Converting a Photograph (or other picture) to Cross Stitch

As the title of this post states, I'm going to talk about converting images to cross stitch, but, before I get going, I want to mention something.

The X-Factor.

Why, I hear you ask? It's simple really. If you've ever watched The X-Factor you will know that there is always someone who auditions and thinks they're the best singer in the world - whereas, in reality they're simply awful and should never be allowed to sing again.

That's how I feel about some cross stitch conversions I've seen. They are simply awful. No detail and barely recognisable as the original image. But, for some unknown reason, people still stitch them.

Maybe people think that it will be better once stitched. 

IT WON'T.

If the image looks bad in the picture it's going to look the same when stitched. So, I want to attempt to help people understand this a bit more. Don't get me wrong, I'm no expert - there are plenty of people out there converting images with incredible results (see my review on Paine Free Crafts). There's also the incredibly popular (but overrated in my book) Heaven and Earth Designs (or HAED to those in the know).

Ok, let's get started.

I'd like to introduce you all to my beautiful cat Faith. Sadly she passed away a few years ago - but I'm sure she'd be very pleased to be the star of this post.

I took this beautiful photo in our garden years ago and it's always been one of my favourites. This is obviously the original photo.

For conversions I use Easy Cross Enterprise (which can be found here). It's not the best program on the market (I think that honour probably goes to Cross Stitch Professional which can be found here). But, compared to many of the free or very cheap programs out there Easy Cross is easily the best.

Prices are very different between these programs. I've been using EasyCross for years, but will definitely be buying Cross Stitch Pro when I can afford it.

So, I decided to convert the photo of faith at a reasonably manageable count of 18. A lot of the very detailed designs go for a much higher count (25 for example) and I will be giving an example of that too.

Ok. Here's the first example. 18ct. 22x18 inches. 35 Colours.

Now, this conversion is a BIG design. But, at 18 count the bigger the design the better the detail in my experience. Still lots of detail on Faith. The grass isn't quite as good as it could be - but with more time it could be. But, let's try to reduce the colours even more:

This is 20 colours and you can see that the definition is beginning to fade. More blocks of solid colour and less variation.

Let's reduce even more:

 This is 14 colours and there is even more loss. Yes, this still looks like faith; but the detail is really at a minimum.

Let's try something different: a smaller design. Many people don't want to do huge designs, they want a more sensible size...and that's where many problems can arise.

This version is still at 18ct. 11x9 inches with 40 colours!

Compare this one to the one above. This one is 40 colours, the one above is only 14, but because this one is much smaller most of the detail is lost. This is the sort of bad conversion I see all the time on facebook - or worse!

But, let's move on.

Now, I'm going to show you Faith at 25ct. 15x12 inches (still a manageable size in my opinion). 

This version has 67 colours (no more than many HAED designs):

The difference is instantly there for all to see. Amazing detail and subtle shading. Practically photo-realistic.

Here's another. Same size, same count, but colours reduced to 50:

Still looks good doesn't it? You can mainly see the difference around Faith's nose.

Finally, we have the same count and size but only 40 colours:

This time there's barely any change to Faith. Mostly the greens in the grass have been affected.

Hopefully, I've demonstrated that it's possible to get excellent results and still keep your design to a reasonable size. It's doesn't have to be massive to look good.

BUT...there is something you also should know. No matter how few colours, there's still going to be a lot of confetti stitches (that's those pesky isolated ones). It's the confetti stitches that help to create the shading and details. It's an inevitable effect of converting a picture and keeping the detail. Even the best companies out there still can't avoid confetti, so, if you hate it don't even bother to attempt a design of this type.

Just remember: 

Higher count fabric, more colours, bigger design the better your design will be.

But, also the photograph you start with MUST be of good quality. Don't expect miracles from pixellated, blurry or tiny pictures - you'll just get awful charts. You need a high quality, sharp photograph or image.

 

Likewise, if you go for small your finished design is going to look bad. Sorry, no sugar coating it.

The trick is to get the balance just right so you're happy with the results.

HAPPY STITCHING!

The Flowers of War (Blu-ray)

We bought this film in an HMV sale in February 2012 and it's sat in our 'to be watched' pile ever since. That happens sometimes, a film just doesn't grab us enough to make the time - despite looking good enough to buy at the time.

Well, anyway, we finally decided to watch it yesterday. Well, I did. My partner still wasn't that fussed - despite it being his blu-ray.

By the end of the 2.16hr run we were both emotional wrecks! We'd both spent chunks of the film in tears and felt drained. Exactly the kind of movie-watching experience we both enjoy.
I love it when we watch something and then think Why didn't we watch that earlier!?

The back of the box is actually a little misleading - making the film sound like a war film. Yes it's set during a war (the battle for Nanking in 1937) but there is so much more to this film.

Christian Bale (one of my favourite actors) plays a self-centred drunk who is just trying to get enough money together to escape the city. He works as a mortician and agrees to take one final job before fleeing. The job is in a convent school, but when he gets there he finds a bunch of young girls, their guardian (a young boy) and no money!

They are shortly joined by a gaggle of prostitutes trying to find somewhere to hide.

