Jan Hicks Creates - Unboxing and First use of the Elan Lap Stand

[@lyncampbell992]

Delighted it finally got there. I don't have an Elan at the moment but this gave me food for thought. Interesting to see. Thank you.

[@ilovegameslibb2917]

I made my own table top stand. Dowels pack of three from Walmart cut to size I like. two flat wood pieces from dollar tree for feet . Two wing nuts from home depot. Attached to holes already in my wood scroll frame. Like $6 dollars total for parts. I like to stitch at my dining room table. 😂

[@amyjaworski1768]

My Elan came in the mail! All set up and ready to go. Now waiting on the Scroll rods, enjoy!

[@meezermeowmy]

Can you hear me yelling "No, no - you've got it upside down!" The way you received it is the way to pack it for travel. The cork bits are the feet, the bottom of the frame. Turn it over so the cork feet are down, then screw on the arm. Also, see Handwork Maniac's video on all the tips and tricks of getting the most out of your Elan: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hH-Vk4J7ncx5d5o

[@MyMaddiesMom]

I can hear Jan laughing at herself, once she reads this and realizes the same. All the fun of something new.

[@debbiepetsch1808]

I was just doing the same thing and laughed and read your comment and said the same thing “turn it over...that’s the feet you have on top”, ha. I’ve been wanting this lap frame ever since I saw it on someone’s Instagram. I’m gonna go order it now.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Yeah, I’ve watched her video. Don’t think it says anywhere in the instructions about the cork feet, so thank you for that. That doesn’t help with my Qsnap problem, though. Lol

[@JanHicksCreates]

Yep, but the cork feet being on the wrong side doesn’t help with my Qsnap problem. Lol

[@MyMaddiesMom]

@@JanHicksCreates I use a piece of shelf liner between the grip and the qnap/grime guard. It's the shelf liner that is kinda puffy with the small grid-like look to it. That compression helps with movement. It needs both adapters to create the flat surface to tighten against the shelf liner wrapped qnap/grime guard creating a good compression.

[@pamkahmann3833]

This is great timing. I am getting ready to order one! I did go the handworkmaniac video and she was very helpful.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Yes, I will have to rewatch that and see if she talks about Qsnaps.

[@meezermeowmy]

@@JanHicksCreates She does - says to rotate the Qsnap "snap" that is going in the Elan so that you will be cinching down on fabric, not just the plastic of the clamp. That hint made all the difference for me.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Good to know! Thank you!

[@ottostrohschein8180]

I’m selling mine if you are interested. Nothing wrong with it but I just prefer the sewing method. You can message me on fb at barbette Martin John strohschein if interested

[@JoE-sy4gd]

Hi Jan, Hope you love your new lap stand, I just ordered one. Love your videos your great. Keep up the great work. God Bless you guys. 😊♥️ Your the best !!!

[@carolreid9755]

So glad it finally arrived Jan. I am sure you will get plenty of advice about how to make it work for you from the stitchy community , they are so helpful and a lovely bunch. I aspire to this stand. I have lowery that I love, but have the Elan on my wish list. Stay safe and well lovely.

[@noelleweston]

Yay!! You got it! I hope you’ll be very happy with your stand!

[@lostknitter]

Hi Jan, The cork strips are there to keep the stand from sliding on a table, your base is upside down. ❤️

[@JanHicksCreates]

Oh, well, that makes sense! Don’t know if it says that in the instructions anywhere. Don’t remember seeing anything about it. Doesn’t help with my QSnap problem, though. Lol

[@myrawebb4747]

Yay glad your stand finally found you.

[@StitchingWithTheSisterlies]

Hi Jan, use my elan lap stand with my q snap. To keep it from wiggly I use just one of the placer or spacer things it comes with on one side and it keeps it nice and steady ❤️

[@RamblingwithRuth]

Exciting. I just got mine this week

[@lynettedalton-stitchinmyst7358]

i was yelling upside down. i love their lokscroll frames. so happy you got it. i made a weight pillow per handworkmaniac to lay on the base. i filled with polly pellets and steel b b's .

[@madcricket7042]

I'm so glad to see this! I just ordered mine Sunday :) I imagine it will be a few months before I see it, and thats ok.

