One? Or two?
One? Or two?
I have the same question.
Thirty count used to be my favorite and I do have some left, but followed the chart with thirty two count. Those two threads per inch make quite a difference and cause me quite a dilemma regarding floss threads. I do not like the sparse look of one thread on 32 count, but two threads are heavy and bulky. At least mine are. And I really don't like stitching with two strands any longer. The stag is one, and it's OK I guess, not as large an area as his coat. But the dark blue contrast on the lighter linen is too open for me. I tried a lighter blue for less contrast but it wasn't enough color. See the heavy thread over his back compared to the single thread below? It's raised like a little sausage roll. My SIL used two strands on 32 Belfast almost exclusively and her work was perfect, no sausages.
Linen to thread contrast would not be as noticeable on a darker linen but neither would this design with its dark thread. (sigh) (nose blow) (cough). I need to order 35 count raw/unbleached linen which is perfect for one thread, but I don't think there are too many options for that, most are dyed. I will stitch a larger area of the blue before deciding if I want to start over on my last piece of beige 35 count. Hoping I can put on those big girl panties and continue on this piece because I'm sure when completed, it will be just fine. And it's seasonal, not something I will look at every day. There 'ya go. I knew if I yakked about it, sensibility would prevail.
I'm not sure if I will order all 13 skeins of wool needed to stitch Ellen (unexpected car bill for Carole) but did find a decent sale price for them. Most online shops had the GASWT thread for $3.20-3.35 and Stitching Bits 'n Bobs has them for $2.64. Simply Wool Threads. That's a really good price. Ellen calls for Buckeye Scarlet (4 skeins) Dried Thyme (3) Grecian Gold (2) and one each of Harvest Basket, Driftwood, Dark Chocolate, and Forest Glade. I may use the GAST cotton, but who knows?
I'll leave you with another one of our visitors.
Enjoy the last few days of October. I'm still in shock!
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5 comments:
I so agree. A lot depends on the make of the linen, no matter what the count. What I mean is, I'm almost down to 28-count Cashel or 32-count Belfast, nothing else, as I like to stitch with 2 strands. I just don't think you can beat those two. I think Carol of Stitching Dreams does almost all her smalls on 40-count with one strand and they look beautiful, but my eyesight isn't good enough for 40-count, and for me cross-stitch has to be enjoyable. If I have to work too hard at it . . . well, I already have a job!
Beautiful deer, Dear !
Wishing you an enjoyable Sunday.
Charlotte in Va.
I hate stitching with two threads. :D It's why I like stitching on high counts of linen. And yes, the brand of linen makes a difference.
I like the look of two threads, although it might depend on the fabric. On linen one thread looks anemic and pulls . I do 28 or 32 count (my fabric of choice) even weave I always using two threads. Of course that is over two. I did 40 count once ( black) using a single thread and it was not fun so I agree with Diane I stitch for fun not work.
A thought - is the linen you're using Belfast or just 32 count? Yes, I know Belfast *is* 32 count, but the couple of pieces I have marked specifically as "Belfast" seem to have an airier look (which I didn't like - that's why I still have them ... also, they are white or ivory and I'm not brave enough to dye them) and I finally thought the fabric threads themselves may be finer/thinner. That could explain why your SIL's 2 threads on Belfast looked nice while you're getting sausages. Maybe?
Perhaps Silver Needle would have some lovely (old fashioned) raw linen in 35 count?
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