Center Stitch

Stitch Your Heart Out!

2010-02-05T15:38:00.001-08:00

Check this out - a fabulous stitching initiative that just launched. I'm very excited about this and think its a great idea - just the kind of thing we need to spread the word about the joy of cross stitch!

It's called the Stitch Your Heart Out campaign, and over the next year it looks like there will be some great stitching activities, charts from some great designers, and much more. Hoffman Distributing is making the first chart available to LNS/ONS starting today. Check it out and join the fun!

Stitch Your Heart Out and spread the joy of cross stitch, one loose thread at a time!

Antique Needlework

2010-01-30T13:27:00.000-08:00

This is an interesting article on antique needlework, including cross stitch samplers. Neat little history lesson, as well as a bit of info on how to preserve old pieces!

News Items

2010-01-27T10:48:00.001-08:00

Random notes of interest...

-- I thought this was neat, being both a wine and stitching enthusiast. A winery hosting a stitching event - what a great idea! I think it would be neat if more wineries did this!

-- A lovely example of what the experience of cross stitch is all about.

-- Check out this online cross stitch festival Feb. 1-5.

Enjoy!

The Emma Project

2010-01-04T14:11:00.000-08:00

So this is super cool -- not only do I love Jane Austen, not only do I love Emma, not only is Masterpiece doing an adaptation of Emma that starts Jan. 24 on PBS, but The Sampler Girl is going to have a special Emma Project available to stitch while we watch! Stay tuned to her web site for updates.

How awsome is that! I can't wait... Jane... Emma... stitching... what more does one need?! :)

News Item

2009-12-20T19:04:00.000-08:00

Check it out... what a neat thing! http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/cross-23749-hours-work.html

Cross Stitch in the Community

2009-10-26T13:59:00.000-07:00

I love seeing the artistry of cross stitch and the dedication of stitchers recognized in local press outlets. Take note of this neat article about a Tennessee stitcher!

News Item

2009-10-19T12:10:00.000-07:00

I just love this article about a woman who took her passion for cross stitch, embroidery, and textiles and turned it into a career. Really inspiring! I also love her philosophy that anyone can be creative - I totally agree. Her point about wanting to encourage younger people to learn this art form also rang true for me. I completely agree with her that I don't see as many younger stitchers around as I would hope for. I keep pondering how to change this, but I don't have a great answer yet... any brilliant ideas, feel free to share!

Freebie Focus

2009-10-18T16:37:00.000-07:00

This go around, some simply sweet freebies from Debbie Draper Designs. These will stitch up quick, and would be great to customize with your own color scheme of choice. Enjoy!

Fandom....

2009-10-05T16:09:00.000-07:00

Well, there's fandom, and then there's... fandom.

The fact that this made the news makes me grin. And in the UK, no less - didn't I tell you they are into cross stitch?!

Cross Stitch Party

2009-10-05T15:57:00.000-07:00

Want to have some fun with your fellow cross stitchers? Consider throwing a stitching party! Enjoy some great food and drink, then settle in for concentrated cross stitch and conversation. You'll probably want to keep the food simple, low-key, and fun - and minimally messy, given all the fabrics and floss around! Here are a few ideas for the food...

1. Follow the lead of Urban Cross Stitch in the UK, and throw a Cupcakes, Cocktails, and Cross stitch party! Make a selection of your fave cupcakes, or order some from your favorite bakery. Alternatively, have each of the attendees bring some, and make it a cupcake potluck party! Accompany the cupcakes with some cocktails made for a crowd. Personally, I'd choose ones that can be made in large quantities in advance, such as sangria. Food Network has a ton of mixed drink recipes, such as this Southern Comfort Punch, as does Epicurious.

2. A wine and cheese party is always a classic.

3. Focus on dips -- make a few, then ask your attendees to each bring their fave party dip. Yum! My inspiration for this idea is a local Dip Club, an article about which appeared in my local paper.

4. A dessert party is a sweet way to go. Pair the dessert table with a coffee bar, and you're ready for hours of stitching. A variation on this is the coffee and chocolate party.

