(Part 2) Best needlework supplies according to redditors

I bought a mini embroidery hoop on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FV600ZM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I used the shape to get an idea of the size, and then drew the fist on a piece of linen - put that in a larger embroidery hoop that was easier to work with, and then just used different color threads for the outline and inside. Then I took it out of the big hoop, cut it to fit the small one and glued it all together.

For something so small it was more time-consuming than I thought, but also probably because I'm a beginner. I think it took about 6 hours, but it was nice because its relaxing and I can listen to podcasts while working on it :D

Had someone ask me how it was done, so I though I would let everyone know. It's cross-stitching done on a special case (link) with pattens that can be found online.

Here you go. There are four in the series. Enjoy :)

https://www.amazon.com/DOMEI-Stamped-Stitch-Flower-Magpie/dp/B00OPQF6UE

I've been bedridden for 5ish years, with some in and out in the last bit. Here's some things that helped me:

​

1. Laptop and internet. When I suddenly became disabled right out of college I lost basically all of my friends. People tend to lose touch during those kinds of transitional periods, and honestly I was the friend who was always driving people places so they weren't in the habit of visiting me. Internet access helped keep me connected in some way to other people. For me, it's not the same because I have a very difficult time bonding with others in an online setting, but it was definitely better than staring at a wall.
   
   
2. Get a wheelchair. I recommend an electric wheelchair, because you will be too tired to push around in a manual chair. If transporting a big, two ton chair is something you don't think you can do, try a folding wheelchair with a removeable motor, like the Smart Drive. (They're also waterproof which can be a big boon.) Honestly, having a wheelchair so I could leave the house without being carried was HUGE for me. That and moving to a new home that was wheelchair accessible and on the bus line. I still don't go out super often, because I am still tired a lot, but it has made a big difference in my agency. (People will say "oh no, wheelchair so tragic" but fuck them. Wheelchairs are a goddamned blessing. Being unable to get out of bed sucks, and wheelchairs are the magic that lets you move around.)
   
   
3. Acceptance. For me, a really huge thing was accepting that the condition I have (EDS/POTS) is lifelong. It cannot ever be cured, only managed. There is so much going on in lack of control of your life, and as I am mildly a control freak, that was REALLY hard for me to adjust to. We are taught a lot of negative things about being disabled, but in truth humans are extremely adaptable. Much more than we realize. We can enjoy life even with extreme restrictions on us. We can adapt! This too, shall become normal. And that's actually a good thing. When you accept that your body may just suddenly quit on you, you can make better decisions on how you spend the energy you have on good days. You can enjoy life with what you have, and know that it may not last. But that's okay. This too shall pass. Roll with the blows. Making friends with other disabled people, disabled people with conditions all over the spectrum, can help you see that being bedridden is just another way of life. It's normal, and a lot of people live normal, happy lives while mostly being in bed. And that's okay.
   
   
4. Don't overdo your good days. Many conditions have good and bad days. If this is true for you, you'll be able to do more some days than others, and it can be tempting to get everything crammed in that you can. For folks who are generally healthy but have been bedridden due to a temporary illness, pushing through can help them get rid of deconditioning. If, like me, your illness affects bodily functions necessary to sustain life, then pushing yourself on good days will actually damage your organs and make you sicker over time. And man, did I push lol. Instead, do **less** than you are physically able to do on good days. Leave yourself a lot of comfort cushion. The goal is to try to do just a little bit every day, whether good or bad, and hold on to that. Don't ever start doing more until you can go two weeks in your routine without any problems. This will protect you from huge backlashes and help you stabilize your baseline health. (This was a really hard lesson to learn!)
   