The performances by all the women in the film are perfect. Given that these actresses are all speaking a foreign language they do an amazing job with such emotionally charged material.

That's about all I can say about the story without ruining some of the most wonderfully executed story twists I've had the pleasure to watch.

This is a highly emotional film, with some sequences incredibly difficult to watch - but any film that displays the level of courage, selflessness and strength of character deserves to be watched.

Easily the best film I've seen so far this year.

It should be noted that there are strong scenes of violence, sexual violence and war.

Also, a lot of the film is subtitled, so if you hate subtitles then this is not the film for you.

I strongly urge anyone who reads this review to give the film a chance.

Heathers: The Musical

Anyone who's been reading my blog since I started knows that in addition to cross stitch I have other interests. My first love has always been music - especially musicals (thanks Mum for all those hours listening to vinyl recordings of Oklahoma, The King and I and The Sound of Music).

My latest acquisition is Heathers: The Musical

For those who don't know, Heathers started out as a satirical comedy from the 80's starring a very young Winona Ryder and Christian Slater (also an even younger Shannon Doherty).

The story centres around a girl named Veronica who's biggest wish is to get 'in' with the cool girls, the 'Heathers' (so named because they're all named Heather).

There's only one problem - the Heathers are all total bitches.

Veronica gets her wish, but in the course of becoming popular she gets to see just how horrible her new 'friends' are and disillusion starts. Then she meets school bad-boy J.D. - Burnt-out-psycho in the making.

Teen suicide, murder, deception and teen angst abound. Cleverly written, underplayed and surprisingly on the ball. The film is pure genius in my opinion.

So....a musical based on the film. In principal I thought 'Yep, that could work', but then I read the rather mediocre reviews and started to worry.

As always, despite liking to read reviews, I rarely put much stock in them. I always prefer to make up my own mind (something I urge anyone reading this to do!!!).

There was something that made me feel it was worth the risk: composer Laurence O'Keefe.

O'Keefe has written one of my all-time favourite musicals (Bat Boy, the Musical). But I also really enjoy a some of his other shows, most notably Legally Blonde: The Musical, La Cava and Sarah, Plain and Tall. So, I felt I was on pretty safe ground. The reviews basically said the show wasn't as good as Legally Blonde, but, given that I thought that was his weakest show I wasn't too bothered.

I received my copy on Saturday and I'm on my third listen (probably be up to about 6 by the end of the day).

Before the end of the first song (Beautiful) I knew I was in for a treat.

Instantly capturing the feel of the film, and the 80's, the opening song introduces us to the characters, life in high school and the style of the show.

"Why do they hate me?

Why don't I fight back?

Why do I act like such a creep?

Why won't he date me?

Why did I hit him?

Why do I cry myself to sleep?

Somebody hug me!

Somebody fix me!

Somebody save me!"

With track two we hit 'The Heathers' signature song Candy Store which is possibly one of the most catchy contemporary musical songs I've heard in a long time.

The songs fit each character perfectly. Beautiful melodies abound, but so does the tension and drama. Clever, funny, witty and a little dark the show really deserves to be heard.

"We're not different

We don't choose who lives or dies,

Let's be normal, see bad movies,

Sneak a beer and watch TV.

We'll bake brownies, 

or go bowling - 

Don't you want a life with me?

Can't we be seventeen?"

Veronica

As with all good teen stories each character has to overcome their own issues to get where they want to do. In the case of Heathers those issues have a fuse lit underneath them. Then everyone just sits back and watches the whole thing blow the hell up! It's genius.

The musical is a joy from start to finish and easily the best show O'Keefe has written since Bat Boy. Every song is great, but some deserve a special mention:

Beautiful

Candy Store

Fight for Me

Blue

Seventeen

Dead Girl Walking

Listen, and enjoy, you won't be disappointed!

Siberian Gold Tigers Commission - Day 44

On the 44th day it was decreed that all the work I'd done wouldn't show that much! Every page of this design has had a limbo stage where I'm toiling away like a worker bee for very little visual result (to my eyes). Either because it's just another shade of orange or brown, or because I'm doing the fiddly bits.

8 episodes of Dynasty Season 7 were my companion during this stitching session - with that much Dynasty I swear I could feel my brain cells dying!

In my last post I talked about the back, and I want to revisit that topic today - but not the back of MY work.

My partner had never stitched before we met - despite being an absolute wizard with a sewing machine. He can literally upholster, make curtains, cushions or any other soft furnishing requirements around the house. He's even turned some of my cross stitches into cushions.

Like this one:

This cushion is made from 6 small Woodland Folk kits which were sewn onto the backing material with the ribbons and then finished with wooden buttons. He even managed to line up the pattern (as should be done, of course):

But, cross stitch was something new. So, I put on my teaching hat and got to work.

First up was a small but still detailed design of Noah's Ark:

For a first attempt, I thought this was an amazing achievement.
For his second project he got really ambitious:

This Christmas trains station scene (the name of which is lost in the ether) took him ages and he made loads of mistakes; but the end result still looks brilliant.
Then he started another one of some geese...but that one has been on the frame since 2005!