5. A sandwich and soup buffet is an easy, fun, casual way to feed your fellow stitchers. Put out a variety of sandwich makings so your attendees can make their own sandwich creations, and then have a couple of soups as well. For other similar ideas, check out these make-ahead buffet menus.

There you have it - there's no reason not to bring your stitching buddies together for a fun and tasty cross stitch party!

Friday Freebie Focus

2009-10-02T09:25:00.000-07:00

Being that I am most certainly a cat person, this week I couldn't resist highlighting the cute freebies from Stitchy Kitty. Very sweet - check them out!

ONS for Hand-dyed Fabric

2009-09-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

I just discovered an online source for gorgeous hand-dyed fabrics that I am eager to try out. Picture This Plus looks like a great resource for fabrics as well as floss/fibers and other supplies. You can be sure I'll be putting together a wish list for the holidays!

What's your fave ONS? I'd love to hear about other ONS that I should know about!

Cross Stitch in Space!

2009-09-20T16:41:00.001-07:00

Check out this news bit about a cross stitched flag that went into space with an astronaut!
http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/project-20760-cross-space.html. Fun!

Freebie Focus

2009-09-15T20:29:00.000-07:00

This time around, check out the awesome freebies from Waxing Moon Designs. I just love seasonal themes, and this series of freebies is totally adorable! Take a look, and enjoy!

Inspirational Human Interest Story

2009-09-07T09:49:00.000-07:00

Check out this neat story about a woman who cross stitches... with one arm, due to an accident. She used cross stitch as therapy during her recovery and continues to create amazing projects today. Very inspirational!

Friday Freebie Focus

2009-08-28T16:20:00.000-07:00

This week, check out the freebies from The Sampler Girl. I'm a huge Jane Austen fan, so I'm always interested in her designs. Right now, she has a patriotic freebie as well as one for Agatha Christie fans. Plus, she has done a bunch of other cute freebies in the past - I love her blog! Enjoy!

News Items

2009-08-27T12:28:00.000-07:00

Today, a couple of links to news items of interest.

First, yet another example of how cross stitch can be taken in a multitude of new, interesting directions, including manga. There is a new book out, Manga Cross-Stitch, by Helen McCarthy. I love her quote: "If this book goes even a little way to help the process of dismantling stereotypes and saying it's OK to be who you are and do what you love, I'll be very happy." Very cool. If you're into manga (or maybe even if you're not), check it out!

Second, Janlynn has launched a new program, Heart of the Stitcher (HOTS), for downloading some of their charts electronically and with optional additions such as fabric and floss. Read all about it, then check it out!

Friday Freebie Focus

2009-08-21T15:43:00.001-07:00

This week, check out the freebies at Mosey 'n Me. They have some great stuff! I like Magic Happens, Fuzzy Heart, and Believe in Magic.

Enjoy!

Article of note

2009-08-18T17:01:00.001-07:00

This is an interesting little article on making a cross stitch bookmark. And yet again, the UK shows it's miles ahead in terms of cross stitch in the mainstream media...

Friday Freebie Focus

2009-08-14T16:41:00.000-07:00

There are some cute freebies available from Lizzie*Kate. Adorable! I especially like 'Count Your Blessings,' 'Cozy Christmas Wishes,' and 'A Hug Will Do.'

Enjoy!

Organizing your stash

2009-08-10T16:23:00.000-07:00

I'm totally on an organizing and decluttering kick. So naturally, I went looking for ideas on further organizing my stash. It's not too bad, my DMC is all organized and in numerical order, my charts are all together in a plastic drawer unit. But I'm betting there's more that could and should be done. :) So I went searching and I discovered this handy collection of tips and ideas. I also found this on organizing floss, and this on organizing a craft room.

Then again, you could do this. Wow. I'm a librarian, and I am truly shamed.

Ah, goals to strive for!!!

Free Cross Stitch Software

2009-08-07T16:04:00.000-07:00

So I'm considering experimenting with some free cross stitch software, KG-Chart for Cross Stitch. I also just found out about Organized Expressions and the librarian in me is intrigued. Anyone have any experience or words of wisdom with regard to either of these programs?

What are some of your fave cross stitch software resources? I'd love to hear about it!

