I really enjoyed doing this project, I have done several cross-stitch pieces in the past, but always followed the kit and did not try and create my own design. I also didn’t really pay attention to make sure my back looked just as nice as the front or tried to make sure my stitches on the back all went the same way.
For this project I decided to challenge myself and keep the back looking clean and also make some changes or add to the design. I think my back could have looked a little better if my thread was longer in length. I had bought this thread second hand several years ago and it was all cut in 12 inch lengths which does help the thread not to tangle, but it does leave a lot of ends on the back.
I changed the back stitch in the center of the design just a little bit so it sets off the center boxes more. Then I recreated the border by first penciling two different designs on my pattern and deciding which one to go with. This made the design bigger by adding another 3/4 inch on either side of the center border and added in the same back stitch to create a diamond look and I’m very happy with what I created and how it flows together and looks like one complete piece.