A great big early morning Howdy from Kansas! I’m not exactly sure how Wednesday got here already, but I’m glad it did, because I’m excited to share some news with you!
Last year I reviewed this slate frame from Mythic Crafts. Many of you may remember the review – for those who are new to Needle ‘n Thread, who are looking for quality embroidery slate frames, you might check it out! Mark’s frame has some unique features that make it decidedly different – and easier to set up – than most slate frames.
Since then, a lot has happened at Mythic Crafts, not least of which was a relocation from Canada to the UK. Besides that, though, Mark Harris, the craftsman behind Mythic Crafts, has prototyped and developed a multi-functional set of trestles to support slate and other similar frames, as well as engineering the plans for a much-requested table frame clamp.
Today, I want to tell you about two things:
1. How, for a short time, we can acquire Mark’s exquisite slate frames, trestles and other goods for a discounted price; and
2. How we can help establish a manufacturer in the needlework industry so that we – and generations after us – can have access to these beautiful tools for years to come.
So, to get himself set up with a industry-level workshop in the UK, earlier this week, Mark launched a funding campaign on Indiegogo, featuring his slate frames, trestles, forthcoming frame clamp, and needle minders.
Unlike many funding campaigns that simply ask for funds, the Indiegogo campaign is based on two things:
1. a “perk” system, where you receive something specific in exchange for your support; and
2. an all-or-nothing scheme, meaning if the funds are raised, then the pledged funds are put to use; if the goal isn’t met, well – that’s the end of Mythic Crafts, and the funds are returned to the supporters.
What’s in it for You?
Not that I’m all mercenary and whatnot, but this type of funding campaign is super beneficial for you and me, because the “perks” that are offered are frames and trestles, discounted as they would not normally be.
So it’s a great opportunity to acquire a quality frame (we’re talking heirloom quality, last forever frame), a set of trestles, or one of Mark’s specially designed forthcoming frame clamps, at a much more accessible price.
Incidentally, for those who have been looking for Large slate frames, you’ll find a 34″ frame as one of the perks, too. (I jumped on that one – it’s hard to find large frames.)
And, at the same time, we get the Warm Fuzzies for giving a small business a chance to get established, in order to bring quality goods to the needlework world!
Both, with very little risk, due to the all-or-nothing nature of the campaign. Methinks it’s a win-win!
The Trestles
I was a very happy recipient of one of Mark’s trestle prototypes, and I can’t wait to use them!
The wood is beautiful, of course. The parts are precision constructed. The hardware is solid and easy to use. And the trestles – especially the ones with the rear brace – are sturdy. In fact, if you have the rear brace, on a level, hard floor, you can even get away with not putting the feet on. (Still, I’d use the feet!)
They’re adjustable, so you can work at varying angles and heights, and they support large frames well. If you go for the complete trestle package, you can also opt for small frame supports, which allow you to use the trestles with even small projects.
Are Trestles for You?
I don’t always use trestles. I can only use them when my workroom is taken down to the bare-bones of anything in it, because they have a large footprint. I use them especially when I plan to film stitch videos or when I’m working on something large that has to be in a very large frame, when trestles are the only option for support.
If you have a limited, small workspace, or if you do most of your stitching in a recliner or at a couch, trestles probably aren’t for you.
But if you have a dedicated stitching space, if you are pursuing needlework as a serious hobby or even livelihood, or if you tend to work on Large Projects, then I’d definitely consider trestles! In my Ideal Dream Workspace, I’ll have room for two or more sets, set up, all the time! For teaching, for ongoing larger projects… you can’t beat them!
The Importance of the Small Business
I know I’m preaching to the choir here, as most folks in the needlework world already know this.
Small businesses in our little needlework niche are Really, Really Important. Without small businesses, most of the embroidery and needlework goods that we enjoy – that sustain our work or our hobby, that make it more pleasurable, that bring us joy – would not be available.
That’s why I think it’s important to support, whenever possible, the small business that contributes worthwhile goods to the needlework market.
I think Mark has a solid business plan. You can read his whole story and his whole plan on the Indiegogo campaign.
While you’re at it, don’t miss the opportunity to get in on the perks!
Limited Time & Quantities
Just so you know, the way these types of campaigns work is that they are up only for a limited time. The Mythic Crafts campaign is for one month.
The perks are offered in different tiers, with limited quantities in each tier. For the best deals, look for the 55% off frames. These are Danish oil finished (they’re very nice!), not the glossy urethane finish. And look for the limited quantity perks, too! Some of them are already sold out, but there are still a few good trestle perks and frame clamp perks available.
So, there you have it – your opportunity to help a small business, to acquire some really nice needlework tools at great prices, and all at very little risk!
My fingers are crossed that the needlework world will jump on this two-fold opportunity. We need skilled craftspeople in the tool part of the industry, and Mark not only has the woodworking skills – as his frames and trestles prove – but the engineering background to create new, innovative tools that really work and that will last a lifetime.
I’d love to see Mythic Crafts succeed and stick around for generations to come!
Wouldn’t you?
