New to cross stitiching, I have a pretty optimistic project

[dangoo]

Hello Everyone,

I'm new to this whole cross stitching thing, so please take me as someone who knows pretty much nothing.

Christmas is coming up (just over two months away) and I decided that I am going to make a picture for my brother as a present. Both my brother and I are really big into Nintendo and especially the Zelda franchise and I really wanted to do a piece of the work below which is a screenshot from one of our favorite games ever.

What I am having trouble with is making a plan for each colour going from pixel to pixel and trying to work out what colour goes to each thread. As a bit of guidance, if you look in the top left hand corner, you can see those spotty squares, that is the size of each pixel (one cross stitch).

Is there a program somewhere that will clearly identify the colours and map it out for me? so i know what threads to buy? I have tried some of the inline tools but they have a habit of blurring the image greatly. and I want to try and get the bottom image writing to be at the top of the picture so it doesn't look as blank but i am not sure it will work.

I believe that the image is 160 x 144 pixels in size so thats 23,040 stitches!

[richardandtracy]

There are a number of charting programs, some pay for and some free. You do not necessarily get something worse from a free package.

I used to use Ryijy Stitch Designer ( here : http://code.google.com/p/ryijy/ ) It's free & gives some impressive output. However I never liked the output and wrote my own program which started out as a chart printer only (after Ryijy did the conversion), but it has evolved into a full charting program in the last month or 2 (see the thread here: http://www.crossstitchforum.com/viewtop ... =4&t=26159 ). Both are free.

There is PCStitch10, which is a pay for program ( http://www.pcstitch.com/ ) which looks pretty impressive, and the price is not high. There are others...

One thing I should warn you, is that you're too late for Christmas with a project that size if you have a life away from cross stitching. I can manage 100 stitches an hour, so 23000 stitches is 230 hours, or 3.28 hour per day every day until Christmas regardless of everything...

Eek!

Regards,

Richard.

[Serinde]

Excellent design for... next Christmas...?

[karen4bells]

very cute design project!! I agree, maybe trying to finish for next Christmas would be more realistic or for a birthday??

[dangoo]

Thanks for the replies guys. I didn't realise the scope of the project. 230 hours, really?

I will check those free programs out and see if the results are what i'm looking for.

If all else fails, his birthday is in may

[tiffstitch]

You might also want to check http://www.spritestitch.com" target="_blank. There are a lot of gaming patterns there, especially Nintendo, so you may find a smaller project you can finish for Xmas. One quick one I did for my BIL was "No Navi, you listen". It was a hit!

[dangoo]

Sorted, and I managed to get exactly what i wanted

just a couple of questions,

1. I reduced the number of threads down to about 24, does that sound like a good enough quantity?
2. Will I be able to find the threads if i give someone from a shop the RGB numbers? (i.e RGB: 247,247,135 etc.)
3. As an approximate how many stitches would you say one roll of thread would do?

[NeedleAndFork]

I think you're onto something there! Color quality wise, how many colors is the original image? Your chart looks pretty close to the original to me, but it's hard to tell for sure with all the gridlines in place.

For your other questions - it's highly unlikely that anyone at a store will be able to convert RGB into floss colors for you. Odds are unless you get someone who knows about computers, that they'll look at you like you have 3 heads. There are a number of RGB to DMC converters online. I haven't used them, but here's a link to one: http://bond.in.th/octrabond/image-tools ... o-dmc-code" target="_blank - if you were really neurotic like me, you could try a couple of different one and see that they both recommend the same color, and if they don't, then jot both down and take a look at the color while in store to decide for sure which you think is the better choice.

Number of stitches per skein of floss also varies greatly. The biggest factor is what size fabric you're using. Cross stitch fabric (aida, evenweave, or linen) comes in different counts, going as low as 11 stitches per inch in aida, and as high as somewhere in the 40 stitches per inch for linen I belive, and then there's silk gauze which goes even higher. So you'll need to decide what fabric to do the piece on. That will also affect the size of your finished piece. For your first peice I'd suggest aida fabric which is designed specifically for cross stitch, with the holes very visible.. and the highest count that goes up to is 18 stitches per inch, with 14, 16, and 18 being fairly common and easy to find counts. The lower the count, the larger the stitches, and also the more strands of floss you'll need for each stitch. To get good coverage on 18 count you need to use 2 strands of floss (it comes with 6 strands and you have to separate them) and if you go to 14 count, you might need 3 strands. So this would have a big impact on how much floss you use.

Here's a link to a chart that works as a very basic quideline though.. http://home.comcast.net/~kathydyer/nf_x ... #floss_amt" target="_blank - It lists the fabric count down the side and the number of strands of floss over the top. I think these numbers are based only on actual stitches, and don't factor in things like the amount needed to start and end your stitching, and and the bits that get wasted because they're too short to reuse. So if your stitch count for any particular color is within 10 - 20% of what it says you'll get out of a skin, I'd go ahead and get an extra one.

Good luck with this! It's a biggie to attempt for your first project, but looks quite managable! And we're all here to help out of you have any questions. And of course please share pictures of your progress!

[richardandtracy]

RGB to DMC colour conversion can be done my 'Pickthreads' program (just use the 'Nearest DMC Colour' section & don't bother about the 'Tweeding'):

Link http://www.chestnutpens.co.uk/downloads/pickthread.zip
Description:http://www.crossstitchforum.com/viewtop ... 9&start=31

Regards,

Richard

[rcperryls]

Hello and welcome to the forum and to cross stitching! I have been reading about your first project and think it is going to be a fantastic gift (if not for Christmas perhaps for your brother's birthday? I have found that my cross stitch gifts often get moved from one special occasion to another. In fact, family now know that these gifts often come as surprises because they are usually not ready by the due date ). I hope that you will post pictures of your work for us to see and admire and encourage. Remember that if you have any questions at all, ask them.
Someone here will either know the answer or have a good idea about how to find the answer. Looking forward to getting to know you.

