I don't understand the difficulty in finding center in pattern. Isn't it it gridded in 10 x 10 squares? Even if it isn't, would only take a few minutes to find. Isn't this stuff "counted" cross stitch? LOL

Normally, I would agree that finding the center of the pattern would not be difficult. In this case, however, the pages were not evenly sized. A lot patterns have numbers on the sides and tops (10, 20, 30 etc. Sometimes there is an arrow on the side or top indicating the middle stitch. When paying big bucks for a pattern this would make things a little bit easier.

I was only kidding with you, Nancy. Sometimes things are annoying just because they are....kind of like people kidding with you, when you aren't kidding. :)

GOTCHA - that's the problem with e-mail. Sometimes the kidding and sarcasm are not obvious. I honestly think that not numbering the grids and indicating the middle is an important step that designers should make.

Nancy
The "large" project I bought was 20 pages.. my first "very big one".. was eager to start.. 75 colors, had to purchase 35 skeins (on sale at HL, got all for $12; considered that a bargain), and you are right.. some colors only a few stitches...

center of pattern was on page 12.. no problem except it is in the middle of series of multiple stitches of 1 or 2, maybe 5 stitches of a color..
after much chat, decided to start at top left corner (also my first time).. once I got thru the first corner (less than 1/8 of page 1), even though I copy & hi lite as I go along, I was completely loss, because again I got into the skip, one stitch here, one stitch there, change colors etc.

I am totally disappointed in project & my inability to work it.. I really wonder if anyone could..
at this time in my life I stitch for pure pleasure, not to make myself frustrated..
I have decided to abandon this particular project & write it off to a real learning experience..
life goes on..
happy stitching!!

Dbye, that was exactly why I first started the gridding, totally lost and demoralized...doubting my abilities. Almost half done...I've done several small projects and I pick up the big one at my leisure and whim. I am very proud of what I've completed, but I am in no hurry...though my daughter is. What a nag! :)

I urge you not to discard your big project, but we do what brings us joy....if burning it is what will make you happy, I have extra matches if you need them! :) We'll build a bonfire of frustrating, what-was-I- thinking projects! LOL

Did the book you found have DMC color numbers in it or do you have to figure that out?

The book I borrowed had DMC numbers and I think they had Anchor listed also

VCESS, I'm on board! Just give me time to gather all of the projects that I want to burn!

My daughter is a nag too. At least once a week she asks when I am going to start a particular project for her. She forgets that I keep her very demanding daughter three days a week. I'm grateful if I can attend to my personal hygiene on those days much less stitch!

Well, my chair was delivered last Saturday - upon closer inspection I have to say that it looks awful. I am convinced that people with severe visual impairment are building furniture these days. It's relatively comfortable, so I suppose that I'll use it for awhile. :( Oh, it also has a very unpleasant odor. Although this brand is build in the US the materials come from China. Hope it's not formaldehyde fumes!!! I have not torn off any tags, yet! LOL

dbye, I am with you, I stitch for pleasure. I am working on getting the small stuff out of the way and hopefully I'll live long enough and my eyesight lasts to do some of the larger ones. Whatever doesn't get done will become part of the estate. LOL

Nancye, as for T.G.'s patterns - I have done many, many European patterns to include knitting and crocheting and all the instructions are vague. The more high-end the vaguer. They seem to assume that everyone is an expert or has ESP. I worked a stamped project once with virtually no instructions. I am not a stamped fan but this one was cute, I was between countries and needed something easy to do. What a nightmare. After it was fused and assembled (professionally) I realized that I had made some mistakes. Every time I look at it, I get upset. It's in the back of the guest room closet. I try to stay away from those patterns although I still have several in my stash. They are mostly embroidery. It's not until the darn thing has been completed that I have my aha moment.

I'm making this one long post - I totally agree with Troy. Patterns should not be shared. I donate stuff. I also make working copies for myself since many patterns are either printed way too small for me to see or the format (booklet, magazine) makes it impossible to work from. Once I am finished I throw the copies away. I think most people's peeve is that T.G. does not provide the DMC colors in case someone runs out before finishing the project. Giving copies away is like making boot leg copies of movies, CDs, and books. I can understand why designers want to discourage this practice.