==============================================================================

                            Entering Competitions

==============================================================================


If you plan on entering a project in competition, the best policy is to find
out the specific rules for that competition.  But for those cases where you
don't decide to enter until the piece is well under way, it can help to keep
some commonplace rules in mind.  Below is a general list of "what judges look
for" in an award winning counted cross stitch picture.


   ~ All stitches cross in the same direction, unless some special effect is
     planned.

   ~ Even tension.  Stitches flat, but no distortion of the cloth. Make sure
     no line of light formed along a row.

   ~ Stitches not twisted.

   ~ Full coverage, but not bulky.  Airy.

   ~ No knots.

   ~ No long carry-overs.

   ~ No loose tails.

   ~ Reverse side stitches should be vertical.  (This is a subject of some
     debate.)

   ~ Clean.  No wrinkles.  No hoop marks.

   ~ Overall appearance.

   ~ Right and wrong end of the floss.  (This is _definitely_ a subject of
     debate.)

   ~ Not judged on framing.