[@RamblingwithRuth]

I ordered mine November 13 and got it this week. Mine was shipped ups, so it got here quicker than usps.

[@JanHicksCreates]

I’ll bet with all of the problems they are having in OK with the postal system, that they decided to switch to UPS. Very smart move on their part. That might convince me to try their lol scroll frames. I was hesitating since this thing took so ridiculously long to get here!

[@RamblingwithRuth]

@@JanHicksCreates I was hesitate too. I ordered their lock frames and they are out for delivery today. Just in time for my birthday

[@lorettahenderson8979]

Jan, I love this frame ❤️

[@virginiamackintosh7816]

I was yelling too 😜 But it looks like a great stand and your stitching is lovely.

[@KKP7557]

I bought my Elan back in 1995 and have used it constantly ever since. The clamp on mine is different (and better, in my opinion); it doesn't need adapters for Qsnaps. My clamp handles the Qsnap great because it has cork on both sides to hold it. I use a laying tool for cross stitch so having both hands free from holding the Qsnap is required. To me, having the project on the Elan eliminates the need to use a grime guard since you're not touching the fabric while stitching.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Good point about the grime guard. Of course, one of the other things that my grime guard is doing is to corral the extra fabric, but there are other ways to do that, too.

[@ritaking8827]

That looks so cool!

[@cynthiavang6712]

Jan if it helps, I use the bottom adapter, and when putting it in, I tilt at an angle. Hold one end and tilt is down while one side is up. Once you get that in, tight it and adjust by moving it down as you go do so that the top part will clamp with the snaps. And it will hold better.. Hope that make sense. I can send you a photo of what I mean, I didn't record it since I am not using my elan due to not having a stable position for me to sit or use. I sit on my bed at the corner. Lol.

[@oksanasam]

I have a different stand with a different clamp, but what helps me to stabilize the qsnaps with a grime guard is a nice padding of felt and tightening the clamp really good. Thanks for the review!

[@JanHicksCreates]

I do have some batting around here someplace that I use in my QSnaps. I couldn’t find it yesterday. Lol

[@angelaoehlert4622]

I love my Elan and I only have Qsnaps right now. I have had my stand for almost a year and I love it, though I had the same issues that you are experiencing. It did take me while to master the angles and positioning, but now it’s really easy! I found that the slipping is worse on an 11x17 QSnap or where the clamps don’t grip snuggly. I almost always place a strip of felt between my fabric and the clamp now. As others have mentioned, make sure then that the clamp is rotated all the way to the back, and I only use one adapter. When I place my QSnap in the stand, I add a strip of shelf liner around the outside of the QSnap. In your situation I would wrap it around the grime guard and then insert it into the stand and really tighten that screw. I have very few issues now, mostly when the QSnap gets whacked or actually pushed on. Cheers, and enjoy that stand. I can’t wait for the border to reopen so I can order one of the scroll frames!

[@JanHicksCreates]

Thanks for the tips, Angela! I appreciate it!

[@kayecorboybellarockspikeya8186]

Hi from New Zealand. YAHOO it finally came. I too am looking for a frame to take in our travel home. Thank you for the vdeo.

[@vanessamjackson]

This looks lovely. So many awesome frames don’t ship to New Zealand. I am getting my brother to make me one.

[@hilaryallan8838]

I am also in NZ and ordered a K’s Creations baby z lap frame from Amazon and it came within 2 weeks! The stand has been a game changer for me as was getting sore hands holding my hoop 🤓

[@angelawest5125]

I use a stand very similar to this. I see others mentioned the base position and links to Handwork Maniac who has some helpful hints in q-snap use as well. As someone else mentioned, I use some scuba diving bean bag sized weights which make it really stable in the lap. Have fun experimenting!

[@barbs3892]

Day Nine I would love to stitch 6 and use 1 for my quilting.

[@mrsmiggins6435]

Brenda, Handwork maniac video No.32 (I think) answers questions about Elan lapstand. Hope this helps😁. Take care🤗

[@moosemom2010]

I have no suggestions for the stand, but it sure looks well made!!💕

[@tarrabueche4922]

I don't have a stand but I want one. I was watching someone the other day use a weighted pillow on the base to keep it stable. You couled fill a small pillow with rice and use it to keep the base from tilting.

