What kind of photos to send
Ensure the photograph is crisp and clear with no
confusing/conflicting background. If using a digital camera, use the medium to
high resolution for the best clarity. It can always be reduced later (the
reverse cannot). Colour, black and white or sepia photos will all work well.
Bright natural sunlight is preferred with a fill-in flash to alleviate the
dark foregrounds. Whilst we can do a lot with photo-imaging, if the original
photo is grainy or faded, then the resulting pattern will be also.
We cannot convert photos of obvious
copyright/trademarked pictures i.e. Disney characters, major brands (e.g. Coca
Cola) Harry Potter, Star Wars . . . etc. Search on the Internet to be sure
that what you want converted will not violate any known copyrights.
Extra services available
For a small extra charge,
subjects from different photos can be merged into one for that special picture
– pets, family, friends or even objects! Or a photo can be cropped so that you
end up with just the part you wish to stitch. A background of your choice can
be added if you don’t like the one you have. If you are unsure, why not ring
us for a chat to discuss the possibilities?
You can send either digital photos or original
photos, not transparencies (though in the latter case we strongly
recommend you get a copy done, or at least mail by recorded/insured delivery
in case of problems). If you want to send digital files and do not have a
scanner, then your local photo shop will scan a picture for you and save it to
a CD-Rom for a minimal cost. They will also do this if you only have
transparencies. Then you can either send the disk or e-mail the files which
should be either .JPG or .TIF formats and in RGB mode.
The resulting project will end up larger than
the picture depending on the fabric count, so your printed picture should not
be larger than 8 x 10”, unless you particularly want a large project, or
specify what size you wish to end up with. You can choose which threads (and
preferred number of colours) you like to work with, which fabric count you
prefer or if you wish to stitch a tapestry instead of a cross-stitch.
What you get
You
will receive a printed black and white symbol chart, a colour printed
representation of your finished picture, a key matching the symbols used with
the colours, a useful thread holder and a total thread usage chart for your
project. All the necessary information will be taken on the order form.
How long . . . ?
We
will endeavour to convert your photo as quickly as possible, and aim to e-mail
your chart to you within seven to ten working days of receipt. If you have
sent an original photo (which will of course be returned to you), please allow
for mailing times depending on your country. Items will be sent Recorded
Delivery in the UK or by email if you have requested this.
Secure Ordering
You can place
your order immediately using your Visa or Mastercard with our secure
online order form, or you can mail your picture or CD-Rom along with your
cheque (if you prefer) to the following address. Please check that your
payment covers all the services you require. If in doubt please ring for a
quote based on your exact needs. It
doesn't matter where you live - if you're not sure about conversion rates you
can always telephone or email for a price in your currency, though the site
does have a US$ conversion built in. And if you prefer not to use your credit
card on line, you can always ring us and give the details direct.