I’m becoming more regular with posting an update on my cross stitch.  I like it and keeps my engaged with the project.

Here’s what it looked like on my last cross stitch post:

Here’s what it looks like now..

Here’s a close up:

Once all the cross stitch is done, I’ll be doing the embroidery part.  I don’t consider it embroidery but I don’t know what else to call it.  I have to outline the letters and add the details on the flowers, etc.  I did it for the left half but haven’t done anything on the right half.  I may start doing some of it now so that I don’t have to do a lot of it once I’m done with cross stitch.  Once it is completely done, should I wash the project?  I know I’m going to try to get the stain off at the bottom (that you can’t see).  But I was wondering if it’s normally done for cross stitch projects.  I’ve finished 2 cross stitch projects in my life.  My first one, I gave to my Aunt.  She had it framed and when I bought my first house, she gave it back to me to put in the house.  I don’t know if she washed it before she had it framed but I don’t think so.  The second one, I have in the main restroom and I had it framed.  I know for a fact I didn’t wash it and I wish every day that I did something to it.  I’ll have to post a picture one day and discuss it.  Anyway, does one wash a cross stitch project (assuming nothing is wrong with it and it’s not dirty)?  I would guess no since you wouldn’t want any of the colors to bleed and cause a mess.  Why fix something that’s not broken.  But just checking with you.

~Melanie

My Goal for 2016 for cross stitching is to get the “welcome” project done and get started on the farm scene….