Freebie Focus

2009-08-01T15:25:00.000-07:00

Time to try something new, a little regular feature I'll call Freebie Focus. Obviously the idea will be to highlight great resources for freebie cross stitch charts, which are always a good thing!

Today's focus are the awesome freebies available from The Workbasket. I love, love, love their Quaker designs, and so I think these freebies are just amazing and a great supplement to their Quaker charts.

If you know of other great freebies that you'd like me to feature, let me know!

Cross stitch Class!

2009-07-28T16:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry its been a bit quiet around here - things have been busy!

What have I been up to? Well, for one... something really fun, a cross stitch class with Susan Greening Davis! It was this past weekend - I'd been really looking forward to it, and I wasn't disappointed. She's a great teacher and it was a ton of fun. I learned some neat specialty stitches - not to mention we worked with some great flosses and materials. With luck, I hope to have some pics from the event posted soon.

One of the reasons I was really excited is that Susan is from the area in Michigan where I grew up - in fact, my mom (with me in tow) made many purchases at her store in central Michigan when I was growing up, which is part of the reason I'm a cross stitch addict today. Really neat connection!

Geeky Cross stitch

2009-07-22T16:40:00.000-07:00

I love that Wired has an article about Geeky Embroidery (which, of course, includes cross-stitch). I too am a fan of Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog (LOVE that Nathan Fillion!), so between that and the fact that a) I'm a librarian and b) I'm married to a software engineer who is a gamer, I believe that means my geek cred is pretty much fully established.

Anyway, these are very fun projects and yet another example of how an art form such as cross stitch/embroidery can be extended and reinvented to include a multitude of artistic inclinations. Love it!

Creativity and Cross Stitch

2009-07-17T15:59:00.000-07:00

A 'multiple birds with one stone' discovery! First I ran across this very cool PDF on the benefits of listening to music while doing cross stitch (there are some other resources as well, such as this one on mental health and cross stitch). I am a huge believer in the benefits of creative and expressive arts therapy (music, writing, art, dance, all of it!), so this was really great.

Then I realized the web site was that of a company who produces a pretty nifty looking tool for helping track your place while stitching. Neat idea!

Finally, the article mentions the author Tera Leigh, who has a very cool web site all about creativity and art, which is certainly applicable to the art of cross stitch. As a creative writing major in college and an avid journaler, I also really love her journaling tips. A great way to extend the joy of creativity and cross stitch into the written word!

Stitch a Star

2009-07-15T16:20:00.000-07:00

So apparently the Brits are much more into cross stitch than Americans. At least, that's my anecdotal impression.

Exhibit A: To mark the release of the new Harry Potter movie, The Guardian provided fans with a cross stitch chart of Daniel Radcliffe. This came via the UK CrossStitcher Magazine, which does a Stitch a Star series.

Wow. The British Press Awards' Website of the Year actually thought it worthwhile to publish a cross stitch chart. Way cool - if only more of the US press thought in those terms...

(Oh, and Exhibit B is this).

Favorite Designers

2009-07-14T16:28:00.000-07:00

Do you have a favorite designer? I would say that I don't necessarily have a specific fave, but I do have a group of designers that I tend to keep tabs on. These include, but certainly are not limited to, the following: Little House Needleworks, Bent Creek, Stoney Creek, Prairie Schooler, and Imaginating. Who are some of your faves? Do you follow them closely, or just check in occasionally? Let me know!

Hoffman Summer Online Showcase

2009-07-13T11:01:00.000-07:00

Hoffman is having their annual SOS - Summer Online Showcase. It's a great time to check out a bunch of new designs, exclusives and more (including video from Frank Bielec of Mosey 'n Me and Trading Spaces fame). Take a look and prepare to add to your stash!

Anyone Out There?

2009-07-09T09:47:00.000-07:00

So it's been a little over a month since I started this blog. I'm happy about that, but some feedback would be really useful at this point. As in... is anyone out there? Is anyone reading this and does anyone care? Am I doing something at all useful/helpful to the cross stitch community? I would love to hear from you if you have happened to stumble across my blog. My intention with this blog is to provide useful, practical information to new and experienced stitchers alike, and I hope I'm doing that. If you're paying any attention whatsoever... what topics would you like to see addressed? What would you like to see happen with the content and direction of this blog? Speak up and let me know, I'd love to hear from you!

