Cross Stitch Pendant

I just finished this cross-stitch pendant, which I did in a little green gradient arrow pattern.

This has been in my queue for a while. I use the word "queue" lightly, because although there are a lot of projects I have to do, I don't finish them in any kind of orderly fashion.

Back when we did our 3-week trip on the East Coast, I picked up a few laser cut bamboo pendants. They each have a grid of small holes, which are meant for embroidery. One of them was actually part of a cross-stitch kit.

Naturally, I completely did not follow the included pattern at all, and did my own thing. 

I don't think I would recommend the kits, though, even if you did like the included pattern. The eye of the needle completely broke a third of the way in, and I was lucky it only snagged a bit on the floss, instead of chopping it in such a way I'd have to restart. I also don't really like the ball chain, but that's more of a personal preference.

Additionally, I think the embroidery floss is cut too short, so you end up having to do a lot more securing of thread ends. Even with a proper length, the back of this pendant started looking pretty messy:

The idea is super cute, though, and I wish I had thought of it when I had easy access to a laser cutter and materials. I guess if I really wanted, I could come up with a design and have it cut for me.

Embroidery is fun, but this little thing really made my hands cramp up! Between a computer desk job, blogging, and all my hobbies involving handiwork, I'm well on my way to some full-blown RSI. Modern times, I guess.