I finished it with a lining, instead of with a hem. Two setbacks and an error (which is not awful but still....).
Setbacks: I didn't have enough light colored floss to go all the way with th pattern, and when I went to JoAnn's to get more, DMC had produced a VERY different color with the same "number" (not dye-lot). 927 had become a lot more like a teal than a gray blue...and you can see the difference on the center medallion scroll work. I didn't have the heart to rip it out or start over so I "balanced" it with diagonal matches. I later found that 926 and 928 now have the same teal-ish flavor, so all of my existing floss will have to be used in smaller projects. Irritating...but more obvious in this photo than in real life.
Second setback: I broke my wrist and had three surgeries to repair it, including one that put a bar from my knuckles to my mid-forearm...so my arm was pretty immobile. It's still not great but to my great satisfaction, one of my rehab exercises was ... stitching. Turns out it is great for rotational flexibility. Writing is still painful, so I need to do more of that, as I find handwriting a great pleasure. It was nice to have an obsession made a prescription.
I think this is my last 32-count linen project. Too many stitches had to be done under magnification. I'm working on a 26 count project now, and it is a lot easier...but the fabric is a little transparent.
I love the slight variation in color - it gives the piece the look of old needlework that’s got a beautiful patina! I sure hope you’re feeling better. I like your prescription, and you made lemonade out of a very lemony situation.