fiber coverage

After my last post, S. wondered since the peach flamingo feathers are a result of the flamingos consuming brine shrimp, what could the other colored flamingos be eating?  My guesses are:
            purple--plums (I originally said eggplant, but decided that was a stretch)
            pink--pink grapefruit
            yellow--lemons
            green--limes
            blue--blueberries
Of course some people think flamingos are more pink than peach, so peaches would be the obvious choice for the peach color.  Do you have any suggestions?

Anne had asked about the difference between Serendipity and Diagonal mosaic.  To demonstrate, I stitched Serendipity in Paternayan on 10 mesh canvas.  It looks a little rough because I didn't groom my stitches, but I hope you get the idea of the stitch. 

As I said, it's composed of two elements.  The first is slanted right over 2, over 1, over 2; the second is slanted left over 1, over 2, over 1; continuing alternately on a diagonal line. 

Yesterday I had a phone call from a woman who had run short on Paternayan Persian yarn and didn't know how much she needed to complete her project.  While talking to her, I realized that many people don't know how to calculate fiber coverage. 

The simplest rule of thumb is that for basketweave, 1 yard does 1/2 square inch.  Less fiber is needed for pattern stitches.  For bargello patterns, 1 yard does 1 square inch because of the longer stitches.  At Needle Nicely, I have some different mesh canvas squares where I have stitched a strand (of Paternayan Persian=33") or 1 measured yard of various other fibers as a visual demonstration of the area covered.  These serve as aids in deciding how many yards or strands are needed for the flower petals, leaves, faces, etc., comprising a canvas's design. In other instances, straight mathematical charts can be a great help.
        Coverage for Paternayan Persian (33" strand):
                 10mesh canvas            1.40 strands per square inch
                 12mesh canvas            1.25 strands per square inch
                 13mesh canvas            1.15 strands per square inch
                 18mesh canvas              .80 strands per square inch
       Coverage for perle 3 (15 yards) 7.5 square inches
       Coverage for perle 5 (27 yards) 13.5 square inches
       Coverage for Silk 'n ivory (28 yards) 15 square inches
       Coverage for Impressions (36 yards) 18mesh, 1-ply 18 square inches
                                                                              2-ply 9 square inches
                                                                13mesh, 2-ply roughly 9 square inches
                                                                              3-ply roughly 12 square inches
       Coverage for Splendor (12 ply, 8 yards) 18 mesh, 4-ply 12 square inches
                                                                     13 mesh, 6-ply 8 square inches
All of these figures are for basketweave.  Pattern stitches require less fiber. 

Another quick way to estimate fiber coverage is, quite literally, the rule of thumb.  One thumb pad equals one strand of Persian (or by extension yard of any fiber).  Look at your thumb pad--most women's thumbs are about 1" by 1/2", thus 1/2 square inch of area. 

I hope this is helpful enabling you to make an estimate of the amount of fibers required for stitching a project without over- or under-buying.