Variegated floss vs. over-dyed

Hi, Kathy -

I think it depends on the chart and the effect you're trying to achieve. Usually I use two identical strands and don't loop start, and when I finish with one pair of strands, I do the next pair bottom-to-top to make the color "flow" with subtlety. But if the threads you're using have a big color variation, maybe loop start would give it a more "tweeding" effect and less difference between groups of stitches (you could get away from three dark stitches followed by three light stitches creating a splotchy effect and instead have six "tweedy" stitches).

I'd suggest doing a small block of sample stitches on the margin or on a doodle cloth utilizing each technique, and decide which one looks best to you, with consideration to your particular design.

There's no "right" or "wrong" - but what looks best to you! And have fun with it!

Sue

Experiment and see what you like. If you use a loop start, you'll get a more heathered, uniform appearance. If you use two matched strands, you'll get a more mottled, less uniform appearance (assuming you complete each stitch before moving to the next). Which works best depends on the effect you're trying to achieve.

Best wishes, Ericka

Thanks to Ericka and Sue for their suggestions. I did find a website that also suggested doing it the same way. I think doing end-to-other-end will make it flow quite nicely too. This is a Celtic tree that has Celtic knots forming the tree branches. It is in the Oct 2007 issue of Just Cross Stitch magazine and is called "Tanglewood." It will fit very nicely into my genealogy/family tree wall of fame in my sewing/computer room.