Chinese Garden Mandala FRAMED!

[jocellogirl]

Just breathtaking as ever, Amanda

As beading threads go, I've only ever done one major job that required beads. I bought nylon thread specifically for that project and hated it. It wouldn't stay on the needle, so I used ordinary white sewing cotton to match the fabric, but not cross stitch thread. I can't remember where I had seen it, possibly on here, but apparently ordinary sewing thread is stronger than cross stitch thread. I didn't have any problem with saggy beads and rattled through putting them on.

Hope that helps

[rcperryls]

That is so beautiful. You are doing a wonderful job. I can't believe how quickly you have stitched this one. I know nothing about beads but I am sure you will get good advice from those who love to work with them.

Carole

[Fizzbw]

Wow, you really are doing an amazing job!

I've always used sewing thread in a colour to match the fabric for beads, it hardly shows and is far easier to handle than nylon which is a nightmare.

Niki xxx

[Nachstenliebe]

It's stunning! Wonderful work!
Faith

[Rose]

That is really pretty stitching.

I have tried the nylon thread and as others have said it is very hard to work with. The one bi project that I did with beads....ie the mermaids ....I used thread/floss that matched the color of the beads. To me this was the best way to go.

[Raine]

So gorgeous!

Sorry, I've only done one tiny bit of beading so far, so I'm no help. When I get to the beads on my Chatelaine though, I know I won't be considering nylon thread. It sounds too slippery and hard to deal with.

[Wandatoo]

This is amazing! You have come so far with it since I last checked before Christmas. Stunning!!

[LadyS]

This is wonderful, Amanda!

As for beading, I only ever used nylon, but I didn't like working with it, it doesn't stay on the needle, and takes forever to secure beads when fighting with the nylon. I like the suggestion to use regular sewing thread, as it's thinner and stronger than cross stitch cotton thread.

[Mabel Figworthy]

Looking lovely!!

As for beading, I generally use a single strand of cotton or silk, and I'm happy with how that works. I have used clear nylon and also a thin but supposedly very strong silk used for fly-fish tying -- hated the first, and the second frayed and broke as the project was waiting to be mounted on a card so I had to take all the beads off and do it again .
Ever since then it's back to stranded cotton and silk for me!

[meerkat]

I've been looking forward to seeing this one again,it is beautiful and with the beads...I know it will be fantastic. I used nylon thread for attaching beads but I decided I prefer using similar coloured thread,the beads are more secure,

[XandraS]

Beautiful work Amanda, love seeing this one again.

As for beading, I can't stand the nylon, too slippery by half.

[BookNerd]

Each stitch is accompanied by a diagram in the instructions for that section so even if you are unsure you have that for reference. I don't know if you have downloaded any of Martina's free designs, I stitched a few of these so I could get a feel for Martina's patterns and how she charts. In short - I would definitely go for stitching one of these!!!! If you have anymore questions feel free to PM me - the designs may seem daunting at first (I can't tell you how long I spent on the internet looking at anything and everything Chatelaine related so that I knew what I was getting into!) but they are such a pleasure to stitch!

Yes, they do seem daunting! I was thinking about trying one of her free patterns first, but backed slowly away after reading the instructions and suggestions for different stiches, etc. I mean, the toughest stitch I've tried is the french knot, and I still suck at it.

I love the progress you're making on this! Looks absolutely beautiful!

[Mrs Milkybar Kid]

@BookNerd - the "special stitches" really aren't that hard with a bit of practice, they are not to be compared with french knots which can be considered to be the work of the devil! Actually, in the Chatelaines I've got, none contain french knots! In the freebie designs I think the main "special stitches" are algerian eyelets and rice stitches - don't be put off, the diagrams explain everything and the stitches are really fun to master!

Thank you for all your comments everyone !

[Rio]

Gorgeous!

[coffee_freak]

[Parksfarm]

Amanda - OMG! I just saw your latest pic on the HAED board - this looks amazing, can't believe how fast you've stitched this up!!! Makes me want to get back to mine...

[Mrs Milkybar Kid]

Thanks Dana - so glad they decided to start up the HAEDless SAL again and open it up to all non-HAEDs, might help my "rotation" a bit! I'm really looking forward to seeing what everyone else will be working on for the week. I'll keep a look out for your next update on Konsti - its so hard having all these lovely projects to work on isn't it!

[Mrs Milkybar Kid]

As I am posting an update on this for the HAEDless SAL today, I thought I would post it here - STILL not the full Part 9 complete, but then I haven't really been stitching much on this one this month after a visit from the :

Just for the record - I am not looking forward to stitching the other 7 vases in the rest of this piece, although there are 4 different pairs I fear that all the fractionals and that BS will do me in!

Thanks for looking everyone and for all your comments !

[Lessa54]

All I can say is WOW!!!!! That is simply stunning. Would some help with the other vases?

[Mrs Milkybar Kid]

All I can say is WOW!!!!! That is simply stunning. Would some help with the other vases?

As long as it is gluten and dairy free! I think it may take something a little stronger - too much of that though and it will be a lost cause !