New to cross stitiching, I have a pretty optimistic project

[clockwork]

That's a pretty good project although I agree with others that finishing it by Christmas might be overly optimistic.

And remember, there aren't many hard rules in cross stitch, but make sure all your stitches go the same way or anything you stitch will look really messy. That means the stitch on the bottom of each x should point the same direction. Its an easy rule to follow and it makes a huge difference.

[Rose]

This is from our Glossary Terms Thread

SAL- Stitch A Long.....This can mean a couple different things. In the original sense, A group of stitchers chose a single pattern to stitch. Then each stitcher decides what fabric color, size, and type; what color floss. Then all stitchers start at the sametime and try to do a specific amount in a certain period of time....ie 2X2 inches per week. Or if there pattern calls for it a specific section per week. Then the stitchers show each other there progress. Either by photos or getting together to show their progress and discuss what they have done. A second discription would be what we do here on our site. Each person decides on there next project, they can give a preview or they can just start and as they have some progress they take a picture and post it for all to see. Usually we give a few brief words of explanation as to what has been happening.

[dangoo]

Just a couple of pics because i am coming up to close to a week of doing this now. I'm pretty impressed with the back, but you don't look at that bit!

I have done a bit more than that but, they are the most up to date photos i have on my phone.

some people may notice the loose thread at the bottom right hand corner of the first image, fortunately i managed to capture it before it came loose

A quick question, is there a way to stitch where you don't twist the thread? When I really get into the swing of things my thread tries to get itself into a knot!!!

[Rose]

This is great!!!!! You are doing a super job!!!!!!

[Nordly]

Great start!!
As for the twisting, I just let it untwist every few stitches, and run my fingers along the thread to help the 2 strands lay flat. You can also try railroading (where you put the needle between the 2 strands when you pull through, this makes it lay next to each other), that might help with the twisting as well.

[richardandtracy]

You can also twist the needle half a turn anticlockwise every time you bring it back through the fabric if right handed, half a turn clockwise if left handed (I think). That mostly means it won't tangle as you go along.

Progress is very fast compared to my first effort in 2011 - well done.

Regards,

Richard.

[rcperryls]

Very good progress!!!
I try to railroad (as described by Nordly) when I am using two strands of floss as well as dangling the needle periodically if it gets really twisted and letting it unwind. Railroading is another one of those tips I learned here. One of many.

Carole