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I would like to know a few things
1.do you complete the work section by section irrespective of the number of colours used or complete a particular colour in the section?
2. how do you carry the floss at the back of work?
(may be silly doubts .... still want to know)
Kasoothi

Personally I usually try and complete all of one colour in a section before I move on. If there is more of that colour in the next section I will at least make a start on those too before moving on.

Sometimes this changes though depending on the pattern and then I might work on say a 10x 10 block and complete all the stitches in that block and move onto the next block.

Carrying thread for me depends on lots of things. First I look at how far away I need to carry the thread. I normally don't carry my thread more than 4 - 5 stitches away. If its a dark thread I will do less so that it doesn't show through. I will 'catch' the thread at the back with other stitches (either pass the needle through the back of existing stitches, or make sure I stitch over the loose threads when I do the surrounding stitches)

Hope that makes sense

Aria x

thanks
how do you make out right and wrong side of Aida?

Think it's based on the direction of the weave, I personally have no idea which side up is the "right side" but I don't think it makes any difference to the completed piece.

I guess that is one of the criteria judges use to asses you in the competition

I have no idea how you tell but I agree with Lenne, its something to do with the weave.

I usually just stitch on either side lol makes no difference to me which is the 'right' and wrong sides

kasoothi wrote:I would like to know a few things
1.do you complete the work section by section irrespective of the number of colours used or complete a particular colour in the section?
2. how do you carry the floss at the back of work?
(may be silly doubts .... still want to know)
Kasoothi

I generally stitch an area until my color runs out- or it makes sense to switch to another color. Its not necessairly according to the grid. Right now I am working on the fluffy fur trim of a coat. So I did all the Medium grey, then all the light grey, now I am working on the white.
On the back, I stitch similarly to Aria. How far I carry it all depends on what color thread I have- and what colors are around it. Black I try to only hide it under other dark colors. Same with white under light colors. I won't carry threads under an unstitched area. If I can't thread it under other stitches, I'll leave a long tail and catch it with new stitches.
I don't have a clue either as to how you tell which side is the top side of fabric- It all looks the same to me.

Arianwen wrote: Carrying thread for me depends on lots of things. First I look at how far away I need to carry the thread. I normally don't carry my thread more than 4 - 5 stitches away. If its a dark thread I will do less so that it doesn't show through. I will 'catch' the thread at the back with other stitches (either pass the needle through the back of existing stitches, or make sure I stitch over the loose threads when I do the surrounding stitches)
Aria x

I carry threads much like Arianwen does. I can't even begin to explain how I complete colors because it varies so much depending on the project. Right now with my LOTR HAED I am working in 10 x 10 grids, but I think when more of the design shows up I will follow the colors a bit more, staying within a chart's page mostly, though I always check to see if the next page has a lot or just a few of that color. So I might have up to four pages that I am checking at a time. Otherwise, I usually try to do a color in a section. If there is a lot of confetti I will do the colors with the least stitches first and then the next amount etc so that new stitches will cover the threads of the older stitches.
I have no idea if that makes any sense at all. I really admire those of you who can explain your stitching.

Carole

thanks Carole. It is indeed a good tip. To do the least number of stitches first.May be it's a good idea for me to have a look at the back of some works?!

kasoothi wrote:thanks Carole. It is indeed a good tip. To do the least number of stitches first.May be it's a good idea for me to have a look at the back of some works?!

I think it depends what you are trying to achieve.

I think most neatness and having the back of your work looking good is mostly practice and taking care with your work

front and back side of fabric is about which way the nap lays - if you gently rub your hand over one side it is slightly rougher than the other and it is usually a tiny bit more matte looking - that's the back.

In my experience (over 5 years with shows) there are VERY FEW judges who have the ability to pick the front and back of aida once it has been stitched on successfully enough for them to make it a competition point.

When you get to other types of fabric it can be a bit more important.

I stitch a colour until the thread runs out and if I've still got quite a block in that colour I will continue. I will carry thread at the back only if it's not more thread than it would cost to end and restart - so about an inch, if that makes sense. Judges abhour this - it's not neat enough lol