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Cross Stitching a Relaxing and Challenging Hobby

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Artful expression

I am Jeff's wife and this is my first lens. Cross Stitching is a passion of mine. It is a medium of artful expression that grows with experience, from the most basic of stitching of a printed pattern to creating your own design. There are so many variations and skill levels that make it a relaxing and challenging hobby.

The Chicks with Sticks Guide to Crochet: Learn to Crochet with more than 30 Cool, Easy Patterns [Paperback]

Stitch N Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker

Lacy, sexy summer tops. Chic, cozy sweaters. Chunky, funky hats and colorfully crafty afghans-it all starts with the single, simple act of wrapping a hook around a strand of yarn. Then come the stitches, the flourishes, the unlimited creativity. Stylish, cheeky in tone, chock-full of information and inspiration, this is the indispensable guide. Learn the skills. Speak the lingo. Make the stuff. And give old granny square a chance.

Stitch 'N Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker [Paperback]

Starting your kit

Or easy storage and use

I tried so many different ways of organizing my kit, here are some things I found helpful.
-get little platic or cardboard thread holders available in craft shops or Wal-mart etc. wrap the threads and then write the color number in the top corner of the card
-I use a tackle box that has dividers to keep my threads in order, I put all the extra stuff in the bottom of the box so I can always find it
-use a file box with a lid to keep patterns, books, frames, fabrics etc. - you can also use file folders to organize your patterns by subject, completed, notes
-get a book of different alphabet styles then you can put personal messages on your projects
-start a small project whenever you start a large one, the larger a project the longer it takes, if you start two projects then you can alternate whenever you need a change, also it feels so good to finish that finishing the small project will actually make you want to work on the larger project

Susan Bates Silvalume Crochet Hook Set in Pouch

Helpful Hints

*Always stitch in the same direction - eg. start from the bottom left hand corner to the top right hand corner for each bottom stitch and then from the bottom right hand corner to the top left hand corner for each top stitch *For counted cross stitch do all the bottom stitches for a row in one direction and then come back and do the top stitches - it is much easier to fix mistakes this way

*Leave space from the edges of the fabric so that you can mount and frame it - 1-2 inches is usually enough *Cross stitch frames are usually 2 circles with one smaller and a larger that fits over with a tightener - lay your fabric over the smaller circle, place the larger circle over, tighten halfway then stretch the fabric all the way around, tighten more, stretch again, until your fabric is flat and tight on the frame, after handling for a while the fabric will need to be tightened again

*To make it easier, when you start a project get a plastic container with a lid and put all the different threads you need, a small pair of scissors, a small pencil (for marking your pattern if needed)and extra needles - keep the container with your project and the pattern

Teach Yourself VISUALLY Crochet

Teach Yourself VISUALLY Crochet (Teach Yourself VISUALLY Consumer) [Paperback]

Cross Stitching

Colorbok Horse Learn To Stitch Needlepoint Kit

Colorbok Horse Learn To Stitch Needlepoint Kit, 6-Inch by 6-Inch, Blue Frame

Cross Stitching with Kids

For small children

My youngest child always wanted to cross stitch when I did, although I was happy to share my love of cross stitching with her the realities of it were another story. At three years old she was too young to use a small sharp needle or scissors or follow a pattern. So after a few (many!!) failed attempts we managed to find what worked best and kept the interruptions to my work to a minimum. As she has aged her abilities have grown and she has her own kit that she can work on with very little help. Below you will find a list of a couple of simple kits for kids that can grow with them as they age.

Simple kits for school age kids

age 4 - 9 years

For children 4 - 9 years
-1 box for current or finished projects
-a small tool box or craft compartmented box
-1 pair of scissors (just sharp enough to cut threads)
-3 or 4 blunt end medium darning needles
-several colors of small beads
-1 or 2 beading needles (depending on the size of beads)
-several colors of embroidery thread on spools or cards (generally these can be ends or cut pieces from your own kit)
-a small frame
-several pieces of either plastic cross stitch sheets and/or 6, 8 or 10 count Aida cloth (the lower the number the further apart the holes in the fabric, making it easier to work)
-a very simple pattern or printed pattern (if they seem to be able to follow it)

Cross Stitch: Skills, Techniques, 150 Practical Projects: Everything you need to know to master a decorative craft, with 600 easy-to-follow charts and step-by-step photographs [Paperback]

Cross Stitching a Relaxing and Challenging Hobby

Artful expression

Stitch N Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker

Starting your kit

Or easy storage and use

Susan Bates Silvalume Crochet Hook Set in Pouch

Helpful Hints

Teach Yourself VISUALLY Crochet

Cross Stitching

Colorbok Horse Learn To Stitch Needlepoint Kit

Links

Cross Stitching with Kids

For small children

Simple kits for school age kids

age 4 - 9 years

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by jeffryv

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