Recently, I got a cross stitch magazine and there was a design featuring an Ice Cream truck which caught his eye. It was made up as a cushion and stitched in lovely pastel colours. So, I gathered the stuff together out of my stash and off he went.

Not long into his stitching I realised that without any prompting at all he was stitching in a completely different way to how I'd taught.
Instead of doing a row of half stitch and then returning along the same row to complete the cross, he prefers to do the entire block of colour in half stitch. Once that's done he goes back to the beginning and goes over it again to finish the crosses.
In over 20 years of stitching I've never seen anyone stitch in this manner.

It just goes to show that a new stitcher will find the way that suits them.

I'm also very pleased to report that the back of his work is pretty neat too:

That's it for today.

In a coming entry I'm going to be talking about my views on photo conversion designs....

HAPPY STITCHING!

Siberian Gold Tigers Commission - Day 43...and some stuff about highlighting...

 Day 43 moved along at a pretty good speed (aided by 5 more episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation: Season 5 and 4 episodes of Dynasty Season 7).

As you can see, with a design like this I focus on doing an entire colour before moving on to the next; gradually building up the image. Other people, I know, work on a grid basis and do blocks of varying sizes on the chart - I do the same if working on a picture with a lot of confetti stitching. My (forthcoming) Indiana Jones picture is done this way.

But, for the tigers the 'colour' method works best for me.

As such, here's what I do. First and foremost, buy a pack of these:

 Why? Because they are an absolute essential in my experience. They help to keep track of where I am on a chart as I stitch. But, they also take a certain amount of thought out of stitching, which helps me to keep a decent speed - very useful on a commission piece.

I highlight the symbol I'm going to be stitching in one colour (pink in the picture below). Then, when I've stitched that colour, I go over it in another colour (blue) so I know it's done.

A side effect of this is the gradual disappearance of the white paper gives a great sense of achievement because I know I'm making progress.

 Everyone works differently. My aim here is just to show how I work and hope that I can make this hobby a little more enjoyable for someone.

HAPPY STITCHING!

Siberian Gold Tigers - Day 42 - plus some stuff about the back!!

As the title says this is the 42nd day of stitching and I'm really pleased with the progress. I've slowed down a bit - which I find always happens when I'm nearing a finish - but I still think another 10 days and I'll have it done! I'm really looking forward to seeing it finished, and I'm looking forward to doing something different!

For anyone who's interested I watched another disc of Star Trek The Next Generation Season 5 and The Legend of 1900 while stitching yesterday. Approx. 7 hours worth of stitching.

For the rest of my entry today I want to talk about the back of a cross stitch. There is a lot said about the back, both negative and positive. Some people say it doesn't matter, as long as you're happy with the front. Others say the back should look like the front and be just as tidy.

Personally, I fall somewhere in between. In my opinion if you don't keep the back tidy the front will look lumpy and untidy when you frame it. It's just simple logic.

Whenever I see someone saying "the back doesn't matter" I just think they're crazy. Not worrying about the back at all is just mad. But, if you really don't care that's fine - just don't expect your work to look as good as the people who DO care.

There are different ways of tying off too. Some use knots. Some pass the thread under neighbouring stitches (which can still look like knots when there is lots of confetti stitches).

Here's some examples of my backs.

EXAMPLE 1

This is the back of the Siberian Gold tigers:

There is a LOT of confetti stitches in this design (where small groups of stitches are isolated from those of a similar colour), this means a lot of tying on and off. This creates a 'knotty' look to the back of the design. Keeping those knots manageable is the key. Personally, I think this is a moderately messy back.

EXAMPLE 2

Here we have another project I'm working on (put aside until the tigers are done). This is a Christmas stocking from Dimensions:

For this design there are larger sections of solid stitching, so less tying off - thereby, less knots or tails (loose ends). I'd class this as a tidy back by my standards.

EXAMPLE 3

This is a Flower Fairies design I did about 6 years ago:

Another example of a a tidy back - by MY standards.

EXAMPLE 4

For last I have left my Indiana Jones design:

  This is my worst design I've ever done for confetti stitches. There is sometimes a solitary stitch, surrounded by more solitary stitches. As a result the back looks like a rag rug. It's awful - by MY standards. I'm attempting to keep it to a minimum, but, generally, I'm not happy with the back at all.

So, there you go. Yes, cross stitch is meant to be a fun hobby; and I would NEVER want someone to stop just because they can't get the back of their work to be tidy. But, I still think everyone should take as much care as they possibly can simply because of the effect on the front.

Happy stitching!!!

Aaargh.....Dynasty and nothing much else

"Hey man, f**k you if you think I can't act!"

I mentioned the other day that we'd been watching Season 6 of Dynasty.

Of course the season ended on a cliffhanger (of sorts). Blake was strangling Alexis on the stairs. Oh no! Is he going to kill her???!!!

Luckily for us, I had Season 7 waiting to be watched so the next disc got popped into the player.

Nope, the bitch is still alive and Blake is as bigoted and arrogant as ever! Although his daughter, Amanda, had miraculously transformed from an English brat to an American cheerleader (no one noticed, of course). Oh, and Claudia was dead. No one cared. No one grieved. Poor Claudia - and poor Pamela Bellwood for making such a poor impact!

