>Dog Spotting

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For those of you who haven't seen it yet, here is the sketch of the Dalmatian that will be included with my bead-embroidered fire truck. The sketch is drawn on tracing paper. After I cut out the drawing of the dog, I quickly stitched it to a piece of Lacy's Stiff Stuff. I prefer to do this because it's much easier than drawing the design onto the material. Also, as you embroider, the paper gets softer & softer with each stitch.

Pictured below are the beading supplies that I plan to use. There are Japanese size 15 black seed beads, size 22 antique white seed beads, and two different kinds of size 16 beading needles. The first package was made in England, and the other was made in Japan. Have any of you used beading needles this size, and if so, which type of needle do you prefer? I'm so used to using my trusty size 15 beading needle that I'm a little nervous to try using a different one. Also, the needle I've been using has a nice curve to it now. I think I've been using the same needle for at least 10 months - probably longer=:0

Also, when it comes to beading something very small, it helps to use a thimble. I started using this Coin Thimble last week just to push my needle through several layers of felt on my fire truck. Do any of you use a thimble while beading?? If so, what kind?

And, lastly, does the dog look to be the right size in comparison to the truck?