HAED mini diamond birthstone COMPLETED!

[Aesandre]

Hi all,

I decided to stitch a mini HAED as a birthday present for my best friend. As her birthday is in April I chose the diamond birthstone from Rachel Anderson's birthstone series. I began it just before Christmas and this is the progress so far:

I had to take the photo using my phone, so I wasn't able to get as close a shot as I wanted without losing the focus.

I always wanted to use those shiny, metallic threads because I thought they looked cool. Never has the phrase "be careful what you wish for" been so appropriate. They are much thicker than the normal DMC threads and required a thicker needle with a bigger eye. They are hard to thread, hard to pull through, hard to make lay down properly; in short, they are hell on a stick. I will be very grateful if I never have to use the wretched things again.

Unfortunately the situation is not improved by the fact that I am using 25count Dublin linen. I have never used such a delicate (aka flimsy) fabric with such uneven holes. I'm worried that I'll inadvertently overlook a tiny stitch or accidentally stitch over two. It's worse when I'm using light coloured thread, as I find it hard to distinguish between a completed stitch and an area of blank white fabric.

I am hoping to complete the project as close to her birthday as possible. At the moment most of my time is being taken up by a university assignment, but I intend to really crack on with it once that's finished.

[Rose]

What a wonderful present you are stitching!!!!!!!

You poor thing. We hardly ever use DMC metallics. There are other brands out there that are so much easier to use and they work much better then those evil DMC threads. I love the cotton threads but not the metallic.

[karen4bells]

Beautiful start on this!!! I agree with Rose DMC metallic threads are the worst to deal with!!

[rcperryls]

Lovely start and I know it will be a great gift. I stitched the mini-Amythist for my sister's birthday several years ago. The timing was perfect as HAED had just started the mini series. Mine was stitched on 25ct lugana (I think? - have to check) and I tent stitched it. Took about 3 or 4 months, I think, working only on that project. She loves it and has it hanging in her office. Lots of fun to stitch. Not sure if I could have managed it on the lovely linen you are using as I relied a lot on gridding the fabric to help me keep track of where I was. Looking forward to your updates.

Carole

[lavenderbee]

That's really lovely,nice colours. Your friend will be delighted with her present. Look forward to next update.

[Aesandre]

Thanks for your comments everyone

I've nearly finished the wings now, and due to the evil metallic thread they look bobbly. It also badly distorts the surrounding stitches. I think when I come to use those threads to stitch the dress I will only use one strand instead of two. It's quite thick so it should still provide a nice shine, but will hopefully lay down properly and behave!

[vanessanjf]

Great project and you are doing so well

[Lulu22]

Lovely design looking forward to more updates

[Aesandre]

Hi all,

I'm making a huge effort to get this project finished and I'm surprised by how fast and how well it's coming along. I'm now only using one strand of metallic thread instead of two, which is making a huge difference to its appearance.

Here's the latest update:

[/URL[URL=http://s1211.photobucket.com/user/Aesandre/media/Mini%20Diamond%20Birthstone/IMG_20150511_140426_zps3cusrrv7.jpg.html]

I've decided to do another project for my other best friend, who has a Masters degree in Egyptology. I chose another HAED design, of an Egyptian temple: http://heavenandearthdesigns.com/index. ... ts_id=5721" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank I know it's a large project but it's so gorgeous I couldn't resist. I've downloaded the chart as a PDF and I've ordered the thread pack and fabric from Cross Stitch Heaven. I'm hugely excited and can't wait to start!

I've still got all my other projects to complete (Old World Map, Blue Dragon, Wizard City, Dragon and Castle, The Borg, Enterprise D, Star Trek Montage, and probably another one I've forgotten) so I'm going to do my best and try not to start anymore (*cough*).

[rcperryls]

Beautiful progress. I loved stitching mini Amethyst when I did it. Seems so long ago. I also felt it stitched up pretty quickly. One of the significant advantages of the mini's is the speed that they go at without losing too much detail. Your next project is awesome and going to be a lot of fun and a lot of detail, but gorgeous. How are you planning on stitching that one? Regular or tent stitch? Can't wait to see this one finished and your new start in the works.

I have found that vowing to not start a new one leads me into major trouble because then I often find myself with more than 1 that I "have" to begin. Wishing you better luck than I have.

Carole

[karen4bells]

Very beautiful update!!

[Aesandre]

Thanks guys.

Carole - I might experiment with tent stitches but I'll probably end up doing full stitches. I'll see what the coverage is like. I'm using 25 ct so the fabric shouldn't show through so much if I did decide to do tent stitches, but I might not be able to shake off the nagging feeling that the project would only be half-finished.

I tried really hard to refrain from starting any more projects, but because it's for a friend it doesn't really count... right?!

[tiffstitch]

Beautiful! And lovely progress.

[vanessanjf]

Beautiful update

[AlwaysGoofy]

This design is coming along beautifully. I'm glad that you found how to use the metallics to your liking. It's trial and error sometimes. I can't wait to see this one finished.

What a good choice for your other friend. That project will be a large undertaking - but friends are worth it.

[Aesandre]

Hey all, here's an update and a rant!



I've been splitting my time between stitching and revising for an exam. I'm trying to cram everything in, trying to remember everything I may need for the exam and trying my hardest to complete this project before the threads and fabric for my next project (Egyptian Temple) arrives. Things are not helped by the demonic hellspawn that is DMC metallic threads. There are so many stitches which require these and it's really slowing me down. They don't seem to look as neat and the damn things won't stay anchored when I tie them off. Not to mention the not lying flat, splitting, being a bugger to thread... I could go on!

I've been eagerly awaiting my thread and fabric from Cross Stitch Heaven for nearly a month, which is okay because they did say it'd take between 4-5 weeks. Trouble is I optimistically hoped it might be sooner than that so every time the doorbells's rung for the last few weeks I've almost broken neck trying to run to the door in hopes of getting hold of my new stitchy things.

Oh well, my exam's scheduled for this Thursday so hopefully after that some of my frustration will be alleviated and I'll be able to completely focus on my stitching.

[rcperryls]

Beautiful update! and your rant is totally understandable! Is the metallic thread mostly in the wings? If you have a lot more is it too late to switch to a different metallic thread? Kreinik, either the blending filament with one or two strands of floss? or Rainbow Blending Thread?

Carole

[Aesandre]

Hi The metallic is in the wings of the woman and butterflies (done 2, have 3 more to go), the jewel at the top, part of her face (completed half) and a very large part of her dress (part of which I've already done). I'm not sure I can switch now

EDIT: having said that, I've just ordered Kreinik 032 so I'll compare it to the DMC in hopes I can make the switch.

[karen4bells]

Beautiful update on this and best of luck with your upcoming exam!!

[AlwaysGoofy]

Nice update picture. I can totally understand your rant. Sometimes, I see if there is something I can substitute for the metallics. Sometimes I can find a non-metallic substitute that I like, but usually I can't.

Good luck on your exam. I'm currently taking a few classes and always trying to find that balance between work, school work, and stitch time. Unfortunately, stitch time gets the least amount of time for the moment.