Expert: Angela - 1/8/2010

Question
QUESTION: I will soon be stitching the pattern "I Thee Wed".  Directions suggest 32 count fabric with 2 over 2 stitching.  I think the finished project will be quite large so would like to stitch this 1 over 1 on 28 count fabric. (My current project is 1 over 1 on 28 count so I am quite comfortable with this technique.)  I have 2 questions.  1) Can you suggest an on-line calculator to determine the final size (or tell me yourself how large this will be).  2)  How does this stitch count affect the beading that is required in this pattern?  (Should I use less beads or smaller beads, or what?)

Thanks in advance for your help.
Dianne

ANSWER: Hello, Dianne :)

If the pattern that you're about to stitch is by Lavender and Lace, the project size itself will be 170Wx246H in stitches.  The model would've been stitched on a 32 count linen either evergreen or barnwood.  If you stitch this project onto linen using the 1 over 1, you will need a piece of fabric 18"x20" (rounded up to the nearest inch).

With regards to the beading, no, the beads won't affect the size of the fabric.  The beads are attached to the project after all of the other stitching is done.  I have stitched "The Wedding" by Lavender and Lace, and it had 415 white seed beads throughtout the project.

I hope that helps.  Good luck, and happy stitching! :)

Sincerely,

Angela :)

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the response.  My followup to the question:

It is nice to hear from someone who has stitched this L%26L pattern.  I did not like the looks of the "model" as I felt the background too dark.  When you stitched this pattern did you use one of the suggested fabrics?  I have chosen a light blue as the floss selections seems more towards the blues then the greens. Do you have any thoughts on blue as opposed to green background?

I understand that the beads are stitched on last but my concern was if I would change the count then the beads may be too large for a 1 over 1.  However, the more I think about it the more I think I will probably stay with the 32 count 2 over 2.    

I'd love to hear how you liked your finished project (especially once I know what fabric you chose).  I have also done The Bride %26 Spring Bride doing both of those on sort of an off white fabric.

Thanks again,
Dianne

ANSWER: Hello again, Dianne :)

I don't remember if I chose the suggest fabric or not.  It was given to my husband's aunt for her wedding quite a few years ago.  I do remember stitching it using 2 over 2, though, and it was perfect when I had to attach the beads.  If you stitch your project 1 over 1, then you would need to find some very tiny seed beads, and I don't know if they make them that small or not.  Perhaps not.  I would recommend stitching it using the 2 over 2 method.  You can use the Mill Hill seed beads that it suggests and you won't have a problem with their size.

As far as the color of fabric is concerned, take the colors that are suggested on the patterns key, and lay them on top of both colors of fabric.  Then, you can decide which fabric color would look best with the thread colors. :)

I hope that helps you further.  Good luck, and happy stitching! :)

Sincerely,

Angela :)

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: This really isn't a followup question but I can't seem to find the place to originate a new question.  Sorry!

Anyway, my pattern (still I Thee Wed) asks for the floss color white.  I have several "skeins" of this from previous projects.  One skein is labeled blanc.  I have always assumed this is white but it looks more off white than the other whites that I have.  Not sure it would make a difference but I don't really want to go out and buy more skeins.  Thoughts?

Thanks,
Dianne

Answer
Hello, Dianne :)

It may be best to purchase a couple of brand new skeins from either Hobby Lobby, Michaels or a local needlework shop to be sure that you have the same dyelot.  It could be that what you have in stock at the moment may have discolored over time, which could happen with whites.

If you don't want to go out to buy more, you can always order them on online at:

http://www.123stitch.com

I hope that helps.  Good luck, and happy stitching! :)

Sincerely,

Angela :)