Question: How do you handle a mistake?

[coolpenguin]

Hi. I have a question for everyone. As you probably know, I'm very hard on myself. How do you handle a mistake you've made when frogging really isn't realistic?

I'm working on "Let's Marry" and while it looks simple, it is challenging for me. All of the fractional stitches about drove me crazy! It's fun but not super easy for me. I stitched all of the cross stitches and fractional stitches first and am now going back to do all of the backstitching of the words and everything.

As I was working on the bottom right bell backstitching, I discovered I messed up a few of the fractional stitches. Now, the hearts and bell aren't symmetrical. My wife, who honestly doesn't notice much, noticed it. She said to let it go. Really, at this point, that's what I feel like I have to do.

What do you do? This is a gift, so I won't be looking at it after I make it. I am my own worse critic. My eye automatically goes to mistakes and I suppose that is normal.




If you look half way down the bell, the left edge of the partial heart doesn't match up with the partial heart on the right side. Am I being ridiculous?

Thanks!

[msufly]

I only noticed it because you told us exactly where the mistake is. I'd totally let it go as it is. Just one more thing that makes it unique.
I had mistakes and things I couldn't help (noticeable shade differences in dye lots in big areas of only one color) in my Fjord Ponies project and left them because it just made it more unique. It was for my MIL, she knew about the mistakes and differences and doesn't care. She loves it.

[coolpenguin]

Thank you. I needed the reassurance. Nothing can be truly perfect.

[mechie]

I totally agree with musfly. I wouldn't have noticed the mistake if you hadn't pointed it out. I say leave it as is. Just remember, most people who see the finished product aren't going to know what it's supposed to look like. You're the only one that's seen the chart and the instructions. Everyone else will just be impressed with what you've made.

mechie
(who's left in many mistakes and never once had anyone notice )

[coolpenguin]

You guys are awesome! Thanks!

[Serinde]

Cry? Throw things?

No, seriously, I wouldn't worry about this. I figure that since the world can't be perfect, it's hardly surprising when stitching goes awry. This niggly little imperfection in the stitching might harmlessly substitute for a silly little niggly thing for your friends down the road. Think of it as an extra, extra wedding present!

[rcperryls]

I wouldn't have noticed it without your telling where the error is exactly. Not worth fretting about because the couple isn't going to have any idea about this other than it is alovely and personal gift and appreciate the thought and time that you put into it. We are our own worst critics!

Carole

[karen4bells]

I agree with the others---it really isn't noticeable at all, unless you point it out or unless someone really, really scrutinizes every little detail. Life isn't perfect and a little imperfection like that isn't enough to get all worried over

[nachosmiley]

I too didn't see it until it was pointed out....the recipients won't notice and I'm sure they will absolutely love it

[Rose]

I had to have your explanation in order to see the mistake. Your friend will never notice that small bit they are going to look at the over all finish!!!!!!!

[littleturtlegirl]

I don't see the mistake even after you told us about it. I say keep stitching!

[Oriettait]

I don't see the mistake even after you told us about it. I say keep stitching!

same here! I had to go back and look a few time to finally see it!

[PRW]

I made the mistake of starting Ursula Michael's "Let's Wine". While I like the overall pattern, the fractional stitches in those grapes especially drove me crazy. But I did finish! Sometimes we need to remember that the stitch police are not going to scrutinize our work. Sometimes I need to remember that only God is perfect.

[mauveme]

There are no mistakes, it's artistic license. I didn't notice anything out of place. so just leave it. no one will see anything iether. It looks great.

[coolpenguin]

Honestly, had I known there were so many fractional stitches I probably would have been scared off. So far, I am really enjoying doing it. I've been working on for about one week now. I'm taking some time off even though I'm on a time crunch because I just need a break. I fear my backstitches are getting sloppy.

[Allyn]

Yes, I agree with the others. Don't worry about it

BUT

Most importantly, don't point it out to the recipient. . or anyone else, for that matter. Just smile and act like that's exactly the way it should look.

[Fizzbw]

I had to work to find it. Or rather I saw it but didn't think that that could be the mistake you were talking about as it's so minor....

Stop being so hard on yourself!!! It looks fantastic and I'm sure the recipient will be delighted.

Nxxx

[hularac]

I too agree with all the previous notes ... also, a glitch in one small part of a design becomes insignificant when looking at the whole stitched piece. I'm sure it will be a well-loved gift!

[fccs]

I had to work to find it. Or rather I saw it but didn't think that that could be the mistake you were talking about as it's so minor....

Stop being so hard on yourself!!! It looks fantastic and I'm sure the recipient will be delighted.

Nxxx

I agree. It looks great and will be a treasured gift.

[TracyG]

Ditto. I really studied that picture before I read your explanation of where your mistake was and I truly couldn't find it! And as far as those darn fractionals go...they're the main reason I decided to give linen and evenweave a try. Fractionals on AIDA are just plain hard. The good thing is...now you know you can do it!!