Perplexed about fabric...
I have a beautiful pattern that calls for a 28 count linen in amber. I've never worked with linen before but, I don't think that will be a problem. I am more concerned about the color of the fabric. In the cross stitch picture the color is more of a pale peach tone than amber which looks more grey to me. I don't know what to do. If I go with my first idea I may end up with a piece of material that is too bright. If I select the amber I might think it's too somber. Does anyone have a suggestion? It's really hard to judge from the tiny swatch I can see of both fabrics online. Also, there is a possibility that I might buy the fabric somewhere else. The instructions call for an 18" x 27" piece. I can only get a piece that is 17" x 26". Will that be big enough?! I really welcome all advice! One last question - If I were to completely change fabrics and switch to a 14 count aida cloth, would I have to get a larger piece of fabric? Thank you for allowing me to ask questions. You can probably tell I haven't been doing cross stitch very long but, I really like it!
Posted by: lew45sholes on 10/20/18
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Hi Lew,
I totally get your concerns. Do you have some of the floss that is going to go with the pattern? Sometimes I'll hold a handful of floss up to the fabric samples in the store and see what seems to go together the best.
When you look at your instructions, does it say what the design size or stitch count is? That can help you figure out if the smaller fabric would work. Some designers allow for a large framing margin - five or six inches total, 2.5 to 3 inches per side. Some allow only an inch per side, which is really tight. If it's only an inch per side, the 17 inch fabric wouldn't work because it wouldn't allow of enough of a margin to frame the finished piece. Does that make sense? But if they allow 3" per side that would make it 2.5" which isn't that different. It just depends on the designer and what they allowed for. There is a great fabric calculator on this site that can help too - it should show up on the left hand side when you're looking at patterns.
Lastly, if this is designed for 28 count over 2, it will work up the exact same size on 14 count over one :)
If you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask!
Also, when Kristi is in on Monday, she may be able to take a look at the fabrics for you and give you some insight as to the colours. Just post a heads up for her in the forum so she's sure to see it.
I totally get your concerns. Do you have some of the floss that is going to go with the pattern? Sometimes I'll hold a handful of floss up to the fabric samples in the store and see what seems to go together the best.
When you look at your instructions, does it say what the design size or stitch count is? That can help you figure out if the smaller fabric would work. Some designers allow for a large framing margin - five or six inches total, 2.5 to 3 inches per side. Some allow only an inch per side, which is really tight. If it's only an inch per side, the 17 inch fabric wouldn't work because it wouldn't allow of enough of a margin to frame the finished piece. Does that make sense? But if they allow 3" per side that would make it 2.5" which isn't that different. It just depends on the designer and what they allowed for. There is a great fabric calculator on this site that can help too - it should show up on the left hand side when you're looking at patterns.
Lastly, if this is designed for 28 count over 2, it will work up the exact same size on 14 count over one :)
If you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask!
Also, when Kristi is in on Monday, she may be able to take a look at the fabrics for you and give you some insight as to the colours. Just post a heads up for her in the forum so she's sure to see it.
Posted by: craftydivakat on 10/20/18
Welcome, Lew! 😊
There's nothing wrong with buying where you can exchange or get a refund if you dislike the fabric. Check out their fabric do's and don'ts, exchange/refunds...Some are more forgiving than others! 😊
There's nothing wrong with buying where you can exchange or get a refund if you dislike the fabric. Check out their fabric do's and don'ts, exchange/refunds...Some are more forgiving than others! 😊
Posted by: VCESS on 10/20/18
If your fabric is the Permin/Wichelt Amber linen it is neither peach nor grey but a very pretty shade of amber - like the gemstone, deep golden yellow.
Posted by: MissKitty on 10/20/18
Dear MissKitty,
Thank you for the color information. I think that a very pale peach would really offset the central figure. I have all the skeins of thread and actually, I think the amber would dull it down. I know what color you are referring to and I thank you. Now the fun begins... Finding exactly what I'm looking for! I have a fabric store close to me and I think it would be best if I pick out the color rather than rely on online stores. Sometimes you think you're getting one thing and, actually, when you receive it, it's not what you thought it was. But thank you once again. I really appreciate you investing time with me!
Thank you for the color information. I think that a very pale peach would really offset the central figure. I have all the skeins of thread and actually, I think the amber would dull it down. I know what color you are referring to and I thank you. Now the fun begins... Finding exactly what I'm looking for! I have a fabric store close to me and I think it would be best if I pick out the color rather than rely on online stores. Sometimes you think you're getting one thing and, actually, when you receive it, it's not what you thought it was. But thank you once again. I really appreciate you investing time with me!
Posted by: lew45sholes on 10/24/18