question for canvas workers

I usually hold the frame on my lap or lean it against a table, but when I do need to stitch with two hands, I use my System 4. It's the only one I've found that holds steady and I like the way it allows me to turn the canvas to see the back. Seems easier to use than other stands I have tried.

It is a great stand. I had purchased 3 different stands, and they weren't as good as this one. I highly recommend it.

I am new at posting on a newsgroup, if you are looking for the website for the Needlework System 4 stand see my post above. (I ment to reply to her post).

What ever frame you choose make sure the twill tape is 100% cotton and stapled every 1" or 1-1/2 otherwise in time the twill tape (polyester) gives(sags) between the staples.

For me it depends on how big the canvas is but I have never used a stand. We only live in a small cottage and dont have room to leave a stand set up for weeks on end in a place that is comfortable to work in.

I did a set of six dining chair set covers us in Beth Russell's "Artichoke" desisn using a 24" x 12" frame. As I normally work at my desk, I just pull out the top left hand drawer about 3-4" and rest the frame between the top of the drawer and the underside of the top and work . This lets me get about

2/3 the way across. I then swivel round and do the same thing with the Right hand top drawer.

I have also done Beths "African Marigold" rug and have almost finished her "Acanthus" rug (except for about 4 sq ins of background and need one skein of crewel to finish). to do this size I made 4ft 6in x 15" frame from two broom handles, two pieces of 2" x 1" and four bolts & wing nuts. Its a bit big for the drawers so I still sit at my desk and wedge the end of the frame under the front of my computer monitor instead.

I dont use tape to attach the canvas, as the broom handles are reasonably soft wood I use drawing pins (thumb tacks) spaced about 1.5 - 2' apart with at least one full turn of canvas wraped around before I start to sew.

Hope this helps

Steve

I'm another table leaner, even when stitching 2 handed. Usually I use a scroll type frame, although I have had problems keeping the work taut. I don't usually bother with lacing up the sides either, the lazy sod I am.

I can see a floor frame being useful for large works, except they take up a lot of space. I would probably not use one, just use more table. Dora

For me it depends greatly on the canvas. If its pre painted I put it on stretcher frame if it's not too big. If it's counted from a pattern I use my scroll frame with the most perfect stand, a Lowery stand.

Ah. Thanks. The System 4 looks intriguing. Right now I'm interested in something portable as I have a large stand for at home. Guess I'm off to Needlewoman East sometime today to see what's available there.

Donna in Virginia

The System 4 is very portable -- it breaks down into pieces. The floor stand will go in my suitcase. That's one reason I chose it.

I got to Needlewoman East today and purchased an Elan table/lap stand by Artisan Designs. Very few choices there today and I'm under time constraints (no time to go internet shopping.) But I do like the quality of the stand and think it will work for me.

Donna in Virginia