Review of the Hope Lap Stand

[@stitcharella27]

Bonnie and mike are just the sweetest. I’m so lucky that they live close by so I can go visit and stitch with her. And I just love my Hope Stand

[@JanHicksCreates]

That’s awesome to know! I love that I can support them in what they do.

[@dr.debrayerike6359]

Thank you Jan this was very helpful. Your stitching protects are beautifully stitched- wow!!!

[@sharonbeck8209]

I spotted the Hope Stand on one of your previous videos and with your reply to my question I was guided to how to purchase one. I bought it and I just love it! It has been a game changer for me. I also have added on the light bar that Mike makes to fit the stand to clamp my magnifier on. I stitch daily with no pain to my shoulders or my hands. High quality workmanship and very good customer service.

[@JanHicksCreates]

That is so good to hear, Sharon. Thank you for commenting!

[@Shycat996]

I got one for Christmas !!!! I like it so far. Got the light bar also for either magnifier and or light. Great service, delivery and packaging etc. Came today!! Thanks for the great info, Jan and demo!!!!!♥

[@hildeshaw1408]

I loved everything you were showing about the stand I would love to have a stand like that I have one but it works for now so stay safe Happy New Year's I hope you have a good year I love everything that you show and do so thank you for sharing be safe out there and happy happy stitching💖💖🤠🤠

[@annemousseau8757]

Sounds like a great stand. Thanks for showing.

[@normajeansicard4842]

Thanks for sharing, Jan! I will check out Bonnie's page. Have a great day!

[@suzannebuenaventura1743]

I ordered one from your earlier recommendation. Bonnie was wonderful to work with; the whole transaction went smoothly. They packed the stand very securely, so there were no shipping issues. I haven’t been able to put it through all the paces (at the time my project was on a small hoop), but I know this will work very well with a sampler I plan to do on scroll frame (or large Q-Snap). I will decide if I want that accessory bar from which you clamp a lamp. I like natural lighting best but I know a lamp is in my future. Your demo will help others who are trying to decide WHAT stand works best for them.

[@vivscrafts4006]

Thank you for sharing the information on your lap stand. Will check it out. Stay safe Jan ❤

[@Chippy88]

I had already ordered something called the Z stand. It looks good, so I guess I’ll just keep that one. But this one looks awesome to

[@megastitches]

Nice thank you for sharing I would love to see a little clip of you sitting and seeing you way of stitching with the stand on your lap ❤️🙏🏽

[@JanHicksCreates]

That’s a great idea! I’ll add it to my list. I should do a stitch with me at some point…..

[@megastitches]

@@JanHicksCreates awesome !!! Thank you!!! 🙏🏽

[@knackability7098]

Thanks Jan. I have been considering getting a new lap stand, I'm tired of fighting with the side clamp on mine. I saw this on the Facebook group awhile ago and thought that looks nice but kept scrolling. I will now look a little closer at it. 🙂

[@debbiecarter1198]

Thank you for sharing, I'll go check them out.

[@shinglespringsstitcher]

Thank you Jan!!!

[@lyncampbell992]

Thank you for the info. Best wishes.

[@yvonnevigil7489]

Hello Jan, thank you for this video. Need to purchase a stand but have so many to choose from. Thanks

[@susanhernandez7770]

I ordered this several months ago and couldn’t believe how fast it came. I was thinking it would take forever like the Elan frame. I’m very happy with it.😀

[@JanHicksCreates]

That’s good to hear, Susan!

[@normalopez540]

Hi Jan , can you please demonstrate how you load your fabric onto your scroll bars? Greatly appreciated

[@JanHicksCreates]

Sure, I’ll put that on my list, but I do have to warn you, I don’t think I’m very good at it, or at least, I’m not as careful about everything lining up as I’m sure other people are. I just want to get it on there and get stitching! Lol

[@phyllisthompson6719]

I’m so heart broken. Just saw one of these stands and loved it! Unfortunately Mike Hope passed away in May and they are no longer available! Prayers for his wife Bonnie.

[@JanHicksCreates]

I did not know that! That is so sad! Yes, prayers for his wife. 😢

[@cookiestitch]

You’ve solved my problems of slowing down my stitching to a snails pace because of injuries & not being quite as young as I was a ways back. I’m going to be purchasing mine this weekend. Do you or anyone else know what type of light will work for the “light bar” that can be added to the lap stand? Thank you so much for making these wonderful videos. They never fail to lift my mood! You’re igniting my passion for stitching again and I’m so very grateful! Stitch and be well! 💗

[@JanHicksCreates]

So glad to hear that, Cookie! I’m not sure about the light bar, since I don’t have one, but that would be a good question to ask Bonnie Hope. I’m sure she’ll have some recommendations for you.

[@bethliotta267]

THANK YOU!!!!!

[@susanhaneline6428]

Thank you for the Hope stand review! I would love for you to show if it could be used as a table stand and how comfortable (or not) it would be, if one’s arms & shoulders would get sore & tire. I will be taking a few classes & would like to know your experience using it on a table.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Thank you, Susan. A couple others have asked that question so I’ll include that info in my next video.

