Mehouk,
thanks for the notice. I am thinking you are right. I did make copies of the pages to make my working sheets and realize I am only a little ways in on the project. The pattern does show the branches very clearly but they aren't appearing to the eye when I look at it so I am hoping it is because the colors are closely matched and will show up more as I work on the project. I am taking Bermuda's advice and working down the left side for a couple more inches and then in a couple inches so the piece will be about 5 x 5". Hopefully by then I will be seeing the branches. Thank you for getting back to me. I sure do appreciate all the advice and wisdom coming my way on this question.
cheryl

Cheryl, just another suggestion. When you complete that 5 inch x 5 inch section, then stand the project up against the back of your sofa and chair, take a few steps back and look at the completed area. I had to and still do this on the one big project "Sacred Hour" because when I am working the pattern that closely all the colors tend to "run" together until I back away from it.
"

I put aside a big project (20 pages) Naivety Painting.. it is my first "big" one & thinking I have taken on more than I can handle..
after reading your comments referring to big projects, I may pick it up again...

in the mean time, I have 2 smaller project to start & complete for a baby shower coming soon..

maybe my brain will kick back in gear by the time I finish these projects..

dbye468,
There is nothing wrong with putting your big project aside. I haven't worked on "Sacred Hour" for close to 2 1/2 weeks now but I'm beginning to get the hankering to start on it again. So don't feel bad about stopping work on it! You need to pick it up and restart it WHEN YOU DECIDE and when you WANT to!!

I also put down my very large projects for a couple of weeks while I work on a smaller project once in a while. I then go back and pick up my large project and work some more. The John Wayne pattern that I am working on now has 15 pages and the colors are all shades of gray, winter white, light violets, and black. Needless to say the colors blend together. It is going very slowly. I make 2 copies of the pattern. One to mark on while stitching and one taped together and hung on my design wall.

Hang in there you will get through it, and it will be beautiful.