You're probably wondering why I watch this show if I have such a low opinion of it. Well, I don't really. It's mindless, crass, naff stuff, but I still get a kick out of it. It's escapism in it's purest form: no concern for reality.

I grew up watching it. I remember watching Dynasty as a weekly 'event' in our house. Me and my mum wanted to see what the Carrington's had been up to since we'd last seen them. We cared about these characters. That was the joy of the 80's and only watching something once a week.

Nowadays, with home entertainment the way it is, we can sit and watch a whole season of a show in a couple of days. Which can be great. But, it can also highlight the flaws in a show.

You see the plot holes, poor performances, continuity errors or just plain awful plotting in glaring detail. You can't get away from the fact that the people you're watching are unpleasant or boring or just dull. Of course, in today's society a show would just be cancelled (especially by our ever-impatient, attention-span-challenged US friends...sorry guys, but it's the truth) before it's second season. Back in the 80's that happened a lot less, or it seems that way looking back. 

That's where the problem lies with Dynasty. It should have been cancelled long before it got to 7 (or 9!!) seasons. Most of the people in it are just plain horrible! About the only person I like is Jeannette. The maid!!!

Still, it's a snapshot of the era. It's a time I look back upon very fondly and, as such, a show I will continue with until the bitter end.

I miss the 80's, sometimes, and this show helps.

It helps me come to my senses! I don't miss the bigotry, bad hair, shoulder pads, leg warmers, The Smiths (miserable pop group to those who don't know) or living in the closet.

I miss being a teenager sometimes, but not the acne, hormones, poor choices, inability to focus and complete lack of respect for authority. Or the feeling that I'm immortal and 40 is reeeeaaaallllly OLD.

Time's change and that's a good thing!

Violet - Broadway Cast

Buy from Amazon.com

Original Broadway Cast. Composer: Jeanine Tesori.

Back in 1998 I bought the Off-Broadway cast recording of an unknown, but critically acclaimed, musical called Violet.

Buy from Amazon.com

I'd never heard of the show, or the composer. If I'm honest, I just bough it to bring an order I was placing up to a certain amount. Poor Violet.

Upon receiving the CD I listened to it a few times over the first few days of owning it. I really enjoyed it; but nothing really stood out. Nothing had me humming, or singing along. It was a nice recording and, as such, one I was happy to keep.

Then, while trawling through the Forthcoming Releases on Amazon.com, I saw that there was to be a new Deluxe 2CD Broadway cast recording, starring the incredible Sutton Foster.

But, given my underwhelming response to the 1998 recording (once again: poor Violet) you're possibly wondering why I would be interested.

That's easy!

First: In the interim composer Jeanine Tesori had risen to much success with excellent shows like Caroline, or Change and the amazing Shrek: The Musical.

Second: Sutton Foster. Sutton's performances in Shrek: The Musical, Little Women, Thoroughly Modern Millie have literally blown me away. She's a marvel.

Third: The reviews for the show were great and apparently the score had received a major revision with new songs and orchestrations.

It was all too tempting. So, I pre-ordered it.

I'm so glad I did.

Violet is the story of a young woman travel across America to visit a faith healer, in the hopes that he will be able to make her beautiful. As a child, Violet, fell into an axe, which split her face open. She's lived with the scar, and the stares of everyone around her, ever since.

On the bus she meets an array of people from all walks of life, including two soldiers. One black, one white - both of whom take a shine to Violet, despite her scar and her attitude.

Eventually, she does get to see the preacher - but, of course, it doesn't work. But, it doesn't really matter as she's fallen in love along the way, and that's all that matters.

It's a simple, beautifully executed story. The songs cover a range of styles from jazz to blues, via bluegrass, swing and broadway. Yet, somehow, the show gels perfectly.

Personally, I think this is in no small part, down to the fact that Sutton Foster is a revelation. This is a career defining performance (not that she needs one). Her rough ways, prickly personality, soft underneath approach to the character of Violet is genius and her voice aches with pain, passion, wit and warmth.

A truly beautiful musical that will probably never see the light of day in the UK. Why? Well, in my opinion, it's because the subject matter is not something us Brits can really associate with. We don't really buy into the whole faith healing preacher deal, so I don't think we'd really be able to suspend disbelief.

I might be unfairly judging my fellow countrymen, it's just my opinion.

For me, Violet, just entered my Top 100 musicals with the swing of an axe and the heart of a true star.

Siberian Gold tigers - Day 41

DAY 41

Thanks to keeping a record of how long this is taking I now know that I'm averaging about 5 days a page on this design. Given that the final page is more like a 3/4 page and is mostly half stitch, I would say another 8-10 days and I'll be done.

Yesterday was a long days stitching if I'm honest. I was aiming to get the page finished, but by 11.30pm I still hadn't managed it and I was really tired. But, given that I started at 10am I think getting to 11.30 was pretty amazing.

Some people have expressed amazement at the speed I stitch. Ok, yes, I do stitch quite fast. But, let's put that into perspective people....

