Hello all. Kind of newish here.
Hello to all of my fellow cross stitchers out there. I am newish to the website. I have read a lot of posts but rarely post myself. I bought a couple of kits and started the cozy kittens one a couple of weeks ago. I love it and think it is really cute but holy Hannah is that chart small, if I just hadn't gotten my eyes checked and bought new glasses I would think it was me. I had to bite the bullet and admit I need a magnifying glass. I don't want to wear the head one since I already wear glasses and I think that would be a bit much for me to tolerate. I bought one a long time ago but it wouldn't stay on the pattern and kept slipping off. My question is have any of you bought something like that and how do you like it? My other question is how do you keep it on the pattern. I live in a small town so my options are limited unless I want to drive 45 miles for a magnifying glass, which I will do but would prefer not to as I try to support what little we have in the way of local business and I don't like to spend money at Walmart if I can help it.

Thanks all and happy stitching.
Nettie
Posted by: Nettie on 04/24/17
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Hi Nettie! Welcome to the chat. Do you have a copier at home so you can enlarge the pattern? I had one pattern that I folded the chart in fours and enlarged each section because my home copier is so small.
If you don't have a home copier, is there an Office Max or a Kinkos or Staples or Fed Ex or Mailbox stores. You might want to even try your local library.
One thinG, if you go to an office Max or other retail stores listed above because some of them may refuse to make a copy because of copy right laws. If your pattern has it written that you are allowed to make one copy, you can point that out to them by showing them.
Posted by: Bermuda on 04/24/17
Welcome Nettie! I haven't had experience with magnifying glasses yet. My prescription lenses are very strong. But the kittens are adorable. If you can enlarge the pattern, you will really love doing this one I think. Try the library, as Bermuda suggested, if they have a copier. My library has never raised any objection to me copying a pattern. They might all be different but it can't hurt to try.
Posted by: Bluejay on 04/25/17
Nettie, I too need help in reading the charts and seeing the holes in the fabric as I age. I bought a set of magnifying glasses to help me see better. If you can't find them locally, you can find them in general merchandise catalogs that are always coming the in mail.

I go to my library and use their copier to enlarge my patterns. I make at least one working copy and put the original copy away in a safe place. They've never questioned me about copy right laws.

On the working copy, I mark off the stitches I've done with a highlighter pen so I can keep track of where to begin the next time I stitch.

If you have more questions, just ask. We are here to help and to learn from each other.

I'm not an employee of ECS, just a stitcher who saw your post.

Diana

Posted by: Lady D on 04/25/17
I have the magnifier that goes on your head and I wear glasses at the same time. I don't have any problems with the set-up. The head gear is very light weight, and once you get used to it, is great. When I look at my fabric, is through the bi-focal part off my glasses, and when I look at my chart, it's through the distance part. When I want to look at the TV or something else, I can easily look over the magnifier. It does take a day or two to get the hang of it, but I think it's worth it.

The brand I use is mag-eyes, with the lowest magnification, and Everything Cross Stitch sells it now.
Posted by: Simon Purple on 04/25/17
Hi Netti! Make sure that you have really good direct lighting. Makes a big difference.
Posted by: maggionthebeach on 04/25/17
I use the flip-up type magnifiers on my regular reading glasses...since I wear them low on my nose, I can see the pattern, my stitching, instructions, tv, whatever...I usually enlarge my copies, but somebody was suggesting scanning to a laptop and zooming areas being stitched....sounds very doable...if you have a laptop. :)
Posted by: VCESS on 04/25/17
Thanks to all of you who responded. I bought a clip light for books so I am using that for illumination and that does help but not as much as I like. I would try the copier thing but I don't have one and the library has such an old one it won't let you enlarge, either that or none of us could figure it out, which could definitely have been the case....lol I am actually going to the town 45 miles away for a friends birthday and they have a hobby lobby so I will look there and see what I can find. :)


Happy stitching!!!
Nettie
Posted by: Nettie on 04/26/17
Hi, Nettie. I have the same issue with charts. I tried the magnifier in the light bit, a hand held magnifier, etc. Nothing worked comfortably for me. I gave up and enlarged my own charts. I ran into a large project that required several sections and had problems getting the result I wanted. Eureka moment!.... I took it down to my office products supplier and they supplied it "in color" and enlarged for me for a very minimal cost. I would say this is EASY CHEESY! Much less angst. Best of luck to you.
Posted by: jzigler on 04/28/17
Hi Nettie,
JUST IN CASE, you can't find what you need at Hobby Lobby- I'm assuming your considering getting something that will enlarge your pattern VISUALLY such as a magnifier- I would take your pattern with you to your friend's birthday party, in case there is a Office Depot or a business supply place where she lives that can enlarge the pattern the way you want; a PLAN B so to speak....:)
Posted by: Bermuda on 04/28/17
Nettie, sounds like all you need to make things easier is a good light and to have the pattern enlarged. I use an Ott light and love it (the floor model). I bought mine at JoAnn's a few years ago while on sale. All the office supply stores will make enlarged copies for you. So don't despair - there are solutions for most things. Good luck.
Oh, you can order the light on-line.
Posted by: Texas Stitcher on 04/28/17