Fabric
This is shown on a darker back ground what is it

Posted by: mfmlbell on 11/26/16
Page:
The entire background in this pattern is stitched, so the background is solid stitching in dark colours.

I would consider changing the fabric to a darker colour so the white does not show through.
by: MissKitty on 11/26/16
Hello, I did log on to the Heaven and Earth website. The suggested fabric they list is indeed 25 count White linen. I love Santa designs. I completed Marilyn Imblum's "Santa of the Forest". I must tell you when I was on the H&E website and looked at the enlargement of this design, I did find it MOST intriguing. I am blown away by the fact that there are 87 DMC colors used. That just speaks to the intricate details of his face and garments. I do think I might "have" to order this design!!!

(I do not work for ECS....I am a Stitcher in the Chat Room!!)

P.S. I just ordered Portrait of Father Christmas from Everything Cross Stitch. It is about $7.00 cheaper than on the Heaven & Earth website. Heaven help me!!! I will have to live to be 120 to complete everything in my stash!!!!!!
by: jerseycrafter on 11/26/16
Thank you both for replying to my question. I am in love with this Santa pattern and want to do it. Did not realize that the whole background is stitch-it is beautiful and rich with color. Thank you very much again.
I love the comment that you will have to be 120 to do all your stitching. I am the same way. I see a beautiful patter I can't live without so I get. Happy stitching and may you live long enough to get to all you stitching. Thank you for your response to my question
by: mfmlbell on 11/26/16
While it's a good idea to buy a darker fabric so that the white fabric won't show thru, you do need to remember that it could mean some of the darker fabric could show thru on the white face and beard. It's strictly a matter of choice.

I have used a darker fabric to avoid having to do all of the stitching for the background. But my subject matter was somewhat darker so it didn't really matter. It's going to depend on whether you want the fabric behind the face and beard to show up better, or the fabric behind the background. No matter which you decide, there may be some show-thru unless you choose to use more strands of floss than are called for which will hide the background better. The only problem with that is each stitch goes thru each hole multiple times - usually at least four times, in the corner where the stitches meet - and that can be very difficult when you are using a high number of strands! Try out a couple of samples and see which color of fabric you like and how many strands of floss will cover the best for you.
by: quilterangel123 on 11/27/16
Thank you for your help. AT first I did not realize the background was stitched. You made several valid points. Thank you for your input. I think I will stick with the white realizing the whole thing is stitched. THank you very much for your response. I appreciate it
by: mfmlbell on 11/27/16
Thank you for your help. AT first I did not realize the background was stitched. You made several valid points. Thank you for your input. I think I will stick with the white realizing the whole thing is stitched. THank you very much for your response. I appreciate it
by: mfmlbell on 11/27/16
Jerseycrafter - only 120??? You must have a very small stash!! LOL I'm on the 300 year plan which, in my case, is probably still not long enough!!
by: judy.boatman on 11/29/16
Judy...I am with you. The "300 year plan" sounds better! I was going through my stash the other day. I have soooooo many nice things. I am still stitching the First Angel of Light. After that, I am going to be "torn" as to what to do next!! This reminds me of a story about my husband's "Uncle Pete". He lived to be 89 years old. He was a lifelong tailor. At one time he was the Plant Manager of the London Fog plant in Baltimore, Maryland. Anyway....we were celebrating a holiday at his house and I was talking about a certain type of "short coat" I wanted and couldn't find. His wife was asking me questions about the color, etc. Don't you know several weeks later when we walked in the house...he went in his "sewing room" and brought out a coat he had made. It fit me perfectly...I almost fainted! We asked him what the secret to a long life is....he told us: "Have something you LOVE to do every day when you get out of bed". He also played the violin and sang opera. As he grew older, the one thing he did each day was play his violin. That will be me with cross stitching!!
by: jerseycrafter on 11/29/16
jerseycrafter I love your last post and the story of "Uncle Pete" and you coat. How wonderful for you. I do love the 300 year plan as I have a drawer full of patterns I want to get to and see more all the time. Lol.
by: mfmlbell on 11/29/16
I have already established the 425-year plan. I refuse to give that up. You might think that this is really too much, but my stash is huge. Stitch8ng for 64+ years...the other six years was spent learning to hand stitch seams, put in zippers, do other embroidery and do stamped cross stitch. Then they made the mistake of teaching me counted cross stitch and, well, uh....
by: Su Pitt on 11/30/16