Help?

[Sahari]

Okay, so I'm going to re-stitch my whole project. Yeah, the one I've spent 9 months getting to the 2/3rds mark, or maybe even 3/4's. (Richard would know exactly how many stitches he had left).

I tried picking out some sections but it's just too horrible to do, little bits here and there. Plus, the replacement colors I got don't match the colors that came w/ the kit (although the numbers are the same). Plus I think I'm ready to start training for the Parking method, so this will be a good way to get me ready for a SQ or HAED pattern.

So, I'm debating about whether to go 14 or 16 Aida cloth, and wondering if anyone ever uses 3 or 4 threads instead of two? I don't want to lose the size of the design (16) but I'm not pleased with the coverage of 14.

Thoughts? Sahari

[Podolyanka]

Due to my eyesight (glasses +5 for stitching), I stitch only on 14 count Aida and always in 3 strands. So far no problem with the result- the pictures never look "bald", and the process of stitching is a pleasure, not struggling to see the stitches. I know nowadays people often prefer higher count fabric, but most of designers directly mention on the chart: 14 c, sometimes 16c. As I have already said, 14count needs 3 strands/threads. Hopefully this helps. Happy stitching!

[Sahari]

Thanks Lyudmila, that makes sense. What is glasses + 5?

Kits always seem to say 2 threads tho -- guess they're saving money by providing less thread!

Using three strands prohibits a loop start, doesn't it? And do you use a certain type of Aida to ensure that the holes handle the extra load? ~S

[fuchsiafairy]

I was going to say the same, try 3 threads on the edge of fabric or on a scrap of Aida left over, to see how it works out & also to find out whichyou prefer. I do 2 strands 14 & 16 & prefer the coverage of 16 - had also been thinking along your lines of trying 3 strands on 14 count.

I will give it a try on a small piece of Aida & see how it looks. Hope you find what is best for your taste

[Podolyanka]

I dont use loop start, as I stitch in 3 strands. I have been stitching tablecloths and tablerunners for decades, so I automatically secure the thread at the very beginning (the very first stitch)- leaving a longer "tail" and then hiding it under the next stitches in the course of making them. It does take a minute or so, but I dont just put the end under the stitched stitches, but turn it one way then another as stitching in order to make sure it wont get "free" in the first wash. Then, when I have already something stitched and am just taking another piece of thread, I strat by pulling the thread under a few stitches in one direction and then in a different. I used to start by going through all three strands (one by one) at about 1 cm from the endafter the first lef of the very first stitch - this method is nothing new and does the trick too. But this takes more time and usually also is used only for the very first stitch.

I also sucure the end when finishing- like we finish sewing by hand, and then pull the end of the thread under two-three nearest crosses. I dont believe in ideal wrong side, you know. Because if you hide ends on the right side for the sake of the ideal wrong one, you will have not ideal right side.

To cut a long story short : 2 strands on 14 count are a great waste of time and effort. And yes, kits save on threads. On 16 count 2 strands will do, but on 14count - only 3 strands. I hope this helps. Just remember: do as you feel is the best for you. It is the matter of likes and dislikes- like with peas porridge in the nursery rhyme.

[Allyn]

I get it. I restarted my Color of the Wolf after I was well into the project and I am very glad that I did. I never would have been happy if I had continued with a project that was already disappointing me.

Me? I would do 18 count because I like the coverage of two-over-one on 18 ct, but that would change the size of your finished piece. Given the choice between 14 ct and 16 ct, I would go 16 ct without hesitation. Two-over-one on 14 ct is fine for things like country-looking samplers and such, but for more sophisticated designs, like full-stitched pieces, the coverage just isn't there. You can go three threads on 14 ct, that's always an option.

(two-over-one on 18 ct)

I usually stitch with two threads, but I don't loop because I'm usually doing blended threads. I use waste knots to hold the tails and then clip the knots when I stitch up to them. Scarlet Quince has a lot of good tutorials on waste knots and parking. If you want to practice parking on something small, check the free patterns at artecy.com. They usually have a big pattern and a small one free every month so you can try parking on a scrap of fabric if you wanted to.

[richardandtracy]

I'm in 2 minds about 2 threads on 14ct. The coverage is OK if the fabric isn't too much of a contrast with the thread colour. If there is a big contrast (eg black thread on ecru fabric) then it looks sparce and dotty.
But 16ct is more difficult.

OK, my current 2 projects are 2 over 1 on 28ct tent stitching, so I'm a fine one to talk about difficult stitching. I have -5 lenses in my glasses and take them off for stitching because I'm so short sighted that I can then see the stitches clearly. My new varifocals just don't help at 6".

I honestly cannot cope with parking with more than 20 colours at a time. Thread management drops my stitching speed down to the 10-12 an hour range because I get in a real blither with it. I do so admire those who can cope, but I'm not one of them.

Regards

Richard.

[Sahari]

I love this forum, I really do. You guys are great. Drinks or whatever on me at the Stash and Grab. If I can find it... If I don't show up, just put it on my tab.


I've emailed Design Works (maker of the kit who mixed up two of the threads in the thread holder) to ask if they'd be willing to send me Aida cloth and a new paper or digital design (my original paper's creases are eating the symbols, and I scan it in sections to enlarge and print, too!). Let's see if they make good!

Here's my poor, never-to-be-finished project, with the mixed-up dark greens:

Sahari

[Sahari]

Update on Design Works' response to my situation: they are willing to send me a new pattern, but have to 'see' about sending me another piece of Aida cloth. I suggested to them that this was a pretty big boo boo on their part and she responded by telling me that they haven't had any other complaints. She'll call me tomorrow (well, later today) with the verdict. Overall I found them very uninterested.

Sahari

[poppy]

I hope that the call will bring you positive answers tomorrow.
You worked the well on this project, it is beautiful.

[Sahari]

Thanks Helene! But, well... they didn't call. I'm on my own. In the old days, I'd be on the horn with them kicking up a fuss but, I don't think it'd help, people have to care a little for that approach to work...

My floss isn't coming until next Tuesday so I'm kind of at a loss until then. This is when having more than one project at a time would come in handy, right?

Sahari

[rcperryls]

when a company just doesn't seem to care about good customer service. With so many websites and projects to choose from, you'd think that a phone call telling you one way or the other is the least they could do. Perhaps something happened and you will get a call tomorrow. I hope so.

Carole

[Allyn]

All things considered, the fabric is quite easy to replace and getting it yourself, you can likely get a better quality fabric than they included in the kit.

[Sahari]

All things considered, the fabric is quite easy to replace and getting it yourself, you can likely get a better quality fabric than they included in the kit.

Thanks Allyn, of course you're right, and if I wasn't on the tightest of budgets I wouldn't even think twice about it.

So all the white Aida cloth that is 'gettable' for me (w/o having to pay ship costs) is only 15 x 19!!! My design is 12x12 and I used a 16x16 piece. Will an inch make that much difference when it comes to mounting?

Sahari