Cross Stitch|
Nov
05
Filed Under (Art And Entertainment) by Kert
John Wigham asked:
There are a numerous reasons for taking up the beguiling, blue-collar craft of cross stitch, ten of which are shown below. So continue reading then pay a visit to your local craft shop and start your cross stitching career today.
1. Why “blue-collar” you might ask? Well! When compared to most other pastimes, cross stitch is truly inexpensive; there’s no fancy or expensive machinery. When you have bought a kit or the thread and fabric for your own design that’s about it for outlay (well, until you buy the next one anyway). Simple kits start from a couple of dollars and you’re guaranteed something at the end of it to show for your efforts.
2. Whatever you produce, be it a tiny picture of a mere few inches in diameter, or a sampler that stretches the length of your wall, you will always have it to keep. You can even hand it down to your children, thereby creating an heirloom.
3. Even beginners can make cross stitch works that look both beautiful and professional. Starter kits don’t need any previous experience and as you develop your skills you can progress to evermore complex patterns. You will never have to scour the shops for that special gift again.
4. Everything you make will be unique and very personal; the perfect gift for every occasion.
5. Cross stitch is great for stress relief and relaxation. Just sit down with your favorite radio program or CD on and stitch away to your heart’s content.
6. Cross stitch is a truly “portable” hobby. You can stitch while sitting in your armchair watching the TV or alternatively you can take it with you on holiday or on long train journeys. Boredom will surely be a thing of the past.
7. The huge number of cross stitch designs available today means that there will always be something you like, regardless of your ability. Simple designs for beginners incorporate a small number of color threads and very basic stitches so that you don’t need to go and read a manual before you make a start. However, as you progress and learn a few more stitches and techniques you can attempt more complex patterns until you really are the professional cross stitcher.
8. There are literally hundreds of websites that offer free patterns to cross stitch. You will have to buy your own threads and fabric but that is half of the challenge! There is absolutely no way on this earth that you will ever run out of things to cross stitch; it really is a hobby for life.
9. As you become more confident and proficient, you can sell some of your creations so making a bit of pocket money while doing something that you love to do. You can even advertise your talents and design patterns for individual customers. Given a few years you could have a nice little business venture as well as a great hobby.
10. Outdoor hobbies such as hill walking and bird watching aren’t much fun in the rain or in the middle of winter, but cross stitch can be done at any time of the year regardless of the weather. In fact it’s a great feeling to sit in a nice warm, cozy house on a dull winter evening and happily stitch the hours away.
Overall, cross stitch really is a universal hobby anyone can master and if your curiosity does get the better of you, you will undoubtedly become hooked in no time. Historically, cross stitching has a rather vague stigma attached to it as being thought of by many as just a “pensioner” activity. But this couldn’t be further from the truth, people of all ages cross stitch, even teenagers and children… and yes men too! … and hey! If you don’t believe me, have a go yourself, you’ll soon find out why cross stitch really is universally popular.
LONNIE
There are a numerous reasons for taking up the beguiling, blue-collar craft of cross stitch, ten of which are shown below. So continue reading then pay a visit to your local craft shop and start your cross stitching career today.
___________________________________________________________________
1. Why “blue-collar” you might ask? Well! When compared to most other pastimes, cross stitch is truly inexpensive; there’s no fancy or expensive machinery. When you have bought a kit or the thread and fabric for your own design that’s about it for outlay (well, until you buy the next one anyway). Simple kits start from a couple of dollars and you’re guaranteed something at the end of it to show for your efforts.
2. Whatever you produce, be it a tiny picture of a mere few inches in diameter, or a sampler that stretches the length of your wall, you will always have it to keep. You can even hand it down to your children, thereby creating an heirloom.
3. Even beginners can make cross stitch works that look both beautiful and professional. Starter kits don’t need any previous experience and as you develop your skills you can progress to evermore complex patterns. You will never have to scour the shops for that special gift again.
4. Everything you make will be unique and very personal; the perfect gift for every occasion.
5. Cross stitch is great for stress relief and relaxation. Just sit down with your favorite radio program or CD on and stitch away to your heart’s content.
6. Cross stitch is a truly “portable” hobby. You can stitch while sitting in your armchair watching the TV or alternatively you can take it with you on holiday or on long train journeys. Boredom will surely be a thing of the past.
