Columbine Proposal Pillow

None of this is really a problem. Honestly.

Realise that you won't be able to directly transfer from the chart to the fabric. That's not the way counted work is supposed to work.

The graph is just a map (so to speak) of where the stitches go. The paper chart does not need to be the same size as the fabric you use. (this is usually a good thing....trying to read a chart printed at 16 spi is a pain in the eyes and neck.) This could be a problem for doing the roses, etc, but it's certainly possible to do them. It will involve counting, though; and you may want to wait to do the roses. until you've gotten at least some of the lettering done. (Having some landmarks will make it easier to place things.)

Each block on the graph paper represents a stitch sized block on the fabric. Usually, when one uses 32 or 36 ct fabric, a stitch sized block is over two threads in each direction. Depending on the lettering, you may choose to do counted satin stitch rather than counted cross-stitch.

You don't have to use 36 ct if you can't find it or don't want to. The only thing it will affect is the final size of the project.

(which is easy enough to figure out. Somewhere on the chart or instruction sheet there should be a stitch count (width and height). Divide this stitch count by how many stitches per inch you will be doing (if you've got 32ct, you'll probably be doing 16 spi; so divide by 16). That will give you the finished size of the stitched area. Add at least 6-8 inches in both directions for finishing into a pillow or whatever you want to do with it.)

So, do the lettering first. Then you can either eyeball or count for the placement of whatever ribbon work and/or surface embroidery you want to do.

hth jenn

-- Jenn Ridley : snipped-for-privacy@chartermi.net WIP: Oriental Butterfly, Floral Sampler, Carousel (TW) Most recently Finished: Insect Sampler, TicTacToe Sampler

Thank you Jenn. The plot thinnens!!!

I've just scoured the instructions again, and there isn't a stitch count. So I guess if I start with the lettering, counting the stitches needed and centering it I should be able to tell whether to go over one or two. I think it's backstitched anyway. Satin lettering sounds lovely, but there is an awful lot of it!!!!

I think I'd better just take a deep breath and start ....

Thanks again, Carrie

It's a very flexible pattern. If you need any measurements, let me know. I'm not sure why you'd need graph paper? Do you not like doing counted work? While there is sort of a base of counted work, a lot of it is surface and ribbon embroidery. E.g., some of the flowers are counted, but their placement is a bit flexible. Most of the greenery isn't counted, or at least isn't rigidly counted. I don't think it would be a big deal to do it on 32 count linen rather than 36 count, as long as you don't have a shortage of materials. I don't think the charms and beads would be too out of scale with that change. You could also use a different even weave 36 count fabric if you couldn't find linen. It's a little overwhelming to see it all together, but when you take it step by step it isn't that bad at all. The instructions are pretty good, although sometimes you have to read it over a few times before you catch on where she's going with things. At any rate, feel free to ask any questions and I'll haul it out and take a look and try to remember what I did ;-) I did find it a great deal of fun to stitch. All the colors and fibers were just luscious.

Best wishes, Ericka

On all of the charts for the petals, it's all over one. Each square on the chart is one thread. It's not a very big pillow.

It is backstitched. You'll baste in the heart shape, which helps you figure how to place all the other elements. So, really all you have to count carefully is basting the heart and doing the lettering. Then, you'll count carefully to the row of PINS (and to the plaited Rhodes/3-sided stitch on the base) because that will help you get the finishing just right. The finishing isn't hard, but if you really want it to come out nicely, you'll want to be precise about it. It's hard to make it come out right if you're off in your counting and the petals come out different sizes.

Yep! Just follow the directions step by step and you'll get there. She won't lead you astray ;-)

Best wishes, Ericka

Thanks, Ericka. I am certainly not a 'counted stitch' person, though I may be by the time I finish this!!!! I like the idea of the drawn threads round the edges and *if* I get that far, I'd like to attach the petals using an insertion stitch.

I was planning on personalising some areas to suit my daughter's tastes - she is a Physicist who loves the colour blue and cats! I also doubt I'll find all the charms etc that are specified due to my LNS closing, so this pillow will be very much adapted anyway.

I will print out all the kind advice you have given and put it with the chart, then take the plunge!

Many thanks, Carrie