1. I'm currently unemployed.

2. I don't have kids.

3. I don't drive, live in the middle of nowhere and there's nowhere to walk to even if I was so inclined.

So, I'm in our home most of the time with more leisure time that I know what to do with.

Also, I've been stitching for over 20 years. I've honed my technique. I've invested in equipment to make my stitching time as easy as possible. My stand means I can stitch two-handed and that is a huge boost speed wise.

Some days, I can spend 12 or more hours stitching. I'm lucky.

Now, yesterday....I spent the day stitching as I've said, but what did I watch while doing it?

My choice for yesterday was this: I started with an episode from Season 5 of The Ghost Whisperer. If you've never seen this show...it stars Jennifer Love Hewitt as Melinda, a married mother of one who can speak to ghosts.

It's a great show...which sadly went a bit off the rails as it went on. Season 5 (the final season) is by far the weakest of the run; and I'm not surprised it got cancelled. But, I still like it enough to watch it.

After that episode I went to my 'Need-to-Watch' pile of DVDs/Blu-rays and pulled out the final season of Young Indiana Jones. I then watched the first 6 episodes. From an Indiana Jones fan point of view the show could have been a lot more 'Indy' feeling. Too much history can sometimes make it a bit dull. Personally, I really enjoy it and the DVDs are great because they have hours of bonus material putting each story into historical context.

The day ended with the final three episodes from Season Six of Dynasty. Yes, we like Dynasty in our household. Yes, it's naff. Yes, it's badly written and acted at times. But, there's just something deliciously 'guilty pleasure' about it.

I never saw beyond Season 4 in it's initial run; and I have to admit to enjoying watching it now.

Watching episodes back-to-back does result in a lot of shouting at the TV (can those characters really be THAT stupid and selfish!?), which I'm sure never happened when there was a week of 'downtime' between episodes.

The Rescue - Bruce Broughton

Buy on Amazon.com

I've loved soundtracks ever since my mum first played me her old vinyl LPs of The Sound of Music. Over the years, as my personal taste in music developed, I moved away from song soundtracks (although I do still like a lot) and more towards the music only - or Score - albums. This is where I found my true love.

Not only does the score to a film remind you of the film in question; but it also can find a life of it's own away from the images on the screen. I'm sure many people know the Raiders March from Raiders of the Lost Ark, or the theme from The Godfather, Jaws or Close Encounters of the Third Kind. But, I bet some people don't know that those pieces of music are from films.

Somehow, music can transcend the initial limitations imposed upon it.

I've been very lucky to build my collection over the years to include some classic and soon-to-be-classic scores. Everything from the amazing score to The Great Escape (Elmer Bernstein) to Thomas Newman's beautiful scores for The Shawshank Redemption and Alexandre Desplat's work on The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

Everyone listens to music differently. Digital formats, CDs, vinyl. In the car, doing housework. While reading, stitching, or a multitude of other activities.

Personally, it depends on the music. I like to listen to a score when I'm on my PC, reading or as background music. I listen to musicals with ALL my attention; usually with the book in hand, reading along with the lyrics. Pop/Rock etc I like on my MP3 player, or in the car or doing housework.

So, when I get a new score I wait until I'm on my PC or reading. I hit the 'repeat' button and just let the music wash over me.

The Rescue arrived yesterday and I did exactly that.

This is an action score at it's core. Rousing melodies and pumping themes abound. But, it also has it's quieter moments.

I've been a fan of composer Bruce Broughton ever since falling in love with his score for Harry and the Hendersons. But, over the years many of his scores have been neglected and left unreleased.

Thankfully, specialist CD companies like Intrada, La La Land Records and Varese Sarabande have offered collectors the chance to obtain these soundtracks. Often in expanded, or complete, formats. They go out of their way to obtain the rights to scores that were never released. They are utterly brilliant!

So, back in the 1988 when the film was released, the soundtrack never saw the light of day. But, Intrada managed to obtain the rights and we finally have the complete score.

It's a fun soundtrack and if you're familiar with Broughton's work you may recognise themes from Young Sherlock Holmes  and Harry and the Hendersons. They're not entirely the same; but there are definite similarities.

The Rescue is a fun score that I'm incredibly pleased to have in my collection.

Siberian Gold Tiger Cross Stitch Comission - Day 40

DAY 40

I stitch most days to be honest. I find it to be the most relaxing and calming pastime ever. Nowadays, I even find myself feeling withdrawal symptoms when I don't stitch.

But, it never used to be like that. In fact, I stopped stitching for 6 years!

I mention this only because it's a common event that many stitcher's suffer from. You see it referred to as 'lost my stitching bug'.

There are so many reasons for this to happen. Far too many to mention on my tiny little blog. However, I would like to just mention some of mine. If only so someone else may recognise their own lives and know what to do to solve the problem.

I used to be in a stressful job and found that I was tired all the time.

My eyesight had deteriorated.

I was diagnosed with Tennis Elbow and severed Work Related Upper Limb Disorder (or RSI to everyone else).

I didn't realise how badly these things had conspired to result in me losing all interest in cross stitch. I also had found that I'd almost stopped reading too. I just used to spend all my time staring at the TV. 

