Thank you to all that responded to my question regarding the frames for larger cross stitch patterns! I went to Michaels's today to find something that I could use immediately rather than wait for something ordered. I did find a plastic snap frame, 17" x 17" that is okay for now. With my current project I still have some fabric hanging beyond the frame but at least it's better than what I had!
I had also tried using a wooden scroll frame (with the split rods) but it never stayed balanced and I ended up with a crooked project when I finished and it never stayed taut enough.
I'd like to find a scroll frame that is sturdy enough and works well with these larger patterns that I'm working on. Sometimes it's hard to just "try" something when they are so expensive, and you have to order it...
I've done cross stitch for several years now, but until now, I've always done the smaller patterns, and I've always purchased the kits. Now that I've found this website (and now others with your recommendations), I'm starting to order larger patterns, and I'm starting to accumulate quite the supply of items as well.
Being new to these larger, and more intricate projects, I'm always cautious when ordering things from a website, yet the hobby stores have such a limited supply of materials. It's nice to have this blog to ask questions and get some opinions on these things.
I'm still finding new things here-and-there that I'm looking to try, like storage things, or organizational things....
I keep my floss on the bobbins and in a plastic case, but then I need something smaller to keep my projects separated. I'm terrible at working one project for awhile, then I'll get bored with it and either start another or go back to another one started earlier so there will be times when I've got 4 or 5 patterns going at the same time!
Thanks for responding and all the wonderful suggestions! I think I'll try the E Z Stitch!