[@bltperky]

Jan..I have just ordered this to use with a hoop for my HAED PROJECT. I like to have my project close. My question is..have you noticed that the stand shifts around as you stitch or does it stay pretty stable on your lap. Thank you for your great video. 😊

[@scottydog6539]

Yes you have it upside down. The two end strips of wood on the bottom go on the table or your lap. The smooth side of your vase is the top, see the drawings on your instructions.

[@Shycat996]

Oh, by now you probably know but the cork pieces on the bottom are to protect your table top. I think it is a well made piece. I have not used qsnaps but the directions are good and Brenda does give good info as well.

[@emma-janejohnstone7437]

Don't have the lap stand but just from watching your video. Maybe removing the bottom clamp extension piece instead of the top one will allow the q-snap to sit snuggly in the bottom groove and then the clamp extension on top will hold it in that space?

[@JanHicksCreates]

Yeah, I need to play around with it more and figure out what will work best for me.

[@lindaharmon4925]

Handworkmaniac says to rotate the QSnap plastic arm all the way to the back on the side where you connect to the clamp.

[@knitterphreek1]

This is what I do. So the stand clamps down more on the fabric than the qsnap clamp. I hope that made sense? I started with the Elan lap stand and graduated to a K's creation floor stand. But I still use the Elan when I want to stitch in another area of my house or when I go to stitchy meet ups...if we ever get to do that again.

[@wildflower.stitching]

As with anything it will take some adjusting to stitching in a frame. I use a 3# dive weight bag purchased at a dive shop laying on the stand when it's on my lap It helps balance stabilize the frame. Could also try using that non skid shelf liner wrapped over your q snap and protecting your fabric when in place on the frame. Could also try the thread spool wraps and grip your fabric around q snap over the guard. I've found some success with that putting those into the frame clamp. If that makes sense😃 hope that helps😂

[@allisonjae3152]

I've only used a frame once I found I didn't like it because it made the fabric too loose. I like it drum tight, but I might try it again if it's one that keeps the fabric tight... until then... it's hoops. Also, I working on my first project using 25 count Lugana. It's a dyed fabric called Stormy Clouds. Very pretty. I just hope I don't screw it up.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Yeah, it’s hard to find a frame that can keep the fabric tight along its edges. There are clips that you can attach to the edges of the fabric that are looped around the frame sides that help to pull the fabric out. Have you tried those? I don’t know what they are called, but I think I have seen them on some Etsy shops. As for your first evenweave project, be patient with it, don’t feel bad if you need to count the fabric threads to figure out the squares. As you do more, your eyes will start “seeing” those squares automatically. You can do it!!

[@joywhite6445]

With a Q Snap use only one adapter on the top, and no grime guard ☺️

[@afrostitcher7168]

Thank you for doing this unboxing video there just aren’t enough of these for cross stitch equipment..I had a nightmare of a time picking a floor stand ... I have the Edmunds handi clamp scroll frames but the tension along the sides is horrible- how do you get yours to be so nice?

[@JanHicksCreates]

The tension along the sides of mine isn’t wonderful, but I don’t think it bothers me quite as much as it does others. Maybe because I’m used to stitching in hand?

[@gilanigilani]

You can use side tensioners to help with the tension on the side.

[@afrostitcher7168]

@@gilanigilani thanks let me check amazon for that

[@gilanigilani]

@@afrostitcher7168 you can check! But from my experience you might have a better chance getting them from a cross stitch site or Etsy. Some people even make them at home DIY.

[@vickyb5935]

Jan I have a question: I am considering stitching in a table top frame(currently in- hand or in a hoop) however I am just wondering what is „involved“ in starting and ending a thread…as I stitch with 2 threads and begin and end on the back. I can only imagine that with any frame, I will have to „loosen“ the screw holding the frame in place, flip it to the back to begin or end, flip back, tighten screw and continue with the next thread. Frankly this is putting me off from moving to frame stitching. I just think it`s time taken away from stitching with a hoop in hand, just to continually „ screw, unscrew, flip“……..is this how it is? Can`t find a video where someone shows that part of the process of hoop stitching. I would really appreciate your feedback! Vicky from Switzerland

[@JanHicksCreates]

Hi Vicky, what you’ve described is certainly one of the negative aspects of this type of stand. I didn’t stick with the Elan stand for too long because I couldn’t get it into a position that worked well for me. What I got as a replacement is the Hope lap stand and I do really like it. You can see more about it in the video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmSTZ5mbeJlsqpI. There is information in the show notes about where to find it. I hope this helps!

