The Journey to Completing Needlepoint Projects: A Personal Journey
Have you ever made a New Year's resolution or a personal commitment to improve a certain aspect of your life, only to find that you struggle to maintain it? I can relate to this struggle with a particular goal I set for myself: to stop using profanity and use intelligent words exclusively. Despite getting very close to achieving this goal, I always seem to fall short. This lack of follow-through is not an excuse, but it's a lesson I've learned in my own limited success.
Completing My Needlepoint Pillow: A 16-Year Journey
Luckily, I have other passions that give me a sense of accomplishment. One of these passions is needlepoint, and I recently completed a needlepoint pillow that had taken me a long time to finish. I started this project in April of the previous year and, remarkably, it took me 16 years to complete it. Initially, I made a mistake that required me to rip out about one-third of the work, which meant I would run out of yarn since I had only enough for the specific project. I shelved the project, forgetting all about it, until 16 years later, when I decided to take on the challenge again.
What made this project different from others I had abandoned was that I was able to find yarn that matched the original and completed it stunningly well. It's a testament to the perseverance and determination that come with completing a long-term project. While some projects don't always get finished, I can proudly say that I completed this needlepoint pillow on my own, proving that persistence prevails.
Other Needlepoint Projects and Cross Stitch Crewel
Despite this challenging project, I have more than a few completed needlepoint and cross stitch crewel pieces in my home. These pieces give me a sense of accomplishment and pride. However, there are also a few projects that I needed a little help to finish.
One of these projects was needlepointing six chair covers. It seemed like a daunting task, and I initially questioned whether I had the dedication to complete them. Just as I started, my needlepoint pillow project diverted my attention. Then, I decided to tackle a stool cover first, which was easier and more manageable. However, my parents' visit created a complication when my mother offered to finish the project where I had left off. Unfortunately, the tension and style differences were noticeable, so my mother had to rip out her work, and I resumed the project.
Another significant needlepoint project I started was the six chair covers. Each chair cover took about 250–300 hours to complete, which was a massive commitment. Just as I was working on the fourth chair cover, my parents visited again, and my mother offered to help finish the third one. Although this project posed a significant challenge, I managed to complete it with her help, making sure to blend our work seamlessly.
Conclusion
While it can be frustrating to start projects and not always be able to see them through to completion, the process of working on these needlepoint and cross stitch projects has taught me valuable lessons about perseverance and the importance of seeking help when needed. What's your greatest accomplishment in home decor or any other pursuit? I'd love to hear about your journey!