Monday, April 17, 2006

Dilemma

Have you ever started a piece, made significant progress on it, and then wished that you had done it another way?

Right now, I'm feeling that way about my DT Game Board Sampler. As my regular blog readers know, I started this piece in January (January 1 to be exact!). I am working it on the linen called for on the pattern - 25 count natural Dublin linen. The finished design size will be 192 stitches wide X 192 stitches long. If you are familiar with this piece, then you know that it finishes into the size of an actual game board.

I'm wishing that I had worked this on a smaller count fabric - perhaps 32 count or 36 count. It's unlikely that I would ever use it as a game board and I think it would be really fun to work up a smaller version of this - sort of a "mini game board".

Has this ever happened to you? Would it be silly if I started over? I could always pass the started piece on to another stitcher who would like to have the full size gameboard. Your thoughts?

11 comments:

Juanita said...

Yes, this has happened to me. In the old days, I would keep going with whatever I started and it would often end up as a UFO. Now, if I don't like what I'm doing, I start over. I figure it's better to love whatever I'm stitching and enjoy working on it.

Kiwi Jo said...

I restarted Ruby Red on different fabric after I had already made a lot of progress. I'm glad I did because I wouldn't have been happy with it otherwise.

mainely stitching said...

I've had this problem, too. Actually, I still have it because I haven't made a decision. I started a garden sampler for my mom ages ago - I've learned a lot about stitching since then, and I'm no longer satisfied with the early part of the design. I've been waffling over whether I should ditch it and start it over.

Unknown said...

I've so been enjoying your progress on the game board (I just bought that one myself recently). I hope you'll finish it one wway on another. It's such a nice design :)

Wendy said...

Oh yes, this has happened to me, too many times. And I've never been happy unless I restarted it. I'm terrible at second-guessing my own decisions.

But then it depends on how much progress you have made so far? I would hate to stop work on something that had a lot of stitching already completed.

And its such a pretty piece!

Anonymous said...

Yes, this has happened to me. In the long run you are better off starting over again on the count of linen that appeals the most to you.

There is no point in putting more stitching time into a piece that you have doubts about.

Cindy said...

If you are doubting the way that you are stitching, you should definately do it the way that you would be happy with!!

Von said...

Cathy, just do whatever makes you happy with the project - never mind if you have an unfinished piece! Consider it a learning exercise. :D

Lelia said...

I didn't read this until today & looks like you decided to re-stitch with another linen.

It is such a neat design. I have 32 count linen & am pondering the 'upside-down' motifs' I'm thinking to make all the motifs one way & put it on the wall ...

Aren't the houses kewl? After receiving the pattern -- I'm really enjoying all the variety in each house : )

Bine said...

Hi Cathy,
I answered to your comment with the answer button in my emailprogram. Unfortunately my email returned....maybe you haven't stored your mailaddress in your blogger settings....
Of course I don't think you are verrueckt ;-) This happened to me as well in the past. I use Permin Country Linen 32count and the color is called shell. It is my favorite linen though I usually prefer linen with a higher count. The first time I bought this one in my LNS I bought a piece of precut...but I loved it so much that they ordered a roll of yard ware. and now they have a lot of customers for this one. I'm sure that I still have your address in my address book and will send you a piece of it and give it a try. Maybe you love it as much as I do. If not it doesn't matter :-)))

Chelle said...

It looks like you're planning to start over. You got lots of good advice here - I've nothing to add except enjoy the new linen. :o)