Then my circumstances changed. We moved house which meant I had to leave my long-term job. I noticed change in my stress levels immediately.

Then, I finally got around to getting varifocals. LIBERATION!! I honestly couldn't believe how much my life improved!

As for the TE and RSI - both drastically improved once I left my job. It wasn't the cross stitch that was the problem after all - it was the damned job!!!

The final piece of the puzzle was stitching kit. I got my comfortable chair, my daylight magnifying lamp and from that day forward I've loved every second of stitching.

Like other stitcher's, I may get bored with bits of each design; but I never lose my love of the craft!

Happy stitching...and roll on Day 41!!!

Man at Work

I HATE having my photograph taken, but my partner took this without me realising and insists I post it. While I'm not always inclined to do what I'm told, on this occasion, I'm going to be brave.

It's called 'Man at Work' (I wanted to name it "IT Sews!!", but hey, can't win 'em all!)

As you can see I'm hard at work trying to complete page 6 of the Siberian Gold tiger picture. I've just reached Day 39:

With the dreaded confetti stitches finally abating I can see the end of page 6 in sight. I really do find (and recommend) doing large designs like this page by page. I find it to be the most effective way of handling them. It's less daunting and I find I'm less apt to get de-motivated.

This design is spread of 8 sides of a folded chart. Hence 8 pages. But, as I get a page completed I really do feel that sense of satisfaction from a completed project.

HOT TIP: Don't be tempted to stray into the next page. This just confuses the matter and means you take longer getting that 'finished' feeling for each page.

Do I sense a theme?...

You've got to be taught
To hate and fear,
You've got to be taught
From year to year,
It's got to be drummed
In your dear little ear
You've got to be carefully taught.
You've got to be taught to be afraid
Of people whose eyes are oddly made,
And people whose skin is a diff'rent shade,
You've got to be carefully taught.
You've got to be taught before it's too late,
Before you are six or seven or eight,
To hate all the people your relatives hate,
You've got to be carefully taught! 

The lyrics above are from the brilliant song 'You've Got to be Carefully Taught' from South Pacific and is sung by Lieutenant Cable as he laments his inability to love a native girl. It's a tragic song and really hits home when it's performed in the musical.

I've quoted it here because I watched it a week ago and since then the theme seems to following me.

Yesterday I watched The Debt and Amistad. Both films contains strong elements of prejudice and bigotry. Both also happen to be brilliant.

The Debt is the story of former Mossad agent Rachel Singer who, at one time, tracked down a Nazi war criminal and brought him to justice. She and her team overcame many problems in the course of their mission. The film also has a mystery at it's core.

Helen Mirren plays the older Rachel and Jessica Chastain the younger. The film also stars Sam Worthington (Avatar).

Brilliantly acted, thoughtfully and skilfully directed and utterly mesmerising.

There are some scenes of violence and there are some descriptive dialogue sequences that are a lot more upsetting than any visuals could be.

If you're interested in the subject of Nazi hunters then this is probably a good film for you.

Amistad is Stephen Spielberg's classic film about the case of 44 Africans stolen from their home and put on trial for killing their captors during an attempted escape. Starring Matthew MacConnaughay, Morgan Freeman, Anthony Hopkins, Djimon Hounso, Stellan Skarsgaard and many other recognisable characters actors.

Whenever the subject of slavery is central to a film's plot you just know there are going to be scenes so upsetting they're difficult to watch and Amistad is no different. Much like some horror films, there were moments where I found myself almost hiding behind a cushion - tears streaming down my face (only real men cry by the way!).

Barely got 20 minutes of cross stitch done - couldn't concentrate with such gripping films on. Hopefully will get some stitching done today.

The World's End - Blu-ray Review

I don't get to go to the cinema very often and, if I'm honest, I begrudge the cost of the entry. Thankfully over the years I've become a pretty good judge of what I like - so I'm able to blind-buy every film I watch.

So, although my reviews may be a little late it's still new to me.

When I'm doing my cross stitch I like to watch TV. My preference is to watch things I've seen before, because I spend most of the time looking down at my stitching. Yesterday I did 12 hours of stitching and watched 12 episodes of X-Men: The Animated Series and 1 episode from Season 5 of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

After that amount of stitching I just wanted to watch something. I'd bought The World's End a couple of weeks ago in CeX (CeX is a trade-in store to anyone from outside the UK).

I'm not a huge fan of British humour (so lynch me!) but there is something about the combination of Edgar Wright (Director/Screenwriter), Simon Pegg and Nick Frost that just hits a sweet spot in my funny bone.
Sean of the Dead is one of my all-time favourite films and I thought Paul was brilliant; but the mixed reviews for The World's End really gave me pause. So I waited for the price to drop.

And so, with the wait over, I sat down to watch this last night. After a worrying first few minutes, during which I was thinking I'm going to hate this! the film (and it's actors) seemed to find the rhythm and style.