7. The huge number of cross stitch designs available today means that there will always be something you like, regardless of your ability. Simple designs for beginners incorporate a small number of color threads and very basic stitches so that you don’t need to go and read a manual before you make a start. However, as you progress and learn a few more stitches and techniques you can attempt more complex patterns until you really are the professional cross stitcher.
8. There are literally hundreds of websites that offer free patterns to cross stitch. You will have to buy your own threads and fabric but that is half of the challenge! There is absolutely no way on this earth that you will ever run out of things to cross stitch; it really is a hobby for life.
9. As you become more confident and proficient, you can sell some of your creations so making a bit of pocket money while doing something that you love to do. You can even advertise your talents and design patterns for individual customers. Given a few years you could have a nice little business venture as well as a great hobby.
10. Outdoor hobbies such as hill walking and bird watching aren’t much fun in the rain or in the middle of winter, but cross stitch can be done at any time of the year regardless of the weather. In fact it’s a great feeling to sit in a nice warm, cozy house on a dull winter evening and happily stitch the hours away.
Overall, cross stitch really is a universal hobby anyone can master and if your curiosity does get the better of you, you will undoubtedly become hooked in no time. Historically, cross stitching has a rather vague stigma attached to it as being thought of by many as just a “pensioner” activity. But this couldn’t be further from the truth, people of all ages cross stitch, even teenagers and children… and yes men too! … and hey! If you don’t believe me, have a go yourself, you’ll soon find out why cross stitch really is universally popular.
LONNIE
Comments Off
Oct
18
Filed Under (Hobbies & Crafts) by Kert
Karencita asked:
I am looking to buy a plain Christmas stocking that you can cross stitch on the white top part of the stocking. I don’t want a huge kit that will take days, I just want to do cross stitch designs on the top part. Does anybody know of a place where you can purchase these online?
HUNTER
___________________________________________________________________
I am looking to buy a plain Christmas stocking that you can cross stitch on the white top part of the stocking. I don’t want a huge kit that will take days, I just want to do cross stitch designs on the top part. Does anybody know of a place where you can purchase these online?
HUNTER
Comments Off
Sep
27
Filed Under (Complete List) by Kert
Hamidah Gul asked:
Then the question strikes you. Now what do I do with it? Most cross stitchers would just send their work of art to the frame dealer and with a little mental prayer that they don’t ***** it up, the cross stitch would be framed and ready to be hang. I have to admit I’ve been hanging all my completed works. I even have a wall dedicated only for my cross stitches.
Still there are other things you might want to consider doing. Here are 7 of my fun and unique ideas about what you can do after you have completed your project. Do take note that all ideas are dependent on the size of your patterns.
1. Make a quilt.
Make small little patterns and sew them all together on a large piece of blanket, making a beautiful patchwork of cross stitch patterns.
2. Make a table cloth.
Floral or border cross stitch designs are great for table runners. Forget about buying a commercial table cloth. Show off to your guests by making one of your own!
3. Coasters
Another favorite for guests are coasters. Cross stitch at least 6 patterns of the same theme and add lace around them to transform them into little girly coasters or simply use no-fray Aida to have ready made coasters after you are done stitching them.
4. Cushion covers
Although there are plenty of ready made stitch-able cushion covers, you don’t have to use that to make great cross stitch cushions. If you have plain cushion covers in hand, you can simply sew your cross stitch designs on them.
5. Wallpaper border
This is an interesting one. You can cross stitch floral designs or alphabets on long strips of Aida and then glue it around a plain wall to liven up your baby’s room. It’s an alternative to putting up wallpaper and definitely would be something your baby would love to touch when he starts experimenting on textures.
6. Pencil case or purse
This is not a hard project to do. All you need is stitch on a bigger piece of Aida and only half of it so that when you later fold it, the design is nicely centered on one half. Of course this is entirely up to you. You can even arrange it that there are two designs at both sides. Then simple sew up the corners and add a zipper to the top. And you’ve got yourself a nice hand made purse or pencil case!
7. Head band
If you have a small rectangle cross stitch pattern done, consider making it into a head band. You only need to attach a short piece of elastic band to connect your cross stitch ends. And then it’s perfect to hold your hair back!
Get more great ideas with our stitch-able crafts at The Art of Stitch.
