Cross Stitching a Relaxing and Challenging Hobby

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 07/12/2009)

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

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 07/12/2009)

Subversive Cross Stitch

by: Julie Jackson

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 07/12/2009)

Better Homes and Gardens 2001 Cross Stitch Designs: The Essential Reference Book (Better Homes & Gardens Crafts)

by: Better Homes & Gardens

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: $19.55 (as of 07/12/2009)

Cross Stitch Fairies

by: Various

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 07/12/2009)

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

Did you know that the callous on your needle finger is a repetitive stress injury? I may have to start wearing a thimble!

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

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)

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Picture Your Pet in Cross Stitch: Over 400 Animal Portraits and Motifs

by: Claire Crompton

Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 07/12/2009)

One Of The Best Ways To Get New Ideas

And new patterns

A cross stitch magazine, with at least 20 designs in each issue. Includes floss conversion charts so that stitchers can use their favorites; includes specially enlarged, easy-to-read-charts.