A Poppy for Mommy

My very first piece. Pattern from one of the mags. Many around me doubted my patience to complete this but tadaa! Completed after 40hours! Not bad at all I guess. The estimated time for this piece is 40hours. ;) Did a few mistakes in counting the stitch but I adjusted a few boxes to fix it.

Lesson learned :
1. Backstitch is easy when not done on stitches. When done on stitches, extra care is required to ensure existing stitches are not affected.
2. Do not be stingy on the aida cloth! Make sure the edges are secured nicely on the hoop.
3. Count the stitch. Count the stitch. Count the stitch.

p/s: Poppy flower is one of my fav. To stitch! :)

Finished with a piece of pink blue-dotted paper.