[@vickyb5935]

Hi Jan, Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. I will watch the video you recommended to see how that frame works.

[@donnablair5752]

Jan....does the adapter for the qsnap come with the stand or do you order that extra?

[@JanHicksCreates]

It comes with the stand.

[@ginnyclark8290]

So Jan, I am interested in understanding stitching over one. Is there any difference in the technique in stitching over two? From what I'm seeing, it isn't. Then the next question is what the highest stich count that you would do stitching over one? Thanks!

[@JanHicksCreates]

No, there really isn’t any difference, for the most part. There are more difficulties to stitching over 1 though, such as having the floss slip between the threads of the fabric, seeing the stitches, so much floss in small spaces makes it harder. I have stitched over 1 on 40 ct and it was a pain in the butt. If I had done a half stitch rather than a full stitch, it would have been much better. But I would prefer not to stitch over one on anything over 32 ct. But my sweet spot for over 1 stitching is 25 ct.

[@wendybowers8988]

Would it help to put a small piece of shelf liner between the frame and the Qsnap to keep it from moving?

[@JanHicksCreates]

Several have mentioned that. My friend Maria had some extra, so she is sending me some. We shall see.

[@kathyadams5294]

You could try those silicone cord minders for the excess fabric, and then you won't need the grime guard.

[@Dadula1]

Jan, I'm glad to see you got your stand at last. :) It looks nice. I very much prefer solid wood to other material. You know, you're so lucky youtube videos don't transmit both ways. You'd be going crazy from all of us talking to you, trying to help with the same first thought: "Oh, Jan, hold on! The base is upside down!" :) Well, at least you'll have lots of fun reading the same comment over and over again. :) But no worry, this happens to me often - out of the excitement of having something new I assemble it or start using it wrongly. When I cool down, I just can't believe I could be so dum, when it was so obvious! :D :D :D

[@JanHicksCreates]

I’m not sure I would call it “fun” reading the same comment over and over, actually, 😂 especially since that wasn’t what I was having issues with. I find the legs on the bottom actually get in the way a bit on my lap.

[@Dadula1]

@@JanHicksCreates Jan, look at it from the bright sight. We do care and would love to help. :) You can always pick the side of the base you need - upside down when working on your lap, righ way if put on a desk, so doesn's slip. :) I'm sure you'll be able to figure out the wobling issue of a q-snaps once you get working on that piece. You're smart and smart ideas run through your mind all the time. :)

[@JanHicksCreates]

@@Dadula1 Thank you, Dana! You’re a sweetheart!

[@renabrown851]

My Q Snap won't work with mine. Adapters were not included. I wish I knew how to help. 😐. My LNS is Keepsakes. I might ask Joe to look it sometime. I had it for 2 years. Seasons of Lace and Meditation Garden 👍

[@JanHicksCreates]

Yeah, I actually sold it and got a different stand because the Elan just didn’t work for me. My hands and wrists also didn’t like all of the turning I had to do to try to tighten things up enough to hold either my frames or the Qsnaps.

[@gallifreyfalls1481]

@@JanHicksCreates Thank you for your honesty about your experience with the stand I'm looking for one myself, which did you end up buying?

[@jennyunderwood4457]

Jan did you get it figured out with your qsnap? I'm the one who ordered mine a little earlier than you did and got it close to Christmas. I use a qsnap and I'm not experiencing the problem you are having and I have a grime guard on my qsnap. Are you sure you have the adapter thing in correctly? And you only use one of the adapters with a qsnap.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Right. I had the adaptor in as it said to use it on the little package the adaptors came in. It could just be that I am putting more weight on my Qsnap with my hand than you do. I’ve gotten lots of good advice/ideas here, though, so I’m sure I’ll get it figured out.

