comments:
I’m like you, jumped straight past any easy projects and started large, almost full coverage pieces. My advice to you is, make sure that project is something you love because it’s gonna be with you for months. I’m working on a 400x400 (29x29” with the 3” border) family portrait on 18 black Aida and, while it’s not kicking my butt yet, it’s SLOW going. For something your size, I’d definitely look into scroll frames. You might be able to do it on a Q-Snap, but especially if there’s a ton of colors and an intricate pattern to follow, it’s often best to have it all laid out. I love the ones on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DY755MWJ) but there’s a lot of choices out there. Spend your time making sure the prep you do is done well! Gridding, stitching the edges to prevent fraying, that prep can be a make or break on any project. The hardest part is, you’re still “young” enough with CS that you don’t quite know what you like to do in every situation. Things like stands, scroll frames, Aida selection, prep etc are things you’ll figure out the more projects you do. Im definitely not saying don’t start out big (lmao I’d be a hypocrite if I did!), but know that it’ll take a lot of experimentation to find something that works for you. For instance, if you’re used to 14 Aida, 20 Aida’s gonna be a big change. You might need magnifying glasses, extra lighting or any number of things to adapt, but you won’t know until it’s time. Still, no undertaking worth doing has to be easy. Good luck, and don’t forget to post your progress!!!
I absolutely love the one I got from Amazon that attaches to a table or work surface: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DY755MWJ I’m not sure what your budget is but I didn’t think they were too expensive compared to other brands. I’ve got the 18” and 31” (actually only 29.5”) frames and love both. Solid construction and easy to put together. Right now I’ve got the 31” frame clamped to my coffee table working on a portrait and I’m digging it.