Embroidery

Ebay has all kinds of fabrics.

Mail order, Debbie Cripps I think, she used to have a shop here selling everything you would need but is now mail order.

What kind of threads will you use for it, Printmiss? If it stranded cotton, or a similar weight, I could send you a bit of Aida fabric to work on. It is the squared weave that cross-stitch is done on. I have lots of 11 threads to the inch, and some 14 and even a little 18 to the inch.

How about a Christmas or other theme printed picture panel that you can personalise with stitchery and appliqué? Craft and sewing shops sell the panels for quilts and cushions. X

Good quality curtain lining is good and comes in a variety of suitably neutral colours. It is also nice and firm.I've used it for several projects.

Thanks for all the suggestions, and youElegran for the offer. I think I am going to go for Hunt's idea and have a look at curtain lining, I had not thought of that, but I have an idea it might do very well. I intend to embroider my grand-daughters name and add a little cat, since she loves her 'BUZZ'. Thanks to you all again

Enjoy the project, Printmiss. When it is finished, can you take a photo and post it so that we can see?

If you are interested in embroidery have you Googled "The Great Scottish Tapestry" sound fantastic, Hope it comes south.

As someone who does fine embroidery, I can recommend Willow Fabrics Knutsford, on line of course, in case you don't live in Manchester.
They have everything and you can buy just a small amount of fabric.Free patterns and charts for even simple designs.
The best are Zweigart linens and cottons.
You will only get the best result if you use a decent fabric.

Just out of interest. In 1998 they had a pen pals page for embroiderers and I made friends with my friend from California. We are stiill friends and we are meeting up next month for the fourth time in 15 years.
I know her so well I can hardly believe we are are internet friends from a time when Facebook and GN were not even thought of. I feel I have known her all my life.

Thanks again for all the info, I will of course look at everything. Just put this on here in case anyone had any ideas, I should have known someone would. Not sure about photographing the finished article Elegran will see how it turns out. It is a long time since I did any embroidery - I remember in the first flush of marriage I initialled all our sheets and pillow cases, with a T and D entwined - ahhhhhh......., but f course I have done some since then.

sorry MargaretX I had meant to say how nice it must be to have a friend in America who enjoys the same thing you do. Even better that you can meet up and chat. The Americans really enjoy their handicrafts don't they.