ALEXANDER
___________________________________________________________________
Then the question strikes you. Now what do I do with it? Most cross stitchers would just send their work of art to the frame dealer and with a little mental prayer that they don’t ***** it up, the cross stitch would be framed and ready to be hang. I have to admit I’ve been hanging all my completed works. I even have a wall dedicated only for my cross stitches.
Still there are other things you might want to consider doing. Here are 7 of my fun and unique ideas about what you can do after you have completed your project. Do take note that all ideas are dependent on the size of your patterns.
1. Make a quilt.
Make small little patterns and sew them all together on a large piece of blanket, making a beautiful patchwork of cross stitch patterns.
2. Make a table cloth.
Floral or border cross stitch designs are great for table runners. Forget about buying a commercial table cloth. Show off to your guests by making one of your own!
3. Coasters
Another favorite for guests are coasters. Cross stitch at least 6 patterns of the same theme and add lace around them to transform them into little girly coasters or simply use no-fray Aida to have ready made coasters after you are done stitching them.
4. Cushion covers
Although there are plenty of ready made stitch-able cushion covers, you don’t have to use that to make great cross stitch cushions. If you have plain cushion covers in hand, you can simply sew your cross stitch designs on them.
5. Wallpaper border
This is an interesting one. You can cross stitch floral designs or alphabets on long strips of Aida and then glue it around a plain wall to liven up your baby’s room. It’s an alternative to putting up wallpaper and definitely would be something your baby would love to touch when he starts experimenting on textures.
6. Pencil case or purse
This is not a hard project to do. All you need is stitch on a bigger piece of Aida and only half of it so that when you later fold it, the design is nicely centered on one half. Of course this is entirely up to you. You can even arrange it that there are two designs at both sides. Then simple sew up the corners and add a zipper to the top. And you’ve got yourself a nice hand made purse or pencil case!
7. Head band
If you have a small rectangle cross stitch pattern done, consider making it into a head band. You only need to attach a short piece of elastic band to connect your cross stitch ends. And then it’s perfect to hold your hair back!
Get more great ideas with our stitch-able crafts at The Art of Stitch.
ALEXANDER
Comments Off
Sep
21
Filed Under (Art And Entertainment) by Kert
John Wigham asked:
The designs of Africa have a totally unique look about them, and are not typical of other designs. Their patterns are not simply “another piece of material with art designed on it”, but are made and designed with the love of Africa always in mind. The people of Africa trust in their inner knowledge and fundamental beliefs, and their history is never forgotten as is clearly shown by their fabulous designs.
The material and textiles are designed with their attitudes and behaviors toward all, which is believed to be sacred. Added to their work is the recognition of their country and society, not only by themselves, but also of others. Cloths in other African regions represent their aesthetic quality, symbolism of the regions culture, or individual responsibility.
The quality that is expressed within the African look and feel is demonstrated in their culture and their material, created by their own people. And it is onto this cloth that cross-stitch weaves its powerful communication with those who feel this metaphor.
The warm and vivid colors of Africa’s sunrises and sunsets are interwoven with its folklore and customs, and are impossible to separate from one another.
An excellent resource book to use in regard to Africa colors and designs, if you are not using a pre-designed kit, is “The African Cross Stitch Collection” by Trish Burr, which is for embroidery work but the projects in it are bright and vivid, letting you see how the colors work together, with folklore African stories bringing the work to the very heart. The designs vary from easy to more challenging.
An alphabet and motif library is included in the resource book, which costs approximately US$17.95/UK/£10/Canada$2 3.95. The publisher, Powell.com, has some used copies beginning at $9.95 if you are interested in them, or some used copies from Amazon.com, has an average price of $11.95 each.
If you are interested in the African animal cross-stitch designs, Janye Netley Mayhew has designed several cross-stitch hardback books with Africa in mind. One is entitled, “Cross Stitch Animal Collection” which has the Safari Collection in it, plus many other animals.
The book has the basic techniques needed to complete each picture in the book for cross-stitch design, along with many project ideas. Her watercolor illustrations and colored photographs add to the 128 pages of cross-stitch design information. She also has a book entitled, “Cross Stitch Collection Tigers” and “Cross Stitch Collection on Safari”. The website Alibris, www.alibris.com, has the Safari book in a large range of prices, with the low price of $5.60 from Dave and Charles Publishing as its low bid.
