wfcentral - you are right - I was just wondering about using xara. I realize there are some very good programs specifically designed for X-stitchers. I will work on an image to post - something of the sort possible in xara but not those pattern-making programs. Stay tuned - I have an idea!!!

Regards, Ross

PS - Judi's images look far more realistic than what any of the several x-stitch programs I've seen can muster as a preview of a design.