I just recently asked Brenda on the Flosstube "Handworkmaniac" about which way half cross stitches should be done. If you haven't seen any of her videos your are missing a very prolific stitcher. She said "I have done it both ways and like it fine either way. Most people say you should do it the same as the top thread in the full crosses, so they all match :)" As for the error in the tree, just fudge it, it's just a tree, not the main subject of the stitch. It's lovely and you should be proud of it when it's done, 99.9% of the people that look at it on your wall will not see any errors.
Santa stitch suggestions: For the sky: Suggest make the sky with whole stitches. Go back over with the top leg. If adding the top leg, makes the sky too dark, try using a shade lighter on top. Three suggestions for the miscount: 1) Find a place that you are certain is correct. Count past the tree and continue. That might help you find your error. 2) Spot check every 30 or 40 blocks (10x10 stitches-check the entire block) to see if the stitching is still correct. You should be able to pinpoint where the error is by doing that without too much difficulty because when you get to a block 30 or 40 stitches away that’s incorrect, just backtrack by 10 x 10 blocks. 3) Mail the piece and a copy of the pattern used so far to a friend to hunt for the error.
GARAGE SALE TIP. Hello! We had a multi fam sale once or twice. Have each family get one color of those colored circles on the peel off sticky stuff. We used an initial and price on the colored circle. When you take the money, take off the circle and put them on a notebook page. All same colors together then at the end you will have each families total. So all red dots in a row, yellow dots in a row. And since they have the price on them you can add it up that way. Hope that helps for next time!
I agree with you! Jan Hicks' charts are all gorgeous. Meditation Garden is my favorite, though. I would be tempted to put Christmas Dinner in time out for 3 months. If you still don't feel like working on it during the winter, I'd restart. This chart has caused you enough stress already. Have a wonderful week!
Thanks for sharing. As for the restart, do whatever makes you happy. My half stitches are always the bottom leg of the stitch. As long as you are consistent it doesn't matter what you do. Garden
If you’re going to restart it, use what you have now as the front of a project bag or have some adopt the WIP. I do my half-stitches as the first leg and I like the way it looks.
Carolyn I would never restart your beautiful Santa it’s one row, it will not make any difference at all. I think it’s lovely and who really cares which way your half stitches go! Try to enjoy your vacation , well what’s left! Love your stitching as always and hope you have a great week!😊
I love that you are reconsidering some of your projects and their "expected finish dates." Sometimes life gets in the way of our hobby and that is okay. I have found myself doing way less stitching and a little bit more reading, but walking has increased and then just resting. I am sometimes sad not to be stitching, but my physical and mental health are enjoying the reprieve. As soothing as stitching can be, sometimes doing absolutely nothing is the balm for my soul. If you really love Christmas Dinner, restart.... on April Fools Day next year. Happy stitching, dear friend!
Ha ha - I love the idea of restarting on April Fools day! The thing about planning and organizing is knowing that plans can - and often do- change. It took me a long time to learn that!
Beautiful work on everything. Hm that's how I do my half stitches and I prefer it because it's a visible shading difference. Good luck deciding what to do. Great August plans. I am going crazy and trying the whole hangglide haha.
Hi, I love following your progress. I personally wouldn't restart. I would just add the second half of the x and not worry that the pattern called for a half stitch. Then I would fudge the tress and get myself back on track. Personally I don't worry about following the pattern exactly. The trees have such a watercolor look it doesn't matter that much. I would rather relax while stitching and not be too perfectionist. No one will even be able to tell if your trees are a little different from the pattern. Just move forward, not backward. Happy summer! Valerie
Garden. I love that Christmas woodlands piece. I think that you should put it in time out and decide next year what to do with it. If you want to decide this year, I think you should start over because I think your issues with it will make you unhappy even after it is finished. The Cat Alphabet is so cute! ☺️. Sorry that your vacation is over but it’s nice that you can ease into work a bit.
Wow! Just learned something new today! I too have always done half cross stitches with the bottom leg...have to try it by doing the top leg.....so interesting!
Okay, lots of thoughts and ideas regarding Christmas Dinner! Firstly, I always stitch my half stitches as my first leg. On Dimensions, Russian designers, etc. that combine half and full crosses, they do go opposite directions… and I don’t care. Some people care, but there are no cross stitch police, so you need to decide if YOU care. That being said, if half stitches in general hurt your brain, consider just stitching the faded mountains with 1 strand instead of two. That could give you the look of distance without using half stitches. If you are completely bothered by your mistake, the fabric, the direction or presence of half stitches, enjoy your restart with no regrets! Life’s too short to suffer in your hobby.
Thank you thank you thank you so much my friend! I appreciate all of your advice and support! Very interesting about the Eastern European designers and the half crosses!
Completely agree. Sometimes the designer actually designs it to go in the opposite direction of your top leg. I have a couple of charts that calls for one symbol to go one way and a different symbol to go the other way, with the exact same color of thread. I absolutely would not be bothered by the direction of your half stitches. But as Sarah says, if it's bothering you that it's off at all from how you would like it best, then restart without regrets. I've watched you long enough to know how often you've restarted your projects, and you're always happier in the end. You do you. ❤
Christmas dinner could be a round robin stitch with friends. Everyone can take a section and stitch it. If it is half stitches put a note in bag if you stitch this area use half stitches please going bottom left to top right. hope that helps.
What I learned about half stitches - they can go in any direction! All depends on the effect you plan to achieve, and/or your personal preference. "Dimensions" charts can use half stitches in both directions in one piece, they can also be done in various thickness. Sometimes I just choose to stitch full cross with one strand vs half stitch (the rest of pattern with 2 strands), it has different effect, but still gives dimention to the piece. It is your stitch, do whatever makes you happy and not discouraged.
If in three years you don't want to stitch on it start over on a fabric you love because then your love of the project comes back. Great to see you were are cooler today with some rain which I am loving. Happy stitching Patty
The pattern u want to restart is so forgiving… no one will ever know a tree is off… I do my half stitches the same way you did and it adds depth and looks great. However you have to love it. It looks so good.
Thank you for the video. My thoughts on your piece dimensions have the first half of the cross stitch as the half stitch, so they stand out. The piece is beautiful, so if you restart it, use the original and frame as a complete picture or have it made into a cross stitch bag. There is so much you could do with it. Just pick an idea. Thank you for sharing. I love a beautiful garden but then my childhood was spent in one.
Weeks late, but had a pet issue come up… For the Santa’s dinner struggle piece, possibly round robin it so others can finish the sky since that seems to be your primary issue, possibly find your tree mistake and fix it. Perhaps add a bit of gridding in to help you find your placement?
Love your ABC cat. So adorable! You are making great progress. I was thinking about your comment about the half stitches as I am currently working on a Dimensions kit that has a lot of half stitches. I have always done mine bottom left to top right which would also be the first half of my full cross. I can see clearly on the kit photo that the stitches are done that way. I’m thinking maybe they can go any way you want. For my project they look good slanting to the right. You have done so much work on your piece. My vote is not to start over, but of course you have to enjoy what you are stitching!
