hi smurdock - This is a beautiful heirloom project and I think it would be best to start in the center with the lettering and work your way out. It is definitely gorgeous and would be terrible if you got it almost finished and realized it wasn't centered right and would cause problems when framing. This is experience talking - it happened to me a long time ago. I am sure the other stitchers will chime in with advice too so pick what works for you and will cause you the least amount of stress and anxiety and go with it. cheryl

I always start in the center. If you have already found the center in your fabric and the center in your pattern, just start at the center. Just recheck. You are ready and you will not mess this up! I would do the words first and then do the outer ring. I always am checking myself on the count and the pattern. I am OCD about it but it keeps me on target. Again, you won't mess this up. Have a fun time creating a family heirloom. Pam

Like the other two experienced stitchers have stated, start in the center to make sure this pattern stays centered.
I’d also double-check your counting to start your very FIRST stitch, the old “count twice, stitch once’ when beginning a new pattern.