Hi ginaB,
Wow! This is a stickler! You didn't mention what size fabric and how many strands of floss you used....
Also, is it the WHOLE Background that is showing some of the white fabric?

I wonder if my frying pan is manufactured from the same place you got yours.
Mine came from the "DH Containment Manufacturing Center" located at Don't-Look-Now, Canada :)

Oops! Sorry about that, Bermuda. And as to the frying pan, what a coincidence indeed. I got mine from the outlet store of the same retailer, but it's called "Stand By Your Man". Their catchphrase is "while raising our pan!"

Ok, so . . . the fabric is Aida 14. The floss (for this section) is DMC 825 (Blue, dark), and I'm doing all the background in full cross, 2 strands. The problem is the same everywhere, but this is where it's most conspicuous. I have to acknowledge that some of the problem is me. I've been seeing with only one eye for about 6 months--not long enough to become really accustomed to it. When I take a magnifying glass to it, I cringe. Even my ok work, though, is not looking so hot here. Whaddaya think in terms of remedy? Pull it all and do something else? If so, what? Fix it by a) I have no idea, b) beats the hell out of me, or c) throw away the whole stupid thing. I considered suicide, but it seemed a bit extreme, and difficult for the family to explain later. So . . . I will defer to the stitching community, whose wisdom and knowledge of these things FAR exceeds my own. And then? Tackle that pin stitch thing for me, wouldja?

; )

After 63 years of doing this, I can safely tell you that even in the olden times 2 strands never covered 14 count fabric very well! At least, not to my satisfaction. I can't see or do pin stitches on 18 count, so I stick with 16 count, which is covered well with two strands.

Do it over? Most giftees don't know anything about our fixes! I would never take it out or start over. I once sprayed an expensive piece of stained glass with black paint to get it to match a dark crucifixion scene and nobody knew.

I would take a piece of scrap 14 count, or make a scrap. Stitch a full square of 6x6 stitches with two strands, then go back over it with one strand to see if it fills. I got some fancy 14 count to do a pattern for my grandson and forgot that I never liked the coverage with two srrands...but I had only done a few stitches!

Does anybody know if DMC sells discounted "seconds" to some places...discount outlet stores, online...might be how they are getting rid of production errors...just a thought that occurred...Thinking of the problems occurring, colors not matching, thin coverage...just brings "seconds" to mind.

GinaB,
I know this will sound rediculous but have you taken the pattern out of the hoop or frame your using and then look at your 'troubled area'?
Sometimes if we stretch the fabric real tight in the hoop, the fabric being stretched might make the Aida show more. If the fabric 'relaxes' back, it might not be as obvious.
I would not suggest frogging it out...

I've found a old clean toothbrush will help close the holes a little bit also good for cleaning up after frogging

perhaps when you wash it, the floss will relax

Su Pitt, I laughed when I saw your mention of trying the three strands on a small patch. DOH! I've done that so many times with other things, but did NOT for one second think about doing that with this thing. Dope of the day award to me! Just pulled a junk piece out to try it now. Thanks.

VCESS, I laughed at this one, too, because I just saw your "yikes" remark re: seconds on the other post. Caveat emptor, I guess.

Bermuda, first, let me say that I hope you have survived all this flooding, and that it didn't catch up with you later (from your other post--at least I think it was yours?) Second, I've always stitched in hand, so hoops don't enter the equation. As for frogging? Out of the question, as you suggest. There's painful, and then there's painful, and then there's agony. This falls into the agony domain!

susieq, I picked up a "baby" toothbrush this morning, and LO AND BEHOLD! Eureka!!! The brush was so soft that it was easy to go back and forth rather than tentatively in just one direction. There is one little patch on which it didn't work, but it's the last part I was working on, so it was easy to just pull the stitches. Did 'em again and brushed their little teeth--perfect. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

bgmarr, susieq's suggestion worked, so I'm spared the pain of waiting til the "wash when done" phase. I will admit, too, that I have been obsessive about keeping it immaculate (washing my hands every 15 minutes--and waiting for my skin to slough off) trying to avoid eventually washing it.

I just love this site, because for so many years I EVENTUALLY figured out what I needed to do, but I have learned so many easier outs here, and everyone is so kind and responsive that it's a pleasure to check routinely. AND so many of you are so funny, too. Thank you all!

ginnaB,
So glad to hear that Susieq's idea of the baby toothbrush worked out for you!