A very comprehensive selection of charts and threads (they are adding fabric). I found the site a little difficult to navigate at times possibly because it uses frames. Now I will be upfront here and say that I generally dislike frames. They limit the area you can view, they do not add to readability, and it is too easy for you to get locked into a frame when you don't want to be. I like to be in a full screen. Another issue I have with the site is that many of the pictures are not clear. The first one you see is quite small and when you click to expand it it's still not always easy to see what the chart looks like. Finally my pet peeve exists here, no photos of fibers, you have no idea what you are buying if the shop posts no photo or no link showing you what a color looks like. You cannot be expected to get something sight unseen. Now that might be excusable to save on space, but here it goes a step further. Here they don't post pictures of the charms they sell. They expect you to know what they look like because they reference the kit they go with. Well what if I just want to take a look? What if I am interested in buying some embellishments for my own design or changing one that was called for in a designer's? I think this is a poor policy. I do appreciate the need to conserve space to save money, but no one should buy something sight unseen. Nuff said.
Crossstitch.com is a site where you can buy patterns online and download them immediately. I found the pictures to be quite nice, and very detailed. They say that they specialize in charts that don't use partial stitches or backstitching so if you're one of those who hate to backstitch this may be just your ticket. There are several free designs available so you can give them a try and see if these designs are to your taste. Personally I think you'll be quite pleased.
Terri does wonderful work. Chocolate Cat sells reproduction samplers (and as far as this uneducated eye can tell they are quite good) as well as original design samplers. I thought all the designs lovely, and especially liked Shelly's Sampler. The site is well laid out, easy to navigate, prices are quite reasonable with free shipping in the US.
When I went to this site I was immediately struck by huge number of designers they listed. It's simply stunning. Everything from Alma Lynne, Mirabella, 4 My Boys, Lizze Kate, I could go on. A decent number of accessories including all sizes of Q-snap frames and my personal favorite notion Thread Heaven. My only problem with the site is that they use frames, and it restricts the area that you can view and navigate in. Frames aren't always a bad thing, but here they are a real annoyance. They should make for ease of use, not work against it.
Just beautiful, beautiful stuff. This is a designer web site where you will find some of the most wonderful cross stitch you've seen. Including a picture of that ultimate embroiderer Mary Queen of Scots who amused herself in her imprisonment by stitching. Dragon Fire doesn't sell direct, but does provide a link to shops that carry it's designs. If you're not near one you may be able to call and ask for a mail order, or better still ask your LNS to contact them about getting you what you want. Neither you nor your local shop owner will be sorry.
Brenda does simply wonderful work. The colors on these fibers must be seen. The Dye is Cast offers beautiful soft 100% cotton threads that are in themselves works of art, this is obvious just from the web photos. A wonderful feature is her supply sacks that are available for some designers popular designs. You can buy all the thread (and embellishments if necessary) needed for certain charts. You will also find a small number sweet whimsical designs of their own. I particularly liked the birth sampler that was simple and could be worked up fairly quickly. The Dye is Cast, is a real jewel, check it out.
This is a good solid site with much to offer. A large list of designers (many of my personal favorites) and a very good selection of threads. There was one overdyed I'd not heard of before, from Crescent Colours, that looked quite nice when I went to the manufacturer's site. Two features of special note. First, for this floss addict, is their floss club. Join and for $15 they will automatically send you a selection of floss each month. You may choose GAST, Weeks Dye Works, or their Surprise Pack, which is a mixture of the rest plus a surprise. Very reasonable and a great way to build stash. Second is the way they deal with fabric. Several times I've stated in reviews how annoying it is when a site posts no pictures of a fabric. It's hard to buy long distance when you have no idea of a color, or the look of a weave. It's true that there are variables, and no picture can really render the fabric well, but some idea is helpful when making a design choice. I strongly feel pictures are a necessary thing. Well, Down Sunshine Lane doesn't give pictures, BUT they do tell you where to go to find them. Now how simple was that? Why don't other sites do the same thing? Most, like this site, buy from Wichelt Imports, or Zweigart, so pointing to the pictures is easy. That's the sermon for today. Now go to the site you will like it I am sure.