Amazon.com has a price of $9.59 on it. If you plan on having a cross-stitching resource library, such as some of the books listed above, make sure it is the one you want. Check it out, read the reviews and comments. Look at some of the designs if possible. And then purchase the book for your own library.
Another item I ran across in regard to Africa cross-stitch was on one of our favorite websites, good ol’ Ebay. The seller, happy_paws_haven, has a beautiful African cross-stitch pattern for $8.00 plus $2.00 shipping. The money from these patterns is for a rescue animal site for Happy Paws Haven, so you may want to check it out online. The pattern is one of a group of African animals in a headshot with beautiful “Africa” lettering below.
It is nice work and comes on a CD, with the pattern being on 16 letter size sheets. Included are a color key, DMC floss usage summary, and a finished color picture of the pattern in virtual stitches. This pattern can be used in 18, 20, 22, 28, etc. size fabric, with a stitch count of 280 x 355.
In summing up this marvelous topic, be assured you can spend a lifetime researching traditional African patterns and being enthralled by the many striking images of that magnificent continent so beautifully captured in its cross-stitch designs without ever tiring of its sheer fascination.
LOUIE
The designs of Africa have a totally unique look about them, and are not typical of other designs. Their patterns are not simply “another piece of material with art designed on it”, but are made and designed with the love of Africa always in mind. The people of Africa trust in their inner knowledge and fundamental beliefs, and their history is never forgotten as is clearly shown by their fabulous designs.
The material and textiles are designed with their attitudes and behaviors toward all, which is believed to be sacred. Added to their work is the recognition of their country and society, not only by themselves, but also of others. Cloths in other African regions represent their aesthetic quality, symbolism of the regions culture, or individual responsibility.
The quality that is expressed within the African look and feel is demonstrated in their culture and their material, created by their own people. And it is onto this cloth that cross-stitch weaves its powerful communication with those who feel this metaphor.
The warm and vivid colors of Africa’s sunrises and sunsets are interwoven with its folklore and customs, and are impossible to separate from one another.
An excellent resource book to use in regard to Africa colors and designs, if you are not using a pre-designed kit, is “The African Cross Stitch Collection” by Trish Burr, which is for embroidery work but the projects in it are bright and vivid, letting you see how the colors work together, with folklore African stories bringing the work to the very heart. The designs vary from easy to more challenging.
An alphabet and motif library is included in the resource book, which costs approximately US$17.95/UK/£10/Canada$2 3.95. The publisher, Powell.com, has some used copies beginning at $9.95 if you are interested in them, or some used copies from Amazon.com, has an average price of $11.95 each.
If you are interested in the African animal cross-stitch designs, Janye Netley Mayhew has designed several cross-stitch hardback books with Africa in mind. One is entitled, “Cross Stitch Animal Collection” which has the Safari Collection in it, plus many other animals.
The book has the basic techniques needed to complete each picture in the book for cross-stitch design, along with many project ideas. Her watercolor illustrations and colored photographs add to the 128 pages of cross-stitch design information. She also has a book entitled, “Cross Stitch Collection Tigers” and “Cross Stitch Collection on Safari”. The website Alibris, www.alibris.com, has the Safari book in a large range of prices, with the low price of $5.60 from Dave and Charles Publishing as its low bid.
Amazon.com has a price of $9.59 on it. If you plan on having a cross-stitching resource library, such as some of the books listed above, make sure it is the one you want. Check it out, read the reviews and comments. Look at some of the designs if possible. And then purchase the book for your own library.
Another item I ran across in regard to Africa cross-stitch was on one of our favorite websites, good ol’ Ebay. The seller, happy_paws_haven, has a beautiful African cross-stitch pattern for $8.00 plus $2.00 shipping. The money from these patterns is for a rescue animal site for Happy Paws Haven, so you may want to check it out online. The pattern is one of a group of African animals in a headshot with beautiful “Africa” lettering below.
It is nice work and comes on a CD, with the pattern being on 16 letter size sheets. Included are a color key, DMC floss usage summary, and a finished color picture of the pattern in virtual stitches. This pattern can be used in 18, 20, 22, 28, etc. size fabric, with a stitch count of 280 x 355.
In summing up this marvelous topic, be assured you can spend a lifetime researching traditional African patterns and being enthralled by the many striking images of that magnificent continent so beautifully captured in its cross-stitch designs without ever tiring of its sheer fascination.
