It’s a beautiful Monday. The grass is green, the birds are singing, the sun is shining and I have a finish.
This hasn’t been washed or ironed so it’s as is, grimy and all.
I tried to take more pictures, but it didn’t quite work out.
There is no cross stitch. There is only Tuna.
The dragon pattern is called Dragon of the Night. The design is by Nadezhda Gavrilenkova and is available from SofiaMBelenko Etsy shop. I liked the pattern particularly because it came with Saga chart. Saga is a cross stitch app a lot of Eastern European and Slavic designers use and I found it really helpful. No more folders with printed out patterns.
Kid 2 has claimed this dragon and now I have a dilemma. Do I frame or do I stick it into an ornamental hoop? Framing under glass would preserve it and keep it dust free, but cross stitch is meant to have texture, otherwise might as well have a print. What do you think? To frame or not to frame?
I’m thinking of trying this one next, after a do a couple of smaller projects.
Beautiful result. The practical me votes for frame, though! ♡
Lovely! I lean towards framing, since I had an unframed one fall off the wall and end up somewhat dirty (it fell behind a bed, into a large pile of dust). But maybe ask Kid 2 which she would prefer? If she is the one receiving it, she may have a preference.
That is gorgeous 😍 I would go with decorative frame.
Tuna is also lovely and deserves treats for sharing the spotlight lol
You don’t have to put it under glass, even if you frame it. But if you could find a really cool hoop, that would work, too and it would emphasize the shape.
I tend to frame under glass….but lately I have a few pieces in hoops. You can also find frames to put the pieces that are left in hoops! So it stays in the hoops and you can either hang on the wall or keep on a table….I have purchased from ModernHoopla and StitchLifeStudio on Etsy. Happy with both!
I like to frame, but with enough height to the matting that the cross-stitch maintains its texture.
I’ve been cross stitching for 40 years and have always framed my projects. As a result all of them are still preserved. If you want your project to last, and I’m sure your daughter does, frame it. If it doesn’t matter put it in a hoop. If you do have it framed make sure your framer knows how to stretch cross stitch and uses acid free mats.
If you don’t want mats you can have your framer use spacers which are thin strips of plastic placed on the glass to prevent what you’re framing, whether print, cross stitch, whatever from touching the glass. You never want it to touch the glass as over time it causes damage.
Stick it in an ornamental hoop. It should be enjoyed in the way it’s intended. Let it live and breathe and change with it’s environment. It’s beauty should live in the world and not behind glass. Not sure why I’m so poetic this morning but it’s a beautiful piece and should be experienced as is intended.
I put mine in a frame but without glass. There is a seller on Etsy that makes round frames that use your hoop. Stretch your project in hoop then pop in the back of the frame. It’s a little more polished finish. Shop is called Modern Hoopla
It’s gorgeous! Finishing a piece must be so satisfying 🙂
Put it in a hoop, and then put the hooped work in a shadowbox or other protective framing. Best of both worlds. 🙂
I was going to suggest putting it in a shadowbox frame, as well. It would be protected, but the texture would still be visible.
I am neutral on the framing. I just came to say “ohhhh pretty.”
+1
+1 The proposed project is fabulous as well.
Congratulations on your finish. It looks great. No opinion on the framing: dust verse texture, I could go either way. I have Gramma Freida’s talent with all things yarn and thread.
And Monday bonus, Magic Burns dropped on Graphic Audio.
LOVE IT! And, uh, thank you for that rabbit hole on Etsy. I’ve been wanting to get back into Cross-Stitch 🙂
I tend to frame mine to protect them.
The last big cs pattern I did I ended up having stretched and framed – the stitching still looks lovely under the glass. I’m always torn between wanting to make some projects into decorative pillows, though – much like knit socks, I love the idea of beauty and usefulness even though it means wear and tear. I struggle with this every time I finish something – keep it pristine and untouched as art, or make it a beautiful part of everyday life and know it will gradually be destroyed?
My first inclination is hoop, but I could go either hoop or frame. But definitely without glass! I have a bunch of cross-stitch and crewel pieces that have been framed without glass for several decades and still look fine. I periodically go over them with the vacuum nozzle, but that’s it. If you still want something protective, you might consider using upholstery protective spray, but I’d test it on something first.
