How to Cross Stitch

Cross Stitch

Each week we will choose a stitch to explore and post stitch diagram(s) to help you practice and master each one.

Cross Stitch ~ also known as Petite Cross, Counted Cross, Cross-Stitch and Point de Croix

How to Cross Stitch

Step 1 ~ come up through the fabric on the lower left hand side.



Step 2 ~ Cross 2 threads and go down through the fabric on the upper right hand side, cross 2 threads and come up on the lower right hand side.

Step 3~ Cross 2 threads and go down through the fabric on the top left hand corner. You have just completed your first cross stitch ~ Yea you!

Step 4 ~ Now try to stitch a few in a row. You can choose to stitch half stitches and come back or do each stitch individually.

Step 5 ~ experiment with different threads and how each showcases cross stitches in a unique way. You may choose to stitch each stitch as you go. Stitch half stitches left to right and cross on the way back. Stitch your stitches in a circular or sporadically on your piece. Each will bring a unique depth and coloring to your piece. One way is not better than another ~ your preference is what matters!

~ Please view our Cross Stitch Diagrams Below ~

Cross Stitch over 1

Cross Stitch over 2

Cross Stitch in a row

Stitching Treasure Box by Homespun Elegance

I don't know how Sandra does it....seriously, every time I see another one of her designs I think to myself there's no way she can top this one.....and yet, I was taking a break from work and thought I would check in to see what's new with Homespun Elegance. And there it was the most darling quick to stitch "I have to have it right now" treasure box EVER!

The Stitching Treasure Box with Sheep Waxer

I was just at the LNS the other day.....I wonder if they will think I am nuts coming back in search of this project. it is the perfect size for sitting in the stands at this weekend's T-Ball game. I'd better go right after I drop the kids off at school, I'm getting a bit too excited, can yo utell (:

I continue to ask LTS members to share their stories about how they started to stitch and their first piece.........and yet, I don't think I ever really shared mine. This is how I came to LOVE stitching!

Growing up, my grandmother (we call her Mom Mom Sarah, her real name is Rita but that’s a whole other story…) would sit in her chair at night and stitch. I was amazed that she could look at a picture on a piece of paper and recreate the design on a blank piece of fabric. Mom Mom made the most amazing things. From Blankets, to pillows and everything in between she always found a way to find the perfect project.

I was 5 when Mom Mom took a piece of fabric and taught me how to use a needle and thread. I was BEYOND excited! I practiced each day learning to thread a needle, choosing the right colors for my project and working hard to be sure it would turn out just so. After I was able to learn the basics I got brave and charted my first design. I worked on it every night in my room and was so excited to give it to my Mom Mom.

I was 24 when I decided to start designing needlework professionally. I had a great collection of original designs to show and was a week away from my first industry tradeshow, when I had lunch at Mom Mom’s house. She took me up to her bedroom and framed on her nightstand was the first piece I ever designed. 20 years she had that piece. Mom Mom said she cried when I gave it to her. She always knew I would do something creative and was so thrilled that I chose needlework.

I have my first piece hanging on my wall in my office. Every day I go to work, I am reminded of my fabulous Mom Mom who taught me how to stitch. She gave me needlework skills that I could turn into a career that I love and made me feel like I could do anything. I have come to realize stitching is not just something to do. It is so much more than that. Stitching creates memories, builds bonds and provides a way for people to connect. She couldn't have given me a better gift!

Sewing Cake ~ Truly Custom Cakery

Ok so my girlfriend Stacey, the owner of Truly Custom Cakery
sent me this pic and said she thought of me the minute she saw it.

It made me smile. Why you may ask ....here's my list in no particular order
1 ~ I love cake. I mean really.....who doesn't love cake?
2 ~ It's nice to know your friends are thinking about you
3 ~ Needlework is my PASSION....If there were letters larger than all caps, I would use them!
4 ~ My friends associate me with needlework, cross stitch, knitting, etc.
5 ~ Did I mention I like cake?

