Today the round robin I stitched with some people over the EMS Cross Stitch Board made it home… and even on schedule! The theme I chose for this round robin was Stoney Creek Cats and I am really pleased with the way it turned out.
Unfortunately, there were a few communication issues that arose with this piece that didn’t make the experience as great as it could have been… which is why I decided to organize my own robins or only stitch with people I “know” from now on.
This is what happened: This robin was advertised as a “beginner’s robin.” When I saw that I thought it meant it was a robin for people who were just beginning to do round robins, not beginning stitchers who wanted to do a robin. I sent the organizer an email and told her that I was not a beginning stitcher, but was new to the world of round robins. She told me that was fine and signed me up.
I had the idea to do these Stoney Creek patterns and even though they are small, I also knew that the level of stitching didn’t exactly qualify them as “beginning.” Therefore, before I made my final decision I emailed everyone and asked if these patterns would be OK. I was responded to in the affirmative: Everyone claimed they would be OK with these patterns. So I went ahead and sent this robin on its way.
After my robin had been on its way for two rounds I got an email from one of the stitchers inquiring why I had chosen to do such complex patterns for a beginner’s robin (meaning beginning stitchers). She was worried that she couldn’t do the pattern because it was too complex. I responded that I was told by the organizer that the robin was for those who had not done a round robin and wasn’t limited to beginning stitchers. I also told her she didn’t have to stitch her square if she found it too difficult, but she told me she would give it a try anyway.
Luckily, we were able to get this matter cleared up without too much trouble and everyone did do a great job stitching. However, the experience taught me a couple of things: First, always stitch with people you know and second, apparently since I didn’t find those patterns difficult and was able to stitch mine up in about 15 hours I must be a much more advanced stitcher than I thought I was! 
Stitched on Today: Vash’s “Cats in Floral Hats” RR
Anna says:
Wow. If those are the worst communications problems you’ve had with round robins, you are so lucky. I was in one group where one woman had signed up for, and actually had in her possession, sixty-five (65) projects. I won’t say too much more because I’m still hoping my three will find their way home!
6 December 2005 at 16:24
Dawn says:
It looks great!! I know you are relieved that it has made it home.
6 December 2005 at 20:07
Christine Doyle says:
Glad to hear it is home! It looks great!
6 December 2005 at 23:39
AnneS says:
With all your worries, it looks like the finished piece turned out great
I’ve heard some really bad RR stories that put me off getting started in one … but I’m starting to waiver … 
7 December 2005 at 02:47
Carol says:
Oh my gosh! Vashs’ RR is stunning!
8 December 2005 at 22:25
Carol says:
Ooops! Mis-read that - that is actually your cat RR! Congratulations - so pretty!
8 December 2005 at 22:26
BeckySC says:
Hi Renee
I love your choice for the RR! It looks really nice and I am happy that it made it back home to you without TOO much trouble along the way!
Happy to hear you are joining in the CL SAL
I look forward to seeing your progess 
9 December 2005 at 06:47