Another Cross Stitch Question

[Paperina]

Hi! After about five years, I finally finished a project for my daughter. It's been so long I've forgotten the method for preparing it for framing. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[jipsy]

If you have gotten any dirt on your canvas, gently hand wash to remove. Canvas is often pulled out of shape when stitched. If it's only slightly distorted, a light steaming will do the trick before framing - place face down on a clean cloth and iron using a light stream. 'Blocking' is the term used for stretching your canvas back to shape. Simply dampen with a water spray. Draw the outline on blotting paper pinned to a board. Carefully pin your stitched piece, face down, pinning just outside the edge of the stitching. Wait for this to dry - it may take a couple of days. Now you can make up your finished item.

 

[Paperina]

Thanks! Do you actually frame your own items? My project is probably 14" x 14".

 

[jipsy]

No I have a local cross-stitch shop that also does framing. I go to a stitch class on Thursday nights. She has an ironing board and everything set up. I usually steam it right there and then leave it with her to frame and pick it up the next week.

I tried framing, but I could never get it straight on the mat. LOL

 

[Paperina]

It always looked to hard for me to frame! I think I will try the local Michael's store. The place I went to a long time ago is closed.

 

[WendyZ]

I've framed mine a couple of times. I ordered the frame and did the rest myself. But I have to say they weren't as nice as having it done.
I was just talking with DH the other day about starting this again. I quit stitching when the kids were little...lack of being able to set down. Now there bigger, I think I could actually manage to get one done now!!

 

[jipsy]

Any frame shop can do it for you. Look for smaller shops; they usually don't charge as much as the larger, fancier ones, but do just as good a job.

Do you have a JoAnn's Fabrics near you? They do framing.

 

[jipsy]

I do the same thing Wendy. I get crazy about stitching for awhile, and then life takes over and I don't pick it up for a month or two. I have two projects sitting next to my couch right now that I haven't touched in over a month. I probably won't stitch again till after the holidays.

 

[Paperina]

I do have a JoAnn Fabrics - I never thought of them. Thanks!

WendyZ - I purchased the castle kit in August - I "made" myself stop stitching it and finish up on my other project. It is hard to find the time. My daugher is a freshman in college - she doesn't know I finished the project. Hopefully, I can have it framed and give it to her for Christmas. I think my 15 year old son was more excited than me that I finished it!

 

[kellyla]

Check out the Michael's ads if you have a store near you.They occasionally have a coupon for 50% off your entire framing order.The usual coupon is for 50% of the frame.

 

[FergieTCat]

I buy my framing supplies from American Frame Company, which does have a website. Framing is so expensive here in New York City that I just do it myself.