Liz left this comment and she has good questions/suggestions:
Judy – I have a request. Could you do a box on the side of your blog to add your in-process & completed needlework projects for the year? And then link to the pattern so we can quickly check what the finished product will look like & so we can track your progress.
And, why didn’t you start with the large outside border? Will you work on the border as you work the individual sections? Just curious…
It all looks good and I might have to pull out some of my needlepoint WIPs to work on.
My Responses:
- I made a page and added a menu button at the top. I can add more info to a page than to a widget in the sidebar. Once a piece is completely finished (pillow, framed, whatever), I’ll add a photo to that page.
Also, for most of the patterns, I’ll link back to 123Stitch because they seem to have so much, including good customer service and prices, along with low shipping costs. - The border on Farmhouse Christmas. I’m not sure if there’s a right way/wrong way/better way to do it but I figured that first inner border HAS to be right and since it’s an easy repeat and easy to line up the pieces (the sixth little “four patch” is the center so I made sure top/bottom/left/right 6th four patches all lined up. Now that I have that right, I can start on the outer border. I’ll work it across the top and left side of that first block but will stop until I’ve done the border for the second block just so I have points of reference and can make sure things line up.
The only reason I didn’t start the outer border after finishing the inner border is that I was anxious to start stitching objects . . barn, sheep, etc.
Make sense? Anyone have other suggestions? Remember . . I’m basically new to all this and any suggestions are welcome.
Donna Williams says
I love the page idea! That’s great. Personally I prefer to start in the middle of a project. I’ve found it easiest for me. If I do get a stitch off and don’t notice, I can “adjust” the border if I don’t want to rip out a ton of work. Hundreds of years ago, when I started doing hand work I found that worked best for me. Ok maybe tens of years. Ha! To each their own really, I’m not sure there’s a right way or wrong way, just the way it works for you. New or not, your stitching is beautiful and I would advise do it the way it makes the most sense for you.
Judy Laquidara says
I may end up doing the same thing. Hope I’m not sorry for the way I’m starting these projects.
Donna Williams says
No regrets, it works for you, and that’s the important thing. Your work is beautiful. Again, there’s no right or wrong, what makes sense and works for you is the right way.
Liz says
Thanks Judy – the page looks great. The link to the pattern will work great to see what the project is without having to search through all of the related posts. Good history data for your own records.
I like your idea of starting the outside border and working on it as your whole sampler grows. I think where you start depends on the project, whether you do a grid, and how experienced you are. I have also started that outside border, but only going so far in order to establish reference points.
Nelle Coursey says
I think you should do them however you are most comfortable. I don’t know if there is a wrong or right way to do things. I think that is what makes us individuals! As long as it makes you feel good and you make it look pretty, I don’t think it matters where you start the pattern
Sandra B says
I agree that there is no right way or wrong way. Do what works for you! I am just jumping back into cross stitch after years away from it, and I will probably work the same way that I did before…on some pieces I will start in the center, for others I will start in the upper left hand corner. After a while you will just know what to do!
Cross stitch is so relaxing for me and I love the portability of it… with quilting, I am predominately a hand piecer, and that is portable as well, but the cross stitch projects travel better…at least for me. Like any needle work, even with knitting or crochet projects, you get a sense of what feels natural, and what makes sense, and just go with it…most of all, have fun with it! None of these arts crafts should ever feel like work!!