My psychology professor was just talking about this the other day in
class. I'd never really internalized that the world is darker for older
people. Random fact: purple lights work well for illuminating road
signs. who knew?

Meredith

Dianne Lewandowski wrote:
Also, you need more light as your eyes age. LOTS more. So that one
lightbulb just won't cut it, anymore. This usually starts happening in
your mid 40's and is readily apparent at 52. I'm watching my husband go
through this and he's just struggling so with a refusal to admit his
eyes aren't what they used to be. He gets so angry. I sit there and
tell him: Turn on the brighter light and take off your glasses! I've
just accepted it. He doesn't want to "let go", yet.

I'm not saying taking off your glasses will work for you, but it does
for many that don't realize it will be better than their glasses. So,
it's worth a try if you suffer from myopia. And it definitely will help
to add more light. It's gotten to the point that on sunny days I stitch
my best. Other days . . . well, the fineness just isn't there anymore,
but I don't notice until the sun comes out. :-) There *is* some
satisfaction in being blindly unaware. :-)

Dianne

Rhiannon wrote:

Other than needing a larger piece of fabric and larger frame or
finishing supplies, I think you have it. Don't worry about what
others think--a non-stitcher won't even know the difference unless two
pieces on different counts are side-by-side.

If you still want to use 14 count, here are some ideas. Have you
tried 14 ct Aida by a different company? Have you tried washing it
before use? Are some colors easier for you to "see" than others? How
about stitching over two threads on a 28 count even weave (which will
give you the same finished size as 14 count Aida)? There are also
even weave fabrics with counts of 22, 24, 25, or 26 stitches per inch
so, if stitched over two threads, that would give you something to try
that is a size between 10 ct and 14 ct Aida. There is also 11 ct Aida.

Amberinauburn wrote:

I have a question about Aida cloth. I bought a small kit to do while
I acted as
an election judge back in March. It was on 10 count Aida. It had an I
Love the
USA theme. I loved it; it was easy on my eyes and very easy to do.
Now this
question has come up. When I went back to a project on 14 count. I
hated it. I
couldn't seem to see the holes in the fabric or the places to stitch.
I will
admit my 52-year-old eyes are getting bad. And yes I've been to the
eye doctor
and she has given me bi-focals. I hate them but they help although
not enough
to help with stitching. My question is this. If I stitch on 10 count
Aida is
everyone going to think I'm crazy? I can always switch the fabric in
a kit over
to 10 count and use 3 strands instead of 2. What other modifications
will I
have to make?



--
Brenda
"Sometimes I'd sit and gaze for days through sleepless dreams all
alone and trapped in time." Tommy Shaw