Cross stitch

Why have I only just found this lovely thread?

All the pictures that have been posted are beautiful, and so clever.

Nortsat, just coveting that wonderful cushion,
and Camelotclub, your jumper, Wow. 66 pattern rows, I thought I was doing well with a 16 row pattern. Hats off to you.

I think my first serious cross stitch, was an anniversary sampler for our 30th. With a second for my friend from school, who had been my maid of honour.
Since then I have done several, but not for a long time, and a couple of years ago I gave away ALL my threads to the Church youth group for a project.
So now I have to research the links to Aida, DMC threads etc, as when my knitting and crochet are finished, I feel some embroidery coming on!

Whiff I was looking for something to occupy me in lockdown that wasn’t reading and tv watching and as you say I also find it very relaxing.

Been awake since 5 so having been cross stitching. I have one decoration to finish then I can pack my Christmas parcels to be posted. Already decided on some of my post Christmas projects. Cross stitch for me like reading it is something I have to do everyday. Because cross stitch is slow find it totally relaxing. When I took it up was going for a really hard time in my life. And knew I needed something to absorb and relax me. Because of problems with my limbs had to give up knitting when my children were small. I could not coordinate both hands. Cross stitch helps keep my fingers flexible.

What prompted you to take up cross stitch ? It would be interesting to find out how others came to it.

What lovely work ladies, you should all be very proud of yourselves. I love the picture of your vase of tulips Oldbutstillusefull. Would you be kind enough to tell me the name of it as I would love to do it. Someone asked if I used a frame but no I do not, I like to feel the fabric. Happy stitching ladies!

Trying to post a pic of a quilted patchwork baby play mat I made. I love lots of crafts but this was my most recent finished piece made for a friend of my DD who just gave birth to a long awaited daughter. They thought they were going to have to go down the IVF route.

I'm so glad I started this thread (ha ha), everyone has been so positive and kind. I'm amazed at how creative and crafty you all are. Thank you xx

My (first) lockdown sweater was a labour of love but kept me occupied. Knitters will understand when I say there are 66 rows to the pattern. I am doing another one now in same yarn but a pinky shade.

So lovely to see all these beautiful pieces of work. So much talent!! Thanks for all your lovely comments, I’m now inspired to start a new project in the New (and hopefully happier) Year.

Nortsat what a beautiful cushion. Aren’t we lucky that we have such a wonderful hobby. I know one day I too will probably have to give up, so my heart goes out to all who are no longer able to enjoy stitching. Thank you everyone for your kind words and thank you Sar for starting a feel good post ?

The work on here is just beautiful.
Here’s the last cushion I made (I have posted it before)

I am workng on one in blue and white based on an 18th century piece of damask, but I am very slooow.

Greyknitter what a lovely Christmas stocking.
Tanith such a pretty bookmark.
Sar I am sure your GDs will treasure their pictures.
Travelnan really beautiful and so interesting.
Growstuff gorgeous.
Whiff what fabulous gifts ... how generous. I love the cats the best (not being a biker ... but I can fully appreciate the amount of work involved).
Oldbut they are wonderful, your still life with flowers is like a Dutch Old Master ...
Grandyma your Alice in Wonderland is wonderful.

It’s so nice to see everyone’s work. Great thread (pun intended) Sar

Just beautiful! That is another heirloom, Greyduster.

You're all so talented.

Beautiful GreyKnitter. I’m sure they will!

I’ve just sent off a Christmas stocking for my step great grandson, Tyler. I made one for all of grandchildren too. They take ages but love doing them and hope they will still love them as they get older.

Whiff you’re a one woman cross stitch marvel! What an amazing amount of pleasure you must get and give. Sar53 you should feel so proud of yourself. To make such lovely pieces for your grandchildren will give both you and them such joy. I love your ‘hug’ LuluD, it’s hard to believe that’s your first go.

Of course the beauty of cross stitch is that probably we all make mistakes, but only you know!

Thank you for your lovely comments . Sar53 my work is full of mistakes but only I know . I have used a few kits when I first started but much prefer to just use a chart and source my own fabric etc. I use a spring 6" hoop or 4" one. I haven't the strength in my hands to tighten the wooden ones and the plastic square frames the fabric slips a lot. My threads are transferred to cardboard bobbins I think that's what you call them. I write on the number and store them in plastic thread boxes in numerical order. I have a DMC thread chart. So if I want to make something but don't want to buy the thread. I can use what I have and look up to the nearest colour.

I have made cushions, height charts, bookmarks, coasters, name plaques, needle cases, cards and Christmas decorations. E bay is great for acrylic blank coasters and fridge magnets plus Aida fabric, felt for backing things and fabric for making Christmas sacks I cross stitch on Aida and machine stitch the plaque onto it. I buy cushion backs with the zip already in again eBay is the cheapest.

I can't go a day without cross stitching it's do relaxing.

Well done! They are lovely.

Hi LuluD, a happy Saturday to you too.
You have already turned out an accomplished cross-stitch, well done, I love it.
What will your next project be?

Hi everyone, all your cross stitch projects are lovely. I was excited to see this thread as I bought my first ever cross stitch kit in the first lockdown and loved doing it. Large holes so not difficult! Now framed and hanging above our bed ( sorry for the light reflection in my photo.)
Thank you for all the enjoyable discussions on this site. Happy Saturday xx

In need of a new project .... and shops reopen next week!

Jan51

Lovely work Sara53.
I used to do a lot of cross stitch but have been doing a lot of knitting and crochet lately.
I find one of those neck lights with lights on both ends really good for craft work and I also have a magnifier with lights that clips onto my working surface or embroidery frame.

Jan51 - i have one of those neck lights but don't find it very satisfactory so I bought a rechargeable headlight and it's brilliant. Very accurate directional light exactly where it's needed.

They are gorgeous and your eyesight is clearly far better than mine!

I gave up cross stitch about ten years ago.

Well done, Sar53. They are lovely. I hope your granddaughters like them as much as you have enjoyed making them.

Whiff , Grandyma and Oldbutstilluseful
Your cross stitch items are all exquisite. They look professional and are beautiful presents for the lucky recipients.

Well done ?

Cross stitch was my main hobby. Unfortunately have had to give it up because of poor eyesight. Every room of my bungalow has at least four pictures. The most difficult ones on black Aida. I also used to give them as presents and birthday and anniversary cards. I usually worked from charts and have several books. I also did tapestry, mainly cushions. I liked the Keith Fassette designs and have his books.
Afraid I do not know how to get photos on to Gransnet.

I’m just WOWED!!!!