I have had a couple of projects that when I started to stitch the background it was either too light, too dark or I just didn't like the color. I just changed it to something I liked. That is what is so nice about cross stitching you can adjust a pattern to what you want or like.

I hate these companies that chart a background when a vintage over dye from Lakeside or PTP would be so beautiful. I don't believe in cross stitch as needlepoint. Personal preference, I know!

Several times I have changed the fabric rather than use a light color and completely stitch the background. It saves a lot of work and actually looks better.

Texas Stitcher, that shopkeeper was wrong. I may have mentioned in my chat on needlework judges: If they feel the pattern is bad, they assume you lack judgment.

Happened to me twice & they were completely right once. Entered "Two Thai Dancers" from Pinn Stitches. Beautiful, but the faces aren't shaded properly. Go from Ultra Lt Flesh to Med Flesh, which makes an obvious line. Hadn't seen that. Said "Ouch!" When I got the comment sheet.