Five mates go on a monumental pub crawl - a crawl they failed to complete in their teens. The plan for four of them is to reminisce but the fifth (Simon Peg) has deeper motives.
The five guys are every type of misfit you've ever met in your life - and as such are identifiable and easy to sympathise with. But, this is definitely Simon Pegg's film. His fearless portrayal of Gary King is faultless and mesmerising; one moment having you laughing and the next crying.
As the pub crawl progresses the guys start to realise there is something seriously wrong in their old hometown - and it's there that the film sideswipes you with a curve ball. A brilliant, utterly ridiculous, curveball that just elevates the film into excellence.

I'm not going to ruin that surprise - just in the hope that you don't know.

I loved this film. I shouldn't have to be honest. Upon reflection it's really NOT my style of humour, but I found myself laughing many times.

The extras on the blu-ray are pretty good too. I watched the Outtakes (which go on a bit) and the Making Of (which was very interesting). Apparently there is 90 minutes of extras exclusive to the blu-ray.
The picture and audio were stunning throughout.

Oh, by the way, don't expect my reviews to be full of technical jargon about depth, bitrates or other such stuff. It's boring to read and most people have now idea what it's all about so I can't be bothered to write about it! Also, there are loads of sites out there dedicated to delivering professional, in depth, reviews. My reviews are just my thoughts and for a bit of fun.

Siberian Gold Tigers - Day 38

Day 38

I have found over my 20 years of stitching that motivation can be a problem. I'm sure most stitchers have the same problem at some time - actually I know they do, because they say so on Facebook!

I have found that the best way to combat that is to share with others and to keep a visual record of your progress.

If you take a photograph of your work at the end of each stitching day you can then see how much you've done. I keep an album going on Facebook for each project I'm working on and, sometimes, it really does help to look back and see where I was a week ago or more.

I actually started doing this because I was curious how long it takes me to do a design, now I do it all the time.

Facebook (and hopefully this blog) are wonderful ways of showing your work and progress. Encouraging and complimentary comments are always nice to see and, at least for me, it spurs me on to do more.

I want to encourage anyone reading my blog to comment on my posts. If there's something you want to see, or for me to talk about, feel free to ask and, if I can, I'll accommodate your requests.

Now, I've got a review to write....

Another brilliant craft site....

The other day I let everyone know about the brilliant Heidi Made This! Cards site.

Today, it's the turn of the equally brilliant Paine Free Crafts see here.

Sarah Paine, creator and owner of Paine Free Crafts does an absolutely brilliant job of converting some truly stunning art work into cross stitch charts and kits.

All Paine Free Crafts products are licensed by the original artist, with whom Sarah works to achieve the best results possible.

Here's some examples:

This is 'Butterfly Meadow Green' and is available as both a chart and full kit. As you can see the detail is amazing.

Likewise on my personal favourite from Paine Free Crafts: 'Apocalypse Princesses'.

To date, I have only one of Sarah's charts in my stash. The brilliant 'Awwooo!'

However, I have no doubt I will add more of her designs to my stash.

Each chart gives full and very clear instructions on how to create your own piece of art.

Paine Free Crafts also offers a custom charting service, where you can have any copyright-free picture converted to a chart for a very reasonable charge.

Even more importantly is Sarah's wonderful customer service. Friendly and always helpful.

You really couldn't do any better!

Film & Music Review of the Day

Buy on Amazon.co.uk

Before watching August: Osage County ask yourself a question, and, if at all possible, be honest with yourself....

"Do I like films with an excess of talking?"

If you like films full of action or easily accessible humour then this film is definitely NOT for you. A:OC is a densely written, challenging film with some career-defining performances.

Even if you're not a fan of Streep or Roberts there is much here to praise. Both are amazing in their roles and truly deserved the award nominations they received.

So, what's it about? That's a tough one.
On the surface it's about a dysfunctional family coming together over the death of a family member. Old issues resurface and new problems arise. It's a family nightmare compacted into two hours.

But, dig a little deeper and this is primarily a story about cruelty and karma. The old adage "what goes around, comes around" really rings true with this story.

Many of the characters will probably be recognisable. I know Streep's character reminded me of my own mother at times and I could definitely see myself in Julia Roberts' character.

Is it any good? Another tough question.
On the one hand it's a simple YES. The performances are faultless and the writing is clever, witty, disturbing and mesmerising.
BUT, on the other hand, it's uncomfortable to watch sometimes and I'm not sure how much re-watch value there is. None of the characters are particularly likeable; so I'm not sure how much time I would like to spend in their company.

In a nutshell, I think I'd be re-watching to see the performances and NOT for the story.

Watch if you likes films like There Will Be Blood, or The Hurt Locker
Avoid if you like films such as Transformers, Underworld, The Fast and the Furious

The blu-ray has a brilliant picture - almost too good as it shows every wrinkle! The film doesn't really need an impressive soundscape; but the DTS HD Master tracks does a great job. All dialogue is clear and there are no dips or peaks.

 Buy on Amazon.co.uk

If, like me, you're a fan of musical theatre the film Rocky doesn't seem like the first choice to adapt into a musical. When I first heard it was going to happen I thought it was the most awful decision since Carrie: The Musical.

But, as with Carrie, Rocky Broadway (as they decided to all it) is a pleasant surprise.

The story centres on a struggling heavyweight boxer just waiting for his moment. That career defining moment. But, there are some things more important. Such as falling in love.

