personally, I find that once you get into a piece, you adapt to the fabric, so it doesn't really matter for stitching purposes whether it's evenweave or aida, it's more the overall effect. Most HAEDs though are fully stitched, so you won't see the background fabric which may affect your choice if you find aida easier than evenweave.

Count is also a matter of preference - there's examples on the HAED BB of HAEDs stitched on a variety of fabrics and counts and they all look great whether on a high or low count fabric. My advice would be to pick something that you'll be happy to work on for at least a year and quite possibly many years given how much work babies are!

[franacropan]

Bear in mind that quite often only a few stitches might be required in a particular thread, sometimes less than ten stitches so it's worthwhile checking your stash before buying every thread listed.
I like to stitch HAEDs on 28 count jobelin 1 over 1, using a lighted magnifier (the type you look through, like salons use) and I usually use a fabric colour to match the dominant colour in the piece. I can't get a nice coverage on the recommended 25 count so I never use it but I have stitched some on 22 count using 2 strands. As others have said, it is really worth doing some test stitching on various counts and see how you like the coverage. I found quite a variety to test stitch on by looking through my stash of magazine cover kits.

[Puzzley]

Oh goodness. So much to consider!

If I'm going to spend all this coinage...I'm so worried I'm going to screw up something. =(

Gotta give it a go I suppose!

[Trylla]

Olivia is ADORABLE!!

I'm a bit of a HAEDcase myself, and also live in Canada, so might be able to help you out a tad.

So far, everyone has given you fantastic advice! I couldn't agree more that you should test, test, test on different fabrics before making a decision. Personally, I love 25 count if I'm stitching over 1. I find 28 ct just a bit too small. I have several projects on the go that are full crosses 1 over 1 and one that is tent 2 over 1. I like the coverage of full crosses better, but the speed of tenting is nice.But it really is a personal preference kind of thing.

As for where to buy in Canada -- for basic DMC threads I'd suggest swinging by your local Michael's store. The only problem with that is that Michael's isn't awesome at always having every colour in stock.

As for fabric, I prefer evenweave (usually lugana, but there's also jobelan and jazlyn) in 25, 28, or 32 ct. I know tons of people use aida, and because HAEDs are generally solid stitching, you can't really see the fabric anyway unless you keep a border of it showing when you frame it. Again, it's about personal preference. I am not a fan of stitching on aida, and it isn't fine enough for my liking, but the HAEDs done on aida look amazing too.

I've ordered charts etc from 123stitch.com and they've been lovely to deal with. I can't remember but I'm pretty sure I had to pay duty for the stuff at the post office. There are a few Canadian LNS (local needlework store) that will send stuff out to you. My own LNS (threadneye.com) is super helpful and you can order fabric and DMC from there (no Magic Guide though). The DMC prices are a bit higher at the small shops, but all the colours are always in stock and the customer service is excellent.

[Puzzley]

Ty Trylla for the advice. Unfortunately the Michaels store in my area has really really really cut back on their cross stitching supplies. They now carry next to nothing which is really crappy.

I'm not familiar with any LNS in my area. I know there are some, just a matter of finding them!

Now I have a few new questions...what is a solid stitch vs. a cross stitch? Isn't cross-stitching just "x"s? And what is a magic guide?

Thanks!

[Mystonique]

Magic guide is fabric that is already gridded (usually into 10 by 10 squares). When you are doing a project as big as a HAED it helps to grid your fabric (search gridding for different ways) so that if you make a mistake you see it quickly: the grid shows if you have too many spaces or too few left in each stitched area.

I'm in Australia and I use 1-2-3 stitch and they've been great. I like their ordering page as it can list the threads I am buying so I can cross check that I've got the right ones with my chart before I actually pay.

I'm not sure about solid v's cross but you can get fractional crosses and full crosses (some patterns use half a cross or a quarter cross - search "fractionals" and you'll come up with heaps of info on them). most HAEDs use full crosses I believe - I've never done one myself though.