Thanks everyone, I appreciate your input - and you confirmed my opinion!
The 1/1 does dull the brightness of the colour somewhat, because the coverage isn't so good as 2/1, but on the whole, I think 1/1 looks neater and is easier to stitch. I shall now feel more comfortable continuing in 1/1. I'm hoping that mounted on black basecard, with a black frame, will help intensify the colour.
I was gonna say 1x1 I think it looks better less bulky! You've made a fab start on this one it looks great and I agree that some of the finer detail may need backstitch to bring it out but that is something that comes with doing your own charts! I'm looking forward to the next instalment!
Thanks! I'm going to have to do a fair bit of backstitching, though, and without having it marked on the chart. Though I'll wait until it's complete before deciding for certain. Teeth have to be backstitched at the very least - he looks toothless as he is!
Went back to the progress pic and I can see what you mean about backstitching the teeth. When you say it isn't marked, does that mean you'll have to make it up as you go along ? Or will you pencil it in on the chart first?
Pencil it in? I'd like to - but I think that would be a bit difficult! The chart gives no indication whatever of what is where. I didn't realise I was stitching the nostrils until they appeared! So I think I'll have to make it up as I go along.
You can see the vague shape of scales on the blueish area, but I suspect I'm going to have to define them with backstitch over the whole body. I hope not, though! I'll just wait and see how much needs definition when I've finished.
I love the colours on this. It is coming along beautifully. I agree with the others that 1 over 1 looks best.
I find when working on black that I need to view the whole thing from across the room to get a 'proper look' and to be able to judge how it's coming along. Kudos to you for doing this on 24 ct. I struggle with 14ct aida! I use two strands and while it looks patchy when I'm working on it, it is fine when framed.
He looks lovely! And I'm glad you're happy with the coverage now, I think it's always better to go with what is smoothest to work with rather than what coverage might look better, as it will always be viewed from a much bigger distance once it's finished
I love how the fire is shining back onto his face, you can almost feel the warmth from it!!
I think it's looking amazing! I think backstitching would bring out certain subtle colors that will arise, but that has got to be tough working that out without it being on the pattern Are you going to wait until the entire thing is stitched up, or attempt the backstitching as you go along?
Faith
WOW! This is going to be really great! Can't wait to see more.
Agi
"The world, as a colourful knot of threads, has turned into a memory, and now you cannot be sure whether it was real." (Géza Ottlik, Hungarian writer)
I'm going to have to do a fair bit of backstitching, though, and without having it marked on the chart. Though I'll wait until it's complete before deciding for certain. Teeth have to be backstitched at the very least - he looks toothless as he is! 
? Or will you pencil it in on the chart first?
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neat stitching and the coverage is great 
