Contouring

[Back2Jake]

I am new to designing intarsia patterns and would like some feedback on whether I should indicate contouring on the patterns. When you do an intarsia project, do you like to be creative and do your own contouring and as long as you have a photograph, you can get the designers idea on contouring OR would you like the contours put on the pattern itself?

[Joanna]

Myself personally, I think the picture would give enough of an idea of the contours. But then again, maybe the contours would help the beginner a bit. When I first started intarsia, I remember some having the contours, but I'm sure it didn't do me any good, I'm terrible at following directions and am sure I "winged" it. Then again the extra lines could make the pattern appear more confusing and complicated than it really is.

[Sawdustmedic]

contouring

Me too. The picture is usually good enough. At most, intarsia patterns will usually indicate which pieces to raise or shim up. -Medic

[3_M]

I think you get enough contouring when you round over the edges of the pieces, like most do.
You could also ask it on this forum: http://groups.msn.com/Intarsia

Mike M

[sheltiecarver]

Toni,
As a rather new scroller I've only done one segmented picture - I would definately like to see some suggested contouring guide - but maybe a separate smaller pic, so it doesn't confuse the cutting pattern, and the experienced folk could just ignore it and do their thing.
Sandy

[CanadianScroller]

I think pictures are best, you get to see how the finished product was designed. You can then shape more or less to suite your own interpretation.