New cross-stitcher needs help re floss

Posted by Pamela on November 17, 2009, 8:42 am

I have needlepointed for years, but never used the counted cross stitch. I
fell in love with the Dimensions Maggie the Messmaker kit & realize what a
challenge this will be. I see that many prefer DMC to the floss used in
the kits, and should I convert all to DMC before I start? Is there that
much of a difference between the two? Thanks for any info you can give me!
Pam

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Posted by t on November 17, 2009, 5:17 pm

On Nov 17, 8:42=A0am, pwfox_at_sbcglobal_dot_...@foo.com (Pamela) wrote:
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I
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a
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!
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oss provided with kits. If the kit is going to be really special get the si=
lks and switch to linen : )

Posted by Tia Mary on November 17, 2009, 5:46 pm

t wrote:
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provided with kits. If the kit is going to be really special get the silks and
switch to linen : )
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The only problem with this recommendation is that Pam is new to
cross stitch and might not want to invest in even weave fabric and silk
floss. You're talking a chunk of change to make that switch -- even if
it IS one that I would make :-).
So -- Pam -- I do kits (I have "Maggie" in my stash) and have used
the floss that comes with the kit. The main problem -- for me at least
-- is that the kit floss is just not as good a quality as DMC or Anchor.
This means it has a tendency to knot up and twist more often than the
better quality floss. That being said, I still use the kit floss most
of the time and am just aware of the problems I have.
If I have purchased the kit because I am wild for the design and
only want the chart, then I usually do as "t" suggested and change
fibers AND fabric. If I have purchased the kit because I like the
design and want something fun to do (I always have some sort of
needlework project in hand of an evening) then I work with what is
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Angels can't show their wings on earth but nothing was ever said about
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Posted by 1961girl@gmail.com on November 19, 2009, 9:18 am

I find the Dimensions Gold kits (Maggie is one) usually have pretty
good floss. However, sometimes they are short and if this is a first
time project, you may want to substitute just to be sure you have
enough.

Secondly, if this isn't one of those highlight the area kits (I don't
think it is) and doesn't have a lot of half stitches, you could do it
as a needlepoint - either all in tent/basketweave/half cross or using
your own ideas, at least for the background.

Posted by Sandy Bell on November 23, 2009, 5:28 am

On Nov 18, 12:42=A0am, pwfox_at_sbcglobal_dot_...@foo.com (Pamela)
wrote:
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I
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a
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!
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Pam,
I do alot of kits, with all sorts of thread types but have found that
if you are careful (untwist the treads at regular intervals, use
shorter lengths etc) you should have no problems. I agree that the
quality of thread may not always be as good but Dimensions has always
proved to be good as far as I'm concerned. In the begining I used to
worry that I wouldn't have enought thread, but it has only happened to
me once and I contacted the company and they send more thread for
free. Good luck and I hope you enjoy cross stitching!
Sandy

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