I have, Lucy. Just can't get the hang of it. I am going to try on a piece of lugana and see how it goes. sigh.

I have a hard time as well. I can't see the holes that well in order to count :( I know there are products out there that help magnify the linen holes but sometimes, I just feel like that's too much work so I just stick to the Aida fabric for my designs. You're definitely not alone on this!!

~Kristi @ ECS

I also have had trouble stitching with the type of linen that is not evenweave; mostly when I order a fabric that is "slubbed" because the fabric threads are not of equal size. I would suggest an evenweave fabric such as Lugana of Jobelan. OR practice on a small piece of linen that is not an evenweave. You'll catch on. :)
I'm not an employee of Everything CrossStitch but one of the stitchers you saw your "chat" and staying cool with the AC today....

For the past six months are so I have been stitching only on different types of Evenweave. I love the feeling of the needle going through the fabric which I don't get on Aida and it makes the fraction stitches so much easier.
I now have prescription embroidery glasses. I knew that I wouldn't get what I wanted if I had my eyes tested so I began with trying +3 of the cheaply glasses. When I found that they were the answer I had to really sell my story to the optometrist to get him to make up these glasses but now I have them and they are super, and no tired eyes when working on Evenweave.

xstitcher, what a timely post. I need new glasses but have been putting if off. It is such an unpleasant chore. I had my eye exam and got a new prescription. Doctor is great but have my doubts about the refractionists. She rushes too much. All this back and forth. My brain no longer works that fast. Now I need to find a good optician that carries nice frames. I hate chains. The staff does not appear to be well trained. But my point is this, how can people use glasses from the drugstore? I have different requirements in each eye. I will try your "trick" though. So far I've been using a temporary pair that my optician in San Antonio made for me (too far away now but they were great) while I was waiting for the permanent ones. They are slightly stronger but even so I notice that the smaller count fabrics are more difficult to see.
Gotta run, busy day, we are taking the little one to the movies, Ice Age something or other. I also have to place an order for pizza, her preferred lunch (yuck) and our pest control guy is coming to inspect the termite stations. In Texas, there are two types of homeowners I've been told, the ones with termites and the ones that will get termites. So, I decided to have these things installed. Oh, they same the same about foundation problems. I'm a firm believer in selling and moving on after about six years of ownership but now that the little one is across the street I just cannot tear myself away and daughter does not want to move. They are building a new neighborhood not far from us and I am so tempted.

I cannot stitch on Aida since I have tried Lugana and then linen. As a matter of fact I hate Aida, it is so stiff and fractionals are difficult for me to do. I agree, it is a slight adjustment but I would recommend that you get a small piece and practice. Soon you will love it and it does look great. Good luck.

If you absolutly must use a very stiff Aida try washing it with regular detergent and a conditioner will help a bit Texas S.

Blimey, you like moving about every 6 years! That is one for the books. They would have to pry me away yelling and screaming to get me away from our house. We live right by the sea and my early morning walk is vital to my humour for the rest of the day. I like to get to the beach by 7 am rain or shine and watch the ferry to Copenhagen sail out of the harbour and hear the church bells ring in the new day. That will only be until the Autumn when the days start to get shorter. I don't fancy walking in the dark unless we have snow which isn't often.

Now back to your glasses..I have found the half moon type the best because I can look at my telly over the top of them. At the moment I watch a lot of CNN because I'm finding your election extremely interesting as is the rest of Europe.

Good grief, Xstitcher! Glad you're enjoying our elections! They just disgust and infuriate me! :)

Hi Vcess,

I wouldn't say we're enjoying it. What was thought of in the beginning as entertainment is now seen with horror. I don't want to say too much and put my foot in it if you know what I meam.

Yes, I know, Xstitcher! I'm looking for a dentist that can give me a pedicure at the same time as my teeth cleaning. My foot has become my most common facial accoutrement. :) Folks around here not only have lost their minds, but their sense of humor, as well! Except for the RNP... LOLLOLLOLLOL. OK, I'm done. Opinions stated here do not reflect the opinions held by this website. :)