Throughout my life I have been plagued many a time by second thoughts. Unfortunately, these second thoughts have almost always occurred after I've done something. "I should have never bought this house & moved to Kentucky" is a prime example.
I am currently having second thoughts about Along for the Ride. Here's a photo of the progress I made last night.
You're probably thinking I'm having second thoughts because of all those colonial knots on the horizon, but no, that isn't it. What it is, is this. I am using the suggested floss brands/colors as well as the suggested linen color which is 18th Century Brown. You can't really tell in the photo but the reindeer the snowman is riding on, the color of the floss suggested for that reindeer (GAST Maple Syrup) is almost an exact match to the color of the linen. Not a totally exact match ... there's a wee bit of difference ... but there's just not a whole lot of contrast. I looked at it last night & wondered if I should maybe unstitch what I had already done & go with a different/darker floss color for the reindeer. I was fraught with indecision so decided to move on down & start stitching the house. It's going along okay but now I'm wondering if I should maybe just scrap the whole thing ... cut my losses & stitch something else. However, I know my OCD won't let me do that. It would be different if I decided that I hated the design, but it's too darn cute! Damn Sandra Sullivan & her designing talent ... lol!
Thanks to everyone who voiced their encouragement regarding my looming colonial knot situation as well as to those who have suggested leaving them off entirely or using beads in their place. However, I'm just not a bead person. I don't mind a few of them, but 50+ would be a bit much, not to mention that I'd have to find extremely small beads to work with this design. Also, note OCD reference above. I just can't ignore the colonial knots & either leave them off entirely or make cross stitches instead. I just can't. I will plod along & I will finish the design & I will stitch it as Sandra wants it stitched or I will die trying. Hopefully it won't come to that. Death by Colonial Knot. Sounds like a lost Agatha Christie mystery.
Incidentally, using French knots in place of colonial knots is likewise not an option. I hate making French knots & have even worse luck with them than I do with colonial knots. I'm sure the 50+ colonial knots ... & I think it's probably more in the range of 60+ or 70+ ... will be made & they will look just fine : ) Good grief ... I'm sounding like a motivational speaker! I need some chocolate or something. Nah, what I need are some chips & salsa but I'm still unable to eat those things. ARGH!
22 comments:
You're passing up chocolate? Really? Melt in your mouth goodness! No harm to your tooth. ;)
Maybe you could outline the reindeer in a darker color?? I don't know if that would work on this, but it would save all the stitching you've already done! Just a thought....
Frances
Oh dear we are in the same boat about this second thought matter,,and I am a OCD lady too,.lol..
But I enjoy doing fk so much..just made three in my recent stitching...
Good luck for yours xxx
I see what you mean about the similarity in color between the floss and the linen. I think I would plod on. Yes, it's similar but not so much that it sticks out...at least to me anyway.
Death by Colonial Knot...HA! You crack me up Shirlee!!
:o)
I am SO with you on the second guessing myself! I do see a difference in the linen vs reindeer color, but if YOU don't like it, change it now! I always second guess my second guessing and get myself too far along to make the change without wanting to throw in the towel altogether.
I think your stitching looks great and in the pic I can see the reindeer shaping up, but you have to go with your gut :) I am constantly second guessing myself too, afraid to make a decision cause it will probably be the wrong one, lol! Sometimes we just have to roll with it. :) Have a great day, Shirlee!
Your stitching looks wonderful. I´m looking forward to see more.
Liebe Grüße Grit
Yes, the little Reindeer is almost lost...maybe a darker shade would be better. As for the Colonial Knots, why not stitch Algerian Eye instead. It would have a raised effect so it is very different from just x's ... just a thought.
Shirlee what I would do is just back stitch around the part the looks the same, I do this all the time and that way it will stand out. Sew on beads for your knots another way out . Or buy some small snow flakes or stars and glue them on with fabric glue .Hugs
Shirlee it is looking great!Take your mind off by thinking of the snow we may be getting tomorrow.LOL!It will be perfect I am sure when you finish it.Hugs,Jen
Take a deep breath and stop worrying, I think the back stitching idea is perfect and you won't have to frog any stitches. As for the colonial knots, I think they are easier than French knots, just put on a good DVD and go for it. It will turn out great as always :-)
The reindeer's color is showing up perfectly fine on my monitor, Shirlee; in fact I like it a lot :) I think it will be fine after he is all stitched...
Oops....when I commented earlier, I suggested the Algerian Eye, i meant Smyrna Cross! I was just using that stitch and realized what I said to you...dumb me.
I does sound like an Agatha Christie death plot! Maybe those colonial knots are out to get you. lol I believe though, that the beauty of your work is from you proceeding with the necessary stitches, or knots, and can't wait to see it completed! :) Happy knotting!! :)
Your start on the ornie is so very, very cute. I hope you decide to finish it. If the GAST Maple Syrup doesn't look right to you, then change it with no regrets... Also, I don't know if it would work for you, but I change out french knots and colonial knots with Mill Hill beads all the time. Have fun!
Your stitching looks great, keep at it. I'm sure one the backstitch is on, the reindeer will look stunning! (I hope there is backstitch :P)
Don't give up -- it's adorable. Though I think I would probably make the reindeer darker.
Shirlee its looking great x
from this distance you can see a difference honest ... and wow nearly fell of my chair when you said about doing those knots ...lol *passes large mug of Hot Chocolate over with the works ....:)
love mouse xxxxx
Kudos to you Shirlee - don't let those knots scare you, yours honestly look fabulous and I know you can do it. Hmmmm, I am thinking I would change the reindeer color before you go any further, if it is bothering you now it will still bother you when it is finished. Of course, you might let it "age" for a day or two. It is amazing sometimes what age will do to a piece. ;O)
You will be fine, you are an awesome stitcher a nod I have a cute ornie from you to prove it!
It's looking great! I say keep at it.
Kathy
Post a Comment