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I've sewn on cards using a sewing machine, but cross stitching is not going to happen with me. I don't have the patience for these type of dies. In my stash of embossing folders I have a cross-stitch pattern which will work on a background.
I watched Vicky today, probably right before you posted. I downloaded the free patterns from Waffle Flower. I used to cross stitch all of the time. So, I watch the video, read her blog post, see the dies, and think about trying it with Aida cloth if I have the patience to stitch those tiny holes, that is. As I get older, my eye-sight gets worse and those tiny holes are not as enjoyable as when I was young. It does look fun to try something different but I doubt I am ready to spend the money on the dies.
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I can't see the value in the cross-stitch dies. You can buy perforated paper to cross-stitch on, after all. And the shapes are pretty simple and could easily be traced and cut by hand.
I used to cross stitch back when my eyesight was better but the idea of cross stitched dies leaves me cold. I still have tons of aida cloth, and even some perforated paper, left over from my stitching days. The perforated paper always tore and frustrated me. I imagine the same thing happening with the cross stitch dies. That being said, I do have two stamp sets that are faux cross stitched designs, and those are fun. However, not interested in spending hours trying to stitch on paper.
wow - the detail is amazing. I too used to do counted cross stitch back in the day... and I also used to make cards with the " Punch Needle Embroidery" ("Russian Punch" was the original name when I started with it in the mid 80's) where you actually work from the back, and pushing the specialty needle into cloth gave you loops on the front side... every so often I dig it out and use it. Recently on HSN they brought it back, but I don't recall which company was reintroducing it.
Amen to all of the above. I don't have Aida cloth any more and gave all of my floss to one of my cousins who is an avid cross-stitcher. I do still have a fairly large stash of perforated paper and, as has already been mentioned, I can trace a pattern or use the cross stitch patterns that I kept. We used to make treat bags out of wallpaper samples back in the day, with a cross stitch panel on the front. Maybe I'll resurrect that idea for the holidays...
I still have a punch needle, too. Actually, I have two - a small one for embroidery and a large one you use with yarn to make rugs. May revisit those, too, if I get bored with other things (not likely but, hey, you never know).
In any case, the answer to the original question is no, I will not be buying any of these dies...
No, Stitchable Dies are not for me; I make lots of cross stitch Christmas ornaments every year, lots on perforated paper and these are 2 separate hobbies for me! I love dies but not ones that I have to stitch on!
Cross stitch is my first love for crafting. No, I don't think I will get the dies. Even small projects like the above video showed take forever to stitch. A small heart project can take up to 20 minutes to stitch if you want it to look professional and nice. I like each of my stitch projects to be unique so I never repeat a pattern. I would end up owning a bunch of dies I would never use again. I also learned how to make patterns using my electronic machines (Snc, Cameo, Cricut) many moons ago. It was one of the reasons I got into electronic cutters. There are tutorials on how to do that online.
I will admit that I am stitching elitist. I am not saying that flippantly I am one of "THOSE" stitching elitist. I think the dies teach bad cross stitching habits that might be hard to unlearn if a newbie wanted to explore more cross stitching in their future. I can see a lot of people just grabbing their sewing needles just jabbing away at the paper and wondering why it's not turning out correctly.
I do think the dies are good idea if you are a teacher who is just trying to find a fun quick project for kids to do as you teach them dexterity skills. You can whip up a bunch of easy cross stitch patterns and kit them up quickly in bulk. Also would be good for nursing home patients if you were a creative director, for example. Bulk cutting I think the dies would be a decent investment because you get your money's worth.
I do think a few cross-stitchers will have them in their toolbox just for "quick" whip up projects that they can combine their love of paper crafting with stitching. I can see that niche of stitchers enjoying the dies. I look forward to see what they will create with them. I do think it will be a small niche. Most stitchers want floss, materials and new patterns. Dies are expensive. I can buy a whole kit for one die.
Speaking of punch needle. I am about ready to start a punch needle projects. I was waiting for my hands to heal after my accident but I hope to start my project on Monday. I already have it kitted up and lovingly setting on my desk ready to go. It is the cutest deer pattern. I have a real needle set from Russia. It's one of my most prized possessions.
I got a package of these 'pre-poked' designs at Ecstacy Crafts last year. They may still be carrying them. https://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/2986755?&cat=500&ppuser=30633
I agree the perforated paper will accomplish the same thing as the stitchable dies. Using the tons of cross stitch patterns I have would give more variety. I actually use the embroidery floss on my cards as well as crochet thread. Not one to waste anything.
Counted cross stitch is way in my past, and my very literal DH has trouble imagining even straight stitching where some dies put it. For example, you and I know a photo-inspired quilt of a snowly hillside is beautiful, but he says No to stitched snowly hillsides. :-) Nope, I'm not buying cross-stitched dies of any image!
Nope for me. With my luck I would pull the thread too tight and tear right through the paper!
My thought is if I am going to spend all that time on something that heavily stitched, I would rather do it on fabric and make a permanent piece for the recipient.
I am a cross-stitcher and have stitched on everything: fabrics, plastic and perforated paper, but... having purchased one of those dies to create perforated card stock, I decided I much prefer buying perforated paper ready-made to punching out all those itty bitty dots (Both from the card AND the die), only to find that the die won’t always cut evenly through 80lb card, let alone 110lb!
Are you ready for Stitchable Dies?
