Words SAL is the first project I started and finished using the Xstitch app by PerformTec Ltd on my smartphone and tablet. It's very easy to use.
Designed by cross stitchers for cross stitchers, it has three modules: journal, inventory, and shopping list. There is also a search feature for when you need to look up a particular item or project. Price for the app is $2.99 -- well worth it, in my opinion.
You can use the journal module to categorize and track all your projects, add photos, document the start and finish dates, and keep detailed project notes. It also allows you to keep track of a wishlist. We all know how important that is! With the tap of a finger, the status of a project can be changed from Wishlist to Kitted to Started to Finished and moves to the correct journal "chapter". As I progressed on the Words SAL, I updated the project photo. That way I had the latest WIP photo in my journal. I only have three WIPs in my app so far, but I could see how this would be handy for those who have a TON of WIPs. (Yes, you know who you are!) Something I'd like to see with this app is the ability to print out the journal.
Just a note on the Journal Details page: Below Linen Notes, there is also a Project Notes section. I use it for any details I want to remember such as who/what the project was made for, embellishments and unique supplies I used, etc.
You can keep track of your charts, threads, and fabric with the inventory module. The app comes loaded with hundreds of chart designers and over 6,000 thread selections to enable you to quickly add information. The app-masters (Is that such a thing?) will also take suggestions for adding new designers and threads. I wish there was an option to add threads to inventory that are not mainstream (i.e. Carrie's Creations, Six Strand Sweets, etc.).
The homepage can be customized by adding a photo of your choice. I have Japanese Garden on my homepage ::big grin:: The only issue I have is that when I access the app on my smartphone, the "Journal Entries" text wraps around and is overwritten by the "Charts and Kits" text line. This only happens on my smartphone. It's fine on my tablets.
Photos of your WIPs and Finishes can be uploaded free of charge. If you want to add photos of your inventory charts, these are not free. You can purchase credits to upload the photos. Photo credits can be bought in increments of for 99c, 50 for $1.99, or 100 for $2.99. The credits aren't re-usable (i.e. If you use a credit for a chart then get rid of the chart, you can't re-use the credit for a different chart photo.) For me, this is a downfall since I have lots of charts and kits I'd like to inventory.
Edited: Thanks to Nancy in MI and Pam in SC, I have learned a work-around to adding photos with my charts and kits without having to pay for the credits. I add them to the "kitted" section of the journal. When I get the urge to start a new project (C'mon now... you KNOW you do it, too!), I can scroll through the "kitted" section and see what strikes my fancy. I rarely kit up projects ahead of time, but when I do I can note the supplies in the project notes. Then when I get ready to stitch, all I need to do is change the status to "started".
Floss can be added to the shopping list from the floss inventory module by simply tapping the shopping basket next to the individual floss items. Items can also be added to the shopping list manually. I haven't used this part of the app, but it seems pretty easy.
X-Stitch uses cloud technology so you have the ability to securely access your data from all your IOS and Android devices. I like the fact that I can log in to my tablet or smartphone and be able to access the app without having to manually sync the data. I have the app on an iPad, an android tablet, and smartphone... the data syncs to all of them. Very convenient!
Have you tried the app? What are your thoughts?
Designed by cross stitchers for cross stitchers, it has three modules: journal, inventory, and shopping list. There is also a search feature for when you need to look up a particular item or project. Price for the app is $2.99 -- well worth it, in my opinion.
You can use the journal module to categorize and track all your projects, add photos, document the start and finish dates, and keep detailed project notes. It also allows you to keep track of a wishlist. We all know how important that is! With the tap of a finger, the status of a project can be changed from Wishlist to Kitted to Started to Finished and moves to the correct journal "chapter". As I progressed on the Words SAL, I updated the project photo. That way I had the latest WIP photo in my journal. I only have three WIPs in my app so far, but I could see how this would be handy for those who have a TON of WIPs. (Yes, you know who you are!) Something I'd like to see with this app is the ability to print out the journal.
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| (Click to Photo to Enlarge) |
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| This is a screenshot of the finishes I have entered in the app. |
The homepage can be customized by adding a photo of your choice. I have Japanese Garden on my homepage ::big grin:: The only issue I have is that when I access the app on my smartphone, the "Journal Entries" text wraps around and is overwritten by the "Charts and Kits" text line. This only happens on my smartphone. It's fine on my tablets.
Photos of your WIPs and Finishes can be uploaded free of charge. If you want to add photos of your inventory charts, these are not free. You can purchase credits to upload the photos. Photo credits can be bought in increments of for 99c, 50 for $1.99, or 100 for $2.99. The credits aren't re-usable (i.e. If you use a credit for a chart then get rid of the chart, you can't re-use the credit for a different chart photo.) For me, this is a downfall since I have lots of charts and kits I'd like to inventory.
Edited: Thanks to Nancy in MI and Pam in SC, I have learned a work-around to adding photos with my charts and kits without having to pay for the credits. I add them to the "kitted" section of the journal. When I get the urge to start a new project (C'mon now... you KNOW you do it, too!), I can scroll through the "kitted" section and see what strikes my fancy. I rarely kit up projects ahead of time, but when I do I can note the supplies in the project notes. Then when I get ready to stitch, all I need to do is change the status to "started".
Floss can be added to the shopping list from the floss inventory module by simply tapping the shopping basket next to the individual floss items. Items can also be added to the shopping list manually. I haven't used this part of the app, but it seems pretty easy.
X-Stitch uses cloud technology so you have the ability to securely access your data from all your IOS and Android devices. I like the fact that I can log in to my tablet or smartphone and be able to access the app without having to manually sync the data. I have the app on an iPad, an android tablet, and smartphone... the data syncs to all of them. Very convenient!
Have you tried the app? What are your thoughts?
2 comments:
I've tried it for the thread database part. I haven't played with the journal part. I need to. Thanks for the review!
A bunch of friends have started using this app, so it's been tempting.
I do have everything I own, WIPS, finishes, and wishlist inventoried in a spreadsheet, so I do wonder if this would really be necessary for me. I also don't enjoy the thought of "re"inventorying, which is giving me pause.
Thank you for the review!
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