[@Chippy88]

I just wanna know if this is good for your lap and for the q snaps.

[@judyalieff7470]

Really enjoyed your tutorial on the Hope Lap Stand. It is definitely worth considering. I also just watched your older tutorial dated 9/13/18 with the sewing method. I am very interested in learning this. You are the only person using good light and not recording the top of their hand vs the stitches. Would you please consider doing a another episode from the beginning . I lay my legs the opposite of you. Can you show that also? Thank you

[@JanHicksCreates]

Hi Judy! Yes, I would be happy to do another video of the sewing method. I wanted to ask, though, what you meant by “from the beginning?” Do you mean, how to start a project, or start a thread? Just asking for clarification so I can be sure I’m showing what you are interested in. As for laying the legs opposite, I can try! Lol. I’m not sure my muscle memory will stitch with that, but I will certainly give it a try!

[@judyalieff7470]

@@JanHicksCreates I just meant for the beginning to start a row going to the right and a row going to the left. Thank you so much. You are a doll.

[@maryannjohnson5410]

I just ordered and received my Hope Stand. You recommended it to me a few months ago. I've only tried my 11x11 q snap on it so far, and have been using it on my lap in the recliner. I still need to get used to it. My cat isn't fond of it because then there is no room for her.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Yeah, I have that same kitty problem. Lol

[@Chippy88]

Ty. Is it also for q snaps

[@JanHicksCreates]

Yes, you can use any frame on it. If you go to the Facebook group that it’s sold through, you’ll be able to see photos of all the ways people use it.

[@thesheshedkraftshack9230]

What frame do you use. I'm doing Home TOWN Hero Football Large Its really tall I am 5 feet one inches . ' '

[@melissaroberts2299]

I have a table mounted magnifying light. Could I use this with the light

[@JanHicksCreates]

Does the light have a gooseneck or something that allows it to stretch over to your work? Or are you asking if it would be possible to clamp it on to the bottom of the stand? If it’s the latter, then yes, it should be able to clamp on, but if the clamp is big, it might make it uncomfortable to have it sitting on your lap.

[@debbiechittick4755]

Hi Jan! What are the colorful clips on the sides of your frames? They look interesting.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Those are these magnetic cord things that are meant for wrapping around appliance and device cords to tame them. You can find them on Amazon here: amzn.to/3kKrBU0

[@debbiechittick4755]

@@JanHicksCreates looks like there are a lot of good uses for those. Thank you!

[@flowerlass]

@@JanHicksCreates What do the magnetic cords do? Do they add tension? Also, is it comfortable having that solid frame on your lap? I like the frame but would have to have the stand. I use a Lowery right now. It works great but I think it is not very attractive. I like my tools to be pleasing to look at! Your stand has such lovely wood!

[@jnlfamily2]

I just reached out to them with questions. I’m an in hand stitcher but would like to try higher count and think two hand stitching might help. I need a good magnifier light.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Oh good. I’m sure you will hear from them soon.

[@djbquilts6764]

I couldn’t get my Elan to work for me either…tried propping up the right side…just can’t get it to work especially with a-snaps

[@JanHicksCreates]

QSnaps were definitely the hardest to try to work with. And since I don’t use a stand often, when I do use it, I don’t want to be frustrated with it!

[@connorfisher9457]

Can you use all sizes of q snaps and quantum scroll frames

[@JanHicksCreates]

Yes, I would think so, except for maybe the really long scroll frames. Since those “legs slide out on the base, that gives you a wider area for the arms, and then the legs also rotate out, so that would make the arms open up even more. I find this to be infinitely adjustable. Hope that makes sense!

[@Chippy88]

I really really want it but I want one for my lap. Please let me know ASAP. I will buy it.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Yes, this is meant to be used on the lap, and because the arms can be adjusted any way you want, it is perfect for Qsnaps.

[@marciamcguire6501]

Hi Jan ! I've a BIIIIG Question........... I have been stitching in hand, and ' railroading ' on Evenweave. Aiming to summit to the top of consistent Gorgeous x's this year, I am truly wondering if using a hoop/frame tensions the fabric such that the thread actually has a better chance or result of Consistently laying/behaving better on the fabric. Can one risk ' ruining ' either the fabric or existing stitches by improper tension or moving the hoop / frame around ? I am thinking for linens this would be a huge benefit ? But, beneficial on a sturdy Evenweave as well ? Did you discuss this topic in a previous episode - I am not recalling ? This stand looks great - thank you for the introduction to it. All the best, ( ^ ; * ) marcia

[@JanHicksCreates]

So, I would say that that is a question that will get answered in different ways depending on who you talk to. The easy part to answer is that no, the fabric, no matter what you are using, will not get ruined by whatever type of frame a stitcher uses. Stitches do have a tendency to get smooshed in hoops or QSnaps, but they usually fluff back up with a good ironing or washing (if you can wash it depending on what materials are used, of course.) As for tension and nicely formed stitches, that’s where the debate comes in. I find that they way I stitch, and by paying attention to how the floss is bending as I’m creating those stitches, has a whole lot more affect on how my stitches look than whether I have a bunch of tension on my fabric. I have two videos where I talk about the sewing method that I use and in one of those, I talk about how watching how the thread is moving/bending and moving your needle with that bend instead of against it really helps the floss to live evenly. This is the first one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZfLqHeHot2Ylbs and the second one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIK4n5x6q82efMk. I’m not sure if I talk about that in both of these videos, or only one of them, but hopefully these will help answer your questions. I am not, of course, discouraging you from using a frame of some sort if you think that will work better for you. I just know, for me, I don’t need a super amount of tension on my fabric in order to form beautiful stitches and I believe my way of following the floss is why. Hope this helps and of course, let me know if you have any questions after watching these!

