In a crafter's world, there are things that are absolutely critical:
As quilters: Don't forget your seam allowance when you measure and cut.
As knitters: Complete a guage swatch prior to starting your project.
As writers: Spell check.
As cross-stitchers: Count your stitches.
And yet, again, I decided not to follow one of these critical rules.
This is the January stitch pattern from the 2013 Woodland Sampler. Super cute, no? I used to cross-stitch a decade ago but put it down for a long time, not finding cute enough patterns to stitch with.
And then came this website, which has the sweetest patterns, evarrrr. I promised myself that if I decluttered my crafting room, I would reward myself with a new set of cross-stitch materials. You will be happy to know that I have recently filled up a tiny drawer with new needles, fabric, and floss.
But as I embarked on this project, I did that thing many advanced crafters do: become cocky. And I didn't follow directions.
(Hubby calls it being stubborn. I call it attempting to discover my way of doing things.)
Rookie mistakes I committed with this January block:
1. I didn't count my stitches when I framed out the space. I kind of eyeballed it, quickly running my fingers through the stitches, satisfied with the count, only realizing later that I was 6 stitches short. So, I had to make my reindeers slimmer, and shifted them up and right by two stitches. I also removed the row in between the reindeers, so in my little block, they are kissing.
2. I used the wrong colors on the antlers, noses and hooves. I switched them up in my head. The hooves an noses were supposed to be black, the antlers were supposed to be brown. Le sigh...
3. The word "January" was supposed to be in a light blue. I used an ice blue instead, thinking it would pop against the mushroom colored fabric better...but now...I can't even...
Lessons humbly learned:
1. Yes, things do work out in the end, but...
2. Do the absolute critical thing: i.e count your stitches.
3. Enjoy the confusion that takes place.
4. Go with the flow.
5. Be grateful for the changes: Kissing reindeers are much more appropriate for this romance lover, don't you think?
6. Cherish it.
How about you? Have you had any humbling experiences lately?
I hope you guys have a great first of the month. Here's to a productive February!
