Hello, newbie here ( and a quick question).

[GillyPS]

Hi from wet wet windy Cornwall UK,

I am recently retired and teaching myself to cross stitch now that I have time. I started with simple mono colour patterns on Aida, which I really enjoy. I am now progressing onto linen and evenweave designs but still keeping it simple until I have the confidence and experience to tackle something major. Sadly I don't know anyone who embroiders to share my joys and woes so I thought I would join this community to do just that! Thank you to all the many people who have posted really helpful and inspiring posts here. It does help immeasurably to read all the helpful and encouraging comments.
I am about to start on a new pattern, Carriage House Samplings - Spot the Horse that I will make into a bag for my daughters Christmas pressie. I have some lovely Weeks Dye Works 35ct linen and Gentle Art threads that (nearly) match the silks recommended. I just hope I have not made a huge boo boo with the linen. The pattern is wider than it is tall but the linen is the other way around (13.5 x 18)..... Will it matter if I stitch it with selvedge at the top? If it would, how can I tell which way round to stitch linen if there were no selvedge to tell me which side is which?

Enjoy your stitching G x

[rcperryls]

Hello Gilly and welcome to the forum and to the wonderful world of cross stitching! What a wonderful design you are going to be stitching! I hope that you will post pictures so we can follow your progress. Based on the Cross Stitch Calculator (and I'm assuming your measurements are in inches and that you will be stitching with 2 strands of thread over 2 threads of fabric?) you have enough linen and since your stitched area will be 7 3/8 by 6 3/8 you should be able to turn the linen any way you want. When calculating the amount of fabric you need adding 3 inches on all sides gives you plenty of room. I find that especially when starting a new project, I either use a washable ink pen to draw an arrow up at the top so that I know what direction I need to stitch in. I've also quick stitched an arrow if I don't have a pen available. I hope this makes sense, as I'm not the best one of our members explaining things. If some of the expressions I've used are unknown to you, we have a Glossary which is a great reference and when I still use when something is unfamiliar.

Ask all the questions that you need to. Someone on the forum will either know the answer or have a very good idea of where to go to find the answer.

Looking forward to getting to know you.

Carole

[kandifloss]

Hello & welcome. Look forward to seeing your makes

Kandi

[fccs]

Hello from Colorado and welcome to the forum.

I've been stitching for years (decades, even!) and I've never paid attention to the selvage of my fabric. I turn it which ever way it needs to go for the particular design.

I do hope you'll share pictures with us of your projects and progress.

[MacGyver]

the ink on the last stamped xstitch I worked did wash out.

[wendywombat]

Hello from and ex-pat in SW France! Welcome!

Linen is an evenweave which means which ever way you turn it it'll always be right! If my fabric has a selvedge I put it at the top for some reason!

[karen4bells]

Hello and welcome to the forum

[Squirrel]

Hi from me in wet and cooler Brisbane it is great that you have joined us. Looking forward to getting to know you and to watch and encourage you with your stitching.

[Serinde]

Welcome to the forum from the West of Scotland! I think you have your answer, so I won't add my tuppence worth. Hope you set up a thread in the SAL section so we can cheer your progress.

[Midge]

Hello and welcome.

[Mabel Figworthy]

Linen is an evenweave which means which ever way you turn it it'll always be right!

What she said

Welcome to the forum and to an addictive hobby!