Don't Freak Out When the Instructions Say "Random"

I know there is a subset of the stitching population that doesn't "do" random. (No sir, no way! Ain't a'gonna do that!)  Those folks must have panicked when they got the next lesson in Ruth Schmuff's current mystery class--the background.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2012/02/no-rules-no-way.html


So what do you do when you have to create a random pattern on a needlepoint canvas when even the word "random" makes you break out in a sweat?  Why you cheat, of course!

Those who have small children around--or who can borrow one from the neighbors--have it made.  Simply make a xerox of your canvas, hand the little darling a pencil, and tell them to make random marks all over the area that needs "random."  Carefully remove the pencil and paper from their little fists, hand over candy in payment, and there you go--random!  Because the marks are in pencil, you can erase any that are too close together or add one in a blank spot that seems to need something in the middle.  Using the child's work as a pattern, simply add the stitches, beads or whatever in approximately the same place your helper put them.  This also has the advantage of your being able to get several sheets done at once so you can pick the one you find most pleasing to copy.  You don't even have to worry about putting a stitch every single place your child assistant put a mark.  Missing one or two even adds to the random effect.

But not everyone has a child handy.  What then?

You can substitute small objects like beads or sequins or even grains of rice or those little pasta bits called puntaletta.  Make a copy of your canvas, then dump a few objects on the sheet.  You can shake the sheet a little (carefully!) or blow gently on the beads or sequins to move them some if you don't like the pattern.   You can also slide your tiny markers off the sheet and into a bowl, and try again until you have a pattern that you like.  Mark their position with a pencil.  If the area you have to randomize is larger, work a smaller section at a time.  If marking with the pencil is driving you nuts, take a photo with your camera and use that as your pattern for stitching random.  Just be careful not to spill the beads or rice or whatever on the floor.

Whether you use children or small objects to fake random, don't over-think the process and get yourself all bothered and worried.   Remember, even though Ruth wanted random sequins and flower stitches on her background, the canvas will also look nice with a more regular placement of these items.   If random does indeed defeat you, you can always substitute a more regular appearance and 9 times out of 10, no one will ever know you did.


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com