Enjoyed this one as I do all of your videos. I do my half stitches like the first leg of the cross stitch. So they go a different direction. I pulled out my Dimensions Gold and looked at the instructions to be sure, but that’s what their instructions say also (for them to go different directions). Hope that helps.
I think I would finish the crosses in the sky and do full crosses for the rest - and continue to fudge for the extra row - no one will notice and it’s not a big deal. The garden pattern is lovely!
Love your blackcat wip, it looks so beautiful on that fabric❤, love meditation garden. I also started Christmas dinner like 10 years ago on aida, but didn’t like that the fabric was to stiff and i haven’t stitched on it since then and I forgot all about it 😂 But then when I saw yours, I’m thinking to restart it because I found my pattern again 😊. I am thinking to do it on lugana instead and to crop a little bit the design on both ends.
Hi there! I agree with you on outlining the white stitches with a light gray. I have done that before and it makes a world of difference. On the Santa, I think you need to start over. It has 3 strikes (fabric, tent stitches, and tree). I think you are like me and once we know something isn’t “right,” it bugs us. Congratulations on a successful garage sale! I have to say, the cat on Cat Alphabet is so life-like!! Ratify!! Happy stitching! Hugs!❤
I didn’t know about half stitches going the way of the top leg. I’ve always done half stitches like you did. I wouldn’t worry about the extra row. If it was my project, I would not restart it. But it’s your choice.
Hi Carolyn your lucky to be able to sit out on your deck and have your coffee looking at the garden. So soothing for the soul. Definitely enjoy your videos enjoy your week
Honestly, for Christmas dinner, ditch the white linen and start the whole thing over on a fabric you love. Hopefully something easier for you to see. I usually do half stitches as the top stitch jut so it’s all uniform but do what you like or don’t do them! It’s just a look, do a full x if that’s what you’re comfy with. You’re awesome with mods of all kinds. This is just another mod.
I did not know half stitches should go in the direction of the top stitch on a full cross, but then I've never done anything with half stitches so I've never had occasion to know that. Good to know! I know how you feel about putting it down and frankly I'd probably restart it and start from the other end so it feels fresh. I think I've seen someone do that chart and only do the Santa, which I thought was very sad because I really like the animals too -- but then I'm not the one doing all the stitching!! Congrats on getting your craft room purged and organized and on your yard sale! I am in a constant state of purge -- little by little and my tastes and habits change! Love seeing your plans! so ambitious!!
I agree with you - I am also in a constant state of purge! It's a process but hopefully I did a good enough job this summer that it won't be as much in the years to come! Thank you for the advice on Christmas Dinner!
Hi! Not sure I would start your project over. If you're able to fudge around that tree, let's face it, no one will know! I think half crosses usually go bottom left to top right (the first leg of a stitch) in order to create more contrast in the piece. Been stitching since the late 70's and is how I've always done it. But....there's probably not a wrong or right way, no matter what people say and everyone has their own preference. If you google it, you can find some interesting dialog. Really enjoy your videos. Thanks for sharing!
I think outlining the clouds is a great idea. They will show up better. Great video. Love your plans. I too am starting some Fall and Halloween in Aug. I love Halloween Window. I started mine about a month ago but haven't worked on it since. It is on my Aug thru Oct plans. Have a great last week of vacation
Hi! 💗 Enjoy the chilly weather for me. We’re still a good ways off but I can’t wait. Had to pause to chat about Christmas Dinner. 1. My half stitches go in the opposite direction of my full stitches. My brain *cannot* make them go the other direction. That being said, if it bugs you, 1000% start over. 2. Is it an option to do that section in a full cross but with only one strand? Or is it already a 1 stranded half stitch? 3. Yes, you’ve done quite a bit but if you’re unhappy and never want to work on it and this that and the other, my friend, you already know what to do. Get you a fabric you like and let that guilt fall away. Okay, back to the video. 💗💗💗
Good morning Friend! On Trust, outlining the bird in grey or soft blue will be very effective. On Christmas Dinner, it's really 3 issues (fabric, stitches, error) plus your unease about it. I would ditch and restart, as well. Life is too short to be miserable with our projects. You could adopt out the first version so the work wouldn't be "wasted." As for the half stitches, I did the same on a Dimensions Gold kit years ago. It's not a distraction, but added texture!😊
Wonderful time with you. Learned something new…half stitches go like the second leg!!! Thank you for the learning moment. On the stitching do a restart. You will love the piece even more and restarts go quick. The garden piece would be a fun stitch. Congratulations on getting you room painting done. That is quite an accomplishment. ❤❤❤
I agree with everyone who is recommending a restart. And don't crop out the animals - they add so much to the overall piece. And I didn't know that fact about half stitches, very glad you mentioned it! All your stitching looks great and is inspirational to me - I always love your videos. 😊 garden
Restart on a fabric you love. Thank the first project for the time you had and move on. You seem to stich quickly and it would take no time to get back to where you are, especially if you're enjoying it. This is your hobby, not your job. You should enjoy it. (I'd suggest a give away for the linen if you've kearned you don't like stitching on it. Someone else would be estactic for the supply.)
Cat Alphabet looks so good. That cat looks so real. Honey, cut your losses and restart Christmas dinner. Life is too short to be frustrated while working on cross stitch. I've never done half stitches, but I know for me it would be difficult for me to do the second leg first. You're on the ball with your plans for August, I'm on the struggle bus with everything I'll have going on.
If it was me, I would restart it. I would also use a fabric I enjoyed to stich on. If you keep going then maybe at the end you will always look at it and think, " Maybe I should have........" I think enjoying it afterwards last longer than restitching or restarting last. Whatever you do has to make you happy now and later.
Your Garden is beautiful 🤩 My vote is start it over. Maybe move the animals closer together to shorten the width. My thought too was could it be changed to an oval shape. That would cut down on the half crosses. Or just do full crosses for the whole piece I did get the Hummingbird Garden stitched. I can’t tell you how many times I had to frog. I got to confident and miss counted and had to rip out half of a mandala 😩
Hi Carolyn ❤, I think that's a great idea to outline the clouds. Don't start over. Frog the tree up to the line where your off and do that section over.❤ GARDEN❤ Have a great week ahead ☺️ happy stitching my friend❤
Carolyn, you pick the cutest Christmas pieces! I didn’t remember the buck and it’s adorable ! I love him. He’s just adorable! Re: Christmas dinner/ you’re not going to like what I’m going to say. It’s an outdoor piece where (Imaginary) winds blow and rain falls/ who cares if your half stitches are the wrong way? There is no wrong way in terms of outdoors. Same logic goes for your tree. Who cares if you’re a row off? No one can tell. In my opinion you have already done the hardest part of that chart. I would go back and put in some animals to see if they are fun. Then go to Santa. I think the parts you’re just getting to are the fun parts and you will enjoy them. Don’t start over. I never been a fan of starting over. I think you would get even more bored with the piece. But it’s your call. Just my opinion. ❤
Right personally I’d restart Christmas dinner on a fabric you like but the bit already done I’d add stuff to the bottom to make a winter scene , and as this is only my 2nd month of MMC I didn’t realise I could split the words lol sooooo I’m going for 10 projects plus the other crafting stuff lol x
My take on your Christmas Dinner...In its present form it is not something you enjoy working on. So as someone somewhere said "if it's not fun, don't do it. Do what you love and love what you do." (Not sure if one person said all that or multiple people.) Therefore, if you still want to stitch it, a restart is in order.
