Cross Stitch Cotton

[sophie_1003]

I have a couple of Cross Stitcher magazines with some patterns I really like the look of; I was considering ordering the kit but thought I'd check how much it would be to buy the stuff individually but I'm having trouble finding what I need. One of the patterns asks for DMC 130, 131, 132, 254 and 255 amongst others, I can't find this anywhere, or the Anchor equivalents (which are 80, 798, 797, 3819 and 907) have they got the numbers mixed up? Also; how do I know how much of each I need? Thanks in advance.

[boxtops]

If I were you, I'd order the kit first, as it will have exact quantities - you can then assess the quantity and buy your own if you want to work that design again. The kit will be comprehensive - it would be my preference.

[sophie_1003]

Thanks boxy! They do seem pretty good value to be honest; £38 for one that is quite large when finished and I probably will only ever want to do once.

[boxtops]

I used to do a lot of tapestry and always bought kits (in fact, I still have several upstairs waiting for the time to work them....) - I think they're good value, you know you'll get all you need in the pack.

[sophie_1003]

I've only ever done little bits of cross stitch before so wasn't sure if the kits sold through the magazines were a bit of a rip off but have just had a look at some of the colours I could find and it seems like I'd end up paying a fortune for some that I might only need a tiny bit of and might never use again.
But then again I'd love to have a collection of beautiful threads...which would probably end up at the bottom of a box somewhere collecting dust lol!

[nungate]

Sophie, the best thing to do would be to try and buy your threads and fabrics online. The prices for the threads can come out at around £1 per skein, the fabric, depending on the type you choose i.e. the thread count and whether you buy Aida, or Evenweave. There are quite a lot of ads in your stitching magazines for companies that do mail order, I have a couple of favourites, Very Crafty (lovely gentleman answered the phone and took my order) SewandSo, another favourite of mine is Black Sheep Wools, they all have websites. If you have a Hobbycraft store anywhere near where you live that might also be an idea, or you could watch for one of the Craft and Stitching shows that pop up all around the country a couple of times a year. Let us know how you get on, I'm all for encouraging stitchers! (there are a few of us here on AB you know)

[Ratty2E]

I think there may be a misprint. I have checked my DMC shade chart and can't find them either. In this case I think it would be better to buy the kit as at least you will be sure of getting the correct amounts of the correct shades.

[sophie_1003]

Thanks ratty; am wondering if they got the numbers the wrong way round as could find Anchor 130, 131 etc and colours look right but can't be 100% sure.

[Ratty2E]

Well the second lot of numbers sound more like DMC shades although I don't know what 80 is. Could it be a metallic or variegated thread? Could you contact the magazine and find out if it was a misprint? It happens a lot in sewing/knitting magazines and sometimes they print the correct info in the next issue.

[sophie_1003]

Oops, misprint of my own there; was meant to read 809! I'll probably end up getting the kit to be honest; it seems a pretty good deal having had a look at some threads on the net.