Cross Stitch

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Hunkering down from the wintry weather, I've picked up a piece of embroidery that I must have begun over twenty years ago, possibly just after the youngest was born. I have a vague recollection of working on it again upon the birth of a niece or nephew but essentially it has lain untouched in a drawer for two decades. Memory plays tricks, so when I saw it there I was convinced that it was almost complete, only to unfold it and discover quite the contrary.

On the basis that I'm always up for a challenge in retirement and there's nothing to entice me to venture out this weekend, I decided to concentrate on endeavouring, at long last, to finish it.

Clearly you don't call it cross-stitch for nothing. In fact I'd go so far as to say you don't call it cross stitch because of its shape and intersecting lines. Rather the name must surely derive from the vexing nature of pushing needle through cotton and back at the exact points required by the pattern and all the while whilst seeking to avoid stabbing yourself.

Several hours later, I am sure that my technique is improving but I am certain that a trained eye will clearly spot the difference in quality produced by the younger self when compared with the bespectacled specimen that I now must become in order to see what I am trying to do. As for threading the needle without one of those simple but clever little gadgets, I've given up!

 

Comments

Marksgran said…
You gave me a laugh with this! I used to do cross stitch and if I were to look hard enough I'd probably find one or two unfinished ones lurking. Like you I used to get so cross after stabbing myself on numerous occasions! TBH I'm not even totally sure I like the look of cross stitch when its finished anyway!! Have fun!! :)
4 December 2023 at 18:58
Caree Risover said…
With all the blood splattering from the stabbings, I reckon that finished look you refer to will at least have a certain ‘Je ne sais quoi’!
5 December 2023 at 07:37
Treaders said…
My friend and I bought a couple of embroidery packages a few years ago at a craft fair. It was WAAAAYYYY too small work for me so I threw the one I was working on and gave the unopened package to my DIL to see if she could sell it. €100 down the drain!
5 December 2023 at 10:11
Caree Risover said…
Oh boy! I had no idea they are that expensive. Thank goodness I’m unlikely to get the buzz and buy another one especially as I have noted a couple of tapestry kits in my craft drawer too - but at least they use blunt needles and are worked on aida canvas.
5 December 2023 at 11:15
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