Good News & Bad News

Last week I shared my progress on my Mystery Sampler.  I was enjoying stitching it so much that I worked on it throughout the week whenever I could spare a few moments and as you can see it paid off!

 

The bad news is that I noticed just before meeting up the ends on the two sides that I was a stitch off!  I was just going to leave it and fudge it--who would know--but in the end I ripped out the stitches.  I was afraid there would be a problem with the first and second parts of the Mystery not matching correctly when I go to sew them together, and I would have to constantly compensate stitches for the bottom motifs.  And what if I made more errors down there?  So last night rather than stitching I worked in reverse.  Ugh.

 

So this morning I started stitching again but from the right side.  Let's see if the sides meet up correctly this time.  Needless to say I am constantly checking my chart to make sure I am counting stitches correctly.  I still love this design, but I will be happy when I finish this vine!

 

The good news is my mom just came back from vacation in Fredericksburg, VA where this is a wonderful little needlework shop.  She very kindly brought me back several new (new to me anyway) Prairie Schooler charts.  While I don't mind not buying new stash, I do miss collecting PS designs.  PS is one of my favorite designers.  I am already planning on stitching the "February" design as that is my birth month.  I am trying to decide which smaller design to stitch now, though.  What's nice about PS is the charts call for Lambswool (my favorite linen) and plain old DMC floss, so you know you won't have to lay out a massive amount of money to stitch one of the charts.

Hopefully next time I post I will have something new to share rather than work that is all backtracking!

Comments

[chocolates4breakfast (TerriBoog)]

I hate frogging but in the end, it's usually the best thing. I have fudged a few things in my time as well. If I can fudge it and not have it have implications later, I will.

Great new PS charts! You'll have fun with those! The Halloween one is adorable!

[Silverlotus]

I like designers who still just stick with DMC. I do like to use other fibres once in a while, but overall DMC is my favourite.

I think you made the right choice in ripping back. I hate to do it, but sometimes it just needs to be done.

[Denise]

One of my very favorite charts/projects to stitch was one of three Prairie Schooler samplers (Book No. 60) called "Spring Samplers." I've only completed one of the samplers, but what I liked about them was no backstitching! And it worked to create a lovely sort of soft rustic looking work. I didn't use linen but a sort of natural colored Aida cloth to save my eyes, and it came out just lovely. I'll have to look for the Halloween one, which looks fun.

[Danielle]

Terri--I prefer to fix the mistake as well unless it's a matter of massive ripping and then I am usually too discouraged! I think in the end I will be happier and more assured it will all match up.
Silverlotus--I love working with hand dyed flosses and linens as well as silks, but I just can't afford them right now as kitting up a big design can be so costly. It's nice when a designer sticks with simple materials and the designs are just as nice! I love PS in any case.
Denise--I think all PS designs can be stitched in Aida, which is nice. I love the folksy look to them, too. And you're right--no backstitching, or very little! It can look nice but it's tedious work!

[Melissa]

Sometimes, Danielle, you know you have to frog and fix something or else it will really bother you in the end. Sometimes a mistake can be fudged but sometimes I know it will make matters worse later so I think you did the right thing!

Great PS charts! You can't go wrong with them!

[Valerie]

Sorry to hear about the reverse stitching!! But I love checking in on your mystery sampler...it's looking great! Great new stash too...

[Kristen from MA]

Don't you just hate it when you get so much work done, only to have to rip? Such a bummer, but it happens. :(

It's such a gorgeous piece - the effort will be worth it. Edgar recently posted a pic of his finished and framed mystery sampler.
http://blacksheepsite.blogspot.com/

[Katrina]

Yuck on frogging!!! The mystery piece is so pretty, love the colors.

[Brigitte]

Frogging's not the most of fun but once it's done you feel much better. Good luck with the remaining vine.
PS charts are always worth stitching. And since I decided to stitch from my stash they are the only charts that I continue buying. I just love PS.

[Lois]

Sorry to hear that you've had to do some frogging. I'd be the same, need to make it right rather than trying to fudge it because it would always catch my eye (even if no-one else noticed it!). Good luck with getting the vine completed. What lovely PS charts!

[Karoline]

Sorry to hear about the frogs, I hope they've moved on now.

Your Mum got you some lovely charts

[Suzanne]

Sorry to see that you had so much frogging to do. You have made nice progress on you mystery sampler. I hope that all goes well with it now.

Your Mum picked up some great charts. I love PS charts as well, but haven't picked up any for some time. To busy collecting charts from designers who are going OOP.