Restart it! Once you see something like that, you can't unsee it. And it's no longer bringing you joy to stitch. Let it go. Caterpillar Crossstitch did a great little tutorial on half stitches recently. Some great tips there.
I think you should do a restart. It sounds like you don't like multiple things, and if it's not fun, why do it. Your cat alphabet is so fun! Have a great week! Garden
One thing I know, the longer you put the tree mountain piece off, the more difficult it will be to ever finish it. I would not worry about the half stitches going the way they are - nobody will notice but you. Being off one row should be not too difficult to recover from since that is not the focal point of the chart. So, if you don't love the design and want to ditch it - fine. But, if you do love the design just continue but don't wait too long. My feelings are - life is short. Only do what you love or do what you don't love doing but you will love the end result. Passion is needed in the garden of life to produce desired results.
The meditation garden would be a beautiful project ! My opinion about your dilemma; finish where you are at now or half-way point. Then you can create the second half of the picture (when you get to it) and frame and hang both together side-by-side.
Yes I would put a light gray around the white goose so you can see it. I would start Christmas Dinner over if it is not making you happy. Love the ABC Cat. It is going to be so beautiful when you get it all done. Happy Stitching.
When I do half stitches I do the bottom leg. It gives the feel of a different texture. If you are off in the tree section, I would sugest you move down and stitch the animals, you might enjoy that more and then count from there and fudge the tree when you get back to it. Happy stitching 🪡🧵🥰
Carolyn, hi your rose is beautiful and I watch Sarah's channel and love seeing you two's Montage's. Your ABC cats is so pretty. I am a dog lover but did have a cat who lived 18 years old. He was the best and can't replace him. My Mugsey ❤. But this chart is calling me. Thanks
Okay... My two cents... 1) Yes! Outline the clouds in a light gray or light blue. 2) If you are going to restart, you could just easily frog those half stitches and restitch the other way. That is a lot faster than a restart AND... You can fudge an extra row in that tree. Noone will know. Start at the base of the tree and work up. It's so pretty... Love your stitching and your picks for August. No worries about Blooming Bouquet. I am going to pick something different for this year not #2 unless you want to start that one too. LMAO. CAME BACK for an edit. You could just go back to the half stitch and make them whole stitches.... done....
I had no idea I was supposed to stitch my half stitches in the direction of the top of the cross! I wish I knew this before I have two thirds of a Christmas stocking done 😢. At least I know for the next one 😊. Thanks for the information!
My first thought was to just finish the half stitches to full stitches. My second thought was to then just charge away and ad lib the missed count and fudge it to make it work. My third thought would be to restart it but I like my first and second thoughts more. Love this project so bottom line you have to be happy with whatever you decide to.
Keep it! Make the half stitches into whole stitches. That fixes that problem and you don't like half stitches anyway. The rest of the half stitches that you haven't gotten to yet, do them in the correct final direction for a while and see if that makes them more appealing. My suspicion is that you just don't like them. (I don't like them in my work.) The extra row -- just wing it until you can get away from that problem. I know I am advocating against the tide, but this is what feels like the best solution to me. And that pattern is absolutely wonderful. garden
If Christmas dinner were something I was working on and I felt the way you are feeling, I would get the material I love working on and start over. It’s a beautiful piece when it is completed it would be something you might regret if you didn’t complete. I have a piece from 1970 that is no longer in print that I have misplaced the patterned that I have sever remorse over for not starting over.
Love Jan Hicks. Always wanted that pattern for a future stitch. Garden. I would restart. You will not be happy with that stitch unless you do. It will be a beautiful piece.
Hi dearest tired friend! Glad you have your cup of coffee to keep you awake while filming. Glad your garage sale went well. Beautiful but bittersweet progress on Cat Alphabet. So sad it is going away. Maybe next year you should set your own goal of double the number of stitches :D Great progress on Beautiful Girl. That rose is so fabulous looking already on Summer Montage. I think outlining the white in a light gray would be a good idea to help the white pop a bit more. As far as half stitches go, if you read the directions on most Dimensions kits, they show half crosses going from bottom right to top left, which is the way I do them. I have seen other ones that go from bottom left to top right called reverse half stitches. I would not restart it. You can fudge the extra row. I have done it before and none would be the wiser. You are at least 1/3 of the way done on it and definitely looks wonderful. Sounds like great plans for August. We have a move in date with the movers of 8/13 for pack up and 8/14 for move day if I can get the dumb payment thing to go through. Will have to make yet another phone call in the morning. All this stress on top of Baby crossing Rainbow Bridge has my depression kicking up, which is not helping motivate me to get my stitching things packed as I really wanted to move them myself but at least I have my August projects in a bag separately so I should be ready for ABCingo and be all unpacked. I hope I don't have to make too many trips back and forth from here to Temple between now and the 14th but know there will be at least a couple of trips to get services established. Hope August is more relaxing for you than July was even with going back to work. Give extra kitty love to Jack and Simon from me please. I miss having a kitty sleeping with me at night. I have a feeling that it won't be long after we get moved before I get another cat as I miss Baby so much. Hopefully I can get a spayed female who is a younger adult from a rescue or shelter. Love and hugs to you! Dawn
Hello my friend! So glad you found a place and I hope the move goes smoothly and easily. You'll need to PM me your new address once you move, please! I was so sorry to hear about Baby - just so devastating. You gave her a most wonderful life and home and all the love and she knew how much you loved her. And always will.
I do my half stitches wrong too lol. It makes perfect sense to do the top leg now that you mention. You could do half stitches with one thread and do the whole X. I agree I hate half stitches they just don't feel right.
i finished Christmas Dinner from the original paper chart which was awful and it was a very difficult stitch. You may want to finish under the tree and take out the bear paws and end it there. The santa area was very intense. I am happy that I am done but not something that I would say I love. Working in the garden today,
Restart! :) You love the chart, so you know you it will go to the back of the pile, if you continue with it as it is. Also I LOVE the Cat Alphabet. It looks great!! And I didn't know about the half stitches either. Goes to show, you can learn something new every day. Have a blessed week and take it easy on yourself!
Great video. Thank you for sharing all your lovely stitches. Christmas Dinner - if it were me I would persevere and make it work but that is only because I could not face stitching it all over again! But, it’s your choice. Happy stitching.
