Model Stitchers Site

* * Stash Available.* *

 There are currently NO fabrics available ONLY to Model Stitchers. 

However, any of the fabrics and/or treasure packs listed on our
website may be purchased by Model Stitchers, as per
the breakdown on the USING YOUR CREDIT webpage.

Model Stitchers Site

* * What Our Stitchers Need To Know * *

Thank you for your interest in model stitching for X's & Oh's. If you have any questions regarding any of the following information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

NEW STITCHERS:
If you have never stitched for us before, and are interested in doing so, please forward an e-mail with your name, address, home phone number, and a brief outline of your experience. If you are currently a model-stitcher for other designers, please list some of their names. We would also like to know if you are a smoking household, as preference is definitely given to non-smokers (sorry!). Pets (and small children) aren't a problem, though we do prefer they be kept away from stitching materials.

Please note that at the current time we are only accepting stitchers from Canada and the US. This is mainly due to the cost of shipping, as well as the time it takes to send / receive items shipped back and forth. I had some wonderful UK stitchers, and this is certainly no reflection on their work, just a matter of speed and economics.

If you can send scans of the fronts and backs of 2-3 completed projects for evaluation, that would be great, or you can use the following pattern to create a small stitching sample for submission to us. If you do not have excess materials readily available, we would be happy to send you a small kit for this purpose.

STITCHING PATTERN & INSTRUCTIONS - PDF FORMAT

We try to release roughly 12 new designs a year, not counting magazine projects and hardanger!

While we cannot afford to pay cash for this work, we are pleased to offer a cash-equivalent-credit (in Canadian funds), good for many wonderful things from our website (see USING YOUR CREDIT link above). IMPORTANT NOTE: Even when working for credit, you may be liable for taxes on those earnings. In many states / provinces the limit is $600/yr, but be sure you check out YOUR area, and follow the tax laws carefully!

GENERAL STITCHING INSTRUCTIONS:
Credit amounts and expected completion dates are set out before each project is shipped. We ask that you not take on too many projects (from various designers) at one time, as this can effect your ability to meet deadlines. While we try to be flexible, and allow for life's unexpected events, we appreciate (and re-use) those model stitchers who meet (or surpass) our expectations in all areas.

We supply all materials for each project, and (unless otherwise agreed), expect the leftover materials to be returned with the finished project.

As experienced stitchers, we assume you will keep your backs neat and finished, with no lumps or bumps. Cross-stitch should be worked with the bottom leg from bottom left to top right, and the top leg from top left to bottom right, and the backs should look mainly vertical (with few cross-overs or wrapped stitches on the back of the fabric).

We generally do not mind projects being taken to stitching group's etc., however, we appreciate permission being requested, just so we are aware of the individual situations.

There are a couple things that need to be watched, and information we require. For example, we need a record of the time you spend stitching, so we know how long a piece takes to stitch, if someone requests a stitched model in future, and it also helps us put a value on the stitched sample. The easiest method is simply to list the date, then the time you begin stitching, and the time you stop stitching, for example:
March 3 10:15 - 12:15
           5 2:00 - 5:00 *(Note; round up to the nearest
                                                 quarter hour please)
                       Include this sheet with the returned project.

We also request that you proof the chart as you stitch. As a model stitcher, you are now an integral part of the designing process, and your thoughts or questions about various aspects of each design are welcome, though of course, the final decisions lie with us. After confirming a change, simply circle the grid squares in question, so we know what corrections are required when the chart is returned.

We also do not mind a stitching copy being made (and actually try to remember to include one, for your convenience), but request that it be returned with the finished project.

We will also ship you, a free copy of the chart you have stitched the model for, once it has been released.  If the model is for A NEEDLE PULLING THREAD, they will send you a copy of the issue the design is in!  We like you to have your bragging rights (wink).

Note that we have always listed the stitchers name in the credit section of the chart, along with the designer / artist. If you do not receive your shipping refund (see below) or a copy of the chart you know is released, please feel free to contact me. I tend to get very busy and pile things up to 'look at later', but that can sometimes be a month or more in happening, depending on the time of year. It is never an inconvenience to hear from my stitchers, and I sometimes need that kick in the pants to get things finished, LOL...

