thimblebug6000

Just remember that the iron on transfers don't wash out, so you will need to keep your stitching right on the line. You can easily trace a simple colouring book picture with your blue wash-out pen & stitch & then wash. Recently some of the patterns have you trace your lines with a very thin brown Pigma pen and then you stitch on that (it doesn't wash out though)
When I made the WinterWonderland quilt I used a red variegated Anchor thread.... I used a DMC tourqouise on another project.... Have to say it's alot of fun using all one colour, because you don't have to stop & start so often. I usually baste a layer of thin flannel or cotton to my base so if I need to carry the thread to another area, it doesn't show through.

maine ladybug

I have done quite a bit of redwork ( bluework too) and the thread I use is Premium Sulky 12 weight. I comes in many colors, but I use the #713 1147 red or the 713 1293 Blue. It is a 100% long staple cotton thread that is machine washable or dry cleanable. You can use it for hand or machine sewing. This is what the teacher of redwork that I know uses and tells her students to use. It comes in 330yard spools and lasts forever ( What I mean is a long, long time ) .

justwannaquilt

I am working on Winter Wonderland right now. I traced using a black Pigma and I basted it to a piece of white muslin, not really basted but I used wonder under around the edges to hold the two pieces in place. Making sure they were both REALLY flat when I ironed them together.
I am doing mine in blue and I am using two strands of DMC 312 which is a dark blue(I read online that this is the number most people use to do blue work so I thought what the hey). I also use a small quilting needle instead of an embroidery needle so I don't take a chance of leaving a whole in the tightly woven fabric.

CarrieAnne

I use DMC as well.

RatherB Quilting

Awesome! Thank you all so much! I think I might reconsider using the iron on...like you said...and maybe trace the patterns with a washable pen. I really appreciate the info on the DMC cotton! Looking forward to starting this project!
:)
Thanks all!