Im not one to be put off by little mistakes, so I would either just pick a line and keep on trekking or Id do the animals on the bottom to get back on track. Eventually you'll figure out where you're off, and you can adjust. As for the direction of half stitches, I consider it to be texture😊 I finished Trust The Universe last year but I like your idea of outlining the goose(?) with light grey. I CANNOT see it unless I look on purpose. Its not FFO or lined yet so I should be able to do that. Our Texas heat finally returned today aling with Flood Mosquitoes so I don't think Ill be working in my garden.
Probably you will be happier if you restart on aida, since it really helps with the counting a lot. I can imagine that if you would indeed restart and do the second leg instead of the first leg - it will make stitching harder. You are so used to stitching the first leg first, right? 😏It might confuse you in your stitching. And there is no right or wrong way to stitch half stitches. It is more a personal preference. Anyhoo - to me, what you have done so far is really fine. You could fudge the tree by stitching one row less or more on the trunk. But when you are already unhappy with it, I can imagine that you would prefer to restart. If you do, please do the full chart. It is soo pretty!
If you really want to stitch it because you like the chart, restart it. It really depends on how much you didn't like stitching it because changing fabric won't change that. Unless of course, the fabric was part of the problem.
I love the idea of restarting Christmas Dinner, but at the end with the Santa. You could leave enough space on the fabric that you could do the rest if feeling inspired to do so. Grading?!? As a fellow professor, you have a different view of what a month ‘off’ means 😜.
Christmas Dinner: I probably don’t have anything to add that hasn’t already been said, but I would just suggest looking into your heart of hearts to determine how you truly feel about the project. You mentioned frustration re the half stitch direction and the fabric. You also mentioned that it wouldn’t bother you to start over. If you found a fabric that is easier to stitch on for you, then maybe it would be worth consideration. Ultimately, it’s up to you. I am also currently working on 32 ct vintage smokey white belfast, lol. I’m stitching Erin Elizabeth designs American Flag on it. Tbh, I prefer lugana over linen because my eyesight is so bad! Regarding half stitches, well, I never follow directions, hahaha😂 I’m a lefty in a right handed world. Trying to stitch the alleged “correct” way drives me nuts. Hence, I always stitch with the bottom left to top right as my top leg. My brain seizes in the opposite direction, lol. Soooo, when stitching Dimensions kits (Winter Hush, currently) I have always liked seeing my half stitches and top leg of my x stitches go in the same direction. That’s just the way my brain processes a project to look aesthetically pleasing. As they say, there is no wrong way, and our stitchy stuff is in our home, so whichever way pleases your eyes and heart is the way you should align with!
Thank you my friend! I do like the fabric, but I agree that I love Lugana most of all. I am also a left-handed stitcher but do it opposite of you. To each their own and you're absolutely right there is no "wrong" way to do it!
If nothing else I think you should start over on a fabric you love. Linen is beautiful but I’m seen more stitchers be unhappy with it for various reasons. And one of the main reasons is seeing it properly. Don’t force yourself. It’s a darling piece. Stitching is our happy place!
No, don’t restart. There is a Southern saying, “it will never be seen on a galloping horse!” Meaning, 99% of people would never notice unless you point it out. Give yourself some grace and continue on! As far as the tree, repeat a row and don’t worry. It is background, once Santa is in there, it will not matter! ❤️
No don't restart Christmas Dinner. Thanks to your info on half stitches, that I was totally unaware of until this video, ugh. I also have a full coverage dimensions kit with half stitches that I am NOT starting over. No one in my family are going to notice. I didn't know there were cross stitch police? Just fudge it if it is off 1 stitch or 1 row of stitches. Design your own to fill in. Just like people change colors and fabric, altering the chart is creative also! If you want to move Santa closer and rearrange the animals go for it!. Don't be discouraged. It happens.
If you are not enjoying it, restart it especially since you are not dreading the possibility of a restart. You are finding a problem with the fabric in your conversation too, so it sounds like you need to get a fresh start and enjoy the stitching of this chart again. I am so glad we talked about half stitches last weekend and I was able to show you my project that I was doing full and half crosses on.
I think that you should restart the piece. Not because of the mistakes but because you are not happy with the current version. A fresh start will bring your joy back. Personally, I don't mind my halfstitches going the wrong way. Takes too much brainpower to change the direction 😂 Hopefully, I will also be able to spend some relaxing time outside soon. Maybe I could stitch in the garden 😊
Please do not restart, in half stitches I go from bottom left to top right, because if I make a full cross, I go from bottom left to top right, and bottom right to top left. So if your doing your half stitches from bottom left to top right you are doing the right thing. Please do not stop the project. You’re good to go. Happy Stitching 😊
I wouldn’t stop your piece! The half stitches look right and your mistake, who can see it! You might like it better if you do some of the animals. Enjoyed your video! All those full coverage,Wow!
I hate 1/2 stitches also and also have issues counting them....and am struggling with a project, but am almost done...I did NOT know about the going the same direction as your full stitches.....hmmm.....well, will have to explore that the next project I have that is 1/2 stitch....so you are not the only one who didn't know. So, I know if it were me, I would not start it over.....could you make your 1/2 stitches to whole and figure out how to fudge your extra row.....I did that and just crossed off a row that was background, and you can't tell. Good luck with your decision. Have a great rest of your week.
I just recently asked Brenda on the Flosstube "Handworkmaniac" about which way half cross stitches should be done. If you haven't seen any of her videos your are missing a very prolific stitcher. She said "I have done it both ways and like it fine either way. Most people say you should do it the same as the top thread in the full crosses, so they all match :)" As for the error in the tree, just fudge it, it's just a tree, not the main subject of the stitch. It's lovely and you should be proud of it when it's done, 99.9% of the people that look at it on your wall will not see any errors.
Santa stitch suggestions:
For the sky: Suggest make the sky with whole stitches. Go back over with the top leg. If adding the top leg, makes the sky too dark, try using a shade lighter on top.
Three suggestions for the miscount: 1) Find a place that you are certain is correct. Count past the tree and continue. That might help you find your error.
2) Spot check every 30 or 40 blocks (10x10 stitches-check the entire block) to see if the stitching is still correct. You should be able to pinpoint where the error is by doing that without too much difficulty because when you get to a block 30 or 40 stitches away that’s incorrect, just backtrack by 10 x 10 blocks.
3) Mail the piece and a copy of the pattern used so far to a friend to hunt for the error.
GARAGE SALE TIP. Hello! We had a multi fam sale once or twice. Have each family get one color of those colored circles on the peel off sticky stuff. We used an initial and price on the colored circle. When you take the money, take off the circle and put them on a notebook page. All same colors together then at the end you will have each families total. So all red dots in a row, yellow dots in a row. And since they have the price on them you can add it up that way. Hope that helps for next time!
The rose looks beautiful 🌹
Oh! Thank you for talking about the half stitch direction. I never thought about it
Garden
I agree with you! Jan Hicks' charts are all gorgeous. Meditation Garden is my favorite, though. I would be tempted to put Christmas Dinner in time out for 3 months. If you still don't feel like working on it during the winter, I'd restart. This chart has caused you enough stress already. Have a wonderful week!
