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
Professional framer here, you should totally frame it! At least in terms of preservation, that would be the best choice. (I think it would look so cool if you picked out some really nice mats for it, like textured navy mat on top, close to the blue color of the dragon and subtle orange, kinda brighter, as an accent mat. I would go with a warm toned frame, maybe something brownish to compliment.) I could go on… hazard of the job, I’m afraid. However, if you and/or daughter like the novelty/aesthetic of an ornamental hoop, then that’s cool too. Dragons on mythical beasts and an ornamental hoop adds to the fantasy aspect of it. Now that I think about it, I’m probably the wrong person to ask this question. Lol. Whatever you choose, I’m sure it’ll be lovely, it’s looks so cool as it is now!! (I have seen some truly atrocious embroidery in my job, trust my judgement on this.)
Why aren’t my comments going through?
When you repeat a comment too many times, WordPress identifies you as spam. I have fished one of them out for you, it should be ok now 🙂
I can see you are still trying to repost, your comment has already gone through and appears on the page. I will be deleting duplicates 🙂
Beautiful work! And I love the look of the one you’re planning on doing next. Have you seen the embroidery frames and hoop stands from ModernHoopla on Etsy? She has some nice options that might work for the piece. Tuna is magnificent, of course.
Beautiful, gorgeous work of art!!!!! 🐱💕💕💕
(The dragon is really pretty too.) 😉
Seriously, you are so talented. I used to do crewel, but never tried cross stitch. Maybe this is something I will have to try. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve seen them framed without the glass. I’d do that.
The crewel my Oma did for me when I was 25 is under glass and hangs in our living room. I love it. I bought a printed cross stitch that I am certain will take me until Xmas to do, and I have no idea what I will do with it when it is finished.
I am not a counted fan, so glad more of them are printed.
That dragon is beautiful! And the other dragon looks like it would be fantastic too. I work in paper (quilling) that can have multiple layers. I recommend framing for reasons of dust and longevity, but I use spacers to create a shallow shadow box effect. I also use the highest grade, anti-glare, anti-UV glass I can afford. speaking of dragons, I just mailed a quilled dragon wedding card to a wedding couple with an avid interest in Dungeons and Dragons. I’d attach a picture but I don’t see a way to do so.
I love seeing your artwork – of all kinds, and I delight in seeing pics of Tuna. Thanks for sharing
Nagyon szép a sárkány, kár lenne bekeretezni, én párnát csinálnék belőle.
I always Frame mine. I think you still see the texture fine.
Beautiful work. I have a piece half done because the fine work became too fine for my eyes.
I framed a piece of needlepoint. I added a bevel, which raised the glass off the piece. This allowed the texture to show through. Something to add to your decision making.
Sadly, I tried to add a miniature of the picture and it wouldn’t paste.
you can get museum glass or museum acrylic for picture frames that jas n pglate to it so you can really see the texture while still protecting it. I hate dust on my nice things so for Id put it under glass if its going to hang on the wall. I love cs for functional decor more than hanging on the wall but overall its just so pretty and Id hang it too!
I like tactile, so as a man I would treat it with waterproofing and make it the centerpiece of my bag(computer,sling, backpack,breifcase, for example)
assuming it is durable enough to last a few years.
I once made a round cross stitch pattern and framed it in a wooden circle frame and put a little bit of padding underneath to make it “pop” out a little bit. As long as I dust it periodically, it is fine with no glass.
Oh and congratulations on completion!!
Beautiful work! My MIL has been on an embroidery kick for the past couple of years. She framed her pieces initially but now she just leaves them on the wooden hoops and sews backings on and we prefer the look of that. She was worried she was making too many and that it would annoy us so my husband and I hung them all above our piano and said it’s her embroidery wall. 😍
Beautiful design, which I think should in a hoop. I love the next one even better, may I claim it? Lol.
Pretty! And love Tuna too. What does kid 2 say about framing? I’d go with whatever she’d like.
It has been more years than I want to say since I last did counted cross stitch but that last project was made into a decorative pillow. In our house so much dirt & dust come in that if it was displayed on a wall I would want it behind glass simply because I wouldn’t want to be washing it and dusting wouldn’t be very effective.
An option to not crush the fabric would be a very shallow shadow box type frame, or even just a few layers of matting framing the cross stitch and keeping it away from the glass.
It is wonderful & I understand why your daughter spoke up to claim it!
I really love it. I used to do cross stitch before my eyes died. I also love the one you are thinking about doing. With all my cross stitch products, I put them under glass. They still look find but you are right the texture is missing. My MIL put my first piece with just a frame. Forty years later it looks fine. I think I would go that way and used canned air to get rid of the dust now and then.
I hadn’t thought of using canned air for keeping it clean if displayed with the hoop!
If you use archival quality glass, you can even see the glass is there, but it protects it from light and dust.
