I've worked with most kinds of fibers since I was around ten when my mother taught me to do crossstitch. I have an enormous storage bin full of all kinds of cords, threads, floss, fabrics, hoops and more all for embroidery. Oh, almost forgot the several book shelves addressing sewing, serging, tailoring, designs and more. All that was last used over 15 years ago, but didn't stop me from some swagering up to that big bin thinking, "I'm baaack!"

Not even close to being back. First fail was choosing watercolor paper to embroider on. I envisioned sweeping and colorful designs using all the stitches like they were old friends. I quickly learned that I needed auger to poke holes into the heavy paper. Not so easy to plan and make those holes, but I keep a thick pad just for such an occasion which didn't make the planning easier. A tree? Sure! How hard could that be? I envisiond all the branches with metallic glimmers and more colors to make a happy tree.  

Here's the good part. I got some crossstitches into the project, and best of all, I got my French Knot back after I realized I forgot the stitch! Yup, this was a real learning path for me. Nothing looked quite right, but I was certain my second try, on regular multi-media paper, would be a breeze.

Well, it was not exactly a breeze, but I got to do more French Knots, and I learned a new stitch using two colors, back stitch, leave a space, and then come back with a new color to weave through the first set of stitches. 

Would I try this again? Absolutely! I will go into it with deep humility and better plan French Knot in hand to not add pink flowers on a design with lots of red splatters.

Elisabeth did a great job preparing us with information on matters such as tangles in thread and the like. I had forgotten about tangles. (BTW, I think I used to run my fibers through some tailor's wax to lessen the tangling.)  Thanks for always sharing a supportive and challenging class, Elisabeth. I learned despite my own challenges!

Judy