15 April 2008

The Beginning of my Cross Stitch Journey

Can you remember your very first journey into the world of cross stitch? Can you remember having no idea of how to start, despite reading the instructions? Do you remember using all six strands of floss and getting into a complete and utter flap? I can, but I can look back on it now and chuckle.


I was looking in my WIP workbox the other day and I came across a cloth bag that I had overlooked for some time. I found something in it that made me laugh out loud. The design is by 'Dimensions' and it was part of their 'Ginger Mouse' series (a series which I think is now obsolete) – this one in particular is entitled 'Ginger Mouse with Apple' – complete with chart, a mounting hoop and the complete set of Anchor Floss cards (apologies for the poor quality pic - don't quite know why the flash didn't go off!)



I remember it as my second attempt at cross stitch and I remember buying the kit in a stitching shop in Nottingham which has long since gone, in about 1994, way before catching the stitching bug in 1997. The front looks innocent enough…you can just about make out the shape of the body and the eyes of the ginger mouse…



….but lurking beneath…(cue the 'Psycho' shower scene music!)…..



Arrrrggh! How awful is that?!?!?! I committed the ultimate cross stitching crime – carrying over the thread more than two stitches. Good grief, it looks like a hammock doesn't it?!

I'm going to keep this out and look at it as often as I can, to remind me of how far I've come in terms of stitching. It's also given me a well overdue reminder that hoping and believing in yourself is a good thing, because no matter what happens, even if everything doesn't go the way you planned it and becomes a tangled mess, if you stick at it, you will get through and all will be well in the end.

Carto xx


10 comments:

Aussie Stitcher said...

The mouse is cute, isn't it amazing what we can find lurking in places.

Alberta said...

As with most things learned, we get better with practice! I'm just glad that you made the decision to pick up this wonderful craft!

Juanita said...

Ah... this brings back memories. LOL I didn't have any of that design series, but I did have some that came with the hoop for framing. Thanks for sharing.

Felicity said...

I agree with 'Berta. We can only get better. I have to admit, though, you are the first person I have ever seen put into words that the back has to look nearly as good as the front. I think that's just an expectation we put upon ourselves. I'd imagine, many a little girl wouldn't ever stitch if it had to be perfect in every way - or maybe that's why people give up. Perhaps we need to expect less and enjoy more. I am so glad that you stitch. You have inspired me in more ways than you know.

Carmen said...

oh,the back side of the mouse is so similar to tha back side of my first work!Fortunately is covered thank to the frame :D, I also believe that over time will be better, I remember spent much floss crossing from one side to another work to make one or two points ..

Kate said...

Lol! Sometimes if I'm feeling lazy my backs still look like that! I'm getting better though. :P My first ever cross stitch was a mouse with a hanging frame to - Hunca Munca from Beatrix Potter. I'm sad to say she ended up in the bin after too many frustrations!

stitcherw said...

What a cutie, I think you should still finish him. Finished and framed (or turned into a small pillow) no one would ever know what the back looked like. :)
It is amazing though how much our stitching progresses. We really don't notice until we find an older piece and compare.
Sue

Anonymous said...

This made me laugh. My first was exactly the same... lol.

HMH said...

Hey Heidi, how are you?

I thought I'd let you know that blogger have classed my blog as spam and won't let me use it anymore, so I've moved to http://fireflydreams.wordpress.com

Hope you'll come and visit.

Heather

Felicity said...

It's sad when cross stitching inspirations like you disappear off the planet ...or is this out of the eather? I hope you are well. Hugs.