Crossstitchforum - A FREE forum for Cross Stitchers

I found this pattern "Hands" and am sworn to total secrecy as to why I am going to be stitching it but should be able to reveal the reason in a few weeks, I hope. It is a Vervaco kit. In general I do not like kits and avoid them as much as possible, but this is a design that I couldn't pass up. The kit come with 14ct aida and DMC threads. I am planning to stitch it on either 28ct linen or other evenweave. I contacted the Stitchery, where I purchased it, telling them my plan and asking if the thread was intended to be enough for stitching with 2 strands (14 ct aida I think is usually 2 strands) or with 1 or could they tell me the DMC numbers so I could supplement if necessary. I think there is an illustration which is supposed to show you that it is two strands, which then should be enough if I stitch 2 over 2 on 28 ct fabric.

They did reply that they could not give me the numbers, which didn't surprise me, because of the issue of copying patterns, but also didn't answer my question. So I'm wondering if typically these are kits that provide more than enough thread or if in order to be safe, I should think about stitching 1 over 1 on 28 count. It will be half the size but that should still be large enough.

Suggestions?

Carole

I have done a couple of vervaco kits (owl and majesty (cat) some time ago). Yes 14#. 2 threads and they don't give you the dmc numbers. There was plenty of most of the colours, just the odd coour where I didn't have a lot left - I have just looked as I kept the remains of the kits intact. The charts are lovely and clear.

Yes Carole, I stitched this very kit earlier this year for a friend who had a beautiful baby girl in June.

If you would like I'll post the photo for you.

Vervaco kits are lovely in my opinion, Vervaco use their own threads, however there is plenty of thread and the chart is lovely and clear, the shades are so very similar in this beauty, just be aware of that, oh and the finished piece is almost life size stitched on 14 count.

I chose this one because it seemed the natural progression after I stitched Vervaco's holding hands as my friend's Wedding gift early last year.

Hope this helps.

Edit to add, I still have the left over kit somewhere, if you do run out, I'd be happy to check to see if I have any left and will happily send it to you.

Thank you all for the feedback. I have pretty much decided that I will stitch this 1 over 1 on 28 ct fabric. Just have to see if I have the fabric or need to order some. Garnet, I will keep in mind that you may have some left over thread in case I run out. And I'd love to see a photo of the piece you did. It is such a lovely pattern and different from the usual baby samplers.

Carole

This is the one I stitched


There should have been a mount with the frame, but as it was lighter than the lightest colour in the kit I decided against using it.
I stitched this one as is from the kit using the fabric - 14 count and their threads. It was still well received, it is such a lovely design. As you can see it is a bit darker than the cover photo.
I found my left over threads last night and had another look at the kit and instructions. Nowhere in the kit does it say it uses DMC, just 100% cottn fabric and threads, so I assumed they are not DMC.

2nd photo shows how much thread I had left over (I took this photo at night under the daylight lamp so forgive the poor quality please), I stitched on 14 count and there was more than enough to complete it.
The length of the thread from my project card to the end of the thread is 19 inches so doubled (because it's attached to the card) is 36 inches, I think you will have more then enough as you will be stitching on a higher count fabric.
Usually the lower the fabric count, i.e. 14 count, uses more thread than 16 or 18 count, so stitching 1 over 1 on 28 count will use much less thread hand be half the size, unless of course you stitch 2 over 1 on 28 count.

Just pm me your address if you need the threads and I'll pop them in the post for you.


edited as the threee purple pixels were really annoying me, and now there is a streak of light instead. pfft!

That is sooooooo lovely? And thank you for posting the photo. Going to check my stash today to see if I have the right fabric in the right size. My plan is to add the baby's name and birthday in the upper right or lower left corner. Will start a thread as soon as I get started.

Carole

That's a great idea Carole as there is plenty of space around the hands.

I wrote the parents names and baby's name in calligraphy on the back.

I can't wait to see your start and will be cheering you on