I always plan ahead I am going on my first holiday since 2005 in May so made a bag for my cross stitch. Put a gusset in the bottom and lined it with waterproof fabric,bagged it out and put on velcro fastening. Already chosen my project . My skill with a sewing machine is limited as my hands tremble all the time. But pleased how it turned out.
Nearly finished a 3 month project and then I can start my zebras a friend brought me for Christmas..
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Arts & crafts
Cross stitch
(478 Posts)I’ve done so much tapestry works and cross sets, always enjoyed doing it. Some of the pictures I made, I had professionally mounted, which was quite expensive. I have taken all but four down now and don’t know what to do with them. Can’t see anyone wanting to buy them and will the charity shop have them, I feel sad really but I want other pictures up now as I have looked at them too many years, my cushions I did have all gone to the charity shop as my family didn’t want them. I don’t do it any more as the works was too close and hurt my hands, so I do other crafts now. I am having a massive declutter and decided they won’t go with me when I move. I always have to be doing something, even when I’m watching television, knitting is good as I can do that without looking as long as it’s not too fancy a pattern.
Also finished my secret Santa for my craft group.
Finished my Tomte doorstop for my grandson.
Ali08 I have 4 needle minders but this is my favourite. I got the clips from eBay think it was 50 for £3 . I tried the silicone coils but they kept falling off. I looked at those magnetic cable but decided they where to expensive for the amount I wanted. But they work well especially as I have a large piece of fabric I am working on.
Just to add, the purple and pink things are magnetic cable ties. They contain neodymium magnets and are great at keeping extra fabric out of the way of our stitching but also as needle-minders! xx
Whiff
Ali beautiful work. And what a clever idea to pin the plastic Aida to your hoop. Be pinching that idea..😁
Someone suggested it to me a couple of years ago but I didn't have a square frame. This year I thought I'd try it on my hoop. It works well, so I'll definitely be doing more on plastic canvas!
I hope it works for you, too, Whiff! xx
Ali beautiful work. And what a clever idea to pin the plastic Aida to your hoop. Be pinching that idea..😁
I'm doing some Christmassy stitchies. The joy is on 14ct plastic canvas. I can't stitch in hand, so I use a lapstand with a hoop. I just pinned the plastic canvas to the top of the hoops and it's helped a lot!
Joy will be a little tree or card ornament.
The card is for my penguin mad eldest grandson!
One is ongoing mad and one is giraffe mad - what a pair! 🤣
Ali thank you. We had a new member join our craft group 2 weeks ago she cross stitches but only little things. I had some kits from world of cross stitching which I wouldn't use and had duplicate of a cross stitch Christmas favourites issue so gave them to her last week. She liked some of the larger pieces and felt she could have a go. If she needs a hand I will help her. But that's what we do in our group. Everyone helps eachother and it's not just crafting but in life as well.
My youngest grandson has out grown his booster chair . It didn't cost me anything as I used my nectar points it's an ingenuity one from Argos. A mother and daughter looks after their grandson/ nephew he's one . So asked them if they would like it. They came for it on Friday and was thrilled with it..I gave them a jar of my Seville marmalade as the mom can't have gluten so can never eat my cakes or biscuits. Heard today they love the marmalade.
But that's my craft group . We help eachother.
Whiff
Ali08 it's a great idea but always have the next project to do. I did some hearts for my local hospital to give to people who loved one had died only did 5 they took me 6 days. It was an idea from my craft group. Those who crochet and knit did more.
Finally framed my latest works .
They're beautiful! I absolutely love the 🦉
PiscesLady thank you it's the second one I have done . I love dragons and gargoyles. I subscribe to the world of cross stitching they have lots of interesting charts of all sizes and a nice free kit every month. Did the green one for my sister in law's 60th birthday 3 years ago. Both dragons took 3 months . But I loved every stitch.
Love them all Whiff especially the dragon!
Ali08 it's a great idea but always have the next project to do. I did some hearts for my local hospital to give to people who loved one had died only did 5 they took me 6 days. It was an idea from my craft group. Those who crochet and knit did more.
Finally framed my latest works .
I wonder if anyone in here has stitched squares for 'Love Quilts UK'?
If you love cross-stitch but can't always decide who to stitch for, or what to stitch, you might like to take a look at their website. They can be found on Facebook or by Google.
They're all volunteers who stitch squares, 13"×13" I think, that are then sent to the people who place them into quilts, also volunteers, for children and young adults living with illnesses and are often in and out of hospital. They can take the quilts with them and they are recognised and accepted by the hospitals so the patients feel at home there - as much as is possible!!
Please take a look at their site.
Grany
Was it easy to get used to that neck magnifier, please?
I have thought of getting one, but I'm not sure if it will get in the way!
Thank Chocolatelovinggran..The eldest was looking through my magazines and said nannie I like these but mommy said we have enough decorations for the tree. So said would you like something for your bedroom.
I subscribe to world of cross stitching and they have charts to suit every taste. Just a pity I didn't take up cross stitch 20 years ago. I could never under how crosses could make pictures. So only been doing it since 2016.
I like mixing small projects while I am doing a larger piece. I love the fact you have to do it slowly funny enough my hands don't tremble when I do it. Normally they are never still my right hand is worse. But I do think cross stitch is keeping my fingers nimble.
What fun they are Whiff!
Grany your thistle is looking lovely. That's the thing about cross stitch it can't be rushed but it's so relaxing. I love choosing a new project . Getting the material cut ready and sorting out all the threads. Then finding the centre of the fabric and the first stitch always fills me with inner peace.
We have a secret Santa at my craft group already choose my design for this year .After I finish the Tomte door stop. I have Christmas mice to do for my grandsons then onto the secret Santa.
Funny how those crosses become addictive.
Grany Welcome back to cross stitch! I too have recently taken it up again. The thistle picture looks lovely, I will look forward to seeing it finished - in the fullness of time of course! Cross stitch is not the fastest of crafts but so relaxing and rewarding. I hope you are enjoying it.
The waste fabric sounds a nightmare! Sorry to hear you hurt yourself using it. The end result looks really good though.
I was thinking of using waste fabric for a fund raising item I will be making with black felt. I might have to think again. 
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