Thanks for sharing. As for the restart, do whatever makes you happy. My half stitches are always the bottom leg of the stitch. As long as you are consistent it doesn't matter what you do.
Garden
Thank you my friend!
CarolynI always enjoy your videos If you want to start your project over you have to enjoy it That is why we stitch we love it
Thank you!
Love your progress on your wips. Happy stitching!
If you’re going to restart it, use what you have now as the front of a project bag or have some adopt the WIP. I do my half-stitches as the first leg and I like the way it looks.
Carolyn I would never restart your beautiful Santa it’s one row, it will not make any difference at all. I think it’s lovely and who really cares which way your half stitches go! Try to enjoy your vacation , well what’s left! Love your stitching as always and hope you have a great week!😊
Thank you so much my friend! I appreciate you!
I love that you are reconsidering some of your projects and their "expected finish dates." Sometimes life gets in the way of our hobby and that is okay. I have found myself doing way less stitching and a little bit more reading, but walking has increased and then just resting. I am sometimes sad not to be stitching, but my physical and mental health are enjoying the reprieve. As soothing as stitching can be, sometimes doing absolutely nothing is the balm for my soul. If you really love Christmas Dinner, restart.... on April Fools Day next year. Happy stitching, dear friend!
Ha ha - I love the idea of restarting on April Fools day! The thing about planning and organizing is knowing that plans can - and often do- change. It took me a long time to learn that!
Beautiful work on everything. Hm that's how I do my half stitches and I prefer it because it's a visible shading difference. Good luck deciding what to do. Great August plans. I am going crazy and trying the whole hangglide haha.
Hi, I love following your progress. I personally wouldn't restart. I would just add the second half of the x and not worry that the pattern called for a half stitch. Then I would fudge the tress and get myself back on track. Personally I don't worry about following the pattern exactly. The trees have such a watercolor look it doesn't matter that much. I would rather relax while stitching and not be too perfectionist. No one will even be able to tell if your trees are a little different from the pattern. Just move forward, not backward. Happy summer! Valerie
This is wonderful advice - thank you so so much!
Summer is so nice to get out in the garden 😊
Garden. I love that Christmas woodlands piece. I think that you should put it in time out and decide next year what to do with it. If you want to decide this year, I think you should start over because I think your issues with it will make you unhappy even after it is finished.
The Cat Alphabet is so cute! ☺️. Sorry that your vacation is over but it’s nice that you can ease into work a bit.
You are already this far along with Christmas Dinner. Go on and finish it. There is still so much beauty to stitch.
❤
Thank you my friend!!
Wow! Just learned something new today! I too have always done half cross stitches with the bottom leg...have to try it by doing the top leg.....so interesting!
It makes so much sense now that I think about it!
Okay, lots of thoughts and ideas regarding Christmas Dinner! Firstly, I always stitch my half stitches as my first leg. On Dimensions, Russian designers, etc. that combine half and full crosses, they do go opposite directions… and I don’t care. Some people care, but there are no cross stitch police, so you need to decide if YOU care.
That being said, if half stitches in general hurt your brain, consider just stitching the faded mountains with 1 strand instead of two. That could give you the look of distance without using half stitches.
If you are completely bothered by your mistake, the fabric, the direction or presence of half stitches, enjoy your restart with no regrets! Life’s too short to suffer in your hobby.
Thank you thank you thank you so much my friend! I appreciate all of your advice and support! Very interesting about the Eastern European designers and the half crosses!
Completely agree. Sometimes the designer actually designs it to go in the opposite direction of your top leg. I have a couple of charts that calls for one symbol to go one way and a different symbol to go the other way, with the exact same color of thread. I absolutely would not be bothered by the direction of your half stitches. But as Sarah says, if it's bothering you that it's off at all from how you would like it best, then restart without regrets. I've watched you long enough to know how often you've restarted your projects, and you're always happier in the end. You do you. ❤
The garden looks like such a fun stitch! You do so much,I just finished a small one and feel so accomplished.
Congrats on your finish!!
I love your video. This morning I was weeding my garden.
Christmas dinner could be a round robin stitch with friends. Everyone can take a section and stitch it. If it is half stitches put a note in bag if you stitch this area use half stitches please going bottom left to top right. hope that helps.
What I learned about half stitches - they can go in any direction! All depends on the effect you plan to achieve, and/or your personal preference. "Dimensions" charts can use half stitches in both directions in one piece, they can also be done in various thickness.
Sometimes I just choose to stitch full cross with one strand vs half stitch (the rest of pattern with 2 strands), it has different effect, but still gives dimention to the piece.
It is your stitch, do whatever makes you happy and not discouraged.
This is great advice - thank you so much!
If in three years you don't want to stitch on it start over on a fabric you love because then your love of the project comes back. Great to see you were are cooler today with some rain which I am loving. Happy stitching Patty
The pattern u want to restart is so forgiving… no one will ever know a tree is off… I do my half stitches the same way you did and it adds depth and looks great. However you have to love it. It looks so good.
Thank you so much for the encouragement! I appreciate it more than you know!
Thank you for the video. My thoughts on your piece dimensions have the first half of the cross stitch as the half stitch, so they stand out. The piece is beautiful, so if you restart it, use the original and frame as a complete picture or have it made into a cross stitch bag. There is so much you could do with it. Just pick an idea. Thank you for sharing. I love a beautiful garden but then my childhood was spent in one.
Weeks late, but had a pet issue come up…
For the Santa’s dinner struggle piece, possibly round robin it so others can finish the sky since that seems to be your primary issue, possibly find your tree mistake and fix it.
Perhaps add a bit of gridding in to help you find your placement?
Love your ABC cat. So adorable! You are making great progress. I was thinking about your comment about the half stitches as I am currently working on a Dimensions kit that has a lot of half stitches. I have always done mine bottom left to top right which would also be the first half of my full cross. I can see clearly on the kit photo that the stitches are done that way. I’m thinking maybe they can go any way you want. For my project they look good slanting to the right. You have done so much work on your piece. My vote is not to start over, but of course you have to enjoy what you are stitching!
Enjoyed this one as I do all of your videos. I do my half stitches like the first leg of the cross stitch. So they go a different direction. I pulled out my Dimensions Gold and looked at the instructions to be sure, but that’s what their instructions say also (for them to go different directions). Hope that helps.
I think I would finish the crosses in the sky and do full crosses for the rest - and continue to fudge for the extra row - no one will notice and it’s not a big deal. The garden pattern is lovely!
Thank you so much!
My ideal on Christmas Dinner is finish that one tree and call it a finish and make a pillow out of it, and start over.
Love your blackcat wip, it looks so beautiful on that fabric❤, love meditation garden. I also started Christmas dinner like 10 years ago on aida, but didn’t like that the fabric was to stiff and i haven’t stitched on it since then and I forgot all about it 😂 But then when I saw yours, I’m thinking to restart it because I found my pattern again 😊. I am thinking to do it on lugana instead and to crop a little bit the design on both ends.
