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After browsing this great site, i am very tempted to try an HAED (not sure what 1 yet too many great designs to choose from) anyway was just looking for a bit of info, like whats the best fabric, threads. Does it have to be 25 count, also i have no stash, so would i be better buying my first 1 in a kit and if so where can i get 1 .

Thanks for now and loving all the SAL and updates on here.

I'm about to start my HAED journey, so am by no means an expert! But the advice given to newbies over and over again is to test out first what fabric you are comfortable with! You can stitch HAED on any fabric - some people even stitch on 14 ct aida but bear in mind that altering the count will alter the size and you will end up with a pretty big stitched piece! You can buy test swatches of fabric (e.g 25ct linen, 25ct evenweave, 22ct hardanger etc) from different online stores so you will be able to test whether you want to tent or do full crosses, use 1 strand or 2 - there are no wrong answers it it based on your personal preference and what suits your stitching best.

Secondly as you will be stitching this design for some time make sure you pick a design that you are absolutely in love with and want to look at forever. It would be such a shame to spend so much time on a project for you to then go off it!

As for buying a kit or doing it yourself - there are a few sites that kit up HAEDs but personally I am kitting up my own. I've found it cheaper and it also means that you can choose the fabric that suits your stitching style best. I'm kitting up from scratch, not because I have no stash, but because I have a full set of Anchors and HAEDs are DMC and I didn't want to convert them. I don't know whether you're UK or USA but I'm sure we could recommend the cheapest/best sites to buy threads and fabric.

My final suggestion if you do decide to pick up an HAED is to join the HAED BB - it is amazing and everyone is so helpful and friendly and you can see so many designs come to life as well as picking the brains of more experienced HAEDers. It really is inspiring and helps everyone to keep going on their huge projects!

Have fun deciding and keep us posted on what you decide to do!

Thanks
i am uk and would very much appreciate u letting me know the best site to purchase threads from.

There are lots of sites where you can purchase threads. Personally I use http://www.across-town-stitching.talktalk.net/" target="_blank" target="_blank as you can buy skeins in bulk e.g 50, 100, 150, 200 at a discounted cost, making it ideal for HAED as you need a lot of skeins! I have always found Louise to be really helpful and have never had any problems. For fabric samples you could try Donna at Cross Stitch Heaven http://www.cross-stitch-heaven.co.uk" target="_blank" target="_blank she is a HAED stitcher herself and sells little sample packs of fabric for you to try out your test stitching to give you an idea of whether a fabric would be suitable for you or not.

HTH

Thanks for all your help mrs milkybar, fabric and threads are now ordered from across town, cant wait to get started

By the way HAED have a sale on!!

What pattern did you decide on?