Cross-stitching notes to self:
•Use masking tape over the piece edges to prevent fraying. Otherwise you will constantly catch your thread on the edges and drive yourself mad.
•Cut off loose ends as soon as the thread is secured. Again, to prevent insanity.
•If you are not stitching over the centre square, mark it with white floss. Coloured floss will stain.
•Don't use a thread longer than a metre. It will get frayed and shredded as you stitch.
•Don't try to use regular embroidery floss with 22-count evenweave. It will bunch up the surrounding stitches.
•When using 18-count evenweave, don't assume there are actually 18 pixels per inch. Actual pattern turns out much larger, for some dumb reason.
•Don't start a cross-stitching project unless you have infinite time. Three-year-olds are not much interested in sitting patiently and watching you stitch.