Rowandean....continued

I promised I would share the finished piece from the kit I was lucky enough to use from Rowandean.  Here's the piece, waiting to be framed:

As this is the first embroidery piece I've even completed, I'm really happy with the results.  The kit was very easy to work with, and it encouraged creative freedom, so I didn't feel I had to stick to strict instructions.  I can give a few tips based on my experience however, for beginners:

1. The kit recommends using a hoop.  I would definitely agree that this would be easier, but would also keep your material taunt.  I found some of my stitches I pulled a little to tight, and therefore pulled my material

2. I was going to say the french knots made using the thicker ribbon, shouldn't be wrapped round the needle 3 times, as they seemed a little to large.  However, when the piece was finished, I actually quite liked them, but I would recommend smaller french knots added

3. I didn't put a stitch to lock the green fabric in place, and didn't notice until I had finished, that it had moved!  Do as the instructions tell you, and add those tacks to keep the material in place.

4. Have fun.  This is a lovely piece to get started on, and you have plenty of thread, so no need to worry about making mistakes

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