I have dust allergies, so I frame my cross stitch. Or I do in theory – most of my completed projects are in the closet.
That is a beautiful pattern and I love the fabric!
my mother framed some of hers in the early eighties, also dragons. the texture shows through.
I like the cross-stitch and Tuna, who posed beautifully. The next project is lovely too.
+1
I have a cat so I always put mine under glass. Hoopla hoops is a really easy inexpensive way to get a nice result – I used it for one for my niece – they are on Etsy and there is at least one other company that does something similar.
Oh! I lied – i used tihembroidery on Etsy for my hoop with glass finish. Modernhoopla does another type of hoop finish.
Beautiful!
What about a thick frame without glass? If there’s enough of an overhang it will reduce the amount o dust that actually gets on the piece, and you still get the texture of the cross-stitch.
I would frame it.
I do counted cross-stitch and I find it’s better to frame it. When it gets dirty and you have to wash it, there’s always the risk that the colors of the threads might stain the fabric and ruin it.
Cats!
I don’t know how to cross stitch so no expert opinion. I did read some comments and the Etsy options sound interesting. I’m a gal who loves blue so the blue dragon looks amazing!
Hoop.
And it is lovely. The sea dragon also is great.
Handmade pieces from
Family members are so precious, they must be kept safe! I’d frame it! Such beautiful work!
Your needlework is gorgeous!! I love the project you’re contemplating too – I hope you make it! I would use an embroidery hoop for this… I think you’d lose some of the beauty under glass.
I do quite a bit of cross stitch, and I’m a big fan of shallow shadow boxes. I also have a crafty husband so he makes my shadow boxes for me so I have quite a bit of control over the depth.
wow amazing. I can only say I embroidered (not cross stitch. never) two dragons and framed both. And am glad for it. But I understand the texture issue. all my art is about texture.
I agree about the texture – I vote hoop!
And I love your new project, that’s gonna be fun.
Frame! Frame! Frame!
As someone who owned a Needlework (counted cross stitch & counted thread) shop for years & did framing. Definitely frame. Your work is too valuable to let out in the elements. If you want to emphasize the texture use a deep frame and put in spacers so the glass is not on top of the stitching. (Sometimes even mats don’t leave enough room for the stitches to shine.)
I have work with beads and texture stitches I’ve done that with.
Your dragon is amazing. I can’t do that kind of work anymore because of my eyes. I’m so envious!
In my opinion it depends on how long you wish it to last. My mom made me a crewel work unicorn well over 40 years ago. It is 20/20” and has been under glass and is in excellent condition. My mom passed away over 30 years ago and I treasure this and other work she did that I have. Some are under glass, others are not. The glass protected ones are in far better shape.
It totally depends on the location and conditions. Personally, I prefer unframed but my house is unusually dusty and my cat sheds. A lot. Fluffy, floaty hairs. So if I were hanging it here I would frame it.
I love that design – it’s an amazing concept. I bow to your needlepoint skills.
How about a box frame? That is what I used to preserve the lace booties that a coworker tatted for my daughter. It will both protect and showcase the 3-D elements. I’d want to stick jewels on the frame, for the dragon, but that’s just me.
Not everything framed has glass over it. A good framer’s work will make that even more stunning. 💖
It depends on how long you want it to last. I framed a couple of complicated pieces and am glad I did because they have moved around the country and not been damaged. Plus if framed correctly it will help with sun damage, dust etc. from ruining the piece. I also have a piece done by my Great Aunt who died over forty years ago because it was framed. I don’t think it would have lasted in the family if not framed. If this is only a piece for the moment then you can get away with not framing in my opinion.
I did a cross stitch many years ago and had it framed and matted without glass… best of both worlds.
