Greetings all. Another weekend upon us, closing in on Thanksgiving. I predict that next year, black Friday sales will begin at Halloween. Drives me nuts. I've been doing Carole's Christmas shopping which I've done for years, and did get a few bargains The childrens' Vtech activity desk deluxe has been sold out around here for weeks, so I searched online. Found it at Barnes and Noble, on sale for $41.21, got a code for additional 15% and free shipping, total with tax of $38! Deal. I always check Retailmenot.com for coupons before buying online.
On to stitching. Started Kogut's Country Santa. The chart states the stitch count as 82 x 113 which is what I used to calculate finished size and choose the fabric count. The recommended 30 count finish at 5x7 is incorrect. You need 32 count to obtain that size. So that is what I chose, Confederate Gray. But that's not correct either. After counting the graph myself, it is only 70 x 101 which means I could have used 30, even 28. Too late. I usually double check the chart's count but didn't this time. He'll be a little smaller than I wanted for a sack and now I'm wondering if I should start over on a different piece.
I really like 32 count except for one thing..... I don't like it. I have a lot of it but it always creates the thick/thin dilemma. Using two strands as I am, makes it harder to stitch because of thread thickness in that tighter weave. But using one strand, looks too sparse. It's a no win situation. Using the sewing method on 32 seems to go more smoothly but completing one full stitch at a time is cramped. Maybe it's my imagination because I do not like the full stitch method, necessary with overdyed floss. His boots are regular floss, sewing method horizontal and then vertical, didn't notice any drag. One strand would not have covered well at all and I feel the red coat would be the same. This is why 30 count is always my first choice, two strands are perfect as is one strand on 35. But 32 is a bugger if I have to do complete crosses. My options - start over on a 28 or 30 ..or... use the sewing method and forgo the look of overdyed. There's always that grown-up option for any situation.... put my big girl panties on and deal with it. The thing is, I always have big girl panties on and it doesn't seem to help much. It took me a few days to choose the color and I don't have another Confederate, 123stitch's order is on its way so I can't add. Time to throw a few Dove in my coffee and think about it.
Have a great weekend.
Thanks for visiting.
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11 comments:
Looking nice! Hmmm... I like the look of two strands on 32, and then you have the option of a single strand to lighten something or make it fade into the background. Sorry to hear it's giving you a pain! Funny though, as I was reading about your stitching, it's upside down! she's stitching upside down! kept running though the back of my head, LOL. Makes it kind of obvious I work top down - do you always start at the bottom and grow your stitching upward?
BTW, Santa's sack is a delightful blend of shades - what color is that?
Hi Deb. Santa’s sack is GAST Sable.
LOL!! I guess I am upside down. I always start samplers in the top left corner, Santas in the center bottom. Don’t know why. It may have started many years ago when I kept changing the face color. I remember many were 3064 and 407, I thought too pink/red for the aged look I wanted. Completing his clothes first is easier to then choose a face color. Sounds like a good reason so that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
I am a two strand girl. Big girl panties are over-rated.
I really like that Santa. I hope you figure out your dilemma.
I think he's looking great! I think 2 strands on 32 is perfect. I agree that 1 does not cover well enough.
So many decisions.. I like your Santa so far and I would be loathe to start over.
Your Santa looks great and stop over thinking this stuff! It's suppose to be fun! Big girl panty solution: don't wear panties at all...
Why is it that I'm stitching along on a piece that I really really like and then you come along with another design that is getting into my mind and I want that one too. There are too many creative designers out there that are so good that they inspire and have gotten me to purchase more designs than I could do in 2 more lifetimes. It doesn't matter.....it feels like Christmas when I order a new design and I can't wait to get it. I guess I'll be ordering this one in the next few days....thanks for sharing Marly!
"Throw a few Doves in the coffee..." That caught my attention. Dark or milk? And what's the ratio? I'm going to have to do some experimenting!
I do love that Santa. You have given me something to think about. I usually stitch on 32 but you are right, it can get tight. I am going to try 30 next time I order fabric.
I have these 2 patterns and want to get them stitched before Christmas. LOL!! I am going to do 1 strand on 32 count. I do stitch 2 strands on 32 count occasionally on small projects. Maybe we can compare finishes?? Try not to overthink too much. Have FUN!!!
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