LOUIE
Comments Off
Sep
01
chibear75 asked:
I’m thinking of starting my own home business soon using my own cross stitch designs, which I can produce quicker than I can cross stitch them. Does anybody have any tips I could use to start it? Or do any of you do this kind of work from home or know someone who has that might be able to give me some good tips?? And what about having/using a website to sell my work on? Any tips on starting it too since I don’t have a website yet but I would like to use one for this. And what about copyrighting my designs for both the website and the booklets that I would be selling my designs in?? Can anybody provide info on that or where I can learn more on it? I’m half deaf so phone use will be a major problem (which is where the website helps) and I can not work full time due to a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) I suffered when I was a child, which caused my deafness and hearing loss. Any tips and info would be helpful and muchly appreciated on these. Thanks.
I’m thinking of starting my own home business soon using my own cross stitch designs, which I can produce quicker than I can cross stitch them. Does anybody have any tips I could use to start it? Or do any of you do this kind of work from home or know someone who has that might be able to give me some good tips?? And what about having/using a website to sell my work on? Any tips on starting it too since I don’t have a website yet but I would like to use one for this. And what about copyrighting my designs for both the website and the booklets that I would be selling my designs in?? Can anybody provide info on that or where I can learn more on it? I’m half deaf so phone use will be a major problem (which is where the website helps) and I can not work full time due to a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) I suffered when I was a child, which caused my deafness and hearing loss. Any tips and info would be helpful and muchly appreciated on these. Thanks.
No spam please just honest answers.
BLAINE
Comments Off
Jun
15
Filed Under (Hobbies & Crafts) by Kert
Maddicat asked:
I love doing cross stitch and i have found some beautiful photos on the web and i would love to stitch them.I have a computer program that can turn any photo into a chart and print it off to stitch or sell the charts but do i need to ask permission to do that or can i just save the picture?
JULIAN
I love doing cross stitch and i have found some beautiful photos on the web and i would love to stitch them.I have a computer program that can turn any photo into a chart and print it off to stitch or sell the charts but do i need to ask permission to do that or can i just save the picture?
JULIAN
Elle_10 asked:
I have a design and I know how to have it transferred onto cross stitch fabric. I just don’t want to cross stitch 30 large pillows. I want someone (or a machine) to do the cross stitching for me.
JAMIE
I have a design and I know how to have it transferred onto cross stitch fabric. I just don’t want to cross stitch 30 large pillows. I want someone (or a machine) to do the cross stitching for me.
JAMIE
Apr
20
Filed Under (Hobbies & Crafts) by Kert
lorifaymeath asked:
I am currently working on cross-stitching and I wanted to do somebody famous? Is there a cross stitch book out there that has designs and patterns so I can cross-stitch celebrities?
BRENT
I am currently working on cross-stitching and I wanted to do somebody famous? Is there a cross stitch book out there that has designs and patterns so I can cross-stitch celebrities?
BRENT
Feb
14
chibear75 asked:
I’m thinking of starting my own home business soon using my own cross stitch designs, which I can produce quicker than I can cross stitch them. Does anybody have any tips I could use to start it? Or do any of you do this kind of work from home or know someone who has that might be able to give me some good tips?? And what about having/using a website to sell my work on? Any tips on starting it too since I don’t have a website yet but I would like to use one for this. And what about copyrighting my designs for both the website and the booklets that I would be selling my designs in?? Can anybody provide info on that or where I can learn more on it? I’m half deaf so phone use will be a major problem (which is where the website helps) and I can not work full time due to a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) I suffered when I was a child, which caused my deafness and hearing loss. Any tips and info would be helpful and muchly appreciated on these. Thanks.
I’m thinking of starting my own home business soon using my own cross stitch designs, which I can produce quicker than I can cross stitch them. Does anybody have any tips I could use to start it? Or do any of you do this kind of work from home or know someone who has that might be able to give me some good tips?? And what about having/using a website to sell my work on? Any tips on starting it too since I don’t have a website yet but I would like to use one for this. And what about copyrighting my designs for both the website and the booklets that I would be selling my designs in?? Can anybody provide info on that or where I can learn more on it? I’m half deaf so phone use will be a major problem (which is where the website helps) and I can not work full time due to a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) I suffered when I was a child, which caused my deafness and hearing loss. Any tips and info would be helpful and muchly appreciated on these. Thanks.
No spam please just honest answers.
I’m American.
MERRILL
