FINALLY! It's Done!
By CatsandDogs
@CatsandDogs (13963)
United States
July 8, 2010 5:31pm CST
This is the cross stitch I told you about that took me about 8 years off and on to complete and now it's framed and hanging on my wall! It's the first one I made for MYSELF! lol All of the others, I've given away. Even hubby got one! The picture that displayed on the subject area is another that I've done and it was for my niece and her new husband. My mom has a number of them as well, I'm working on one for my dad too and I'm still working on it but it's well over half way done. It should be done in another month or so providing nothing goes wrong that needs my immediate attention, I just might have it done in a month or so, give or take. So what do you think? I'm happy to finally have finished it and finally on my wall!
The first picture isn't going to be too good to see because I wanted to include the wicker butterfly in the picture that I have on the wall, but when the first responder responds, I'll post another (closer) picture for you to see.
11 people like this
25 responses
@lacieice (2060)
• United States
8 Jul 10
Hi cats
I am counted cross stitcher myself. Very nice work on that piece. Was it printed or counted?
I have done tons of counted...I am partial to the Lavendar and Lace Angels, and they adorn my walls as well as my son's, daughter's, and grandchildren's. I even have a bunch I've never gotten framed.
I truely appreciate all the hard work put into your piece.
2 people like this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
9 Jul 10
Thanks! It was counted and a headache. 
That's why it took me about 8 years off and on to do. I like a little bit of everything especially animals and nature however, I've done some marriage ones, family missing family, two songs, the Lord's prayer and who knows what else. lol I can't imagine doing one and not having it framed. Kind of defeats the purpose, doesn't it? I mean, all that hard work you put into it and not get it framed.... I couldn't do that. No pun intended!! Just that I couldn't put all that work into it and not complete it with a frame. Why don't you? That's A LOT of work!
That's why it took me about 8 years off and on to do. I like a little bit of everything especially animals and nature however, I've done some marriage ones, family missing family, two songs, the Lord's prayer and who knows what else. lol I can't imagine doing one and not having it framed. Kind of defeats the purpose, doesn't it? I mean, all that hard work you put into it and not get it framed.... I couldn't do that. No pun intended!! Just that I couldn't put all that work into it and not complete it with a frame. Why don't you? That's A LOT of work!@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
10 Jul 10
I hope I didn't offend you. If I did, I certainly didn't mean to! I have a suggestion though. Have you ever thought about maybe using some material glue or maybe sewing them onto one of your shirts? Talking about the smaller pieces. It would be a pretty addition to your clothing or someone else's.
@lacieice (2060)
• United States
9 Jul 10
Most of the ones that aren't framed were small "busy" work on leftover material, or very large ones that don't fit a standard frame. I have leasrned how to frame them appropriately from a woman who has a counted cross stitch shop here in town.
Maybe someday, when I get some extra money :) I will be able to frame some of the large ones.
1 person likes this
@jerikjames (1041)
• Philippines
8 Jul 10
Very cool! My mom and my sister also do cross stitches and they hang it around the house! I admire those who have the patience, determination, and creativity to finish them. And they're really really nice decorations and they're pretty cool to look at. I bet you're very very proud and happy because you've accomplished a very beautiful piece. =)
2 people like this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
9 Jul 10
You are so kind! Thank you so much for your kind words! I can imagine that your mother and sister are proud to have you for a brother! (assuming you're a guy ) I know I would be! Again, thank you so much for your kind words! I really do appreciate that! 
) I know I would be! Again, thank you so much for your kind words! I really do appreciate that! @jerikjames (1041)
• Philippines
9 Jul 10
No problem! Oh yeah, and I'm a guy, in all sense of the word. Haha. I just can't help but appreciate art and things like that. =)
1 person likes this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
10 Jul 10
That is great. My husband is the same way. I made him one which is the Lord's Prayer and he loves it. He's always showing everybody the backside of the one that I'm working on at the moment because I don't use any knots at all. He's amazed but that and of course more so with the front.
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
9 Jul 10
What intricate detailed work. Beautiful. You are indeed very talented!
1 person likes this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
9 Jul 10
How strange I feel the same way when I am crocheting my afghans.
Here is a sample of one of them.
1 person likes this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
10 Jul 10
That really beautiful! I love the colors you choose! I have a smaller one that hubby's grandmother made for us of red, white and blue because he was in the Army. Now that she's gone, I won't use it because I don't want to ruin it. I have to wash it every now and then so it won't get closet stains.
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
9 Jul 10
Awwww! You're too sweet whiteheather! I don't consider myself to be talented. I think anybody could do it if they have sight. It takes a little bit of patience but there again, not many have that. Heck, I'll be honest, I don't have a lot of patience myself but for some reason, I do with cross stitching. Go figure! 
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
9 Jul 10
Wow, it's really pretty and you did a really good job...So did it take you 8 years because you also was working on others for family and friends?
