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.
I would love to see that in a hoop. You can then put it in a shadow box to keep the dust off. Putting crossstitch behind glass flattens it out and make it lose a bit of texture and color in my opinion. But really any way you do it will be wonderful!
Hoop, I think. If you lace it properly, it’s easy enough to undo it and wash the piece if it appears dirty. I like to see the texture of the piece.
Tuna is cute!
Shadow Box to preserve detail
Love the colors on your current needle work project (and Tuna looks good too!!).
I also really love the one you’re thinking about trying next, great color contrast as well.
As a picture framer, I would suggest no glass.
It looks great! I made one from the same creator and I’m even thinking about doing the same one you’re planning to do (eventually, there’s so much I want to do!).
I usually prefer to use frames but this one is so perfectly round that it would look great in a hoop 🙂
Beautiful work!
I personally prefer a frame to a hoop. I guess I prefer angles over circles. You could always do a frame without the glass to keep the texture. It’ll be beautiful no matter what, though.
I would put it in a hoop, and put the hoop in a round frame that opened with hinges and a dragon-ish latch —–ta-da problem solved, you want to touch it take it out, you want it clean and pretty leave it in
Ooohhh the best of both worlds! Good thinking!
Ilona do the hoop! Life’s wear and tear is like developing a patina on a piece of art. Also I really like the next project.
Solution for texture needed for cross stitch might be floating frame or shadow box, since that gives the shadows needed to emphasize the 3d elements. Apologies if this has already been repeated. Fabulous work and good luck in your framing journey
Examples here: https://www.amazon.com/NIMBUS-Floating-Frame-Shadow-Display/dp/B00PKBMBOC and https://www.wayfair.com/Joss-and-Main–2-Piece-Framed-Wood-Ribbon-Shadow-Boxes-Wall-D%C3%A9cor-Set-X114603156-L6851-K~W003592045.html?refid=GX560448448207-W003592045&device=c&ptid=950422569990&network=g&targetid=aud-976909298068:pla-950422569990&channel=GooglePLA&ireid=211830811&fdid=1817&gclid=CjwKCAjwpayjBhAnEiwA-7ena4MgxD6fB_rIksyRUTFHS5eOqlnJdGfX1jYWuMDUGPCy3SDSgzZnyRoCQMEQAvD_BwE
So, while I love the idea of the hoop, I second the frame to preserve it. Its gorgeous and makes me want to cross stitch again but my eyes are already cursing me.
I never frame mine. I love your next choice.
You could choose a shallow shadow box without a mat. The cross stitch can be mounted to a backing and then floated on the backing, leaving a border. This gives a bit of space between the glass and textile so the texture can be appreciated and it then reads as art. Very effective.
What is a pattern like that except but to be held and enjoyed… if you give it away, it is a gift of love!
My preference would be a frame with UV-opaque matte glass for the best viewing while providing good UV protection, which, living in Texas, you certainly need. Otherwise, especially if it will be displayed in a sunny room and double especially if it will receive direct sunlight, your beautiful artwork’s life will be a few years at most and noticeable fading if in direct sunlight within the first year.
Having said that, the final consultation should be between you and your daughter. Whatever the final choice, I’m jealous:-)
Round frame…because there was once a hoop…? But definitely a frame.
If I were your daughter (I would be very lucky!) and I would want to wear or carry this absolutely beautiful piece of art as part of a jacket or – most likely – on a handbag. I would want to show it off to the world. I realize it might not last as long this way, but I would carry it, love it, and care for it as I would a fine, high-end designer handbag, because it would be! And of course, when I wasn’t carrying it, I’d store it in a soft cotton or flannel bag for safety and protection. Please let us know what you and your daughter decide to do. Lucky girl!
+1
ornamental hoop!
pillow would be nice tho
okay! after looking at the water dragon that might be the next big project… definitely pillows. 2 pillows!!
Both Tuna and the tapestry are beautiful.
Ask kid 2 what they want. Also consider mounting on adhesive board and framing without glass.
Pillow?
That is stunning! Love the one you’re considering, too.
you can also turn it into a pillow. I like someone else’s suggestion to ask the kid what they want.
Great Crosstitch dragon. The one you’re thinking of doing next has an awful lot of confetti in it. But I’m sure you can handle it. It is a lovely dragon.
I just found this and thought of you.
https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/lunar-dinner-plates-dragon/?pkey=csale-tabletop-bar
Lunar Dinner Plates, Dragon
I’ve seen those plates in person at Williams Sonoma. You’re right, Christine, they would match beautifully. 🙂
Ooooh… her white ice dragon and her sea dragon in blue and purple are so pretty…. might have to splurge on some cross stitch for myself…
Love it! But I’m a dragon-lover so yes, yes, yes to the next dragon project! I like texture as well. My mom made her crossstitch into pillows- we love them and they have lasted over 30 years . (Also, FYI I have been teaching ceramics workshops on dragons 🐉 and they are very popular with kids as well as adults right now) Tuna is jelly- maybe she needs her own dragon 😸
Love the frame idea but I live with dog dust and pollen, so, necessary here
I have ended up making cushions of various sizes with some of my cross stitch. Often ‘matting’ them with fabric so I can make the cushions larger than the stitched pattern. I’ve got a Dracolair one that I did with a dark navy velveteen for the mounting fabric that I am particularly pleased with.