[@marciamcguire6501]

@@JanHicksCreates Aw Jan. THANK YOU for this generous reply. I have watched both videos and have been using your strategy of thread awareness and management as I stitch in hand. I so appreciate your opinion and that very opinion has helped as I continue to grow and improve with every piece moving forward. You are wonderful ! marcia

[@cynthiathompson9802]

Could You show us a video of how you use this on your lap, please? I think that would be so helpful to me. Thank you for your good review.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Hi Cynthia, I posted a new video today, Jan. 20 and I show how it looks using it on my lap and on a table. That portion is towards the end of the video.

[@cynthiathompson9802]

@@JanHicksCreates thank you! The video of you demonstrating the Hope Stand on your lap was very helpful. Congrats on 4 years of Flosstube!

[@kaetac]

Hi Jan. I have the Elan and really trying to make it work. What are those bars you have with the Q-Snaps? It looks so much cleaner than just have the extra material hangs. Thank you.

[@JanHicksCreates]

That type of scroll frame is called Handi-Clamps by Edmunds. I have gotten all of my from Amazon. If that’s an option for you, you can find them here: amzn.to/3jNAZFp

[@sharonmueller8422]

Great video Jan! I have seen this frame in the group before, but haven’t purchased. Are you using this one only in your lap, or would it also work on a table? Are you able to easily get your hands in a comfortable position for two-handed stitching with this frame?

[@JanHicksCreates]

I am not sure about using it on a table because I’ve never tried. My thought is that it would work with the longer arms set lower. But yes, I have no problems getting my hands in position for two handed-stitching. Someone earlier requested a video showing me using the stand, so I plan on doing that in the not too distant future.

[@sharonmueller8422]

@@JanHicksCreates Thanks!

[@marjodeforest3762]

Does it work well in your lap or more a tabletop stand?

[@JanHicksCreates]

I haven’t ever used it on a table, so I’m not sure about that. It is super comfortable on my lap.

[@jnettee3717]

Do you have a link for the stand that doesn’t go through Facebook? Thank you

[@JanHicksCreates]

Hi Jnet! Someone else has the same issue, and a kind fellow viewer let her know that Vonna Pfeiffer of The Twisted Stitcher had provided an email address for them. I looked that up because a couple others have asked as well. The email addy is [e-mail] - hope that works for you!

[@KKP7557]

The problem with the Elan, I think, stems from that clamp. I got my Elan back around 1995 and the clamp, even now, tightens to where my Qsnap is immovable. The newer version of the clamp is different and I hate it with an unholy passion. That's the version that came with my floorstand from Artisan Design and it does not tighten properly ever, like you experienced. I ended up getting an older style AD clamp from someone with the same floorstand, which is just like the one on my Elan, and it has made a world of difference. For anyone wondering about the difference, the old clamp is C-shaped with the top and bottom parts at 90-degree angles to the back. The new clamp's top and bottom parts are more angled toward each other and there is a separate piece(s) you are supposed to set in the clamp to make the angles 90 degrees. It all ends up being a giant pain in the kiester. I know this is confusing since I can't add pictures to a KZbin comment.

[@JanHicksCreates]

Thank you for this, Karen. Makes me wonder why they changed it, since so many people seem to have the same problems I did. I did try to use those extra pieces, too, and it still just didn’t work well enough for me. I do know people who have the newer ones and don’t have any problems. But anyway, good info to know. Thanks for sharing!

[@susannacloer3599]

Hi Jan, I don't do Facebook at all, but have a friend who will help me. Can you give me the ballpark cost for the small basic stand you got? Before I traverse this web of private groups it would be good to know this.

[@JanHicksCreates]

It was $150 for the stand, I believe, plus shipping. My stand is actually 18.5 inches. The 22.5 is the standard size.

[@kountrystitcher]

Hi Susanna, if you go to Vonna’s blog (the twisted stitcher) she has email information so you can email his wife directly with no Facebook. I have had mine for over 5 years now and love it!

[@RMWright]

🎵💜🎶

[@jnlfamily2]

Putin Bonnie hope and a doz pop up. None have the stands

[@JanHicksCreates]

Were you in the Cross Stitch Stands and Frames group? You need to join that first, and then once you are in the group, search on Bonnie Hope.

[@rosemarieweber862]

I've always called it "The Bonnie Hope Stand."

[@JanHicksCreates]

And I did notice in the post that I was showing after I searched on her name that she is calling it the Hope Stand. So there you have it! 😁