Hi there! I agree with you on outlining the white stitches with a light gray. I have done that before and it makes a world of difference. On the Santa, I think you need to start over. It has 3 strikes (fabric, tent stitches, and tree). I think you are like me and once we know something isn’t “right,” it bugs us. Congratulations on a successful garage sale! I have to say, the cat on Cat Alphabet is so life-like!! Ratify!! Happy stitching! Hugs!❤
Thank you my friend! I think it does bug me - you pin pointed it exactly! Might be why I was avoiding working on it!
The garden looks amazing....thanks for sharing ....love seeing your amazing stitching....please take care and please be safe
I didn’t know about half stitches going the way of the top leg. I’ve always done half stitches like you did. I wouldn’t worry about the extra row. If it was my project, I would not restart it. But it’s your choice.
Hi Carolyn your lucky to be able to sit out on your deck and have your coffee looking at the garden. So soothing for the soul. Definitely enjoy your videos enjoy your week
Honestly, for Christmas dinner, ditch the white linen and start the whole thing over on a fabric you love. Hopefully something easier for you to see. I usually do half stitches as the top stitch jut so it’s all uniform but do what you like or don’t do them! It’s just a look, do a full x if that’s what you’re comfy with. You’re awesome with mods of all kinds. This is just another mod.
Thank you! This is so encouraging!!
I did not know half stitches should go in the direction of the top stitch on a full cross, but then I've never done anything with half stitches so I've never had occasion to know that. Good to know! I know how you feel about putting it down and frankly I'd probably restart it and start from the other end so it feels fresh. I think I've seen someone do that chart and only do the Santa, which I thought was very sad because I really like the animals too -- but then I'm not the one doing all the stitching!! Congrats on getting your craft room purged and organized and on your yard sale! I am in a constant state of purge -- little by little and my tastes and habits change! Love seeing your plans! so ambitious!!
I agree with you - I am also in a constant state of purge! It's a process but hopefully I did a good enough job this summer that it won't be as much in the years to come! Thank you for the advice on Christmas Dinner!
Hi! Not sure I would start your project over. If you're able to fudge around that tree, let's face it, no one will know! I think half crosses usually go bottom left to top right (the first leg of a stitch) in order to create more contrast in the piece. Been stitching since the late 70's and is how I've always done it. But....there's probably not a wrong or right way, no matter what people say and everyone has their own preference. If you google it, you can find some interesting dialog. Really enjoy your videos. Thanks for sharing!
OMG the Garden
LOL full coverage will get you sooner or later!
I think outlining the clouds is a great idea. They will show up better. Great video. Love your plans. I too am starting some Fall and Halloween in Aug. I love Halloween Window. I started mine about a month ago but haven't worked on it since. It is on my Aug thru Oct plans. Have a great last week of vacation
Hi! 💗 Enjoy the chilly weather for me. We’re still a good ways off but I can’t wait.
Had to pause to chat about Christmas Dinner.
1. My half stitches go in the opposite direction of my full stitches. My brain *cannot* make them go the other direction. That being said, if it bugs you, 1000% start over.
2. Is it an option to do that section in a full cross but with only one strand? Or is it already a 1 stranded half stitch?
3. Yes, you’ve done quite a bit but if you’re unhappy and never want to work on it and this that and the other, my friend, you already know what to do. Get you a fabric you like and let that guilt fall away.
Okay, back to the video. 💗💗💗
Good morning Friend! On Trust, outlining the bird in grey or soft blue will be very effective. On Christmas Dinner, it's really 3 issues (fabric, stitches, error) plus your unease about it. I would ditch and restart, as well. Life is too short to be miserable with our projects. You could adopt out the first version so the work wouldn't be "wasted." As for the half stitches, I did the same on a Dimensions Gold kit years ago. It's not a distraction, but added texture!😊
Thank you so much for your advice, my friend! I truly appreciate it!
Try counting from the brown part of the pine trees across and if you don't find your mistake, restart
Wonderful time with you. Learned something new…half stitches go like the second leg!!! Thank you for the learning moment. On the stitching do a restart. You will love the piece even more and restarts go quick. The garden piece would be a fun stitch. Congratulations on getting you room painting done. That is quite an accomplishment. ❤❤❤
You love the chart, I would restart in a fabric you love.
I agree with everyone who is recommending a restart. And don't crop out the animals - they add so much to the overall piece. And I didn't know that fact about half stitches, very glad you mentioned it! All your stitching looks great and is inspirational to me - I always love your videos. 😊 garden
Restart on a fabric you love. Thank the first project for the time you had and move on. You seem to stich quickly and it would take no time to get back to where you are, especially if you're enjoying it. This is your hobby, not your job. You should enjoy it. (I'd suggest a give away for the linen if you've kearned you don't like stitching on it. Someone else would be estactic for the supply.)
Cat Alphabet looks so good. That cat looks so real. Honey, cut your losses and restart Christmas dinner. Life is too short to be frustrated while working on cross stitch. I've never done half stitches, but I know for me it would be difficult for me to do the second leg first. You're on the ball with your plans for August, I'm on the struggle bus with everything I'll have going on.
Thank you so much my friend! I appreciate you!
If it was me, I would restart it. I would also use a fabric I enjoyed to stich on. If you keep going then maybe at the end you will always look at it and think, " Maybe I should have........" I think enjoying it afterwards last longer than restitching or restarting last. Whatever you do has to make you happy now and later.
Thank you for your input! This is a good reminder to enjoy what you stitch!
Your Garden is beautiful 🤩
My vote is start it over. Maybe move the animals closer together to shorten the width. My thought too was could it be changed to an oval shape. That would cut down on the half crosses. Or just do full crosses for the whole piece
I did get the Hummingbird Garden stitched. I can’t tell you how many times I had to frog. I got to confident and miss counted and had to rip out half of a mandala 😩
Hi Carolyn ❤,
I think that's a great idea to outline the clouds. Don't start over. Frog the tree up to the line where your off and do that section over.❤
GARDEN❤
Have a great week ahead ☺️ happy stitching my friend❤
I hear ya!! Half stitches just through me off bad!!!
I would restart and do the entire project with full cross stitches.
Carolyn, you pick the cutest Christmas pieces! I didn’t remember the buck and it’s adorable ! I love him. He’s just adorable! Re: Christmas dinner/ you’re not going to like what I’m going to say. It’s an outdoor piece where (Imaginary) winds blow and rain falls/ who cares if your half stitches are the wrong way? There is no wrong way in terms of outdoors. Same logic goes for your tree. Who cares if you’re a row off? No one can tell. In my opinion you have already done the hardest part of that chart. I would go back and put in some animals to see if they are fun. Then go to Santa. I think the parts you’re just getting to are the fun parts and you will enjoy them. Don’t start over. I never been a fan of starting over. I think you would get even more bored with the piece. But it’s your call. Just my opinion. ❤
Right personally I’d restart Christmas dinner on a fabric you like but the bit already done I’d add stuff to the bottom to make a winter scene , and as this is only my 2nd month of MMC I didn’t realise I could split the words lol sooooo I’m going for 10 projects plus the other crafting stuff lol x
Garden how I miss mine. Always like your info.
