by 32 people |
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 Master Plan - Counted Cross Stitch Chart
Based on artwork by Linda Ravenscroft and charted with artist's permission by M. Sayetta. Design is not computer generated and the emerging detail is incredible. DMC color key is included.
Amazon Price: (as of 11/16/2009) 
Starting your kit
Or easy storage and use
-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
Take a break...
Pick up a Needle
Magic Moonlight - Counted Cross Stitch Chart
Magic Moonlight adapted from the artwork of Selina Fenech with the artist's permission by M. Sayetta. NOT Computer generated.
Amazon Price: (as of 11/16/2009)
Subversive Cross Stitch
Reviewer: Brother Russell (Dallas, TX United States) -
My wife and I stumbled across this neat little book while browsing at a Whole Earth Provisions store, of all places. Not only is it a funny and edgy concept, but what's neat is that the instructions are clear and simple and the patterns are for real.
So you can replicate the crazy designs the author has done, or add your own touches as well. Julie Jackson's writing is fresh and funny and the graphic design of the book itself is very cool.. clean, elegant, and engaging. This would make a really good gift for the slightly crafty and slightly off-center person in your life.. or for yourself, if you are that person (you know who you are). I can't wait to see more patterns and ideas in future books.
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 11/16/2009)
Better Homes and Gardens 2001 Cross Stitch Designs: The Essential Reference Book (Better Homes & Gardens Crafts)
Book Description
This golden encyclopedia of needlework complements the library of every cross-stitcher.
2001 designs for every occasion and category of stitching-holidays, alphabets, florals, nature, sports, children, babies, Christmas, animals, and numerous others.
Each motif collection accompanied by a clear and accurate color chart and color key.
Tips for end uses for the designs.
Includes 50 specialty stitch diagrams with instructions.
Cross-stitch tips and specialty stitches to accompany the designs.
Amazon Price: $17.05 (as of 11/16/2009)
Cross Stitch Fairies
Excellent designs, January 31, 2006
Reviewer: Rosana Nassar Orue "I love magic and fantasy" (Coronado, San José Costa Rica)
This book is full with great ideas for us stitchers and also gives very detailed instructions, so it doesn't matter if you're a beginner or an expert in this craft.
Amazon Price: (as of 11/16/2009)
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
Links
- Find Stitch
- Resource for links and cross stitch books, magazines and software.
- Cross-stitching.com
- Free resources include stitching techniques, chat rooms, accessory sources, and some project charts.
- Cross Stitch at About.com
- Offers features, patterns and links for cross stitching.
- CameoRoze's Stitcher's Studio
- Features a wealth of cross stitch information including tips, articles, book reviews, state-by-state guide to American shops, designer biographies, and stitchery news.
- My Cross Stitch How To
- Cross stitch basics in text and pictures, with hints and tips, and links.
- Cross Stitch Heaven
- Links, an events calendar, a club for exchanges, and projects.
- Cross Stitch For All
- Resources for people who enjoy Cross stitch needlework, including lists of shops across Canada, books, links to sites offering patterns, and projects by the site owner.
- Purple Cross Stitch
- Message board, chat rooms, hints and tips, links, and postcards.
- Sue's Cross Stitch Freebie Finder
- Extensive list of free cross stitch resources online.
- Teaching Kids to Cross Stitch
- hints and tips
- Bonnies Cross Stitch Zone
- Kamloops BC Canada
Adults and children - Ericas
- South Bend Indiana
Adults and kids - Craft Designs for you
- Clear instructions, easy patterns, tips for teaching kids
Cross Stitching with Kids
For small children
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)
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Picture Your Pet in Cross Stitch: Over 400 Animal Portraits and Motifs
Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 11/16/2009)
One Of The Best Ways To Get New Ideas
And new patterns
Cross Stitcher
I thought this was going to be another magazine with ugly
pictures and hard to read charts. I was wrong. Very pretty, easy to do, and different designs for different tastes. I would tell any cross stitcher to try this one.
Amazon Price: $21.97 (as of 11/16/2009)
CROSS STITCH DESIGNER - JANE GREENOFF
Amazon Price: (as of 11/16/2009)
PC Stitch 6.0
Amazon Price: (as of 11/16/2009)
PC Stitch Pro Cross Stitch Software-Version 7.0
Amazon Price: $64.33 (as of 11/16/2009)
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