thank you for all of these suggestions. i was really itching to get going on this but i think i'll do as suggested and try a sample block. it sure won't hurt to practice some hand embroidery before i get to my project, it's been a long time since i did any of that.
i love the idea of the extra layer of batting jackie spencer. do you try to run the stitch right through both layers or just through the fabric and into the batting.
nanna-up-north the pictures look lovely but when you see them in person all quilted up, they really are very special.