Carole

[dangoo]

I think you're onto something there! Color quality wise, how many colors is the original image? Your chart looks pretty close to the original to me, but it's hard to tell for sure with all the gridlines in place.

The Original image had 8842 different colours, but i think that is greatly due to image compression throwing the colours about.

I will definitely keep you updated with images of my progress, I'm going to be picking up the threads tomorrow and hopefully

This is the fabric what i bought: http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASI ... refresh_T1" target="_blank do you think that this is good? it should arrive sometime this week.

[Rose]

I like your picture and this should make a great gift. The fabric you choose is a great one to work on for a beginner or some one who has been stitching for a while. 14 count is my favorite fabric for most of my projects!!!!!!!

Good luck with your stitching!!!!!

[pattiebelle]

Happy stitching on your project! Looks like alot of fun. You've done well for a beginner. I admire your fearlessness - Looking forward to all your update pictures...

...and welcome to the forum. You've found a great place for answers, support, and encouragement.

[NeedleAndFork]

I think you're onto something there! Color quality wise, how many colors is the original image? Your chart looks pretty close to the original to me, but it's hard to tell for sure with all the gridlines in place.

The Original image had 8842 different colours, but i think that is greatly due to image compression throwing the colours about.

I will definitely keep you updated with images of my progress, I'm going to be picking up the threads tomorrow and hopefully

This is the fabric what i bought: http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASI ... refresh_T1" target="_blank" target="_blank do you think that this is good? it should arrive sometime this week.

The fabric looks good! At 14 stitches per inch.. the wider dimension of your piece is 160 stitches, making it just over 11 inches wide. The piece of fabric is 19 x 21 inches, so you're going to have plenty. Don't forget to leave atleast 3 inches of a border on each side for framing and finishing. That said, since that area won't be seen, I'd suggest putting in a bit of practice stitching along the edges of the excess fabric first to get a feel for tension. Also, some people like ot stitch 14 count with 2 strands of floss, others prefer 3. With 2 strands there may be some showthrough of background fabric depending on your tension, so you probably want to try out an area of 10x10 stitches or more (with atleast a couple of colors in it. just pick an area of your chart that has some changes in it) each way to see which look you prefer.

[dangoo]

I am greatful for all of the helpful advice evetyone has given to me, so thank you. The fabric came through today and i have found a local shop which sells all of the gubbins i need to get started.

I think i am going to start off with an "ignorance is bliss" mindset and try my very best to get this project finished by this christmas !!

I'm sure i will need everyones help again in the future about finishing off and preparing for framing but in the mean time I will keep you all updated with photos!

[Rose]

Sounds like you have the right mind set. "I can do it" Any questions or concerns you can ask here.

If I was you I would start in the middle of this pattern and then you can be sure that the project is centered. Counting is good but we have all made a mistake counting and found our picture off center. It is easy enough to find the center. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise and then carefully fold the fabric crosswise the point that is made in the center of the fabric is you middle mark that with a pin or an erasable fabric pen. Then on your pattern there should be a mark at the top and the sides that indicate the center lengthwise and crosswise. follow those maks into the center of the pattern and where they cross is the middle of your picture. you can start working from there out. you can work in any direction. Up, down, right, or left.

Has any one suggested that you make a working copy of your pattern????? That is printout your pattern however many pages that is and as you go along with a marker or pencil or highlighter you mark off each stitch that you have made. This does not mean that you have to stop after every stitch but that you mark off when you start to lose your focus as to where you next stitch will be. That some times can be after 3 stitches or it can be after 30 it depends on how good you are at following a symbol and how confetti heavy the area you are stitching is.

Good luck.

[Corey.G]

Love the design as I too have fond memories of Zelda. I particularly loved that area your stitching. And I too agree that it's ambitious to get it done my Christmas, but if your able to devote at least 4 hours everyday then it could be doable.

Might I make one suggestion? Cause it looks like a desert area. In the top left corner how it's kind of spotty with the dark colour. You could do it the light sand colour and then use the dark colour intended and do some French knots, just to give some dimension. As well you don't habe to worry about confetti on your first project. Just a suggestion though.

Can't wait to see the SAL for this one.

Forgot to add that well done on your first piece. You've selected a very good one for your first project. Reason being is that there is a lot of solid blocks of colour and it should stitch up very easily.

[dangoo]

A quick question. What is a SAL?

I started this last night and i got really into it. I was thinking about posting weekly update picture to keep you informed (but mostly to keep me motivated).

[richardandtracy]

It's a 'Stitch-A-Long'. More prosaically known as 'Progress updates'.

It is good to see progress & having other people cheer you on helps with the motivation.

Regards,

Richard.

[NeedleAndFork]

I was thinking about posting weekly update picture to keep you informed (but mostly to keep me motivated).

Do it, do it dooo ittttt!

Yeah.. we all like pictures here And they're an awesome motivator too! Even i you don't post every pic you take, I'd suggest taking frquent pics.. even as often as every day. Sometimes it starts to get discouraging when you feel like you're not mkaing any progress until you compare your work now with yesterdays pic and realize that oh yes, you did get quite a bit aaccomplished!