SHIPPING:
It is not necessary to clean or press the finished item before returning it, as it will get wrinkled enroute anyway. We do request that you include a shipping receipt when returning the item. Your shipping costs can either be repaid to you (by US or CDN cheque), or added to your stitching credit - your choice! Many stitchers prefer to add to their stash, due to the small amounts involved, but it's stitchers choice on that.

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE CANADA: Be sure the customs form is clearly marked SAMPLE NEEDLEWORK BEING RETURNED TO OWNER, and the value is listed as NCV (no commercial value) or .00... Insured value is NOT the same as the Customs value, and not all post office employees are aware of that (so be prepared to argue, LOL)! I do try to remind you of this when I know the model is complete (or nearly complete), but be aware of it in case I don't have a chance to repeat this information before you ship your model back.

MORE SPECIFIC / DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS

Here are a few additional comments:

If you let us know your preferences in fabrics (i.e. Aida, linen, 14ct, no hand-dyes, or no preferences), we will note these on your file, so we can match stitchers to projects that best suit their abilities and likes. In addition to the general instructions given above (ie time tracking), we also need the following tracked:

FLOSS: We need to know the materials used in each piece. Please cut all the DMC into 18" lengths, if this is not already done for you (though we usually try to send the floss pre-cut, to save you time).  We are also now provided information sheets, to record stitching times and floss usage. This information is useful when making up kits of this piece. It is enough to put a stick mark beside the color name (on the color key), in groups of five, as you begin using each length:
 

926 Ecru 310 Black

NOTE: Only count each full 6 strand / 18" lengths of floss, no matter how little of each length is used. We do not require individual strand counts - and don't send back partially used strands, either keep them, or throw them away, your choice. Our preference is for floss to be folded in half and rethreaded through the label with the floss number on... please do not put floss in bags, attach to cards, or cut in shorter lengths then 18", or we have to throw any returned to us that way away. It is just too hard to sort differently stored floss out, and each stitcher has a different preference for their own use, so please try to return only usable skeins to us.

NEEDLEPOINT:
For those interested in needlepoint models, here are a few additional comments. At this time we are doing all our models in basic Tent (Continental) stitch (although Basket Weave is also acceptable), using DMC #3 Pearl Cotton, on 14 count canvas. It is possible we may get into more complicated stitching patterns in future, but at this time we have no plans to do so. In addition to the general instructions given above (ie time tracking), we also need the following tracked:

FLOSS: Again, we need to know the materials used in each piece. We have been approached about creating needlepoint kits, so in future we will also need to know the number of 18" lengths of pearl cotton each needlepoint required (use the counting technique shown under CROSS-STITCH).

Any additional questions should be sent to . Once again, thank you for your interest in our company, and I look forward to working with you
 

Model Stitchers Site

* * Your Credit Is Good For . . .* *

PAYOUTS:
Since X's & Oh's is now distributing for a couple other designers, such as FUNK & WEBER, STITCHABLE EXPRESSIONS, and soon WRENSONG DESIGNS, it has become necessary to define the items on our website that your stash credits may be applied against. Please refer to the following list before making your credit selections:

- 100% X's & Oh's charts (including taxes and shipping).  Our original payment concept was that you are stitching for an X'S & OH'S CHART CREDIT, but since we love our model stitchers, we are willing to offer you the following as well:

- 100% on PDF Books on our site.

- 50% on all accessories such as Needle Notes; Tip Protectors; Fridge Magnets; Kits; Caution Signs; Rare Earth Needle Magnets etc.  Accessories also includes items we order in for trade shows, such as scissors, fabrics, lights, etc. (including 50% on taxes, shipping). Basically, if we have to import any or all of it, you get it wholesale! 

- 50% on special order items (such as Mill Hill beads, or Wichelt fabrics), ordered at your request.

PLACING ORDERS:
Visit our website to make your selections, then send us an e-mail to place your CHART ONLY order. If part of your order is to be paid for, you can drop us a snail-mail and include a cheque, or use a credit card for partial payment orders by accessing the shopping cart on our website.

PLEASE note in the MESSAGE section (of the Shopping Cart) that you are a stitcher using a credit, because I process all Internet orders manually, and will make the necessary adjustments to the pricing.  If you ask, I can e-mail you the corrected totals (including your share of shipping and taxes), before the card is processed.

Credits are applied to shipping and taxes, as per the percentages listed above. Shipping rates as per our website shopping cart.  Please contact me if you have any questions.