size and complexity?
What is the finished size? Does this require just the basic cross stitch? I am a beginner and don't want anything too complicated. It looks like a beautiful picture though!
Posted by: Diane001 on 09/09/15
It definitely is a beautiful picture! Using 14 count fabric, which is a good fabric to start with, the finished size of the design area would be 18" x 20". Most stitchers recommend you have at least a 3" border on all sides of your fabric so that you will have extra fabric for framing (if that's what you want to do when you finish). Thus, an extra 3" on both the left and right borders would be 6 total inches added to your width. And an extra 3" on both the top and bottom borders would be 6 total inches added to your height. So you would need a 24" by 26" cut of fabric to fully accommodate this project.

All that being said, if you're up for it, you could definitely try it, but since you are a beginner, I, and others who will reply to your question, would suggest that you start with a smaller pattern just to get your feet wet. This type of pattern is large and detailed and will have lots of colors and color changes. Even some experienced stitchers do not like bothering that kind of detail. But there are a lot of people who do. I personally enjoy them. Regardless, as you grow in your stitching, you will come to decide what you like or what you don't like.

Also, I know there's a stitcher on this chat that has been working on this exact pattern, and I'm sure she will have recommendations for you regarding it. So be on the lookout. :)
by: khtreasure on 09/09/15
Khtreasure, thank you so much for your thoughtful response! I will definitely think it over since it is a large project. Thanks for all the information and suggestions.
by: Diane001 on 09/09/15
It can be difficult to follow the chart on these large patterns, even though only full crosses. Dimensios has some lovely
5 x 7 kits. Have you tried those? Also, some of the "primitives" (look colonial) are fun. I'm just finishing "Snowflakes," though you might want to trade the hand dyed floss for DMC.
by: jlhewes on 09/09/15
Diane - I am almost finished with this project. The pattern itself is very easy to work with however and I hope you will read this part. The coloring of the finished project is nothing like the picture on the pattern cover. The wolf on the picture is in beautiful shades of tans/browns but in reality he is in darker shades of grays/navy blue. Very dark and the colors are almost indistinguishable when working with them. I have been stitching for over 25 years now and had a hard time with keeping the colors straight. The snow is shades of purple and blue which is not what the photo shows. I didn't find the disclaimer on the bottom of the inside cover that states "photos on the cover might vary slightly from the finished project" till I was almost finished. They vary a lot more than slightly. I feel their cover photos are misleading advertising. Also - I did this on 14 ct aida and the DMC floss did not cover the fabric well at all. I did it with 2 strands and then tried 3 strands for better coverage but it distorted the fabric so took it out. If you do decide to make it go for either 16 or 18 ct. I personally don't feel comfortable working on any more Kustom Kraft patterns due to the color differences so will look to other more reputable designers. Hope this keeps you from some heartache.
cheryl
by: clpatt123 on 09/09/15
There's a nice Dimensions Gold kit at ECS called "Wolf". He's only 5 x 7 @ $11.99.
by: jlhewes on 09/09/15
Jlhewes, thanks for the alternative suggestions, I'll check out Dimensions 5x7's. That's probably a more realistic size for me at this point.

Cheryl, thank you for your comments on this project - very good to know! I think you've saved me a huge headache! Much appreciated.
by: Diane001 on 09/09/15
Cheryl,
Just an FYI.... I picked up a Kustom Kraft's wolf pattern that's different than the "Lying in Wait" and have it in my stash. I'm going to "knock myself out" and attempt it maybe next year KEEPING YOUR CONCERNS IN MIND so if the stitching begins to not match the front picture, I'll stop....I realize how hard you worked on "Lying in Wait" and the frustration you had....
by: Bermuda on 09/10/15