A Few Questions :-)

[BizzieLizzie]

First, well done for having the courage to tackle a big project as your second one. No need to be nervous, just take your time with it and you'll be fine. It's still just crosses, the only difference is there are more of them!

To answer your questions:

1. I use a sew-on scroll frame and what I do is this:
- mark the centre of the top and bottom of the fabric with a pencil.
- mark the centre of the scroll frame webbing with a pencil.
- line up the pencil marks on the webbing and the fabric to get your fabric central on the frame
- sew from the centre to one side of the fabric, then from the centre to the other side of the fabric. I use running stitch but as long as it's secure, it doesn't really matter.
If you find your fabric is a little saggy in the middle once you've tightened it on the frame, get some of these: http://www.nordicneedle.com/6934.html" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank. They really help with tension, and you can extend them by adding Velcro if you need to.

2. Most people stitch the whole of page 1, then go on to page 2, etc. but it really is up to you. The only thing to watch out for is that if a colour continues onto the next page, it’s best to keep stitching across the page border until you come to the end of that row of colour. If you always stop at the edge of the page, you risk getting lines in your work where the pages meet.

3. Again, this is personal preference. Some people love parking and can’t live without it. Most people hate it. I’m one of those who love parking and this is the method I use if you want to try it: http://www.scarletquince.com/parking.php" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank.

I’m sure others will be along with plenty more ideas. The main thing is to take your time, do what feels right for you, and most of all enjoy it. GOOD LUCK!!

[rcperryls]

Good questions.
1. Don't use a scroll so can't answer that one.

2. I start on the first page and when I get to the edge of the page look ahead to see how much of the color continues on. If there are only a few stitches I do them and may continue on that page for a while until I come to what seems like a reasonable place to stop. Because I grid my fabric, I tend to think of large blocks (10 x 10 squares) and will usually do no more than than 2 or 3 blocks across or down on the next page. If it is a large block of thread then I will be more likely to just stop at the end of the page. (I hope this makes sense?). Some people stick strictly to just page by page and that works for them. I always feel like I'm wasting thread if I stop and then would only have 2 or 3 stitches left. If you look at my pic of my last update of mini amethyst you can see where I went past the page on the bottom and a little bit on the right also. Look at some of the other SAL's on the forum and you will see both ways being done.

3. I don't park. I can't keep track of my threads.

Carole

[paul]

I can answer the scroll frame one as I use one.

I don't sew mine on. You can buy some grip things. Think there called quick grip or easy grick. There made of plastic and you just clip them over the fabric and dowling and they hold it in place.

[destructiveernie]

I put mine on bobbins and just cut lengths as I need them.

[BizzieLizzie]

I've read somewhere on this forum that one of the members folds the length of the skein in half, then in half again, etc. until it's folded to the desired length, then they cut it and end up with lots of threads the same length. Not sure I explained that very clearly! Anyway, it means no odd lengths left over at the end of a skein.

[Mystonique]

I've read somewhere on this forum that one of the members folds the length of the skein in half, then in half again, etc. until it's folded to the desired length, then they cut it and end up with lots of threads the same length. Not sure I explained that very clearly! Anyway, it means no odd lengths left over at the end of a skein.

I do that and it works very well and it means that if you are using combined colours you have the same length of each colour, no wastage.

Scroll frames - I mark the centre and use a running stitch (or back stitch) to attach it. I always attach it so the bottom curls under the rod and the top curls over the rod. This protects it at the bottom where it is likely to be touching your lap and it gives a slanted surface which is easier to work on. I also recommend you invest in a pillow case to cover your work if you leave it for any period - keeps it safe from dust and other marks.

I would finish the length of thread I'm working on even if it goes over a page - I would not stitch in pages because I've seen fabulous projects permanently marked by the page breaks, although I believe some people can do it successfully.

[BizzieLizzie]

I used to use a pillowcase but it wasn't big enough for my 30" frame so I asked my Mum, who's a seamstress by profession, to make me a larger "pillowcase" with a zip at one end that's big enough to put the frame in. She made two (one for each of my frames) and they're brilliant.

[ranjita]

How is your project coming? I'm working on one that has 56 blocks. Yeah, it'll take me years to finish. I'm one of those who are very strict about sticking to each block. I finish each completely before moving to the next one. I haven't had any problems with lines between the blocks. After they're done, I can't tell where one finished and the next began. I started with block #1 and having been stitching each block in order. Starting in the middle involves too much work counting stitches. Just take a measure of the finished product and make sure you have enough space on the edges of your fabric before you start. You should be fine. Also, I keep my threads in paper bobbins in a DMC storage box. I just pull out which one I need and cut it according to how long the stitch will be. Whatever I don't need I put back into its bobbin and use it the next time around. Hope this helps.