How to handle a very wide piece?

Hello again,

Am in LOVE. How amazing would it be to cross stitch the Tree of Life. I can only imagine it would take my whole life to complete...like a lifetime achievement to leave to the kids (as they probably won't get much else with all the money I am spending lately ).

But...how would you go about a project this size?

Have been reading past posts and noticed some people working sideways, which could be an option, but how would you attach the scroll frame to the stand? I have a Lowery with side clamp, would it work with the corner clamp they have I wonder?

It seems the Ehret is quite big too and rather popular. Are the stitchers who made these make them by hand? Am not a big fan of hoops.

I use Artesan scroll frames, the biggest I have is 30 inches. Suppose I can custom order one, but still. If I would make this using 18 count fabric I would need a scroll frame of 50 inches wide!! And with 25 count (which would be a pain for such a big piece, I'd be needing a guide dog when I am done probably) am still looking at it being 38 inches.

Stands would surely topple and I would have to have my kids sit on it whilst working...

Has anyone made this huge piece? Or any other big piece like this? How did you handle it?

Noticed Meredith also designed it in three pieces, which could be a solution (and frame them next to each other), but I would much prefer to do the giant one....

Now I know I should not buy any more patterns or start any more projects and certainly not such a big one...but if I can find a solution I probably will.....

Advice is appreciated! Thanks much,
Bianca
Bianca

When I worked on Sense of Light, I got some dowels from the hardware store to use with a smaller scroll frame I already had. I didn't have a stand at that time, either, so what I did was hook one end on a chair and the other end rested on my dining room table. It was a little awkward at times, but workable.

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Originally posted by BarBaraPrz
When I worked on Sense of Light, I got some dowels from the hardware store to use with a smaller scroll frame I already had. I didn't have a stand at that time, either, so what I did was hook one end on a chair and the other end rested on my dining room table. It was a little awkward at times, but workable.

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Thanks for the tip - I did not even consider doing that, but of course that is a terrific idea and would save quite a bit of money! And you can just buy dowels at the store? I will need to look the word "dowel" up in a dictionary (am native Dutch speaker) as am not sure what that means. Does it involve any woodworking? Or do you buy it and can you use it just like that?

Sorry for the stupid questions, but am rather clueless when it comes to "handy" work, have issues reclosing a Basking & Robbins ice cream cake box, which is my next challenge after I finally mastered pizza boxes, so my level of handiness is that of a 2-3 year old....

Dowels are the wooden rods in a scroll frame.
You can get them in various lengths at a hardware or hobby store.

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Originally posted by BarBaraPrz
Dowels are the wooden rods in a scroll frame.
You can get them in various lengths at a hardware or hobby store.

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Thanks much, I will have to look into that!
Bianca

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Originally posted by Bianca


It seems the Ehret is quite big too and rather popular. Are the stitchers who made these make them by hand? Am not a big fan of hoops.

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Hi Bianca - I recently finished Ehret and the working length of my frame dowels were 36", with a diameter of 3 cm. I couldn't handle doing it sideways - it was also my first SQ piece and I wanted to keep it simple. It was worth the investment and the finished piece took about 2-2,500 hours to complete across four years (I was also doing other stuff, which is why I quote the hours).

I hope this helps with your Tree of Life decision.

Looking forward to seeing updates!

Best wishes - Christine x

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Originally posted by Divecat

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Originally posted by Bianca


It seems the Ehret is quite big too and rather popular. Are the stitchers who made these make them by hand? Am not a big fan of hoops.

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Hi Bianca - I recently finished Ehret and the working length of my frame dowels were 36", with a diameter of 3 cm. I couldn't handle doing it sideways - it was also my first SQ piece and I wanted to keep it simple. It was worth the investment and the finished piece took about 2-2,500 hours to complete across four years (I was also doing other stuff, which is why I quote the hours).

I hope this helps with your Tree of Life decision.

Looking forward to seeing updates!

Best wishes - Christine x

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Hello Christine,

Think I might have seen photos of your beautiful Ehret, did you post them?

Have decided to simply use 18 count Aida and indeed work sideways. In all essence it makes no difference, I just have to renumber the pages of the chart, that is all (and turn my frame). Seems easier than to do the whole thing at 25 count as that is just to painful for the eyes.

Estimated the Tree of Life will take me about 6000 hours and if I compare that to your beautiful Ehret that seems about right. Am thinking 10-20 years as I will rotate as well and also have other stuff that gets in the way once in a while. There is no rush, it is all in good fun and am very excited about it.

Since I doubt highly I will be leaving the kids much this will be my heirloom piece - that is, if I ever finish it, which I do think I will.

Am very excited!!

What type of frame did you use for your Ehret? Are you taking a break or planning a new project?

Best,
Bianca

Hi Bianca - welcome! I have yet to start my first SQ but when I do, it will either be Tree of Life or one of the Peacocks and Peonies windows. Tree of Life I will do over one on ivory, either Hardanger or 18 count Aida, and for Peacocks and Peonies I have already bought white 18 count Aida.

I would love to start Tree of Life together but probably cannot do it until January. It will definitely be super slow going on my part - maybe a page a month. I have far too many Chatelaine and Ink Circles designs on the needle right now, not to mention the various knitting projects! Still, I would love to start an SQ and maybe this will be the motivation for me to get going

Cheers and welcome again!
Tanya

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Originally posted by Tanya2
Hi Bianca - welcome! I have yet to start my first SQ but when I do, it will either be Tree of Life or one of the Peacocks and Peonies windows. Tree of Life I will do over one on ivory, either Hardanger or 18 count Aida, and for Peacocks and Peonies I have already bought white 18 count Aida.

I would love to start Tree of Life together but probably cannot do it until January. It will definitely be super slow going on my part - maybe a page a month. I have far too many Chatelaine and Ink Circles designs on the needle right now, not to mention the various knitting projects! Still, I would love to start an SQ and maybe this will be the motivation for me to get going

Cheers and welcome again!
Tanya

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Tanya, what chatelaines are you working on.. It is wonderful to see them and I see so many I would like to do. I have a few of Martina's finsihed and WIP's.. Patricia

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Originally posted by Patricia
Tanya, what chatelaines are you working on.. It is wonderful to see them and I see so many I would like to do. I have a few of Martina's finsihed and WIP's.. Patricia

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Patricia, I am currently working on Watergarden, Small Hamam Oasis, Herbularius, Hortus Viridarium, Fire Lily Garden Mandala, and soon to start the third in the flower panel series (orchid). As I said, way too many :--) And you wouldn't believe all I have kitted up and ready to go! I also have two finishes: The first two in the flower panel series, the tulip and the iris.

One of these days I will set up a blog so I will have all my stuff in one place, but for now if you head over to the Yuku Chatelaine forum and look for posts by Tanya2, you can see pics of my WIPs.