Saturday, August 28, 2010

Cross Stitching

Can anyone direct me to a good book or two on how to learn counted cross stitch? I was taught how to do this 40+ years ago, but haven't touched it in at least 30 years.

Also, where is a good source of supplies: linen, good floss, etc.?

I DO NOT need a new hobby, but this has been eating at me for quite some time. Thought I'd try a small project and get it out of my system.

Thanks!

22 comments:

Suburban Stitcher said...

the website 123stitch is good for supplies. very quick service. also ehandcrafts.com is great. i started cross-stitching before I began quilting, and it's really my first love. i'm constantly going back and forth between the two.

Vicky said...

Thanks, Dianne. I'm heading over there right now to check them out.

Chris Wright said...

Hi Vicky,
There is a store that I go to who is mostly online now. www.stichesnthings.com they have a great selection of charts, supplies, books and starter kits. I have been shopping with them for over 20 years great service and the selection is wow! I love cross stitching as much as quilting. I know what you mean about another craft, my hubby says whatever makes us happy. I hope this helps, can't wait to see what you work on, I'm sure it will be just as beautiful as your quilts. Happy Stitching! Chris

karina said...

Vicky I Purchased a small x-mas cross stitch from michaels it was a doller and it is very cute and easy.

Kelly Grace said...

You could also go to Michaels, Hobby Lobby, JoAnn's (whatever chain you have nearby) and get a small kit to see if you are really going to enjoy doing it again. I always have a cross stitch project going for my "tv time" because I don't always have a quilt ready for binding!

Vicki W said...

STOOOOOOOPPPP! Don't do it! It will suck you in to 9 years of hell! lol!

Vicky said...

ROFOL. I know. That's why I've hesitated. But I dreamed about it last night because I've been thinking about it so much lately. Sheesh .... why can't I dream of hunky guys or something!

Darlene said...

OH NO!!!! LOL - I was a x-stitcher for over 20 years. It was a major passion. And, then along came quilting. LOL

Simone de Klerk said...

I was going to advise the same website as Dianne. Lots and lots to find there, prices are good and the service is very kind and helpful.
If you ever needs sites for cute free patterns, let me know!

Vicky said...

Thank you all so much. Mary Kathryn at ehandcrafts.com was so helpful. I've chosen *a* kit to get started. ;) I'm sure I will have lots and lots of questions! You all are awesome!

antique quilter said...

no Vicki you should have emailed me
I would have told you to go lay on the couch for an hour and the need to buy anything to do with another hobby would pass.
When you retire that would be a great time to start exloring other hobbies
me???? I am waiting to take rug hooking classes I can't start yet as I don't have a room to store all the wool I will need to buy to make a rug!
so where oh where are you going to store floss, linen, patterns, books and yes frames????
LOL
Kathie

Vicky said...

Uhhh..... I don't know. I guess there's that extra bathroom upstairs in the stash room? Or the pantry? (sigh)

Lynne in Hawaii said...

Up side of a new hobby...you don't have to report what you buy for cross-stitch on your Sunday Stash Report!! :-)

SheilaC said...

AND when you decide to take up this hobby, check out Nordic Needle for some amazing patterns and kits.

Also http://www.maryjanes.com/

I have purchased from them both for years.

Have fun!

SheilaC

Debbie said...

Ck out twisted stitcher. She does great work

Debbie said...

Ck out twisted stitcher. She does great work

pdudgeon said...

add this to your blog list.
http://blackbird-designs.blogspot.com/

Barb and Alma do both counted cross stitching and quilts, and the blog is real a treat.

Darling Jill Quilts said...

NOOOOO!!!! Don't do it!!!!

I am a stitcher, too, but I haven't stitched anything in years!!!

Quilting is my passion now! lol

Anonymous said...

I get a lot of my cross stitch stuff from 123 Stitch. I also get some stuff from the Silver Needle in Tulsa, and Wyndham Needleworks, they all offer great service. I am not sure about good tutorial books, I just taught myself many years ago.

Cyn said...

Hi Vicky,

Yes, I can definitely help you as I do a lot of needlework and I teach (volunteer) cross stitch to teens and adults.

I'll send you an email as I have a wonderful quick little project which you will be able to whip up in no time that I use for my classes.

Have you found The Stitching Post in Catonsville, MD or The Silver Needle yet?

Cynthia

jlk said...

I cross stitch and quilting as well. abcstitch.com is great for supplies, but in a pinch, Joann's carries a variety of supplies as well. You'll love it. I love to do it in front of the TV, which is why I've never done needle turn appliqué. Have fun!

Sarah said...

There's a few free, nice patterns on xs-collectibles.com. The current free pattern seems pretty neat: http://xs-collectibles.com/Free.aspx. Its also small...its a bookmark and there's no "weird" stitches like backstitches or half stitches...just full cross stitches, which is why I like their patterns.

I've done a lot of cross stitch sewing, so if you have questions, feel free to email me!

You can get most cross-stitch supplies at Joanne's but they don't have a huge selection of linen, which is a little bit nicer. For a beginner project, you might want to stick to the Aida cloth.