Rosemary's 2016 progress - Update 16 Dec

[richardandtracy]

It looks most impressive. It is remarkable how the different textures seem to appear as different colours. Very nice indeed.

As for the fabric. 1/2" to spare on either side? I think you will be very hard pressed to attach it to a frame with Q-snaps and still have enough room to stitch. You may have to sew extra bits on either side of the fabric to give you enough room. That may not be easy. Well, I'm speaking of myself when I say, that'd be VERY difficult and would lead to a certain amount of blood letting (punctured fingers). I shouldn't be allowed near a sharp needle.

Regards,

Richard.

[rcperryls]

for what you have stitched. This is so beautiful. I have done the same thing with turning the fabric the wrong way, but was luckier in that I still had enough fabric on the side to barely fit in a hoop (long before I heard of q-snaps or other frames). Since then I have always either drawn an arrow on all sides of the fabric indicating what direction is up, either with a washable ink pen or quick stitching an arrow. I know that either of your choices isn't a great one. I would ask myself which of the choices will make the rest of the stitching fun? If it seems that starting over will be less frustrating than continuing, start over. If adding the fabric to the sides is something you are pretty sure you will be comfortable with, do that. I think the important thing is to make the decision now before you have gone a lot further. I know that isn't much help. You have done a lot already, but there is so much more to go. My guess is that I would start over. Should go faster since you have already mastered the specialty stitches.

Carole

[xstitchalanna]

Wow! That is coming along nicely! I love the colors and the specail stitches

[karen4bells]

Oh this looks incredibly amazing, but what a dilemma you have on your hands. In the long run, I would have to start over--either frog all of this fantastic stitching and restart, or start anew on a fresh piece of fabric(you could always turn this one into a nice small finish??) Oh the joys of stitching--I did this once with a Joan Elliott design, and ended up frogging at least 20% of the design It was one of her larger ones too, so I was not at all happy, but it was worth it in the end!!

[Mabel Figworthy]

How absolutely beautiful! (love the contrasting textures in the wall) But what a choice

I can only echo what someone else has said, that your decision must decide on what will give you most pleasure/least pain. If you can work the piece as it is, and not mind having to sew on bits of addiotional fabric, go for it. But if you are sure that you will forever be looking at it with a negative feeling, bite the bullet and start again. Whichever you choose, we will cheer you on!!!!

[kingfisher68]

Love it. It looks very detailed. You have done very well with this. Such beautiful colours. It will be stunning when completed. Look forward to seeing it again soon.

[Serinde]

It's too beautiful to abandon. (And we've all done this!)

I'd attach the same count fabric to either side to hold it properly in the Q-snap, using a basting or a running stitch.

When I came to framing, I'd take off the working fabric. Then I'd (probably with a machine) choose some fabulous fabric to act as an inset mount -- the fab fabric becomes part of the piece, you see. I've seen it done, and it's really, really effective.

[fccs]

It's beautiful. I've done the same thing, started stitching with the fabric in the incorrect orientation. In my case, the design is such that I can handle the change. If I had only 1/2" outside the design, I would kick myself for making the mistake and I would get a new piece of fabric and start over. I wouldn't even frog it because I'd be so perturbed that I didn't want to spend the time. But that's just me.

[Squirrel]

What an incredible update this is and oh the dilemma. The decision has to be the one you can easily live with each time you pick up the work or look at it once it is done. Good luck with the decision making.

A fabulous update

[RosemaryD]

Thanks so much for all the advice everyone, very much appreciated.

As so often in my internal brain battles perfectionism has won and I'm going to restart on a new piece of fabric. It took me less than two weeks of not-intense stitching to get that far so not much time wasted. No way am I going to frog the whole thing; it's a bit of a mare's nest with all the layered stitches, and there are various silks, perles and metallics in there that would be unusable after frogging due to fraying. I suspect the fabric may be the worse for wear underneath too. There is only one thread (possibly two) that I will need to get more of if I restart. Most importantly, as a lot of you reminded me, I would be constantly feeling dissatisfied if I carried on, even if I planned to salvage as Serinde suggested.

We have a saying at work that relates to stupid mistakes: "There are two types of people: those that have, and those that will". I know we learn from our mistakes but every time I make one I so wish I could have learnt before I made it!

I'm moving on to the Turquoise Sea for a bit. At least I have already started that (definitely the right way round) so hopefully cannot screw it up too badly.

[Purple Patsy]

For what it's worth I think you've made the right decision. I've made the same mistake myself and now if there's any possibility the fabric can be confused I stitsh a huge bold T at the top of the piece, just to be on the safe side.

I'm consideing investing in a Chat and know how much pain it must have caused you to discover your mistake. It is a gorgeous design.

[Serinde]

Well, we will pull up the new-and-improved magic bench and cheer you on during the re-stitch.

[wendywombat]

Been there...done that!!

Only you can decide what's best. I had a large design that had just 4! squares of Aida at the bottom edge. I did what Serinde suggested and framed it in some nice fabric and it's been hanging over my stairs for some years now. It looks fine...but I learnt by it and now count REALLY carefully!

It's a Beautiful and different design that you have there and deservs to be stitched.
I'll sit on the magic bench along with others and wait to see your re-start !

[Mabel Figworthy]

I really like Serinde's suggestion but in the end only you can say what is a satisfactory solution, and you have fortunately found very clearly what will satisfy you, so now we will look forward to the New Improved version!

By the way, what are the threads you may need more of? If I've got some in my stash I'd be happy to send you some.

[rcperryls]

Make room on the magic bench for me too please!!! This is one of the prettiest "Chats" I've seen and can't wait to see it again, but most certainly understand the need for a break before you restart!

Carole

[RosemaryD]

I had a large design that had just 4! squares of Aida at the bottom edge. I did what Serinde suggested and framed it in some nice fabric and it's been hanging over my stairs for some years now.

Oh wow that was close! I was very nearly going to do what Serinde suggested but the piece of fabric has been cut significantly narrower at the top than the bottom. Although the stitching would just fit on the fabric as the design is also narrower at the top I was worried that even framing with fabric as close to the edge of the stitching as possible I might not be able to get parallel sides, and that really would drive me mad.

By the way, what are the threads you may need more of? If I've got some in my stash I'd be happy to send you some.

That's very kind of you Mabel, thank you, but I read this just too late - I ordered new fabric and the two threads I think I need about 30 minutes ago! The offer is much appreciated though.

[Serinde]

By the way, what are the threads you may need more of? If I've got some in my stash I'd be happy to send you some.

I can help there, too.

[RosemaryD]

I can help there, too.

That's most kind of you to offer, much appreciated but I ordered some just before I read this so I think I should be ok.

[phoebefreckle]

Pointers look fab. The Chatelaine is great! I looked at the link. Wow! I now want to do this one! I've done fabric wrong way round and had to start again. I believe I did a combination of crying and swearing! X

[ecology665]

Beautiful work Rosemary!
I'm too knew at this to give you advice; but I believe you got some great advice from the experts on this forum.

Lovely projects.






Marilyn Monroe
Audrey Hepburn
In the Garret