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Finally managed to assemble and try out the Sonata seat frame - if you want to read the longer and more detailed version with background (and other stands) it's on FoF, but the short version is: "It works!!!!!!"

Two lovely photos, Mabel. You look so studious and elegant, with your new frame!

You look well settled there, Mabel. I'm surprised that Lexi isn't on your lap giving her approval!

I love my seat frame. It's not the same make as yours and has a 8.5" hoop and is made by DMC

http://www.johnsoncrafts.co.uk/8-5-inch ... frame.html" target="_blank

I think they are wonderful and very portable.

Thank you both - no, I managed to keep Lexi out of this one, but she had her revenge by snuggling on to my lap in the evening when I was trying to do some work on the sunflower. It's not too uncomfortable but the silk threads touch her back while I'm pulling them through and add a nice bit of cat fur to my embroidery !

I'd never heard of the DMC seat stand and now you and another person (on the Mary Corbet FB group) have both mentioned it within half a day! That one looks as though it won't tilt towards you when used sideways though, is that right? As that was my main priority, the Sonata works well for me. I also like the fact that it's just the clamp so I can use it with all the hoops I've already got. (It works better with wooden hoops then flexihoops - as does the Lowery - as they don't seem to bend so much when held on one side)

It does tilt. The stem from the hoop swivels in all directions and a wing nut at the top of the stem allows it to tilt to any angle you wish.
There is (of course) a you-tube video of a similar frame which shows the tipping/tilting/swivelling
I've bought Elbeesee hoops to fit it in other sizes from Sewandsew and they fit.

Yours looks good and works. I think there are several made using the same principal. As it has the clamp then that is a distinct advantage. I was given mine by a member of the CSF here when she no longer used it, so I never did any research beforehand.

Glad Lexi is tickled Pink by your new frame.

Wendy, that sounds like it works rather like the Elbesee stands, which the RSN uses. When you swivel the stem and then tilt the hoop towards you, is it still right in front of you or towards the side? *Goes off to find the Youtube video*
I know I've got this one now so don't really need to do more research, but I just love looking at stitching gadgets and equipment

Yes it's exactly like the Elbesee stands but I think it's a little more robust as the hoop and stalk are all wood whereas the Elbesee ones have a plastic connection. I find that the hoops of the latter slip and I've had to add silicone washers between the plastic and the wood stem.
Mine is multi-directional and adjustable in height.

Funny how although we have just about everything we 'need' we can Always find just one more piece of kit/chart/thread!!

WOW! I'm going to look into one of those. I have my Lowry stand but hardly use it as I find it a little awkward when turning it from front to back with a cat in my lap. Also because of how I set and how I have things set up I'm not using it on the side that I need to (if that makes sense). I like the idea of being able to move it easily also.

Will probably be back here with questions.

Carole

You are tempting me too, Mabel! Could it hold a Q-Snap frame, do you think?

The clamp is quite wide - it holds my deep hoop easily - but I'd have to measure how wide it goes as Q-snaps are quite chunky, from what I remember.

Thank you, Mabel, it is helpful.

Well... I bought the same seat frame as you, Mabel! I had a Hobbycraft voucher from my DH for Christmas and decided in buying one of these.
The instructions were not very good but the photos on your site was so helpful that we did manage to put it together this afternoon.
The Q Snaps are too heavy for it. I shall have to invest in wooden hoops but I am looking forward to using it.
Thank you for posting about it, Mabel!

There will be no stopping you from enjoying your stitching in the sunshine Helene.

Hope you enjoy using it! I used it for a few hours at my stitching group and found it perfectly comfortable.