I finished my epic cross stitch. It's not really called that, but it's taken me so long to finish it that it has felt like an epic undertaking. I started it two years ago after summer vacation. Of course I haven't worked on it exclusively for two years, but whenever the urge would strike I'd stitch on it and then it would go back in the basket while something more exciting would pull me away. I'm really happy with how it turned out. My honey is going to make me a simple wooden frame to go around it. I'm thinking of painting the frame a distressed brown....we'll see. I have no idea how many hours are invested in this piece of cross stitch. I just know that I've learned some simple things as I reflect back on my time while stitching on it.
1. Life is like stitching...you can only get it done one stitch at a time. You'll end up with knots if you try it otherwise! 
2. From the beginning of the project til the end, my feelings about it changed....somewhere in the middle I was tempted to quit. I'm so glad I didn't, I wouldn't have this creative piece to hang in my home. 
3. I really like stitching with certain floss colors (I despise that cream color...it seems to twist on me) but the piece needed the darks and the lights for it to turn out well. I guess that's life too....we need the darks and the lights to make us into who we are. 
4. When I started this project, I started it with a friend....I'm ending it without that close friendship. But, as sad as that is, I realized, I'm OK. I've grown and changed just like my cross stitch and I'm learning to move on and treasure the memories of the past and make new ones in the present. 
5. I can't have too many big projects going on at once (in life or in the crafting basket)...the pressure of finishing too many big projects overwhelms me. 
6. And finally, I've learned that all the hard work really is worth it!
6. And finally, I've learned that all the hard work really is worth it! Thanks for letting me share. Now, let's hope it's not going to take as long to get it framed as it was to finish it! The pattern for those who are interested is Snapperville from Bent Creek. Have a great day today...taking it one stitch at a time!
16 comments:
Thank you for a thoughtful start to my morning.
I love your points. You've said before about one stitch at a time...its so true in life. And then your other point with too many big things going on...if you try and get so many things going at once and try and show you can do it all without help....your going to end up failing. Sometimes slow and steady really wins the race. Thanks for the wonderful thoughtful post...once again. Love you!
Emily
it looks even better in person! can't wait to see it framed and hanging proudly in your home.
missing you...
Sometimes the projects that I made that took the longest (not because of difficulty, but taking my time with) end up having so much more meaning and memories. This turned out very pretty and will be so nice to display on a wall in your home.
It looks great!
It sounds like a lot was learned along the way as you stitched away on this wonderful project. It truly turned out great and I loved reading your thoughts.
Oh my, that is beautiful. I know the drain of a long project, but I am sure that this one is well worth the effort.
I'm impressed! I tried to cross-stitch once in elementary school. The teacher told my mom I should have my vision checked because I probably needed glasses! :) Oh well, it makes me appreciate your work all the more!! :)
--christi--
Fantastic! I admire your fortitude... It's been years since I tackled such a large cross stitch project, but well recall that with devotion and each little X a picture came to life. Your finished piece is beautiful! :o)
your work is beautiful - so glad you didn't quit. I've been thinking about the 'too many big projects' a lot lately and have decided to 'work small' for a while so that I can learn more and try out different techniques - i'll post more later. as always, thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
Thank you for sharing. It can be so hard to keep on with those long projects. I also have a hard time when I get too many at once as well as running our busy household.
I am happy to have found your blog.
Blessings,
Tonya
I love your cross stitch and all that you learned along the way. Makes me think abot the projects I have in process. Life does keep going even when the project is in the basket.
I love it. I have had those same feelings for some of my projects.
I am new to your blog and have enjoyed visiting.
Ruth
Wow, it's beautiful! The color scheme is very heartwarming!
You make some very great points :)
I enjoyed reading about your thoughts and the lessons you've learned as you worked on this project (which is charming, by the way). Isn't it interesting how God uses even our projects to teach us!
I just LOOOOOOVE that pattern so much! Sadly I know that I hate stitching samplers even though I love how they look. And I detest stitching words or letters, though I love how they look. *sigh* Right now I am so very close to finishing this one:
http://crafts-sewing.hsn.com/bucilla-new-little-one-birth-record-counted-cross-stitch-kit_p-3688264_xp.aspx
I only have the lettering and the little birdie at upper right to finish. I started it in July.
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