I would totally recommend that you backstitch as you go on your next project. (So, as you finish a section, like the face, you backstitch the face, doing one length thread/one continuous section (so when you have to end a thread you switch) and then 3-6 lengths thread cross stitch.) Of course, I did that on ES, and there was still a chunk at the end, but so much better than having to do the whole thing.