Friday, July 1, 2011

TUSAL & Rainforest Crunch, the continuing saga

OK. First up is TUSAL.  Quite a bit of threads for the month of June.  Mostly The Peony Garden.


OK.  Now to Rainforest Crunch.  When we last left off, I was doing Rainforest Crunch on 28 count Jobelan with Caron Waterlilies, using two threads over 1.  I got to Block 6 and didn't like how it was coming out.  I restitched the inside about three times and then just said, okay, I've got to move on.  Well, on Block 7 I could not get the threads to lay right.  It looked wrong, just so wrong.  Frustrated is not even the word to describe how I felt.

Then I had the idea to try Aida, as it is stiffer than Jobelan and the threads may lay better.  I tried 14 count Aida and 18 count Aida.  Didn't like it.  Not enough coverage with what I was doing.

So, I said, okay, let me try it like it is supposed to be stitched, with canvas, and Caron Watercolours.  After getting used to how the threads lay and figuring out the best size needle for me (24), and watching a video online about how to start and end threads on needlepoint canvas, here is the result so far.  Block 1 partially done.  And I am liking it!!!  Yes, I know I did not tape the sides of the canvas.  I was too impatient to get started.  I do have a roll of tape now and will tape the next canvas!


BF says he admires my determination to get this project stitched!

And another lesson learned, stitch something on what it is supposed to be stitched, and with the fibers it is supposed to be stitched with, at least for the most part.  The designers know what they're doing. 

8 comments:

Karyn said...

Oh Danielle, I am so sorry for your frustration, I have BTDT more times than I care to admit, but you made me LOL, with your lesson learned, as I have recently learned that same lesson, and your restart is awesome, I can't wait to see your progress :)

Your TUSAL pic is so pretty, though I know the threads in it represent a hard fight, they are gorgeous...and it is all about the color ;)

XOXO
Ma TK

Coni said...

Well, I for one, would consider all of your attempts "field research in the name of the stitchy sciences" and thank you for your report!

How the heck else would we all know what these pieces look like on various backgrounds? Hmmm?

So here's a big fat THANK YOU for sharing your field research in the name of the stitchy sciences with us!

Woo Hoo!

P.S. Did you also try congress cloth? If you ever get that inkling...you can switch the Watercoulours out for Wildflowers.

See? Just doing my part to further the cause....

Unknown said...

Pretty colors of your TUSAL! I am really impressed too that you did not give up and worked until you found what you like - brilliant!!

natalysneedle said...

I love, love, love counted canvas. You have made beautiful progress.

geeky Heather said...

Uh-oh, I've got a canvas here that's not taped, either...don't tell the needlepoint police!! =)

Glad you're finally in a good place with this project!

Lesleyanne said...

Lovely TUSAL. Well done for carrying on with your project. I am with your bf you are one very determined lady.

Southpaw Stitcher said...

I did Rainforest Crunch (on canvas) earlier this year and found it to be a very fun stitch. Your first square looks marvelous! I'm sure that, once you get going, you'll find it to be a quick and fun stitch. Who knows, you may even take a liking to canvaswork. You go, girl.

Karen said...

I have Rainforest all kitted up and ready to go, as soon as I get a few other things done. I am going to try 18ct linen instead of the canvas this time, purely because it is easier to frame; but if I end up not liking it, I will switch back to the canvas :) I will eagerly await your progress on this!