dating your work?

rubyviolet · Post by **rubyviolet** » Thu Aug 09, 2007 10:42 pm

when i first started cross stitch, my mom told me that you should date your work. so, on the bottom of my earlier pieces, i've stitched in the date that i finished the project. but now, looking back at the pieces several months after i've finished them, it takes away from the picture, i think. i was wondering if anyone else dates their things?

i really like the idea of it, but i'm getting to where i really don't like it being on my patterns. i'm thinking about going back and taking out the dates, and putting the finish dates on the back of the frames they're in instead.

any thoughts?

Serinde · Post by **Serinde** » Thu Aug 09, 2007 11:56 pm

I'm not keen on signing work on the front, but maybe that's just me. Especially since it's so easy to take a picture to remember the work you've done. If it is a framed piece, I will 'sign and date' and also say why the piece is special, eg a silver anniversary or something like that on the back. Some embroiderers slip a bit of paper behind the piece with the information inside the frame to be discovered by future generations!

mauveme · Post by **mauveme** » Fri Aug 10, 2007 12:35 am

I aways sign and date my work, It is always very small and in a medium shade so as not to distract. I think it is important to identify the stitcher on the front as the artist. All the old samplers were always signed and dated, this way lasts longer than paper. But that's JMO

Rose · Post by **Rose** » Fri Aug 10, 2007 1:37 am

I have never signed or dated a piece of work on the actual front. I have tags that I put on all gifts that I give but it is alway put on the back as to not take away from the work. I get the tags made up from some of the stitching mags I get a ton of every month. I may need to order more I will have to look. But these tags are not dates and I had never thought of doing it.

Different strokes for different folks!!!!

Genevieve · Post by **Genevieve** » Fri Aug 10, 2007 7:24 am

I really must get myself organised. I have never dated my work and I often don't even take a pic.

I've just finished the 'Welcome to your New Home' design and sent it off to my son, but haven't recorded it at all. I love the idea of putting a bit of paper in with the work. A bit like a time capsule.

lindagibb · Post by **lindagibb** » Fri Aug 10, 2007 8:47 am

I backstitch my name and the year on the front of my work, usually somewhere along the bottom or the side, in a colour that I have used in the project, but which will not detract from the stitching.

raelou · Post by **raelou** » Fri Aug 10, 2007 8:50 am

I always forget,but I would only do it on the bigger pieces I think

wendywombat · Post by **wendywombat** » Fri Aug 10, 2007 9:20 am

I don't date my stuff either, but I do photo most of it now and display on my 'stitch site gallery'. I think Serinde's idea of putting information on the back is a good one.

Ekidna · Post by **Ekidna** » Fri Aug 10, 2007 7:16 pm

I've never dated my work either, but I keep thinking about doing it on my big projects. I've been toying with the idea of designing a little monogram or something like that to "sign" my work. I'd like to start doing this because I love it on other people's work.

sassylittlewitch · Post by **sassylittlewitch** » Fri Aug 10, 2007 10:51 pm

I've never signed anything I've done however I think its a really nice idea, especially if your going to hand down any of the pieces your working on to your children to other family members.

Collette · Post by **Collette** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 7:50 am

I backstitch my initials and the year using a colour I have used in the piece that is finished.

Ekidna · Post by **Ekidna** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 3:08 pm

Collette wrote:I backstitch my initials and the year using a colour I have used in the piece that is finished.

That's a good idea, I think I might do this myself!

rubyviolet · Post by **rubyviolet** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 4:04 pm

thanks guys for all the imput

ConnieO · Post by **ConnieO** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 9:32 pm

Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't, depends on the piece.

See, that's me all over! I used to be undecided, but now I'm not so sure!

Genevieve · Post by **Genevieve** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 10:30 pm

And I used to be apathetic - but now I can't be bothered.

Ekidna · Post by **Ekidna** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 2:16 pm

Hahahaha! You two are a laugh!

wendywombat · Post by **wendywombat** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 3:56 pm

And I used to be indecisive, but now I can't decide!

rubyviolet · Post by **rubyviolet** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 6:37 pm

i was going to work on my procrastination, but i'll think about that tomorrow

Serinde · Post by **Serinde** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 7:45 pm

Well, you know what they say: nothing is fool-proof for a sufficiently talented fool!

ConnieO · Post by **ConnieO** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 9:16 pm

Seen on another forum.....

Never engage in a battle of wits with someone only half equipped!

Not that it's a reference to anyone here mind!