So, if you've seen the film with Sylvester Stallone you will already know the story. That story is reinvented for the stage and embellished to great effect by the songs. Surprised? I was.

Rocky Balboa singing does not immediately sound like it will work. I'm glad to say my misgivings were unfounded.

I rarely get to see a musical on stage, so, for me, the cast recording is my only experience of the show. Some recordings can completely fail to capture the show's atmosphere (Mamma Mia - MUCH better live), while others make you feel like you're in the theatre. I'm pleased to say that Rocky Broadway falls into the latter category.

This Broadway Cast recording stars Andy Karl as Rocky and Margo Seibert as Adrian. For me, it is the relationship and chemistry between these characters that make or break this show; and I'm very pleased to report that both of them are amazing.

Andy Karl brings a sensitivity to Rocky that was there in the film, but is now laid bare and exposed. Song does that anyway and never more so than in this show. The same can be said of Margo Seibert.

The show is written by long-time Broadway collaborators Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens - writers of such brilliant shows as Ragtime and Seussical The Musical.

What they've managed to do with this show is create an easily accessible score that still has enough complexity to appeal to more die-hard theatre fans. There are definitely songs in this show that you will be humming after a couple of listens.

There are moments in the score that reminded me of songs from Disney's Hercules (on Patriotic) and also Ghost the Musical  (on In the Ring)- neither of which is a bad thing in my opinion.

Thankfully, the decision to still concentrate on the love story between Rocky and Adrian works.

Adrian's ode to hopes and fears about Rocky, Raining, is a stand-out track but there are many, many songs to admire here, such as: My Nose Ain't Broken, Happiness and Adrian. Also of special note is Training Montage 2 because it incorporates the brilliant Eye of the Tiger to great effect.

While maybe not as rewarding as other shows I've recently listened to such as The Bridges of Madison County or Violet, Rocky Broadway is nonetheless a worthy addition to the Broadway catalogue and to my musicals collection.

Highly recommended! 8 out of 10.

Heidi Made This! Cards

I like to support other craft lovers wherever possible.

Today I'd like to focus on the amazing creations from Heidi Made This!

Website can be found here: Heidi Made This

If you're a fan of handmade cards then this is the place for you. You won't find any of those 'stick 'n' go' type cards here - after all there's nothing particularly creative or original about sticking bits of card together!

No, on Heidi Made This! EVERY SINGLE CARD is designed and created by Heidi herself. She creates each of her beautiful cards by hand. Then she hand colours and embellishes each one.

She will also do One of a Kind commissions, such as these: Heidi Made This - Commissions Gallery
The first one on there is actually one she did for me! So, I know what I'm talking about.

Check out each of the section to see just what Heidi Made This! can offer! Something different, something funny and something wonderful!

Her site says: "Welcome to the bright and twinkly world of Heidi Made This!"
I couldn't have said it better!

The above is one of her brilliant Halloween range. Used with permission and copyrighted to Heidi Made This!

Also, check back in the future for something truly special from Heidi Made This!...

The Tools of the Trade

As with any hobby there are some things that you just must have. Cross stitch is no different.

Some people prefer to stitch free-hand. Personally I find it results in untidy stitches and very dirty fabric (no matter how many times you wash your hands).

Others prefer to use an embroidery hoop:

These are great as a starter and, even when you become more adept at cross stitch, it's always good to have a hoop in your stitching stash.
I only ever use them for small designs. They do tend to badly crease the fabric and, once again, means a lot of contact with your hands; so they get dirty.

Then we have the frame. These come in many guises so I'll only mention my preferences.

Firstly we have the Symphony No-Sew frame.

These can be bought here: Willow Fabrics - Symphony frame

The Symphony frame has a hollow cross bar which the fabric is pushed into. It is then held in place by a long dowel. Like this:

They have excellent tension, but do suffer from the fact that, over time, the thread on the tightening nuts does degrade.

Finally, and relatively new to me, is the Able Stretcher frame from Viking Loom
There are various sizes and, this is what they look like:

The Able Stretcher is adjustable and the tension on it is amazing. The only downside is that when it's set smaller than it's actual size (see first photo) the arms extend beyond the design area; which means it could get in the way. But, if you're using it at the full size this is not an issue.
It's made of very hard plastic. It's heavier than a hoop but about the same as a frame and can be used with any floor stand.


Talking of floor stands...once again there are many on the market. My personal preference - and one I had to save my pennies for - is made by Lowery.

You can buy here: Sew and Sew - Lowery Workstand
Here's mine:

 The Lowery stand is metal and very sturdy and heavy. It's not cheap; but you get excellent quality. Accessories are extra. Personally, I couldn't live without it when stitching.

Then we have a brilliant accessory. Maybe not an essential; but, once again, I personally wouldn't be without it.
This is the Tanto Thread Organiser. Which can be bought here: Tanto Thread Organiser
One of the excellent things about this is that you can buy extra thread wheels separately; so you can have more than one project on the go and just swap them over as needed.

Finally, an absolutely must in my opinion....somewhere comfortable to sit:

I hope you enjoyed my essentials list.