Incoherent Scribblings

Stitching Evolution

A few weeks ago, I celebrated my stitching anniversary. Thanks to my best friend, (who taught me to cross stitch over spring break) I have technically been stitching for six years. I say “technically” because while I learned to stitch back in 1999, I only stitched for about six months that year. I then took a “break” and didn’t start stitching again until the fall of 2003.

Anyway, the other day when I was sorting in the patterns I recently bought, I also took the opportunity to look through my other patterns and finished pieces that are still waiting to be completed. I must say, I found it very interesting to examine how my stitching has evolved over that period of time.

The first thing I noticed is that all of the patterns I bought in the beginning have clearance stickers on them! I distinctly remember only buying the cheap patterns in case my stitching hobby didn’t last. Nowadays, I still look at the price tag on the charts, but unless it is an exorbitant amount it is not the determining factor.

When I first started stitching, I stuck with simplistic and rather “cartoony” designs. I was afraid of anything larger than 5″x7″, mostly did animals, and always on Aida cloth. I hated back stitching, avoided French Knots because I didn’t know how to do them, and I carried my floss a little too far more than once.

Now, while I still like animals and “cartoony” designs, I have started buying more and more patterns of people that remind me of the painted works of art I might see in a museum. I am still a little bit intimidated by large designs, but not nearly as much as I used to be. I am an Evenweave convert, I can almost whip French Knots up with my eyes closed, I try very hard not to carry my floss anymore than 7 stitches, and I’m getting ready to dabble in Hardanger.

And that just scratches the surface! Of course I could go on and on about how my stitching has evolved, but right now I want to hear from you! So, of course, this brings me to the Stitching Blogger’s Question, which is:

How has your stitching evolved since you first started stitching?

P.S. Sorry the question is a little late this week… the long weekend and daylight savings time messed up my schedule!