So I ask you....who knows that you are a stitcher? Do your friends think of you when they see threads, fabrics or fun cakes? Stacey isn't a stitcher (not yet anyway...) but she tells me all the time that she is more in tune now than ever before! She notices local shops on her travels, she checks out Hoffman's Friday updates (later this afternoon stay tuned). I have been able to introduce her to stitching and how much fun it can be and sometimes all you need is to meet someone where they are ~ for Stacey that's cakes! Ha ha ha ~ maybe I'll start calling her Stacey Cakes, she's gonna kill me, hahahahaha

Stacey is an incredible Baker with a thriving Custom Cake business (I should know, I've ordered 4 cakes last year). Here's a few pics of her work. Now I have to figure out how to drop the hint to the big guy (my hubby) that I NEED a custom stitching cake for my B-day this year. No worries, I have 4 months to work out a plan (:




Stacey has a great tutorial on how to make these amazing melted snowman cookies (see picture below). You can view the tutorial (left hand column her blog ) here

Embroider Me! Bracelet Basics & Beyond class

by Funk and Weber Designs

The class begins on January 11 and runs for four weeks, one lesson per week, so you’ll have plenty of time to complete them. Kits are available and can be ordered through me or one of the Village shops. Kits contain materials for the top bracelet in the image above, which is the same as the one being worn here. Of course, you can purchase your own materials and use any colors you want. A complete materials list is available on the class listing at TSV. If you need just some materials (jewelry findings and beads aren’t always available at LNSs) send Jen an e-mail, and she'll hook you up.

As the class title indicates, you will learn the bracelet basics in this class. Once you know those, you can create an infinite number of original, customized bracelets by changing the surface pattern, materials, and findings. The possibilities really are endless.

Please, if you take this class, plan to participate on the forum. Don’t worry if you don’t know how it works; just get on, and I’ll be there to help. We all gain more when we share experiences, ideas, and images. You never know when another stitcher's thoughts, discoveries or mishaps will inspire in you.

For more information about this class you can view The Funk and Weber website here or e-mail Jen at ~ Mail(at)FunkAndWeber(dot)com.

New Designs Release from Ladybug Lane

Happy, Happy Spring!!! Just wanted to let you know that Ladybug Lane has two (2) new designs -- "Show Your Bloomers!" and "Love Never Fails." If you've checked their website lately, I know that you've seen "Show Your Bloomers" ... it was introduced at the Nashville show, and officially released it March 1. Don't you just LOVE the spring colors!!!!???

Love Never Fails by Ladybug Lane

Show your Bloomers by Ladybug Lane

"Love Never Fails" is just now being officially released, and we love it! It was stitched on a beautiful lavender color called "Whimsey" from Picture This Plus, and uses one (1) color of Crescent Colours Belle Soie in "Icing". The frame is also from Crescent Colours ("The Meg") and also in the Icing color. An alphabet chart is included for personalization, and spaces are noted for placement -- alphabet is done one over one.

Be sure to check out Jen's Blog where she will keep you up to date on all Ladybug Lane events, new releases and great cross stitch tips and tricks. You can also find Jen as well as hundreds of other designers, teachers and countless other needlework professionals at Loose Thread Stitchers.

Talk soon!

Colleen

Needle and Thread: Stitching for Literacy 2009 Bookmark Challange

Announcing the 2009 Bookmark Challenge

March 19^th – May 7^th

Celebrate reading and Stitching

Join Loose Thread Stitchers and stitch a bookmark that will be donated to a library or school during Children’s Book Week to reward reading accomplishments. It’s a snap! We are so excited to support reading and stitching! Loose Thread Stitchers has a special offer for anyone stitching a bookmark for the Needle and Thread: Stitching for Literacy 2009 Bookmark Challenge. You will receive an EXCLUSIVE LTS patter FREE when you send the following:

A photo of the bookmark you stitch

A short “story” of the bookmark–why you stitched it, who it’s for, etc.

An explanation of why stitching is important to you

That’s it! Send those three things to Info@LooseThreadStitchers.com and enjoy FREE exclusive LTS pattern on us. This offer is available to both new and existing stitching members. R you ready for the challenge?