If you plan to continue the lovely dragon theme, consider making them into cushions, one for each child. Did I just hear a scream? Yes, yes, it’s a lot of work. But, it’s something that will, not only last, but will also remind your kids of your love. For as long as the cushions last, every time they see them, they’ll remember. And, you finished one. I’m certain you feel a wonderful sense of accomplishment. And why shouldn’t you? Not everyone who buys a cross stitch kit finishes it!
That new pattern is beautiful!
The finished one is beautiful too, but I meant the new pattern you’re considering. The dragon is beautiful and the koi and lily pads around the edge are the perfect touch.
For me there is only one correct answer: Pillow. How else can you hand it around for people to admire easily?
my aunt has done cross stitch forever. depending on the size of the project she will leave it in the circle she made it on, trim the extra fabric, and hang it by a hook through the tighten screw thingy
I love cross stitch. I often make cards for new parents with a suitable teddy bear, the name of their little one and their birthday on them. Also for weddings.
Some have framed them, and some have displayed them as is.
It depends on the person receiving the gift, so I too would ask Kid1.
I love the colours in your completed work – very dramatic – and the water dragon with the koi is just beautiful.
It’s very therapeutic to stab a piece of cloth thousands of times over many hours – especially when the end results are so lovely.
If the cross stich circle is inside a square or rectangular piece of material, then what about sewing clothe loops on the back of the material at the 2 upper corners. Then slide a smoothed piece of wood thru the loops. When you hang the wood on the wall you still have the movement of the dragon.
Box frame so that when you look you can see the texture.
This is just beautiful. And of course it is all Tuna. Cats get all the glory.
And I am on the side of framing with matting with gold paint around the circle of the matting like the image on the website. Would not need glass with the matting. I really like the Guardian of Spring one but cross stitch is my nemesis. I can do many other crafts but cross stitch makes me want to pull my hair out. Not sure why. I am amazed at you all who do this so well.
I am currently learning how to knit socks but decided to start with knee highs as they will be great this winter in MN. Didn’t realize what I was getting into as I guess I have large calves and skinny ankles and feet. It has been interesting but fun getting advice from my local knit shop, StevenBe & online resources. I am almost to the heel part…..I wonder how many times I will have to rework that part. LOL.
Love this blog and all your books! And am so curious about the side project.
I have no opinion on the frame vs no frame debate, but the next piece-the Lake Dragon-is beautiful.
Love the cross stitch, it came out beautifully. I’d start one, but I have so many knit WIPs that need finishing.
Because of GA, I’m obviously listening to Kate again. The hyenas are great by the way. I listened straight through, I just couldn’t stop. Great actor for Curren.
Quick question. I may have forgotten if it’s mentioned in a book or maybe I missed it along the way, but is Kate actually human if Roland infused her with his power and imposed Power Words on her?
What about on a hoop mounted in a shadowbox frame?
I like the open round frame. It adds depth to the overall look of the piece.
When is next Hidden Legacy coming out? There are no updates after almost a year?
Hi Juni,
There are no official news about a Hidden Legacy sequel, however the authors have discussed a possible Arabella series during virtual events, so we can hope 🙂.
I didn’t ask what “possible series” it will be or to be patronised, I just want to know a date.
Hi again Juni, I’m sorry my message came across as patronising, it was not my intention.
The Hidden Legacy series is complete after Ruby Fever, the 6th full-sized novel. The contract with Avon HarperCollins has ended. No further sequels have been officially confirmed, so there is no date I can provide.
As I mentioned previously, the possibility exists for future novels in that universe, however nothing is in formal plan stage.
My mama made me a couple of pillows with her needlework. I cherish them.
Tuna is lovely.
That dragon is glorious.
I feel like it needs to be under glass. otherwise it will get dirty over the years and you know how difficult they are to remove from a frame to clean. I have three of my mothers crewel that I’ve had off the wall for 10 years trying to find someone willing to get the cigarette smoke out of them.
I really like the new dragon design, even better than this just finished one.
And i reckon frame it with an ornamental hoop, not under glass.
Love dragons, the one in the lake is truly depth taking! I stopped cross stitching long ago when it started making me cross! I think the patterns were also in black, gray and white and I started having vision difficulties. But I enjoy seeing other stitchers work! So, cross on!
I know this is an older post and you have probably decided on what you will do. My mom did cross stich and framed many of her works, she died in the 1980’s so all her art holds a special space in my heart.
The ones in a dry climate and where behind glass are still in good shape, unfortunately the ones behind glass in humid climates have all gotten moldy and perished to time and mold.
All the works without glass are still in good shape maybe a little dusty or get the occasional dust bunny, which is easy to vacuum clean.
valuable insight for framed items
… didn’t think about humidity issues with glass.
Tuna is my favorite of your kids. Such a cat! I adored the Coco post as well. I love the photo-bombing.
The cross stitch is so beautiful! Is there a reason you can’t make it into a pillow?
I could not find the dragon until I turned it sideways, just needed a change in perception. Needed that reminder, my work place really needed an attitude adjustment yesterday. Best news the center of discontent seems to be moving to another store or quitting. I don’t care which, only want to know how soon. I think the summer stress is getting to everyone. From the first nice day it’s been three cashiers all day long for the last month along with trying to cram in the cleaning and stocking and the constant radio calls for carry out and loading assistance. My people face is getting frazzled. Do I want extra days, hell no!
I would do a hoop. It doesn’t look like there is enough edge to frame it.