Expert: Vinette de Phillipe - 5/17/2008

Question
Dear Vinette,

This is Natasha again.  I have two more questions:

1.  When should I do the backstitch outline?  I need to do it beforehand so I
can keep track of the pattern (hugely complex), but then it gets pretty hard to
see, so I need to do it again.  Is that ok?  I was thinking of trying to do
silhouette outlines before, which leaves them fuzzy, and as many as possible
interior outlines later, but that makes it easy to mess up.  I have taken out as
many stitches as I have left in!!

2.  It's getting dirty.  As suggested, I rinsed reds and blues first, and the
water stayed clear.  Thus I hope this means I can gently wash the whole thing
in cold water by hand when it needs it?  It's not like I have a little sewing
room, I do it on the subways too!  

Thanks again,

Natasha

PS To All Beginners:  Think of it as a pastime, not a project.  This way taking
out stitches is as fun as putting them in.  It works for me! (feel free to quote
me on this ; ))  )

Answer
HI Natasha,
Sounds like you are having fun with your stitchery.

Outlining is usually done after the area is complete.

It is ok to redo the outline once you have finished the area.

Washing with a gentle soap, like woolite, is good in cool water.  You may want to put some white vinegar in the water to help set the colors.

vi