   
5. Hobbies, hobbies, hobbies. Seriously, connect with things you love that you can do while sick. It is so easy to lose sight of yourself and the things you love when you are perpetually in a crisis. Read. (With brain fog, I can't read well anymore and I've always had a hard time understanding audio, so I do both at once and that seems to work for me.) Draw. (Get a drawing tablet, Bamboo Create is a good start, or get a scanner for traditional arts.) Write. (If you like to write, you can do it on your own or start working on a project with others online.) Learn to program. (I develop a type of video game called a visual novel!) Knit. (I can't get ahold of the tension, but I use a mechanical knitting machine-- this is the best one for the price and it saves a lot of fatigue as well.) Try needle felting. (You can make cute 3D animals with wool while working out your anger/frustration by stabbing things with needles.) Learn to mold clay sculptures. (I eventually want to make to-scale Pokemon figures.) Watch movies/shows. (I watch a lot of anime on crunchyroll or from nyaa torrents.) Try tabletop gaming! (Like Dungeons and Dragons type stuff, but there's lots of different genres. Ryuutama is a really nice, relaxing one! Exalted is about being a demi-god badass. Blue Rose or Queen's Cavaliers are both really neat and diverse worlds. There's something for everyone, plus can get a lot of social activity in without much physical requirements.)

Nice video.

Just to add, I once did some tests with another engineer to determine how tightly you should stretch the material. Turns out looser is better: more pop protection with no resultant loss in sound quality. Stretch it just enough to keep its form over the frame and it will probably outperform the commercially produced ones.

Also, for a cleaner look, some people use an embroidery hoop instead of the wire hanger.

Thanks! It's my biggest project to date.

Here is the link!

For future reference, I found this on Amazon -

59"x 36" 18CT white Counted Cotton Aida Cloth Cross Stitch Fabric https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EY7QMVG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_mxoyCbTP8Q49N

Dont know if this would be big enough but maybe?

I posted this in another sub about a month ago for someone wanting to learn:







It's a very inexpensive hobby. Here are the things I put on my Amazon list, just for reference if you or anyone else needed it:

Set of 4 different sized wooden hoops- $11.99 Plastic ones may be easier for some people, I prefer wooden because they're more my style for framing.

Aida 14ct Cloth 12x18- $3.55 14ct Aida is easiest to work with for beginners. The size of this is good for practicing on, get a couple so you can use the other for your first project. You can also purchase large rolls of it when you start becoming obsessed with it. They also come in lots of different colors and easy to dye yourself.

Set of 150 different colored skeins of DMC floss- $15.98 This is a great amount to start off with. It'll last you a long time, and if you ever need more or want new colors, they are very inexpensive from any craft store and Walmart. Usually around $0.25-$0.50. FYI floss splits apart into 6 tiny strings. Start off using only 2-3 strands
Do all 6 and you're gonna have a bad time.

Needles!- $3.49 Can't stitch without needles!

Bobbins and a thread organizer- $6.49 You will need this. I waited too long to get one and ended up have to wind up hundreds of tangled skeins and it took HOURS. Do it before you start practicing. Also write the thread color number on the top of each bobbin with permanent marker. When you use patterns they will be based off the color numbers.

Julie Jackson's subversive cross stitch book- $12.99 If you like those snarky offensive cross stitchings, this is the best book for it. It's also an amazing beginners guide into cross stitching. It has brief instructions on how to start and very simple but adorably offensive patterns. You can also get other books or use YouTube to find instructions on how to get started. I'd also like to suggest going to etsy for patterns. They're pretty cheap and there's endless options.

So about $55 to get started plus shipping, but it'll last you a long time and could be used on many different projects and you won't spend nearly as much when you do need something else.

I started with an all in one kit just to see if I liked it. I'd suggest that, then everything you need to try it out comes in one thing, and if you like it you can buy better equipment later if you want to.

This is the one I used: https://www.amazon.com/Dimensions-Learn-Hummingbird-Counted-X-Stitch/dp/B001IKGMM6

Yes, it was this pattern from Amazon: Full Range of Embroidery Starter... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WHMZ8RD?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[Link to kit] (Pinecone Cross Stitch Kit https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00YVP0QZ4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_1k3Cyb1Y40A0H)

Started this a while back, but finally finished it earlier this year for my sister's baby shower. It's the Woodland Baby Stamped Cross Stitch Crib Cover Kit by Bucilla. I did end up changing some of the colors as I went to better fit in with what she liked.

So there's a few options for ornaments.
There's a more versatile [plastic hoops](
http://amzn.to/2fLvoyB) that you can glue things to, like the ribbon or rope in the photos. Or you can do a more simple wooden hoop with ribbon.
Either way, just searching for a 3 inch cross stitch hoop works pretty well. There are also plastic hoops like this you can find.

