Mar 12, 2013

When good samplers go bad

Good grief.  What a mess I'm making.  Are those curved stem stitch lines on the chart for one row or two?  Is there a trick to stitching on a curve or is my gripping tension the problem?  Whatever I'm doing wrong is making me change the design.   Take a look at how the linen is stretched and wonky.  I started with two rows and then changed to one, forgot that the stitch is to be started at the END of the prior, not in the middle, and after removing it several times, I may not try again. 
 
 
 
 
 
The right side scallops were charted as cross stitch for most and I filled two more with it to avoid any more frustration.  The left side only has two with cross, the rest are curved stems. Will I try again?  Probably.  The stitches are so easy to do and I'm considering changing the stem to chain ~ maybe this will help?  We'll see.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I can always fill with cross stitches but they can't be done in curved lines.  At this point.....you know the rest.  What about the bottom?  Not sure.  If it starts badly, I'll stop and try to mimic the side scallops.  Whatever, I just want to finish it before I get really discouraged and leave it.  The Scarlet Letter always states the experience level for their designs.  Well I'm not an intermediate level needleworker and won't pretend to be ever again.  I miss my marking samplers!!!  I promise never to stray again!!   Remember St. Clare, the patron saint of stitchers?  This article is one of several about St. Clare of Assisi, friend to Francis, and namesake of Assisi embroidery.  And as I'm typing this, I'm thinking of sizing her image to put on a floss tag.  Think it will help?
Enjoy your day.  Thank you so much for visiting and welcome to new followers!
 
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19 comments:

Margaret said...

Sorry you're having trouble. I've always sworn I will never do surface embroidery. I think you're convincing me I'm right. lol! I had no clue St. Clare was the patron saint of stitchers. How appropriate! When I was young, I was enamored of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Clare. :D

Parsley said...

Oh my! Looks difficult but so beautiful. Hope you get it sorted out.

Carmen Sutton said...

Do not fret so much remember that it is free hand so...wing it to work for you, then you can say it truly is your own sampler. But with that said I think is looks wonderful and that your being to hard on yourself. I can say this to you as I am the same and my husband just sits and shakes his head as I cuss.

butterfly said...

Looks beautiful to me , I have to do a little frogging tonight never mine , like life who said stitching would be easy, hugs.

Glenna said...

Well, I think it looks great regardless! Keep stitching!

Jan - Life on Buttermilk Hill said...

Your mess looks great to me!! If you ever think of tossing it, remember that I am close enough to catch it...so if you do, give it an extra hard heave!! You will hear me yelp in delight!! ;) ---Jan

village folk art said...

No Matter what you think... It is BEAUTIFUL.
St Francis of Assisi from Italy(Patron Saint for Animals) and more recently St. Faustina from Poland(Chaplet for 'Divine Mercy') are on the top of my favorites list.. Will have to think about St Clare...perhaps she will help.

Blessings & Peace,
Barb

Vickie said...

Yes, I did know about St. Clare! I think putting her on a floss tag is a very cool idea Marly.
Just keep taking breaks on that there sampler. I would hate to see you quit.

Primitive Stars said...

Hi Marly, I love it, but hope it all works out for you, Francine.

cucki said...

I think it is looking great too..
Love xx

Penny said...

Love the title of this post!! I sometimes feel that way, too, and have never tried anything as difficult as this!
I'm with the others.... I think your stitchery is beautiful, and I admire you for undertaking the project!! Keep on stitching, Marly... it's just great!!
Penny D.

backporchcarver said...

I had the same thought as Jan, if you don't want to look at it anymore, I would take it off your hands in a flash,lol. I think it looks amazing.

Ann said...

Marly - Oh my goodness! I know I will never even attempt anything as complicated as I know it would end up in the bottom of one of my stitching baskets never to resurface and see the light of day. LOL. I do think it will be beautiful when you are done. ~Ann

Rugs and Pugs said...

Samplers gone bad! I love it.
If you're not an intermediate stitcher, no one is!!!
Hugs :)
Lauren

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

Well, I too think it looks great but I certainly understand your frustration! Love the idea of the floss tag. You just might be onto something with that idea. It couldn't hurt.

Barb said...

After seeing your problems, I will not be trying this kind of stitching!Even thought your work looks good to me.

Shirlee said...

You're a better woman than I am. I would've had that thing flaming by now!

Chris said...

This is gorgeous. Don't fret the odd stitch. It is only bothering you, from here it look AMAZING!!!!

Bertie said...

Looks good Marly,ones you have framed the piece you will be able to pull the linen straighter, a frame might help when you stitch surface embroidery!
Have a good week:)

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