Maybe a shallow wall hanging case that opens? That way it could be enjoyed visually and in a tactile way
A quick Etsy search found this https://www.etsy.com/listing/720093427/shadow-box-display-case-openscloses-like
Wow you have great ability and able to focus. Cross stitch makes me cross eyed. I do believe that you can have it framed without glass over it. Of course the Kid 2 will have to take an air dust canister (like you use for keyboards) to blow dust off every few years but that is not too bad. Also if you can do that, it will minimize the pet hair and dust that gets on it. Congrats again on such a Fabulous cross stitch.
My Dad was a professional photographer and Mom and I both produce heirloom pieces. His solution was to use a padded board so it’s squishy and helps push the stitches up, and a couple layers of matting to create space btwn the glass and the piece. That way you get the raised texture of the piece w the protection of the glass frame. Works beautifully. If you want pics of some of the pieces I would be happy to email.
I say framed and go to a good framing studio and ask for museum glass. It is worth the extra cost. I have Japanese woodblock prints framed with it to protect them from fading and it is so clear it’s almost invisible.
I would do both.
Frame it and placed the frame under glass. The glass can be a spiral of epoxy.
onamental hoop ❤️
So beautiful. Your next project is even more amazing! (Or it’s at least my favorite).
But Tuna. So funny. The attitude in the last shot. LOL. You can always tell a lot about a cat’s attitude by their ears. She looks like she’s signaling that your project is all hers.
Gosh, you do beautiful work!
Preservation professional here, dust is very abrasive, so I would use glass. Maybe a hoop inside a shadow box? The pin makes me think there might be other tiny tchotchkes that would be fun in proximity.
I hope Tuna got tuna, because, clearly, Worthy.
No doubts, the hoop!
That’s lovely! How do you cross stitch with cats? I’ve tried and mine will not stop chasing the thread, attacking the needle and being a general nuisance.
Not sure how it compares but when I frame watercolors with texture effects, I leave about 1 cm of air between the paper and the glass, that way it is protected and you can still see the texture.
Would go for the framing because it is probably hard to get dust out of it after a few years.
The glass would be a barrier to its beauty, which is considerable. I wouldn’t do that.
You could frame the cat, though, the next time something goes wrong in the house.
The cat will just blame a dog 😂 but great idea!
Congrats! Such an accomplishment! I think it would be great matted, framed w/o glass.
Love the water dragon.
I vote not to frame under glass. I used to needlepoint many years ago and petit point when I was young and could see.
The ones that were the most beautiful were not under glass. My two cents, it came out really lovely 🙏
That’s lovely! Also voting for the frame to protect those great colors from sun fade. Pet that Tuna snoot!
Mat your cross stitch when you frame it. That doesn’t crush the stitches but still gives you glass to protect your work from dust. If you use masterpiece glass (museum quality UV protectant glass) it will keep it from fading, too.
How beautiful!!Tuna, too. But I always heard tht you didn’t put glass over stichery becausse it would rub and eventually destroy the work. I vote for th e decorative hoop!
Wow oh wow! I wish I had the patience for cross stitch. It is quite lovely. I’ve recently been Diamond art painting (dotting?) so maybe I have more patience than I had thought.
Can you do a dark purple hoop?
Maybe let kid 2 decide as they will be living with the result?
I am a framer when it comes to cross-stitch. I think the texture still shines through even under glass and any wear will come on a lot more slowly. I do tiny cross stitches for friends on special occasions and those I tend to leave au naturale.
Gorgeous dragon and of course tuna is beautiful
It’s lovely! I personally would make a little cushion of it… it looks wonderful and if u make it practical, it will be used better…or even cut it out to stitch it on a jeans jacket? Putting it in frame is ok, but mhee… it deserves to be loved and admired practically
So beautiful . . .and the cross-stitch is beautiful too. I love the future project as well.
make a pillowcover, i did that for my grandmother. well i did the crossstiching, my aunt did the cover
Oh thats a good idea! So every time you hugged it it would remind you of the giver. If I was talented enough I’d like that on a broken in sweatshirt. But that wouldn’t be very practical.
I would do exactly how your next project is presented. That circle framework without the glass, its so beautiful.
I think Tuna is claiming it and kid 2 is out of luck, lol.
I love all the pics. Since I am a cat person I love Tuna’s face.
I like the ornamental hoop. It shows what it is and protects it at the same time. I also like to make pillows to show off and protect embroidery.
The next dragon is also gorgeous. Has Kid 1 laid claim to that one?
Beautiful dragon! Hi Tuna!!
The lily pads and the koi fish in the other dragon pattern are such a neat complement to the dragon!
I have no current stitching skills, but I did have fun with embroidery in jr. high – we had two free hours every week to explore hobbies, crafting, and non-academic subjects. It was a good stretch for us kids, and the teachers got to teach their “passion project” subjects.
A dragon of the night should be free. how about a hoop as part of a dream catcher,