Source for project.

Very ambitious for a first project! This is my favorite painting! Also, be sure and throw your source in the actual reddit post in the future versus in the imgur album ;)

Did you enjoy it, will you continue stitching?

I got the kit on Amazon. Very simple, took no time at all, but it was a lot of fun. My grandmother LOVES her dog, so hopefully she'll like this too.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00OY2DUUC?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_yo_pop_mb_pd_t2

Stitch people are on their second edition. As a purchaser, you can also join a private facebook group.

Alternatives

There is a Martha Stewart limited set of templates

http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/web/pdfs/2011Q4/cross-stitch-msl1111.pdf

​

Dimensions also offers an All in the Family kit

https://www.amazon.com/Dimensions-Needlecrafts-Crossstitch-Family-Various/dp/B016QNCBTM/ref=asc_df_B016QNCBTM/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198074093739&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16137928166464932341&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9005669&hvtargid=pla-348985590933&psc=1

​

If you plan on doing a bunch, Stitch People is worth the price. They are getting ready to launch a separate Backgrounds book - I got my download today (thanks Stitch People!)

Here's the link to the kit on US Amazon, you should get it!

I looked it up because I don't like prestamped (but I do like that it's 11 count) and found there another kit by Benway that's not prestamped but is 14 count. Now I'm torn between the two!

Found it!

https://www.amazon.com/Dimensions-Needlecrafts-Counted-Barnyard-Kitties/dp/B00120W8L6/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Is this the pattern? Trying to track it down so I can make one for myself https://www.amazon.com/DOMEI-Stamped-Stitch-Flower-Magpie/dp/B00OPQF6UE

Now that I'm at a desktop, I can send you this. Here's a link to the aida I bought.

This would make my day. I woke up sick, my boyfriend's in a bad mood, and I want to take up cross stitching. So I went to the craft store, picked up fabric and thread and needles... And a hoop.

Only to discover that my hoop is too small. :(

The dog ate my homework! That jerk!

The pattern I am using for Suzy and Sam is: https://www.etsy.com/listing/106039882/pdf-moonrise-kingdom-characters?ref=shop_home_active_8 .

I just always loved that quote and decided it needed to be on my cellphone case. The cell phone case was bought on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DC4TN2C?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00 .

I'm in the UK and got it from Hobbycraft, but it's pretty common so could probably get it from Amazon? https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dimensions-Learn-Craft-Hummingbird-Counted/dp/B001IKGMM6

Here's the one I used :)

My therapist tells me to journal a lot and I found this book hilarious https://www.amazon.com/Let-That-Sh-Go-Creating/dp/1250181909
In my 10 and under

But personally art helps me best, I'm trying to get into felting ”stabbing something over and over” https://www.amazon.com/Artec360-Needle-Felting-Succulent-Merino/dp/B071Y5BH5N
In my art list.

I hope you find your solution!

This is in my left front pocket all the time.

Leather - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0756JPKJX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_ntJXDbXGFMV88

Sewing kit-
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N5P125K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_quJXDbB4AAG22

If you tell me which pattern you are getting I can give you specifics. But in general all you need is: the cloth to stitch on (common brands are aida and evenweave, and as a beginner you will want to use aida), color thread (called floss, there are several brands like DMC and Anchor), a tapestry needle (it's more blunt than a regular needle), and something to hold your project while you work (typically people use a hoop but I like the q-snap better since it's a square instead of a circle).

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dimensions-PET-Hair-Ivory-6-inch/dp/B00OY2DUUC/ref=pd_aw_fbt_21_img_2/257-4749456-1518524?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00OY2DUUC&pd_rd_r=1b9b3aad-66bd-41aa-8f95-4392b6829454&pd_rd_w=EpeSL&pd_rd_wg=8DqPc&pf_rd_p=3e546b48-4521-4ade-9bbf-acdeedf5edda&pf_rd_r=G72Z9NHHKKT6KP0MKZQM&psc=1&refRID=G72Z9NHHKKT6KP0MKZQM

That’s the link to the amazon listing, and the seller is called dimensions (also says it’s copyrighted to them on the packaging) but I don’t know much more information.

