All stitchers get excited at the thought of starting a new project!!  Here are just a few things to keep in mind.

Before stitching really look at the canvas and the colors of the design.  We all love to stitch with our stash but sometimes its necessary to buy outside our stash.   Prior to buying decide on the effect you are trying to achieve and the stitch you are going to use, if you are stitching clothing use fibers that imitate clothing, wools, silks, and cottons.  Metallics are nice for flowers, christmas pieces, accenting and borders.  If you are stitching a landscape try using over dyed thread or combining some threads.  If you don't like the effect you can always frog it, "rip it, rip it, rip it"

Novelty fibers are expensive so make sure you choose the correct ones for the effect and look you are going for and for the stitches you are going to use.  Flat threads look best with long straight or diagnol stitches not with basketweave or tent.  Stranded or twisted threads look good with basketweave or tent.  Furry/Fuzzy threads should be used on animal fur, clothing, grass etc., You wouldn't use a fuzzy thread on a face other than for an animal or characther that is fuzzy.

Try stitching with fibers that imitate real life, silk for faces and hands (flesh tones), over dyes for nature, fuzzy/furry for animals, metallics for accents or flowers etc.

Also keep in mind that some threads have dye lots so make sure to buy enough of what you need in case the dye lot changes to ensure the colors to be the same.  Always watch for sales and build your stash at those times even if you don't have a project you need that thread for now you may in the future.  Stick with basic colors when doing this, Red, Black, White, Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue or Purple, you will always need some of those with any project you do.

Always consider what you are going to finish the project as before starting, for example a Christmas Ornament, Stand Up, Framed, Photo Book Cover, Box Top, Door Hanger etc., you will want to base your thread and stitch usage on that, you wouldn't stitch a white backround on something that will be handled often as it will get dirty, stay away from white back rounds for all projects that will be exposed to the air, over time it may change color and constant exposure to the sun can yellow it over time making it look dirty.

The same rules apply to cross-stitch projects!  Remeber to enjoy your project and don't be afraid to ask for help if you are stumped on a color or a stitch.  Stitch books are excellent sources of help and are worth investing in, they will make you a better more confidant stitcher and you will refer to them time after time with any project!

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