Steotchalong 7 – Materials

How big is it? This year’s design is 86 x 118, approximately the same size as the 2016 and 2018 designs (Tyrion and Home is Where The Heart Is). The size of your completed sampler will depend on the gauge of fabric you decide to stitch. For 14-count fabrics, your finished piece will be 6.14”x 8.42”; 16-count fabrics will be 5.38” by 7.38”. These would frame up nicely in a 8×10 or 6×8 inch frame, respectively (sorry all measurements American).  REMEMBER to allot a generous border around this finished dimension when selecting and cutting your fabric. Choosing a fabric This year’s image was designed and colors selected for stitching against a light background. We recommend “antique white” (what we used), or white, cream or another light, neutral color. Surely someone will go out and find a crazy tie dye fabric, and that’s totally cool (shine on, you magical bitches), but know that the image may not come out as clearly, or the colors convey with the same balance, as they do on a neutral background. The pattern was designed and test stitched on 16-count Aida. We recommend 14 or 16 gauge fabric this year. This pattern uses cross stitches, quarter stitches, (optional french knots), and extensive backstitching (detail work in week 10). If you plan to use an evenweave fabric rather than Aida, be certain that you select an appropriate gauge, and plan to skip over threads to accommodate the quarter stitches and backstitching. Using a higher gauge fabric (18-count+)...

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