Category Archives: graphs

Jan22

Enlarging a portion of a charted design

Posted on January 22, 2012 by karlakrafts

It’s really pretty simple. If your chart is in pdf format, open it, and choose “edit.” Under edit, choose “Take a Snapshot” The cursor should change to a “+.” Left click it in the upper left corner of the area you wish to enlarge. Drag across that area and release the mouse. The area you wish to enlarge should be highlighted in blue. You may get a message window that says, “The selected area has been copied.” Click on ,”OK.”

Now, choose, “Print,” either the icon or the command under “File.”
A new “Printer” window should appear with the highlighted area in the preview box on the right, enlarged to fit an 8,1/2″ by 11″
sheet of paper. If the preview is satisfactory, make sure your printer is ready and choose, “OK.” Your enlarged portion of the chart should come shooting out of your printer shortly!

If your chart is not in pdf format you can change it online for free. Here’s one source, but searching “pdf converter,” should produce several. You might have to download the converter from Adobe, but that’s free and easy and usually safe.

The chart pictured here is, “Cute Lamb” from the Cross-stitchers Club.

Jan9

More software play

Posted on January 9, 2012 by karlakrafts

More software play

I used Microsoft Picture It Platinum to change this photo to “raised dots.” I think I could stitch it now. I might choose something simpler and give it a try.

Note to self: I found the ability to save it as a JPEG under, “Change Picture, More Options.”

Jan7

Playing with Software

Posted on January 7, 2012 by karlakrafts

Playing with Software

It’s no secret that I’ve had the itch to cross-stitch lately. I’ve also always enjoyed charting my own designs. I know there’re several software applications that will do that for you, now, but I don’t know if I design enough to warrant their purchase.

This cursive K was done with free software called “Pixel Hobby.” The intent of the software is to design a chart for mini mosaics. You can download this software directly from their website, http://www.pixelhobby-usa.com/ . It has two options: you can download/upload a photo to be “pixellated” or you can draw your own design using the mouse. I wrote this “K” on the mousepad of my laptop with my finger. After saving it and printing it, I scanned it so it should be in JPEG format, now. The software has a send to JPEG command, but I can’t find out where it sends it, yet! If you are in need of a capital K to stitch for someone (Kimberly!) help yourself! Just right click on the graph and choose, “Print Picture,” or “Save Picture As” to save it to your computer!

Jul30

Beaded Windowscreen

Posted on July 30, 2011 by karlakrafts

Beaded Windowscreen

Here’re the results of a recent experiment. I got a roll of fiberglass windowscreen at Lowes Home Improvement for about $5.00. I did some “beadpoint” using glass seed beads, Nymo beading thread, and a graph I enlarged from the Cross-Stitchers Club. I’m pretty pleased with the results, but it was really hard to photograph. The beads are very reflective.

I’d planned to put the piece in a tinier hoop and fix it as a suncatcher. Unfortunately, you can see the stitching when the light hits it a certain way. I am developing Plan B!