Lakeside Village, work in progress from newbie

[mouselady]

That looks really fantastic! I am also a noob and did the same as you. When I decided I wanted to start cross stitching I bought a big kit from Dimensions. Almost threw it away a few times during the first week or two, but then started to totally love it. I am not as smart as you though, and I have several stitches that cross in different directions. But I figured it out, and now I am happy with how it is starting to look. I even started another smaller project for the train and during lunch at work.

Ask questions if you have any. I have learned so much from this forum. It's probably the reason I didn't throw the kit away

[stitchingmae]

I can not begin to tell you how much I have learned and continue to learn from all the ladies and gents on here! I don't know that I have welcomed you yet so, welcome to the forum! Can't wait to see more progress pictures on this one!

[Makinmagic]

I think I will post progress every week or so. I did the flowers on the balconies yesterday and it really made the picture pop!

Question. When you need to sew with two threads, how do you do it: take out 2 threads out of 6 from one length and pull them both through the needle, so it's really long, or take just one, fold it and pull through the needle, so it's shorter? I started doing the second way and found it greatly reduced the number of knots and threads are not getting "fluffy" anymore.

Gosh, I hope I make myself clear, English is not my native tongue.

[Nimble stitch]

Welcome to the forum you are doing great so should be proud doing dimensions I'm with Niki as far as dimensions are concerned. A love hate relationship

[mauveme]

I think I will post progress every week or so. I did the flowers on the balconies yesterday and it really made the picture pop!

Question. When you need to sew with two threads, how do you do it: take out 2 threads out of 6 from one length and pull them both through the needle, so it's really long, or take just one, fold it and pull through the needle, so it's shorter? I started doing the second way and found it greatly reduced the number of knots and threads are not getting "fluffy" anymore.

Gosh, I hope I make myself clear, English is not my native tongue.

I take one thread about 30 inches long, fold it in half and thread that , I also use the "loop" method to start that way you don't have to run the beginning under the last few stitches, it's an easier way to start stitching.

[fccs]

Question. When you need to sew with two threads, how do you do it: take out 2 threads out of 6 from one length and pull them both through the needle, so it's really long, or take just one, fold it and pull through the needle, so it's shorter? I started doing the second way and found it greatly reduced the number of knots and threads are not getting "fluffy" anymore.

I take one thread about 30 inches long, fold it in half and thread that , I also use the "loop" method to start that way you don't have to run the beginning under the last few stitches, it's an easier way to start stitching.

I do the same as mauveme. I only discovered the loop method since joining this forum and it has become one of my best friends.

[carolanne]

Mauveme gives really good advice. Keeping the thread abut 15-18 ins. and the loop method for starting. I would add , when carrying a thread to a new spot, I try to run it under existing stitches, and I also try not to go much more than an inch or so. That keeps the mess on the back not so bad. Your work looks wonderful as many have told you already. Also the watching for twisting is good advice also.

[TracyG]

Really amazing work, whether it's your first or hundredth! Way to go!! You'll be amazed at what others here have to teach...I didn't even know I knew so little about cross stitching and I've been stitching for a lot of years. And your English is very easy to understand!

[Squirrel]

Hi and Welcome to our lovely forum and WOW what a beautiful start you have made on this colourful design. You are doing really great with your first piece of stitching and please do not fret about the back too much - it gets neater with more practice.

[purvislets]

If you hadn't said you were a beginner, I never would have guessed! You are doing a wonderful job!

As far as how to start your thread, I can't recommend the loop method enough. Yeah, your threads will be shorter and you'll have to start more often, but it really helps keep the back of your project neater and it is a much quicker way to get them started. If you are using blended threads then the loop method is pretty much out.

[Makinmagic]

Here is how it looks with small details like flowers on the balconies done.
I love the loop method! So easy and fast, no need to hide the beginning of the thread under stitches.
I also got a q snap and love it

[vanessanjf]

Wonderful work

[purvislets]

Looking great!

[mauveme]

Very pretty, going really well

[rcperryls]

Lovely update!

Carole

[Oriettait]

great update!

[Fizzbw]

Looking good!

I hope you realise that your wallet will never be the same after coming here? So much to learn, so much stash, so little time.....


Niki xxx

[fccs]

Looks great! And I'm glad you're loving your Qsnap...another thing I had never even heard of until I joined this forum.

[littleturtlegirl]

Your stitching looks great!!!

[coolpenguin]

What a great update!

I alternate between Q Snaps and hoops. I love them both.

My backs look really bad. I think I will look into the loop method as a way of helping me. I'm afraid to take a finished project to get framed because of the horrible state of my backs.