Carolyn's new baseball SAL

[carolyn61]

Thank you Mabel, let's hope you're right! I will keep plugging away at it. I'm halfway through the bottom section of page 22 (there are 28 in all). I started with the bottom row. But I'm focusing only on this page at this time and will celebrate at the completion of each page. You all can party with me when I get there.

[Mabel Figworthy]

Don't worry, we will! *gets cakes and party hats ready*

Let's see, 28 pages, that's 28 parties -- this thread is going to be a lot of fun !

[agi]

Carolyn, what a wonderful picture! So glad to see you all happy!

Good luck with your work! Looking forward to progress pics.

[SusanF]

Carolyn what a fabulous project this will be. I'm sorry I've missed it up till now as I could have answered some of your questions. Mostly I would recommend doing a few 10 x 10 test pieces using different stitches and floss count. I didn't do this and ended up having to start all over (and I couldn't frog the fabric so had to buy more). But I'm so glad I did because within myself I'm much happier with the look of the stitching now.

It'll be a personal decision for you what 'look' you prefer. I ended up being happy with two strands of floss and tent stitch. I found that two strands of floss and cross stitch was very bulky and each stitch sort of stood out separately like a dot. (Actually, totally off subject here, but I've just thought that might be good for some of the fractal designs shown recently - the result would look a bit like aboriginal paintings).

I wasn't keen on going to one strand of floss for the very lazy reason that it's much easier and quicker to start off a new piece of thread using the loop method and that needs two strands! (In theory it will also be quicker using tent stitch rather than cross stitch - although quick and HAED just don't work in the same sentence!).

You might find you need to change how you normally stitch too. I'm very much a cross country stitcher, but have found I just couldn't follow the chart that way as the colours are so very similar - and it's so difficult to undo anything that goes wrong. Instead I've been working in 10 x 10 columns and then parking the threads. very different but it seems to be working for me.

Good luck, I'm going to enjoy watching this come together very much.

[carolyn61]

Thanks Susan, I just left a big reply on your thread. I didn't want to use 1 strand for the very same lazy reason and the fact it doesn't seem to cover as well but I've opted to use it (one strand) anyway, and I'm starting to get used to it. I am being especially careful in my counting as well, you are right, it would be nearly impossible to try to frog out one color amongst the others. I'm doing 10x10 grids but going across in rows rather than up in columns (trying to anchor the threads on all those single stitches).
I appreciate your input. This one is definitely a learning experience!

[nicgoss]

Sorry i've missed this post too!!! I'm so excited to see how this one progress, as i've got my eye on a couple of Mystic Stitch (is that what you said it was) patterns.

It took a bit of getting used to but ended up sticking to 2 threads over one on my HAED. I found it was all about getting the tension right so it doesn't stick up too much. It does get very crowded and have broken more than a few needles (and skin) trying to finish those last few stitches.

I also wouldn't recommend looking at the back of my work - what a total mess. Mags would be VERY ashamed!!

I'm working down in columns (10 across) down to the middle of the page, then start another column, until I finish one half of the page and start on the next. Does that make sense?

Are there any updates yet Carolyn - please don't keep us in suspense for much longer!

[sammy_v]

Please can we see.

[Jenny-M]

This is a fantastic design-really unusual and I think it's lovely that your doing this as a gift especially as its such a challenge! Can't wait to see a pic!

[mags]

I also wouldn't recommend looking at the back of my work - what a total mess. Mags would be VERY ashamed!!

No I wouldn't - I didn't show you the back of my Owl

[carolyn61]

The back of mine is a total disgrace but I can't see how it can not be. Working with one thread so there is always an anchor line to start and then changing thread every other stitch makes it terrible on the back. But oh well, hopefully it will never be seen by anyone other than me (and the framer, but he won't tell).
I didn't stay up and work last night, the section I'm on is all ecru (and various shades) on the antique white it didn't take long before I couldn't tell fabric from floss and my eyes were crossed. On a side note, I like the little glasses I bought. I just have to wear them low on my nose so I can see over the top to see the chart. It takes a bit getting used to (never worn glasses) as I'm always wanting to push them up on my nose.
Maybe today I can finish this first page and post a picture. It's not too impressive but I shall carry on! (we need a determination smiley)

[Mabel Figworthy]

Carolyn, with this sort of project a 10x10 square is impressive, let alone a whole page! Please please give us progress picture whether you quite finish the page or not? Pretty please?

[~threadbear~]

I agree with Mabel. It would be lovely to follow the progress you are making. We can all appreciate the work that goes into such a project, so please can we see?

*Trys to look appealing*

[carolyn61]

Progress report: I have ten 10x10 squares full and two 5x10 sqs. at the top and three 3x10 squares at the bottom. I had thought I would be so much farther than I am. Sheesh! That's not even half way through the first page. I'm seriously going to have to rethink my timeline.
I'll ask Joel to bring his camera by tomorrow (my tomorrow, your today) and take a picture. I didn't want to take a photo until I had the first page done, but at this rate it may be awhile and I may need some prodding. On a happier note, I've just about come up to the referee's bum (I mean coat) . Looking closely I think it is up to the individual's personal interpretation as to what the design speaks to them.

[Mabel Figworthy]

It appears to be speaking volumes to you -- at least it will keep you motivated!

[sammy_v]

Cant wait to see pics of ur progress, any work done on a design is progress and its great to see work unfold as u do it.

[mandyrob]

Man, I am dying to see a picture of this!

[Dazbo666]

I'll be watching for progress pics on this one too

[nicgoss]

Me 2, me 2!!! Getting very impatient now

I think Susan said, we should have a celebration for every page we finish. I'm kind of treating every page as a finished project - ha ha! Has to be done or i'll go insane!

If we look at it like that, it won't seem so daunting!

That doesn't mean that you can't post a picture as soon as though!

Keep going - think you have lots and lots of support here

[mags]

Want to see

[carolyn61]

Sorry ya'll. Joel didn't make it over this weekend. (He will be scolded). It is very frustrating having to wait on others. My next stitching investment will be a camera! I think it is a vital necessity for any stitchers, don't you? Especially for those of us belonging to a certain forum where it is a known fact that patience is not one of the requirements for joining. (don't think that sentence is grammatically correct but I'm not sure how to write it properly ) What I meant to imply is that if you had to take a test for patience as a requirement to enroll or be "sworn in" with this lot of lovely people, we might be missing a few members (or at least me).
I promise I will get a picture as soon as possible. I've made a bit of progress this weekend. I'm nearly finished with the first page and I was pleasantly surprised with the results. I was so happy with myself, until I took it out of the frame. For one thing, that whole page that was such an accomplishment looks very small in the perspective of the whole. And, I found an impression where my hand had been holding the fabric. (I've posted my problem in the Tips section). But, I'm keeping my victories small and will be looking at the intermediate achievements.