Outlines

[sludgeguts]

What's the general opinion for putting outlines around objects etc in cross stitch pics? I have yards of black and dark brown left over from the many kits I've completed where I haven't backstitched around objects/people because I think they look better (in most cases) without outlines.
Just look around, nothing has an outline, we define a shape by the differences in colour, shadows etc.
Obviously there are times where a bit of backstitch is essential to provide features on something but even then I tend to cheat and use something less contrasting. It's amazing how your mind is able to fill in pictures for you (just look at shadow writing!)

Any thoughts?

[rose]

to be honest i only outline if i can be bothered (kinda lazy really!), but i think with most things you can definately get away without outlining things. the only time i really outline is if i have several shades of the same colour together and if i find it difficult to identify the picture.