It means both colors are used. One strand of each.

Thank you. That's what I was thinking but the combined color looks really dark to me. I'll figure it out when I get to that part. KR

Is the backstitch a single or double strand?

Backstitching is done with one thread.

There are some "regular" chat stitchers here on the ECS chat that have completed the L&L "Celtic Christmas" and hopefully they will see this chat and give your their opinion about the "face" colors. Sorry but my brain doesn't remember the chat names of the stitchers but I do remember the chats they had regarding this particular pattern.

Thank you everyone. If someone has stitched this one before, I love their thoughts on the combo of dark red and dark brown to stitch parts of the face and neck.

I use a scroll frame. How do I orotect the beads from crushing? Add thin batting or felt in as I roll the beaded sections? Any ideas?

Hi Karen - I stitched Celtic Christmas about 8 years ago and loved every single moment. I can't find my copy of the pattern right now but I do know I didn't use 2 strands of different colors anywhere on the project. The face and neck area are in a couple shades of the flesh color if I remember right. I did some changes in the face and hands area that I liked better than what the pattern called for. When I stitched the face/neck and hands with the 2 strands of thread it calls for it was very clunky and chunky - not feminine at all so I took it out and used only one strand and loved it. I did mine on 14 ct aida and have had many compliments on it and it won Best in Show at one of the local fairs. I don't know how experienced a stitcher you are but I have about 20+ years and have learned that a pattern is a guideline and if you want to change it some way to suit you go ahead. Therefore when I did the single strand on the face/neck and hands I was very pleased. Also - along the lower part of the dress where it calls for 2 strands (if I remember right) of the metallic thread I also only used 1 strand of the metallic thread. 2 strands was too hard to pull through the fabric and was fraying too much and the 1 strand was so much easier to work with and unless someone knows it should be 2 strands no one will ever be the wiser. I hope I have helped you out with this. If you have anymore questions just let us know. I know there are quite a few other stitchers who have finished the project so hoping they will chime in too.
cheryl

Thank you, Cheryl. You reply helps a lot. Did you stitch it on a scroll frame? If so any advice on keeping the beads from crushing?

Karen - I used a hoop as my hands are small and working with a scroll is uncomfortable. It depends on the project as to when I do the beading. On a Stoney Creek, Sue Hillis etc. I will add the beads as I go as well as do the backstitching as I go. With Celtic Christmas because it was a bigger more complex pattern I waited to do the beading at the end all at once. I have never really had a problem with a hoop etc. crushing the beads - they are mostly glass and hold up well. There are over 1,000 beads on this project. I hope you will enjoy this piece and love looking at it for many years. Keep us posted please.
cheryl