1 person likes this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
9 Jul 10
DAMN you're good!! Ok, I'll be honest, it was partly to blame but not the whole reason. I'd make mistakes and it would take me forever to get the thread back out so I got frustrated and had to stop for a while and then go back to it but I did make some for other people before finally finishing this one for myself. Thanks for the good laugh!!1 person likes this
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
9 Jul 10
Well, my sister used to do cross stitching and though it'd take her a while to finish, it didn't take 8 years... I could never sit still long enough to do anything like this and though it took you a while, it was well worth it. :)
1 person likes this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
10 Jul 10
It took me about 8 years because I kept putting it down so it would sit at times for months at a time before I'd pick it up again. It's so darned detailed with 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and full stitches that it was easy to mess up. I'd get so frustrated that I needed time away before continuing on with it. And I agree, it was well worth it! 
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163773)
• Garden Grove, California
8 Jul 10
hi catsanddogs that is really beautiful.you are so talented.
I am so glad you did this one for yourself as its lovely
and you deserve one for yourself too.I also love your
wicker butterfly too. I have not been a first responder to
anyone for age. woo hoo.
have not been a first responder to
anyone for age. woo hoo.2 people like this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
9 Jul 10
Thank you Hatley! All I did was follow a pattern so I can't say that I'm talented but if you say so 
.... ok! You're too kind! 
Yup! You're the first responder! lol Here's the close up frame and all.
.... ok! You're too kind! Yup! You're the first responder! lol Here's the close up frame and all.
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
9 Jul 10
It's under the very first responder, Hatley which is on the first page. Try try again!
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
9 Jul 10
Thank you so much!! This one took some patience to get done but I'm so glad I finally finished it. It was an 18 count which means, 18 holes per inch which was really hard on my eyes and I vowed to never do another one again. For now on it's 16 count or larger or I'm not doing it. 
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
10 Jul 10
Hey there Polly! How are you doing?! It's been a while! Anyway, thanks! It was the most tedious piece I've ever done and won't do another like it ever again. It was an 18 count and very hard on my eyes. My first and last! lol I'm so glad it's finally done and now hanging on my wall.
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
15 Jul 10
Thank you! I'm so happy it's finally finished and on my wall.
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
10 Jul 10
It wouldn't have taken me this long had I stuck with it on a steady basis but there again, had I done that, I might have ripped it to shreds! lol I had to take a few breaks and get away from it or I'd have done just that.
I can't imagine stitching a monopoly board! omg....
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
9 Jul 10
I've looked at some clothing and wondered how people are able to do that. The holes are so darned small that my eyes would go criss cross if I tried! Now THAT'S real talent!
1 person likes this
@Phaedra_Scythe (3325)
•
30 Jul 10
I have that same cross stitch kit!
It’s in my “to-do” box, along with a dozen other projects I’ve yet to start. I’ve been working on a Green Man cross stitch for years, but I keep putting it down because I get cross-eyed from about 8 different kinds of green in a small space.
@Phaedra_Scythe (3325)
•
2 Aug 10
Well a big well done to you for your hard work!
Good luck with your Dad too. Best wishes there.
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
31 Jul 10
OMG really? That's so cool! Be prepared for some frustration in doing it because it's really hard but once you do finish, it's such an accomplishment that you'll be really proud of. It took me about 8 years off and on but I did finally get it done as you well know. I'm working on another one now for my dad and I'm about 3/4 of the way done. I just hope he lives long enough for me to finish it and for him to enjoy it.
1 person likes this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
10 Jul 10
Good morning Cat, your picture is just beautiful & your work is to. U should be very proud of it. I'm so glad u keptthis one for yourself, it's lovely. Hope u have a great weekend.
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
10 Jul 10
Hi Jo! Thank you! I am right happy and proud of it and even more so now that it's hanging on my wall finally! lol I'm working on dad's and it's about half way done now and if I'm lucky, I'll have it done in about a month or so. Hope you have a great weekend too.
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
9 Jul 10
Wow, gorgeous, Cats. I'm glad you made that for yourself and I'm happy that you shared it with us. Thank you!
I've never done cross stitch but I've done plenty of embroidery. As a matter of fact, I just recently found an old one I did of mailbox, flowers and a little mouse. The largest I ever did was crewel embroidery, 4 x 6 feet. I had a HUGE wall and didn't know what to put on it, so I made a frame, wrapped burlap around it and did a picture of Winter trees and a sunset. It took me about 2 years to finish and I worked on it almost every day. I wish I still had it but it got destroyed in one of my many moves. 
Anyway, keep up the beautiful work! That really is lovely. Do you have any others that you could photograph for us?
Anyway, keep up the beautiful work! That really is lovely. Do you have any others that you could photograph for us?1 person likes this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
9 Jul 10
Oh I have quite a few but I'll have to go to my mothers to get pictures of them because the pictures I have aren't that good but this one is hubby's. When he saw the pattern, he said he wanted it so I made it for him while he was stationed in Korea for a year. I wanted to send it to him but was afraid it would get broke so I kept it till he got home. Of course he loves it and it's the center piece on the wall above our oak entertainment center. I've made Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art and a few other kinds too for my mom.
