Fabric for this pattern
Could I use a dyed Aida fabric instead of completely stitching the entire background area? I saw one online that is dyed in a very similar color, but have never used a dyed Aida before.
Thanks!
Posted by: canes57 on 01/09/16
certainly you can. I personally don't like the entire fabric to be stitched. It doesn't do justice to the main subject. I don't know if a dyed aida would run if you washed it. You might try a blue aida, then add a few sparkly beads in the background.
You might even just stitch only the guitars and see how you like it. You can always add background if you want to.
by: Cory on 01/09/16
I agree. I would not stitch the entire background.
by: NANCYE G on 01/09/16
I would like to ask, on this pattern, threads, etc., do you not carry the aida in this size? Also, do not plan to stitch the background, way too busy. This is for my son who has been learning guitars and a google search for guitar patterns, this is the only one he likes. Is 18 count way smaller than 14? I have to use readers to stitch in the first place so I think it will be too hard to see the holes. Would it look horrible if I convert to 14 count, or 16 count, do you think?
by: KayJaMikel on 07/23/17
It would look fine stitched on 14 ct fabric. I NEVER use anything with a higher stitch count. Just remember that this is a VERY large pattern and would require more fabric. ECS does sell larger cuts of some cloth. Click the products button near the top of this screen. Scroll down to where it says 14 ct aida. The first choioce will give you a list of the colors and sizes available. I don't think that dyed fabrics that size are available on this site. Check with Customer Service.

HAVE A STITCHING DAY
by: NANCYE G on 07/23/17
Don't give up! There are several sites that sell hand-dyed fabrics. I wash my finished projects in cold water only and have used many of their colors with no bleeding. Dyeing is a complicated process. The good dyers rinse and rinse and rinse some more. They may use a mordant as a ending because it "fixes" the dye to the fabric.
My favorite dye site is Picture This Plus. Go to the home page and watch their video. Go to the upper left corner and there is a box with lines across it, the navigation bar. It gives you their products. They offer a crystal fabric, which has very subtle tiny metallic threads woven in. It costs a bit more than their regular hand-dyed fabric, but is gorgeous for a magical touch. Their staff is very very helpful. I ask questions all the time, as when I began stitching, options were limited.
by: Su Pitt on 07/23/17
I found this at Walmart. Seems to be big enough for 14 count. Do you think this would look good on this color aida?

I have since found more options on Ebay, in white. Looking for other colors.
by: KayJaMikel on 07/24/17
Decisions, decisions.
by: KayJaMikel on 07/24/17
Or... I can't tell which would look best. I have found plain white and light cream too.
by: KayJaMikel on 07/24/17
Have you tried picture this plus? They have gorgeous fabric and have the colors in multiple fabrics and counts. You will receive your pieces beautifully edged and guaranteed. They will probably have a comparable color and in 14 aida. :)
by: VCESS on 07/24/17
Of course you can Canes. I agree with Cory that it would probably detract from the theme and look over stitched otherwise.

I also have found out through trail and error that your subject stands out more crisply when stitched on a shade of white.
by: MaryJoDenmark on 07/24/17