Every once in awhile I get the itch to try something new. Last year I made a trip to our local, FABULOUS, cross stitch store, Acorns and Threads, and picked up some gorgeous flosses and linens. My sister, Bonnie, and I had signed up to do our first Cross Stitch Market in Nashville and I thought I could just sit down and create a few cross stitch pieces. ha. After a few attempts I was so frustrated I put everything in my "cross stitch" drawer and closed it for almost a year. I have found if I get frustrated with something it's best to set it aside and come back to it with a fresh look. I still attended the Cross Stitch Market (TNNA) last February with Bonnie and had a great time. The folks in this market are as creative and friendly as the quilting folks. Bonnie brought several new Cross Stitch patterns she had created and they were very well received. Check them out and you'll see why - they are so beautiful!
A couple weeks ago I was determined to try cross stitch again. I decided part of my problem was the linen I was using. Although it was beautiful, I had trouble with the uneven threads. I returned to Acorns and Threads and picked up some evenweave. The next issue was designing the pattern. Bonnie can take a piece of graph paper and create something beautiful. I just couldn't visualize the finished piece this way. After checking out several cross stitch software programs I found one that was fairly easy to understand. Now I was on a roll!!!!! I have to admit, I haven't made dinner in a week. I'm having too much fun designing and stitching! Of course I still love embroidery, but it's fun having another type of hand project to work on too.
I'll post pictures as soon as I'm finished!
6 comments:
Kathy, I love your chalkboard doodle! :-)
I was very passionate about x-stitch for over 20 years (even owned a shop for 6 years). Love your style so I'm very anxious to see what you're designing in x-stitch. I know it'll be fabulous.
You go girl..I know you will come up with something fantastic.
Cross Stitch program? who knew. dang.
Must investigate!
Pat
Which program did you get? I got pcstitch and even with the program, I have to redesign it as I stitch it out. Then there is the problem where I cannot follow my own pattern, so make lots of mistakes, lol.
Debbie
Like Darlene, I used to cross stitch all the time. But it was slow and I was impatient. Now, thanks to those dang Blackbird Design girls, I've taken it up again. In a small way. But I don't remember linen being quite so expensive in the old days. I guess I thought I was in the quilt shop when I told the lady to give me a yard of the 32 count Belgian linen. She laughed and she laughed.
I already own a few of your sister's patterns. I just ordered some more. I sure didn't know she was your sister but now I know why I like her designs so much.
I can just see some of your designs in cross stitch - waiting impatiently! Which program did you go with?
Hi Kathy,
I too am keen to see what you come up with. Which program did you decide to use? I am looking for one too.
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