[@jennyunderwood4457]

@@JanHicksCreates yeah, it's like anything else, it just takes some getting used to. I can move the qsnap in the frame if I pull it up or down, but when I'm just stitching, it doesn't move at all. I am really enjoying it. It is so easy to loosen quickly to turn my work to the back. My arm/hand was getting tired easily when I would hold my qsnap, this has relieved that. I thought I would use it more as a lap stand but I am really liking it as a table stand more.

[@susanserefine3383]

You’re only supposed to use one adapter for the Q Snap.

[@leadpenny1174]

love mine!!

[@karenlynch3556]

I always enjoy your videos! I hope you’ve solved your problems with your new lap stand. I’ve been using mine for about two years now and I always use a q-snap when I stitch. If it’s any help, I use my adapter on the bottom of the clamp and make sure the clamp on my q-snap is turned so when my stitching is inserted, the lap stand clamp touches the stitching and not the q-snap clamp. I use a piece of felt between each of my q-snap clamps and my stitching. I learned the hard way that the clamp on my lapstand left a black mark on my stitching where it was clamped in place. The felt eliminates that problem, plus keeping the q-snaps tight. I don’t use a grime guard, but a series of those magnetic plastic cord organizers to hold back my extra fabric. Hopefully, you’ll find something that works for you! ❤️

[@ladilegionnaire13]

I am left primary and see a problem with stitchin over the clamp side. Would much rather a top loaded clamp.

[@CerroneSamuel]

I really don’t like it. I’ve had mine for 2 years and I find it very confining. I recently got the daylight smart stitch stand and I’ve had a much better experience with that. It’s really well made though. It’s a beautiful stand. I hope you enjoy using yours.

[@JanHicksCreates]

I used it some more yesterday. I am not sure yet if it’s a winner or not. I am afraid that I feel like I am holding too much tension in my shoulders using it. But of course, since I’m so used to stitching in hand, it’s always an adjustment going to a stand, so I’ll be giving it more time. I haven’t heard of the daylight smart stitch stand. I’ll have to check it out! Thanks Cerrone!

[@CerroneSamuel]

@@JanHicksCreates you’re the one who actually put me on to stitching in hand! It’s such a relaxing and enjoyable way to stitch. I use the stand for more cumbersome projects where I have to switch to many colors but all others I stitch in hand, thanks to you ❤️

[@JanHicksCreates]

Exactly! Stitching in hand will always be my favorite way to stitch! ❤️

[@annb4013]

I have the wobbly problem as well, in addition the stand and my magnifier fight for space so sadly I gave up on it

[@tkferdi]

Uhhhhhh....I think you have it upside down. The cork “feet” go on the bottom. I love handiclamp scroll rods!

[@JanHicksCreates]

Yep, seems that I do. Doesn’t really help with my problem with the Qsnap, though. Lol

[@tkferdi]

I have no suggestions for that. I can’t use a lap stand because Mocha and Remi have other plans for my lap, especially when it is cold...😹😹

[@marciamcguire6501]

xo

[@juliehorne4269]

When did you realise that the stand was upside down 😀😀

[@JanHicksCreates]

When almost every single person commented about it on my video. 😂😂😂 I turned it right side up, but not I’ve turned it upside down again, because I find the “legs” get in the way on my lap. Lol

[@eastcoaststitcher8203]

I have this. Never use it. It's nice but I'm a Stitch in hand person. Way too cumbersome for me has nothing to do with the stand. Just not my thing. Nice paperweight.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Expensive paperweight! Lol

[@eastcoaststitcher8203]

@@JanHicksCreates I’ll say!

[@michellel9470]

I was going to nice and. It yell at you. 😉

[@lisaschumacher2751]

You have upside down!

[@normacorsbie660]

You make want to check out Handworkmaniac she has a great Flosstube regarding her use of the Elan lap stand. Have a great day. Floss tube #19.

[@hildejohnson8780]

I like to stand it looks good I hope you are doing okay it's really really good sex is going to hold quite a bit so stay safe stay warm be careful out there and God bless and thanks you for sharing all these wonderful videos 💖💖💖💖💖💖😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