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Hey everyone! My bedroom is currently being redecorated and I'm putting in a comfy chair so I can stitch somewhere other than my bed! I'm looking at buying a floor stand but I'm unsure which one to get! My local hobby craft has the Siesta Opus stand http://www.siestaframes.com/acatalog/Op ... Stand.html but I've been looking on sew and so too and wonder if anyone has any recommendations???

Opus Floor stands are cheap and cheerful and will last an age. I have one that I still use. I also have a StitchMaster from the Daylight Co. It's more expensive, lighter and packs down flat. It is good and adjustable, too. Really, it's horses for courses.

I love love love my Lowery Stand- expensive intially but worth its weight in gold!

I have this and hubby made me an easel to attach to it
http://www.hcscrafts.co.uk/category/Elb ... and/c10420" target="_blank" target="_blank

But its what can you afford and will it be suitable for you

If you look in my gallery you will see the easel

I have this one and I am very happy with it.

http://www.sewandso.co.uk/ran1170-0.html

Another recommendation for the Lowery stand, it's well worth the pennies and it's made stitching life so much better!!

There is no real difference between the two options btw.

I had a lap stand prior to the Lowery and the difference is immense and very much appreciated.

Let us know what you choose!

Niki xxxx

I always used a Lowery Stand but I treated myself to brand new frame, it is fantastic, here's a picture of it.


It was expensive though because I couldn't find anything similar in the UK so imported it in from Texas, but it's a joy to use.

I never thought I'd say this but I am actually looking into a floorstand! It would need to be one that clamps the scroll frame from the side, though, as I am wary of clamps that grab the roller bar with the fabric on it

I had a look at one like shazie's but I don't think it's feasible for a UK address, also it's a bit bulky for me. So it will probably be the Lowery, I like the idea of it being to the side of you rather than in front. It is *gulp* rather expensive but I've heard nothing but good about it here.

However, I would only use it for my "large" projects (in quitoation marks because compared to some of you lot's HAEDs etc they are practically miniature ) of which there aren't that many. Would you Lowery users say it's worth it even if you don't use it all the time ?

I'm getting a Lowrey in the next few month as a birthday gift I can't wait, there are a few projects I have that I'm just finding to awkward to stitch when holding the frame in my hand so they will be neglected no longer

Mabel I use my Lowery practically everyday - so I am bound to say it will be worth it! Don't know whether I would want to shell out that amount of cash if I was going to only use it periodically - I would probably make do with a cheaper stand and stock up on stash instead! Though owning a Lowery may encourage you to design and stitch larger pieces.......which I am of course all for !

Xandra - you will love your Lowery and wonder how you ever managed without it!

The only problem I found with my lowery, was when I had the big Summer Elegance on the frame it became very unstable, the new frame is great with it being clamped at both sides and turns so easily.

It did cost me a fair bit to get it to the UK mind. But it was worth every penny. I still use my lowery frame and would recommend it for smaller projects but things like Haed designs it's a bit rocky.

shazie wrote: I still use my lowery frame and would recommend it for smaller projects but things like Haed designs it's a bit rocky.

I just put a Next Directory on the base and have no problems with stability - I regulary use a 30 inch scroll frame on it.

That's a very good idea. Thanks for the tip. If I want to go outside with mine. Yay

I've got a block of lead on the base of mine!!! Books worked but my dad likes to recycle things!

With my carousel dancer which is the same size as a HAED, I just prop the end on the chair arm, maybe with my phone under it to lift it an inch or so. Works fine!

Mabel, I think it's worth it even if you only use it a bit. I had a lap frame before and looking back it was an utter night mare, part of the issue was the instability of it. I still have it as I don't like to throw it away but I'd never use it when I could use the Lowery.

Sewandso told me that there is little difference between the silver grey and the stainless steel one, unless you are a professional stitcher or do very much, I guess it might be a tad more heavy duty.

I do wish the clamps weren't so expensive though as I could do with a corner clamp for when I use q snaps, which I do rarely but the side clap doesn't hold the qsnap well as the snap on the q snap (the bit that holds the fabric on) rotates and you end up with the q snap drooping badly. Extra fabric between the fabric and the snap helped the situation but I've not really solved it as yet. But I know a corner clamp would solve it! But I can't afford it, not when I could put the project in a frame.

Niki xxx

Niki I was thinking about that problem. I'm looking into getting a floor stand but I need something that will handle both qsnaps and 30 inch scroll frames, so I think it will be either the stitchmaster from Daylight or the Lowery with a side clamp. Do you think that maybe the dropping/rotating problem would be solved by using something with more grip than fabric? Shelf liner maybe...

I love my Lowery and use it all the time. I stick the chair leg on the base for added sability, but I do like the idea of your use of the Next Directory Mrs MBK!!!!As for expense, I was very lucky and bought mine on ebay for £40. It's a heavy duty stainless steel one with a corner clamp, so was an utter bargain. I wouldn't be without it and regularly take it away in the caravan with us, as it all dismantles into small bits. Keep your eyes peeled on ebay Mabel and let's hope you bag a bargain

Thanks for all the info, ladies! I think the silver grey would be fine for me -- the biggest frame I am likely to use it with is an 18" scroll frame.

Jo, I had a look on eBay but there weren't any there so i think I'll just put a search out. It's not as if it's a rush job, although I'd like it to stitch my SAL which is the one that will be on the 18" frame. I'd also use it for anything on my 12" scroll frame, and possibly some of the larger hoops.

I had a posilock but it was broken by a demented cat Hoping to get another someday soon

Am I the only one that uses the Needlework System 4?

I first found out about it from Mary Corbett's Needle and Thread site: http://www.needlenthread.com/index.php? ... rk+sytem+4" target="_blank"
She uses it and has given quite an extensive review on it. There are other people that have posted reviews on there as well. I was very impressed. I bought it over a year ago from http://www.threadneedlestreet.com/" target="_blank" (then go to accessories) They had the best prices. I love it.

It IS expensive, there is no denying that. But, to me. it's worth it. It's lightweight, easy to move around but very sturdy.
You buy the basic floor stand and then buy the accessories that you want -- be it scroll frames or Q Snap holders. I have the Q Snap holder. They have a lot of other add on's as well.
The NS4 is also available as a lap stand and a travel stand. ( I don't know what they are like)

I also realize that the costs of mailing it from the US to the UK may be prohibitive, but I thought I would tell you about it anyway.

I love Mary Corbett's blog and read about those stands there, but as you say getting them to the UK would make it very expensive indeed. Also wasn't sure whether I'd need the Qsnap ones to make sure my frame got grabbed from the side, and whether that would work for an 18" frame
May have to ask for the Lowery (or part of it) as an anniversary present in August....