Do you mean actual hoops to hold the finished piece, or the jump ring that hangs it on the necklace? Amazon carries 1.5" rounds, and I also saw some 3 inch rounds as well. That said, you might want to consider just mounting the finished piece on a bezel with a glass cabochon on top.

Back- https://i.imgur.com/yIjbeEi.jpg

Kit- https://www.amazon.com/Dimensions-Needlecrafts-Crossstitch-Family-Various/dp/B016QNCBTM/ref=asc_df_B016QNCBTM/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198074093739&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5131092362723212034&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9022250&hvtargid=pla-348985590933&psc=1

As a former anime nerd I have snooped and found some age appropriate potential gifts (I don't know what she's seen though!)

Rylee:

• Boruto Manga vol 1 Sequel to the Naruto manga series, a lot less sad so far
  
  
• Gravity Falls Cinestory Comic vol 1 Gravity Falls is an age appropriate Disney Cartoon that's honestly really cool and unique. The story gets pretty deep so you can enjoy reading it together if you want!
  
  
• Avatar The Last Airbender Complete Series A beautiful epic story about a young protagonist tasked with saving the world from a century old war. If you haven't seen it, watch it with her. This is an American cartoon but it is a must watch
  
  
• Spirited Away If she hasn't seen it, this is one of the most popular Ghibli films. Family appropriate with strong cultural references.
  
  
• The Magic Kingdom of Landover part 1 This includes the first three novels in the series by Terry Brooks. One of the first fantasy novel series I was able to get into at a young age
  
  
• Needle Felting Tool and Project Kit to make some cute plush kitties in a cool crafty way. Might not be good for the 8 year old to try but Rylee should be fine!
  
  
  Trinity:
  
  
• Karakuri Papercraft Book Learn to make mechanical paper sculptures. They're very cool!
  
  
• Paint Your Own Horse Figurine Kit
  
  
• Tetris 3D Puzzle
  
  
• Ducktales Xbox360 Game Awesome remastered video game from the 80's!
  

I'm sure that whatever you choose, she'll appreciate the effort! :)

Needle felting is pretty fun to do with people, you can bond over now much the needle hurts when you accidentally stab yourself with it. They have starter sets, but you could just use it as an idea of what to buy individually.

Thanks! I actually just got all my stuff at Hobby Lobby. I'm sure any larger craft store would have supplies you're looking for. The workers are always knowledgable in my experience. I bought a small pack of natural colors, and purchased more variety packs as I needed. It seems more economical to buy packs of wool. Since I didnt know if I would like it, I didnt buy more than just a little but bulk also seems like a good move. Amazon seems to have good starter kits.

Something like what's below seems to cover all the stuff I got in store, prolly for cheaper. I dont have experience with this particular kit however. Extra needles is always nice because I've already broken 3 😬
Heidifeathers Needle Felting Starter Kit - Handle, Finger Guards, German Glass Eyes and Instructions - Free Post https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K2YSUUG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_3rERDbSYVS5XJ

It is this kit http://www.amazon.com/BUCILLA-46186-Woodland-Stamped-34-Inch/dp/B00RA2F65K so instead of the holey Aida cloth, it is stamped onto the fabric. I am thinking of doing batting in between though just because I'm not exactly a confident cross stitcher and I do knot my thread on the back, which is supposed to be a no no. But especially with it being a baby item that's going to be washed, I'm not comfortable with just weaving my ends in. So I think you might be able to feel the designs and knots through the backing fabric if I just do the two layers.

Edit: cute blanket! I think it might do that, since each design on the blanket is blocked in, I could just stitch around the block and that should be enough to hold it

Bulk Buy: Darice DIY Crafts Wooden Embroidery Hoops Round 4 inches (6-Pack) 39012 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KNB58QW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3G.FDbZ6J7BH4

I’m 98% sure these were the ones I got

Dimension - Barnyard Kitties
https://www.amazon.com/Dimensions-Needlecrafts-Counted-Barnyard-Kitties/dp/B00120W8L6/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Stolen entirely from u/Ilickedthecinnabar, thanks for that! I couldn't find it anywhere for the life of me.

simplest: zip ties

best: heavy duty needle & thread: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N5P125K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1