Is tapestry boring and expensive or should I try it?

[curiouscat]

Hi, I've seen the Ehrman tapestry catalogue which sells cushion kits for about £35 plus a frame for £14. I like one or two of the designs but am concerned at spending so much on something I may hate (will start with a small design of course). I'm a knitter so quite crafty but never tried tapestry. Can anyone reassure me? Any tips? In particular if I do finish the thing will it be really hard to back/stuff it or whatever? Thanks for any advice.

Tapestry is totally addictive.

I never use a frame, and it comes up OK, although I have been doing it a long time and try to stretch it afterwards.

It is very easy to stuff/make into a cushion etc.

Happy stitching I say

Oooooohhhh Ehrman, doing one of theirs at the moment, don't bother with a frame, gets in the way and you can stretch it afterwards.

Hi Sophiewd, which one are you doing? Not a cat I suppose?

I did it for a while before I went back to knitting. It's quite enjoyable, and I like the Ehrman kits. I started making my own designs for children's stuff eventually though, because it just feels a bit like painting by numbers after a few kits. It's quite easy to turn them into cushions and stuff

No, the cabbage and apple rug, so long but beautiful.

Cabbage and apple rug sounds lovely! Thanks everyone for the advice, I'll ask for the cat I liked as an Xmas present and see how I get on. I understand what Tamum means about painting by numbers but as I'm not a good enough knitter to design my own, beyond choosing colours/wool I like, following knitting patterns is similar I guess.

I don't use a frame either.

I find it really relaxing to do, and I can watch the tv or listen to the radio at the same time.

I can recommend www.jollyred.co.uk. Their designs are also fab.

Had a look at that website, gosh they are lovely, will invest in one which I can put DD's name and DOB on and another for the one due in June. Thanks for that.

I'm reviving this thread because I wanted to ask about the 'painting by numbers' aspect.

My MIL recently said ooh look at this that I"ve done, pointing to a framed tapestry thing that she'd done." Unsaid was "aren't I great?" However, DH and I had to try hard to be complimentary because apart from the fact that she is a huge PITA, what is so great about stitching onto a preprinted piece of material?

Sorry, I have probably insulted some of you and my feelings about MIL are colouring my thoughts but, really, what is tapestry all about? Where does the challenge/interest lie? Do tell - I really do want to know. Thank you.

(Someone on this thread that knitting is a bit like that because you follow a pattern but I do think that is different.)