Teresa Wentzler cross stitch designs

MrsPete · Aug 16, 2010

I used to do loads of counted cross stitch, and I quit when my children were small and needed so much attention.

Recently I picked up a project, which is almost finished now, and really enjoyed it. I've bought a book of Teresa Wentzler's designs -- so beautiful! -- and I can't wait to start one . . . but they are so detailed. I've done large pieces before, but I've never done anything so difficult.

I bought her mermaid pattern, and I was so shocked when I saw that it FOLDS OUT into a HUGE page the size of 4 normal sheets! And the list of threads /thread combinations. I'm putting the mermaid aside -- I have to do one of her "easier" designs first. I'm thinking of starting with Castle (the dragon wrapped around the castle) or the Castle Sampler (I think that's going to be the one).

Any hints from someone who's finished her designs?

If I go with the sampler first, should I do the super-detailed border first, or should I start in the middle?

I'm thinking of looking at JUST one square (you know what I mean -- one 10x10 grid) each time I sit down to work. I'm thinking about using post-it notes to block off the rest of the design. I'm thinking that if I concentrate on JUST that one square at a time, that I won't be able to get too far off count. I'm planning to use evenweave fabric in a two-over style, which I think is much more challenging than aida fabric.

Oh, I did decide at first glance that I'm going to have to "blow up" the pattern on the xerox machine. My old eyes just can't see those tiny marks.

Any hints are appreciated!

kimblebee · Aug 17, 2010

I know nothing about these designs but I would suggest starting in the middle and working your way out. It is better for tension of the fabric and some other logical reasons that I just can't remember now lol

Mickey527 · Aug 17, 2010

I have never done any of her designs but I have a few hints.
Never start a design from the outside in. If you stitch tight the fabric will pucker and it will be harder to do the inside. I stitch tight and starting from the inside keeps the fabric even, however I do have some puckering along the outside which is either folded under if I frame the needlepoint, or stitched around if I use it for a pillow etc...
When I stitch a design on clothing I have to be really careful not to stitch too tight.
2nd, I would definately make a few copies of the pattern. I have a few patterns that are printed on a paper that is 4 X's the size of computer paper. After a while the design rubs away on the areas of the fold and it is hard to see what the pattern is. I always make a copy or two so I have the copy to use and I keep the original. I agree, sometimes the pattern is too small and has to be enlarged.
When I make copies sometimes I have to overlap the design. What I mean is that a row or two might be on both of the pages because I want to make sure I don't miss a row. I use a highlighter on the last row, then highlight the row next to this row on the next page. I hope you understand what I am trying to say. (if you have 4 rows, row 2 is on both copies, highlight row 2 on one page then highlight row 1 on the next page. This way you know that you have done up to row 1 using the first page (you don't do row 2 on the first page, and need to start the design on row 2 so you don't do row 1 on the 2nd page). boy does that sound complicated, but it really isn't.
1,2,3,4 1,2,3,4
I did a search for her and there is a website that has free patterns of hers for people to use. You can make copies and make as many as you want, but can't sell the pattern or the item, she does ask that you don't profit from her designs. Her patterns are not my thing, but I know alot of people do like that type of design.

EdiePA · Aug 17, 2010

I belong to a cross-stitch message board, you might get more answers over there:
http://www.123stitch.com/cgi-bin/BBS/bbs_forum.cgi

I know people sometimes don't recommend the block-by-block approach because you can get "lines" on your finished piece, but I don't know how they handle such large projects. I usually use a color as far as I can in one area and then switch to the next one.

HTH,
Edie