Thank you for the wonderful response to my SAL!
I hope I can answer some of the questions and concerns I have heard in comments and emails.
DOWNLOADING THE IMAGE
This isn't as hard as I thought it might be. Here is what worked for me.
Right click on the pattern drawing. You can use either the image in the blog post or the image on the SAL page. Click on "save image as". Save to the file of your choice. I opened and printed my image using Open Office.
If you do not get the 'save image as' option you can also right click and "open image in new tab". Then go to your new tab and save the image (right click) to the file of your choice.
PRINTING THE IMAGE
The pattern was designed to fit and print out on a standard 8 1/2 x 11" or A4 size paper.
THE FABRIC
I do surface embroidery. There are no counted thread techniques here. This makes your fabric choice much easier. This is a linen look fabric, (80 cotton/20 linen). This pattern would work on linen, a silk matka, or a medium weight cotton quilting fabric. If you print out the design on 'Transfer-Eze' you could also stitch on wool.
THE STITCHES
Chain, stem and herringbone stitches are my go-to stitches for surface embroidery. From there I build texture with satin, blanket/buttonhole and wrapped chain stitches. And of course french knots, bullion stitches and speckle stitches. If any of these are unfamiliar to you please visit Mary Corbet's site 'Needle 'n Thread'.
Her instructions and videos can't be beat.
This will not be a step-by-step SAL. Please feel free to interpret the design with your colors and with your stitch choices.
PROGRESS SO FAR
I have been having fun already. The chain stitches most often form my base. From there I had more stitches on top. Like the birdie's wing.
That will be my next post.