My take on your Christmas Dinner...In its present form it is not something you enjoy working on. So as someone somewhere said "if it's not fun, don't do it. Do what you love and love what you do." (Not sure if one person said all that or multiple people.) Therefore, if you still want to stitch it, a restart is in order.
Thank you for reminding me of those helpful words!
Do what makes you happy. Hope you have an amazing week. Garden.
Restart it! Once you see something like that, you can't unsee it. And it's no longer bringing you joy to stitch. Let it go.
Caterpillar Crossstitch did a great little tutorial on half stitches recently. Some great tips there.
I think you should do a restart. It sounds like you don't like multiple things, and if it's not fun, why do it. Your cat alphabet is so fun! Have a great week! Garden
One thing I know, the longer you put the tree mountain piece off, the more difficult it will be to ever finish it. I would not worry about the half stitches going the way they are - nobody will notice but you. Being off one row should be not too difficult to recover from since that is not the focal point of the chart. So, if you don't love the design and want to ditch it - fine. But, if you do love the design just continue but don't wait too long. My feelings are - life is short. Only do what you love or do what you don't love doing but you will love the end result. Passion is needed in the garden of life to produce desired results.
Thank you thank you for your very wise words! I appreciate you more than you know!
So…even in your month off you teach a class? Wow. The world is a better place with dedicated teachers like you. 🦉
Ha ha! It's an "extra" class so extra money, which is useful!
The meditation garden would be a beautiful project ! My opinion about your dilemma; finish where you are at now or half-way point. Then you can create the second half of the picture (when you get to it) and frame and hang both together side-by-side.
I would not restart your x stitch. Love the meditation garden.
Yes I would put a light gray around the white goose so you can see it. I would start Christmas Dinner over if it is not making you happy. Love the ABC Cat. It is going to be so beautiful when you get it all done. Happy Stitching.
I would restart Christmas Dinner. I think you would be happier. Garden
When I do half stitches I do the bottom leg. It gives the feel of a different texture. If you are off in the tree section, I would sugest you move down and stitch the animals, you might enjoy that more and then count from there and fudge the tree when you get back to it.
Happy stitching 🪡🧵🥰
Carolyn, hi your rose is beautiful and I watch Sarah's channel and love seeing you two's Montage's. Your ABC cats is so pretty. I am a dog lover but did have a cat who lived 18 years old. He was the best and can't replace him. My Mugsey ❤. But this chart is calling me. Thanks
It's a super fun chart and I highly recommend it!
Okay... My two cents... 1) Yes! Outline the clouds in a light gray or light blue. 2) If you are going to restart, you could just easily frog those half stitches and restitch the other way. That is a lot faster than a restart AND... You can fudge an extra row in that tree. Noone will know. Start at the base of the tree and work up. It's so pretty...
Love your stitching and your picks for August. No worries about Blooming Bouquet. I am going to pick something different for this year not #2 unless you want to start that one too. LMAO.
CAME BACK for an edit. You could just go back to the half stitch and make them whole stitches.... done....
Thank you my friend! No, I am good for not doing #2 for Blooming Bouquet lol!!
I had no idea I was supposed to stitch my half stitches in the direction of the top of the cross! I wish I knew this before I have two thirds of a Christmas stocking done 😢. At least I know for the next one 😊. Thanks for the information!
I don't think there is a "have to" in cross stitch! It just made so much sense when someone mentioned it on the zoom call. Do what works for you!!
My first thought was to just finish the half stitches to full stitches. My second thought was to then just charge away and ad lib the missed count and fudge it to make it work. My third thought would be to restart it but I like my first and second thoughts more. Love this project so bottom line you have to be happy with whatever you decide to.
No way!! Love all things Jan Hicks!!! Garden! Love your channel too! Faithful watcher and long time subscriber. 🥰
Keep it! Make the half stitches into whole stitches. That fixes that problem and you don't like half stitches anyway.
The rest of the half stitches that you haven't gotten to yet, do them in the correct final direction for a while and see if that makes them more appealing. My suspicion is that you just don't like them. (I don't like them in my work.)
The extra row -- just wing it until you can get away from that problem.
I know I am advocating against the tide, but this is what feels like the best solution to me. And that pattern is absolutely wonderful.
garden
If Christmas dinner were something I was working on and I felt the way you are feeling, I would get the material I love working on and start over. It’s a beautiful piece when it is completed it would be something you might regret if you didn’t complete. I have a piece from 1970 that is no longer in print that I have misplaced the patterned that I have sever remorse over for not starting over.
Love Jan Hicks. Always wanted that pattern for a future stitch. Garden. I would restart. You will not be happy with that stitch unless you do. It will be a beautiful piece.
Hi dearest tired friend! Glad you have your cup of coffee to keep you awake while filming. Glad your garage sale went well. Beautiful but bittersweet progress on Cat Alphabet. So sad it is going away. Maybe next year you should set your own goal of double the number of stitches :D Great progress on Beautiful Girl. That rose is so fabulous looking already on Summer Montage. I think outlining the white in a light gray would be a good idea to help the white pop a bit more. As far as half stitches go, if you read the directions on most Dimensions kits, they show half crosses going from bottom right to top left, which is the way I do them. I have seen other ones that go from bottom left to top right called reverse half stitches. I would not restart it. You can fudge the extra row. I have done it before and none would be the wiser. You are at least 1/3 of the way done on it and definitely looks wonderful. Sounds like great plans for August. We have a move in date with the movers of 8/13 for pack up and 8/14 for move day if I can get the dumb payment thing to go through. Will have to make yet another phone call in the morning. All this stress on top of Baby crossing Rainbow Bridge has my depression kicking up, which is not helping motivate me to get my stitching things packed as I really wanted to move them myself but at least I have my August projects in a bag separately so I should be ready for ABCingo and be all unpacked. I hope I don't have to make too many trips back and forth from here to Temple between now and the 14th but know there will be at least a couple of trips to get services established. Hope August is more relaxing for you than July was even with going back to work. Give extra kitty love to Jack and Simon from me please. I miss having a kitty sleeping with me at night. I have a feeling that it won't be long after we get moved before I get another cat as I miss Baby so much. Hopefully I can get a spayed female who is a younger adult from a rescue or shelter. Love and hugs to you! Dawn
Hello my friend! So glad you found a place and I hope the move goes smoothly and easily. You'll need to PM me your new address once you move, please! I was so sorry to hear about Baby - just so devastating. You gave her a most wonderful life and home and all the love and she knew how much you loved her. And always will.
I do my half stitches wrong too lol. It makes perfect sense to do the top leg now that you mention. You could do half stitches with one thread and do the whole X. I agree I hate half stitches they just don't feel right.
