I started this design around April 10 of this year. Why it took me so long to talk you about it? Well, there are some reasons... Take a seat, please 😊
Let´s start from the beginning. I bought this design many years ago, almost when it was just published, around 2008. In that time the LNS didn´t have the Valdani Threads that the chart requires, they had to be ordered. I didn´t want to order them, with the hope I will find them later , maybe in another store.
As it usually happens, I forgot about this chart until, around the end of 2015, when I found the threads, kit set for this chart, in a LNS where I used to meet with other stitchers in the area where I live. I was very happy to found them, but they where kinda expensive, but with a Gift card I bought them.
Shortly after that, I went on a stitching hiatus for almost 4 years, and again, I forgot about this project, until March of this year, when all the Covic-19 pandemic started and I have to stay at home in isolation.
Quakers & Quilts is the original name of this project by Rosewood Manor. The booklet has 2 versions of the design ; one that can be stitched in full colors, or just the Quaker in 1 color. I always liked the Quaker area more, BUT rather than to stitch it in 1 color, as is suggested, I want it to be stitched in multi-colors using the Valdani threads that I bought.
The designer suggests using 28 Ct linen in color Mello, that is a motted yellow fabric. In my stash I had a Legacy Linen 30ct in Cameo Shell that is a soft yellow color. I placed the threads and fabric together and they looked great to me!!
I started stitching the top alphabet, but something didn´t look good to me... The crosses didn´t lay nicely on the fabric, they were to bulky. Also the stitched piece will be very big, even though I was using a bigger count than the recommended by the pattern. I stopped stitching, left it alone for few days , to see if my feelings changed.. but after 10 days, I still didn´t like it!! 😫
A few weeks later, I decided to restart it, stitching it 1x1 rather than 2x2, to make it much smaller. Well, well, the problems continues.... The Valdani threads are 3 strands floss, the strands are very fine and shred a lot, that makes the threads break very often! I know many of you will say "Used it in short lenghts"... I only used 18 inches length threads to stitch!😡
Anyway, after weeks of frustration, I was able to see some progress. The pattern comes in 5 pages, my goal is to stitch 1 page every time this project comes up in my rotation. I finished the first page and was happy how it was looking...
Until today, when I was looking for a good picture of this design and found out, in the designer´s page, that the chart has a mistake!! What???
Yup, I will have to frog the band that is between the numbers and the Quaker motives because they should be done in a different color than the one showing in the pattern...🤬
Well, here I am , thinking if I will do that or not? Should I leave it as it is now ? or should I change the color that makes the design to look much better?😐
Decisions, decisions... Tell me ¿What would you do?
Happy stitching week, friends !
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Hi Mayte, I know what you mean about Valdani threads. I have worked with them and completed one sampler but they are a bit difficult at times! I think your project looks great as is. I would not take anything out, but that is me. Personally I don't like to undo stitching unless it is something very necessary. There is just too much I want to stitch and I don't want to spend time redoing things. On the other hand, if it bothers you then of course do fix it. Take care and see you soon on Zoom, Sue T.
ResponderEliminarHola Mayte
ResponderEliminarNunca he bordado un quaker, me gustan los tonos de los hilos, nunca los he visto aca en Mexico, en lo personal no me gusta deshacer pero si no me gusta yo empiezo todo de nuevo, tus rosas estan hermosas! ya no tienes gatos? saludos desde el norte de Mexico.