How in the world did your art work get ruined? OMG! I'd have a conniption fit of the worst kind! Somebody wasn't too gentle with your boxes now were they? I know I'd have someone's hide! lol Ohhhhh I know I would!! lol
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
10 Jul 10
Hey Marti, did you come back and see this one that I posted for you?
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
10 Jul 10
Wow cats that is amazing! You’re so clever; I wish I had half of that talent! My mother in law was a great cross stitcher like you; we have a beautiful Irish Prayer she made for us when we got married. I used to watch her at work, cross stitching requires so much patience and it may explain why I would never be any good at it! Eight years work, wow you should be proud that is a fantastic piece, so detailed…I love it! Good on you...You have done a remarkable job!
1 person likes this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
10 Jul 10
Awwww thanks Paula! So seeing your mother in law do it, you know the work and detail that goes into it. This piece was so darned hard that I had to take breaks and go back to it when I felt ready again. If I didn't, I'd probably have ripped it to shreds! lol Thanks sweetie!
1 person likes this
@checapricorn (16060)
• United States
9 Jul 10
I know how it feels when you accomplished something like this, I love cross stitching also. It's been a while since I didn't do it but I am planning to start again. Your finish product looks lovely. Congrats!
1 person likes this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
10 Jul 10
We cross stitchers do know, don't we?! lol It's hard and tedious work but well worth it in the end. To see such work that we've done ourselves gives us a sense of accomplishment and pride. I know it does with me anyways.
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
9 Jul 10
That is so beautiful!! What a lot of work that must've been!
I used to embroider when I was a teen and I really enjoyed it. But then I grew up and life got very busy, no time for embroidery or any other fun hobby. I'm tempted to take it up again because now I watch a couple hours of TV in the evenings and could use something to do with my hands.
I hear the patterns are different than they were 40 years ago, more complicated and you need a lot more colors. Is that true? I'm going to learn to knit soon and I would like to take up embroidery again this winter.
1 person likes this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
10 Jul 10
I've never done embroidery, that's fine fine art work! Cross stitching is fine enough for me. lol My eyes would go nuts trying to see something so fine like that. It's intricate work and so beautiful but also for the strong eyes too which I don't have anymore.
@hotsummer (13837)
• Philippines
9 Jul 10
oh does it mean that you started also this interest of cross stitch. that is really wonderful for you to make such lovely cross stitches. you seem to have the patience to do that. but you said 8 years though. ha ha. but at least you finally finish it already. but i know you made other cross stitches and not only what you have shows us in your pictures.
1 person likes this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
10 Jul 10
Yes I started a new interest group. Is there something wrong with that? After all, it is about cross stitching.
It took me 8 years because of the different types of stitching that's involved in it. I had to put it down for a while a few times to take a break before picking it back up and doing it again or I'd have probably ripped it to shreds out of frustration. But now that it's done, I'm glad I stuck to it regardless of how long it took me.
@Opal26 (17679)
• United States
9 Jul 10
Hi Cats! Wow! That is one incredibly beautiful piece of work!
I have never been able to do even a simple piece of cross stitching!
And this is complex beyond! It really is quite amazing and beautiful.
I wish there was a way that we could see more of the detail! Too
bad you can't take a blown up photo! Anyway, you are a wonderful
and talented lady! I am glad that you finally made something that
you can enjoy for yourself instead of constantly giving things
away (which is so you)! I also love the wicker butterfly! I am
a butterfly person and collect all things butterfly! Enjoy your
beautiful piece of art! Hugs, Opal
1 person likes this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
9 Jul 10
Hi Opal! I think when I posted the picture, it turned out to be a little dark so let me try it on here and maybe now that I've lightened it a bit, you can see it better. It's the same one that I posted under the first responder however, lighter. And thank you so much for the compliment! And for the wicker butterfly, I got it from Golden Ridge Pottery in Texas. The one in San Antonio is 8 acres big!! One couldn't go through that place in a day! But I tried! lol I have a three heart piece too which I decorated with birds and birds nests. It's really pretty too. Hugs to you too!!
@llala1610 (36)
• Vietnam
9 Jul 10
I think it very wonderful. So great.
Maybe it's dificult to make it.
1 person likes this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
10 Jul 10
Thank you! Yes it was really difficult to make. I'm so glad it's done and now hanging on my wall! lol
@Kazegatana (152)
• Indonesia
9 Jul 10
Wow.. that is great, it is your own hard work. I really appreciate what have you done. For me its very wonderful, because you have a sentimentil price for your cross stitch. And are you still doing another art work like this now ?
1 person likes this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
9 Jul 10
Thank you very much!! It's the first one I've made for myself and it's a keeper, I think. lol Yes, I am working on another one which is for my dad because he had a white horse when he was a young boy. In fact, he caught it himself and broke it too. He and that horse were very close. Dad knows I'm making it for him and is so proud over it which makes me feel so good. I'm posting a picture of it for you to see so come back and take a look.