My eyes just keep looking for the whole stitch with half stitches!
i finished Christmas Dinner from the original paper chart which was awful and it was a very difficult stitch. You may want to finish under the tree and take out the bear paws and end it there. The santa area was very intense. I am happy that I am done but not something that I would say I love. Working in the garden today,
Ok I'm happy I'm not alone with Christmas Dinner! I am definitely marking my working copy as I go - it is very intense!
Restart! :) You love the chart, so you know you it will go to the back of the pile, if you continue with it as it is. Also I LOVE the Cat Alphabet. It looks great!! And I didn't know about the half stitches either. Goes to show, you can learn something new every day. Have a blessed week and take it easy on yourself!
Great video. Thank you for sharing all your lovely stitches. Christmas Dinner - if it were me I would persevere and make it work but that is only because I could not face stitching it all over again! But, it’s your choice. Happy stitching.
Christmas Dinner. Give it away to someone else to finish. Restart on fabric you like.
Fresh start so you enjoy the process ;)
Im not one to be put off by little mistakes, so I would either just pick a line and keep on trekking or Id do the animals on the bottom to get back on track. Eventually you'll figure out where you're off, and you can adjust. As for the direction of half stitches, I consider it to be texture😊
I finished Trust The Universe last year but I like your idea of outlining the goose(?) with light grey. I CANNOT see it unless I look on purpose. Its not FFO or lined yet so I should be able to do that.
Our Texas heat finally returned today aling with Flood Mosquitoes so I don't think Ill be working in my garden.
Thank you so much for your encouragement and advice! Yes, I think I will outline the goose (?) (LOL) so it's easier to see.
Probably you will be happier if you restart on aida, since it really helps with the counting a lot.
I can imagine that if you would indeed restart and do the second leg instead of the first leg - it will make stitching harder. You are so used to stitching the first leg first, right? 😏It might confuse you in your stitching. And there is no right or wrong way to stitch half stitches. It is more a personal preference.
Anyhoo - to me, what you have done so far is really fine. You could fudge the tree by stitching one row less or more on the trunk. But when you are already unhappy with it, I can imagine that you would prefer to restart. If you do, please do the full chart. It is soo pretty!
If you really want to stitch it because you like the chart, restart it. It really depends on how much you didn't like stitching it because changing fabric won't change that. Unless of course, the fabric was part of the problem.
I love the idea of restarting Christmas Dinner, but at the end with the Santa. You could leave enough space on the fabric that you could do the rest if feeling inspired to do so.
Grading?!? As a fellow professor, you have a different view of what a month ‘off’ means 😜.
LOL! It's a summer class I'm teaching (10 weeks of content in just 4 weeks!) BUT it's extra money for retreats and cross stitch stash!!
Christmas Dinner: I probably don’t have anything to add that hasn’t already been said, but I would just suggest looking into your heart of hearts to determine how you truly feel about the project. You mentioned frustration re the half stitch direction and the fabric. You also mentioned that it wouldn’t bother you to start over. If you found a fabric that is easier to stitch on for you, then maybe it would be worth consideration. Ultimately, it’s up to you.
I am also currently working on 32 ct vintage smokey white belfast, lol. I’m stitching Erin Elizabeth designs American Flag on it. Tbh, I prefer lugana over linen because my eyesight is so bad!
Regarding half stitches, well, I never follow directions, hahaha😂 I’m a lefty in a right handed world. Trying to stitch the alleged “correct” way drives me nuts. Hence, I always stitch with the bottom left to top right as my top leg. My brain seizes in the opposite direction, lol. Soooo, when stitching Dimensions kits (Winter Hush, currently) I have always liked seeing my half stitches and top leg of my x stitches go in the same direction. That’s just the way my brain processes a project to look aesthetically pleasing. As they say, there is no wrong way, and our stitchy stuff is in our home, so whichever way pleases your eyes and heart is the way you should align with!
Thank you my friend! I do like the fabric, but I agree that I love Lugana most of all. I am also a left-handed stitcher but do it opposite of you. To each their own and you're absolutely right there is no "wrong" way to do it!
If nothing else I think you should start over on a fabric you love. Linen is beautiful but I’m seen more stitchers be unhappy with it for various reasons. And one of the main reasons is seeing it properly. Don’t force yourself. It’s a darling piece. Stitching is our happy place!
Thank you so much my friend!
No, don’t restart. There is a Southern saying, “it will never be seen on a galloping horse!” Meaning, 99% of people would never notice unless you point it out. Give yourself some grace and continue on! As far as the tree, repeat a row and don’t worry. It is background, once Santa is in there, it will not matter! ❤️
Ha! I love this saying! Thank you so much my friend!
I would start over on a different fabric.
I have a flower garden and would be nice to stitch the meditation garden.
No don't restart Christmas Dinner. Thanks to your info on half stitches, that I was totally unaware of until this video, ugh. I also have a full coverage dimensions kit with half stitches that I am NOT starting over. No one in my family are going to notice. I didn't know there were cross stitch police? Just fudge it if it is off 1 stitch or 1 row of stitches. Design your own to fill in. Just like people change colors and fabric, altering the chart is creative also! If you want to move Santa closer and rearrange the animals go for it!. Don't be discouraged. It happens.
If you are not enjoying it, restart it especially since you are not dreading the possibility of a restart. You are finding a problem with the fabric in your conversation too, so it sounds like you need to get a fresh start and enjoy the stitching of this chart again.
I am so glad we talked about half stitches last weekend and I was able to show you my project that I was doing full and half crosses on.
How about a restart on Aida? I love Meditation Garden!
I think that you should restart the piece. Not because of the mistakes but because you are not happy with the current version. A fresh start will bring your joy back. Personally, I don't mind my halfstitches going the wrong way. Takes too much brainpower to change the direction 😂
Hopefully, I will also be able to spend some relaxing time outside soon. Maybe I could stitch in the garden 😊
Thank you my friend! I appreciate your advice! And I agree about the brainpower! LOL
Please do not restart, in half stitches I go from bottom left to top right, because if I make a full cross, I go from bottom left to top right, and bottom right to top left. So if your doing your half stitches from bottom left to top right you are doing the right thing. Please do not stop the project. You’re good to go. Happy Stitching 😊
I wouldn’t stop your piece! The half stitches look right and your mistake, who can see it! You might like it better if you do some of the animals.
Enjoyed your video! All those full coverage,Wow!
I would start it over on Aida. Easier to do back stitches
I hate 1/2 stitches also and also have issues counting them....and am struggling with a project, but am almost done...I did NOT know about the going the same direction as your full stitches.....hmmm.....well, will have to explore that the next project I have that is 1/2 stitch....so you are not the only one who didn't know. So, I know if it were me, I would not start it over.....could you make your 1/2 stitches to whole and figure out how to fudge your extra row.....I did that and just crossed off a row that was background, and you can't tell. Good luck with your decision. Have a great rest of your week.
I was going to suggest you restart it in a different area like right to left