Maybe a different perspective? How about as the back of a vest? Or on a purse or tote bag? I know, this is practically heresy, but, something she can “strut” a bit with, would be really fun for her. Also, your beautiful work wouldn’t last as long, that’s just the truth about sending beautiful pieces of artwork out into the world in a useful format … but, also, it won’t ‘disappear’ into the visuals of her home’s wall art, there but really unseen after a few weeks of enjoyment, only to be re-seen once or twice a year in moments of paying attention to the walls. …. So, if you have already given her some of your handwork for her walls, then, maybe, something she can take out into the world with her … if not this one, then maybe a future one.
+1
Sorry, Sharon, I didn’t see your post before I posted mine. Great minds think alike ha ha.
There’s a way to frame it with a tiny distance between the glass and frame, and the air inside is vacuumed out. My mom used to get her cross-stitch framed this way sometimes. But I have no idea where to look or how much it would cost, just that it exists, and with the bit of distance between, the texture shows up beautifully.
Unless you mean one should be able to touch it and feel the texture? That would certainly make it worn and dirty quickly.
Big WOW! Do the water dragon…
pretty! and kitty!
That is gorgeous Ilona! I admire anyone who does cross-stitch. I tried a long time ago, and decided it wasn’t for me.
Frame or hoop?
Hoop pros: easy to frame and put up. Texture is easy to feel.
Hoop cons: over time thread color will fade. Also, dust and dirt from home environment will get into the work. Plus, if the background fabric is cotton, it might yellow over time.
Frame pros: if there is glass over the work, you might want to consider art museum glass. I have this over printed artwork I bought years ago. The glass is treated so that if sunlight shines on the framed work, the rays won’t damage the print or anything else under the glass. Keeps out the dust and dirt from inside the home. If no glass, you will have a nice frame to go around the cross stitch work.
Frame cons: possible smashing of the texture and threads. If regular glass is in the frame, there could be a possibility of fading (threads and cloth) over time.
So, it will really depend on what you and Kid 2 want to do with the dragon.
I like the look on Tuna’s face in the last picture. She is not amused with the dragon. 🙂
That’s a beautiful finish!❤️ I mostly frame mine, except for stockings. But it’s definitely a personal preference.
As a long time cross stitcher, I always opt for a frame, now I don’t always put it under uv protection glass. Also the next dragon is lovely! Happy stitching and may the frog not cross your doorstep! Also, check out the witchy stitcher’s website, she has some Slavic folklore based designs that might tickle the BDH fancy.
I frame my cross stitch because of the dust issue. You can still see that it’s stitched, not a print when you’re close enough. Besides, I know I stitched it and if I gift it, they know I stitched it and that’s all that matters.
Such a gorgeous pattern. I want it now. 🙂
For Mod R: I see Magic Burns on the graphic audio site, but can’t find it on ‘Zon or Audible.
Is it getting a delayed release in Bezos land?
Yes, third party retailer websites can take a few weeks to
populate 🙂. It will definitely be added though.
How beautiful! And the dragon is stunning!!!
Since my niece is an archivist and has had museum experience, I fall into the preservation/frame camp. That being said, maybe ask kid 2 if she has a preference…?
The dragon dancing under water with the koi is amazing! Makes me want to dig up my hoops and silks and find a pattern.
Have fun! And a million thanks for giving us snippets of real life as well as the wonderful worlds you and Gordon create!!!
The dragon is lovely. Tuna is definitely a cat.
I really like the dragon you have in mind for your next big project, but I can’t say I blame you for wanting to do a couple smaller ones before you tackle it.
Ilona, I think it’s too fabulous to hang on a wall!
Ask your daughter if she would like it on something like the back of a jeans jacket.🧵🪡🥰
You could square it off, pipe it in satin, then stitch it on with the piping left loose for added dimension. (Fusible interfacing can be applied, if needed.)
You will be creating a traffic stopper, conversation starter, wearable art piece, and beloved wardrobe essential for years to come!
I’ve also used the side of a tote bag to apply pieces like this, sometimes lined and used as a decorative pocket.
(You would be amazed how many strangers will want to strike up a conversation about it in the grocery aisle. That’s really fun.)😎
Frame. Ornaments are only seen once a year.
My vote is frame it. You can still see the texture and it’s well worth protecting your work.
Absolutely beautiful!
MAKE A PILLOW OUT OF IT