Hi,
This is a lovely pattern. I've been tempted to buy this pattern myself.
You say you are a biginnerv but did cross stitching years ago, so I'm assuming you have the basics of counted cross stitch ie. Finding center of a pattern, understand "over one" or "over two",
If it were me, I would buy this pattern that you like so much AND buy a small project such as a kit that is easy and work on the small kit to get yourself "back in the groove" so to speak. Once you are in the groove again, you can start on your larger pattern. This big pattern you like would be more for a stitcher that has "intermediate" skills but I wouldn't tell you NOT to try it since stitchers who were "beginners" got to be intermediate and advanced stitchers by taking up the challenge of stitching larger and more detailed patterns.
Don't forget- if you buy the beautiful autumn pattern that you make a copy of the pattern, an put your "original" pattern away for safekeeping, then you can use your copy as your "working" copy to write notes on, highlight areas, etc. You are allowed to make one working copy.
I'm not an employee of ECS, but one of the stitchers on this "chat" board who saw your message. :)

Hi there, it is great to hear that you have gotten back into cross stitch. It's like riding a bike once learnt never forgotten. However, you might want to start with a smaller kit. I have not seen the pattern for this piece but it does look like it will be time consuming with a lot of color changes.

I don't see why you shouldn't buy this one and set it up but start with something smaller to get you back into your rhythm.

Good Luck let us know how you get on.

Regards, C

You might want to look at the Artecy version of this piece. It has 56 colours compared to 81 and still has loads of detail. I agree with the suggestion to get a smaller project to start with and then work into this one. There are a lot of colour changes but the pattern is clear and all full stitches. Good luck!

Like the others have said I would buy this pattern, but lay it back and restart my hobby with a simpler project. It is so beautiful. With a little practice you will be ready to tackle it.

When I started cross stitching 30 years ago patterns were on 1 page possibly 2 and not as interesting as they are now. Cross stitching has really advanced into some very beautiful projects and areas.

Also I do like the others have said. I make 2 copies of my patterns so I can keep the original clean to use again if I want. I tape one together and post on my designing wall and the other I use to stitch and mark off the stitches with a highlighter as I do them.

Look forward to hearing more postings from you as you progress with your projects.

Hi there,
I just had another thought. (dangerous I know) :)

Depending on the size of the pattern I usually make enlarged copies. I have a copier at home so it is handy for me. It maybe worth the trip to your local copier place.

I was laughing at myself the other day as I have slowly gone from no enlarging or special lighting to a daylight lamp and now I need the daylight lamp with magnifier and enlargements. (LOL)

Caroline

Thank you ALL for all of your responses. I'm going to take the plunge and get it; I just love the pattern! I love the idea of enlarging the pattern -- that should make it a lot easier on my eyes! One more question: do all of you start/or would all of you start this pattern using the accepted method of "finding the middle" and proceeding, or, would you start at the top left corner as another friend (and very advanced stitcher) suggested to me?

Anything that is this large or complicated a pattern I always start at the top left hand corner. I start 3 inches in from the top and 3 inches in from the side. When buying my fabric I always add 6 inches to the width and 6 inches to the height so I have 3 inch extra on each side for framing.

Good luck and enjoy your stitching.

I agree with Syagel, I would start your large pattern , like the autumn chart you are purchasing, starting 3 inches in from the top left side of the fabric and 3 inches down from the top left corner of the fabric to where the side and top measurements intersect to find placement of the very first stitch in the upper left corner. I'll remeasure at least twice to make sure that first X is placed correctly. Keep in mind that the 3-inches your measuring in from the side and top of your fabric is the 3 inches you'll have for mounting and matting your completed project. Some stitchers calculate by adding 2" extra fabric for each side when planning the amount of fabric Needed for a project, but I use at least 3 inches extra fabric as my
"Standard" for each side when I calculate for my fabric needs; it gives me "wiggle room" for mounting and framing.

I take my large project a step further by stitching the top 2-3 rows of the pattern all the way to the upper RIGHT corner, then look at the whole fabric to see that the pattern appears centered. I do this because I miscalculated my measurements some years ago and came out with the pattern NOT being centered on the fabric. This way, I can correct the mistake - if possible- without having put hundreds of stitches into a project and THEN find out I made a mistake with centering.
Also, I would recommend you go to the top of the chat where there is a place for you to search past "chat" topics. Type in "ridge lines" and read through the chats on it to help you prevent getting them when you are doing any patterns but especially when you do large Multi-pages patterns.

Hi D,

I also add 2 to 3 inches around the design for mounting purposes.

I however always start in the center of the design as I don't trust my calculations. Starting at the center guarantees your work to be centered.

My favorite designer is Nora Corbett / Mirabilia Designs. Her pattens always mark the center so you don't have to work it out for yourself.

My latest trick is to wind each color onto a card and slip and needle on there as well.A bit time consuming but worth it. I found that when I was working with a lot of colors it was handy to just slip the needle back on the card with the tread in place. (saves time retreading.). Also you don't have the problem of loosing the number off the skein as the skein gets thinner and thinner.

Also on a large project if I can't see where I am. I will take a bright color thread and starting at the center count ten stitches insert the needle downwards then count along another ten stitches and bring the needle up at that point and then go back ten stitches and reinsert the needle downwards. Repeat this all across on both sides of the center. Sometimes I go up and down also. This really helps if you put your work down for a awhile as it make it easier to count to were you need to start again. Don't forget to mark the center stitch. I make a stitch on either side on the line I am creating.
I hope this makes sense. If not someone please let me know.


CC

You have to really love the pattern to do cross stitch...I would go ahead with it. Make sure you grid the pattern onto your aida. Makes it go lots faster by making counting so much easier. I start at the top of the pattern and work downwards. Good luck with this gorgeous project.