History of Cross Stitch

2009-07-08T15:39:00.001-07:00

If you'd like a brief overview of the history of cross stitch, you can of course check out the Wikipedia entry. Also be sure to check out the summaries here and here. There you have it, your history lesson for the day!

Cross Stitch and Gaming

2009-07-07T15:57:00.000-07:00

I have to mention this because my husband is totally into gaming. There is a very cool site that combines our two hobbies, cross stitch and gaming! It's called Sprite Stitch. Read more about it here. Lots of freebies, too - looks like I'm going to have to go through and pick out something cute to stitch up for hubby!

Cross Stitch and Celebrity

2009-07-06T16:18:00.000-07:00

Connie pointed out an interesting little blog entry by Silverlotus at Reflections in the Pond about the need for a cross stitch celebrity. Definitely food for thought! I tend to agree - a vocal, positive ambassador for the hobby we love would be great. But who? Volunteers?

Stitcher's Showcase

2009-07-02T11:55:00.000-07:00

So I just created a profile at Stitcher's Showcase. I found out about it from Milly, and it looks like a great social networking site for stitchers! I'm looking forward to exploring it a bit more and enhancing my personal site there, but for now you can check out my profile at http://www.stitchersshowcase.com/profile/KathyWillis . Stitch On!

Non-standard stitching

2009-07-01T15:15:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for something different than the typical stitching chart, something more unique... then you may want to consider stepping outside the box with subversive or radical cross stitch. It's not for everyone, but read about it here for an overview. Edited to add: And for another perspective on the whole subject, check out the post and discussion here.

Text Generators

2009-06-30T15:24:00.000-07:00

Coolest thing ever (well, one of them anyway): Online text generators for cross stitch projects, with a variety of font options. Rock on. I will totally be using this! Such a brilliant idea, why didn't I discover this sooner?!?!?!

Options include:

Option 1 [From Stitchpoint]
Option 2 [From crosstitch.com]
Option 3 [A Celtic style text generator]

Oh, and if you want other freebie alphabet options, there are many choices, among them those listed here.

Mentoring

2009-06-29T11:37:00.000-07:00

Mentoring someone else in the art of cross stitch is a great way to share your passion and pass the tradition on, all at the same time. If this is something you're interested in, there are several resources out there that can help.

TNNA is one of the sponsors for the Needle Arts Mentoring Program.

DMC also has a mentoring program.

Tips, ideas, strategies, and techniques are available for helping you plan to teach someone else to cross stitch.

As you can see, the sky's the limit - have fun sharing your love of cross stitch with someone else!

Take A Stitching Vacation

2009-06-26T15:40:00.000-07:00

Itching to get away from it all and focus on your stitching? Create your own stitching vacation! Design your own perfect escape, with plenty of time built in for stitching. A few suggestions to get you started:

-- Choose your travel companions carefully. A few close friends who share your passion for stitching, for example, might be the ideal companions. If you do include non-stitchers in your travel plans, be sure they have alternative activities planned - activities that will be fun for them, but that you won't mind missing in exchange for some quiet stitching time. Remember, the point of this low-stress get-away is to relax and stitch - so whomever you choose as your travel partners, make sure they will enhance the experience and make it a fun, memorable event.

-- Pick your vacation destination carefully as well. A beautiful, tranquil location is always a stress-buster, but make sure you pick a place where you will be content to sit and stitch. For example, if you pick a resort destination with a million possible activities, you might feel guilty if you didn't participate and thus you might not be inclined to stitch. Consider instead a more relaxed, laid-back environment - perhaps even something somewhat secluded. Try a quiet cabin in the mountains, a beautiful cottage on the ocean, a charming inn or an intimate B&B.

-- Of course, planning which pieces to work on during your vacation is key. You might want to have a few different projects available for rotation purposes. Mix it up - maybe something small, quick and easy along with that BAP you've been working on forever. Think about working on projects with different materials and finishing techniques as well - Aida and linen, a towel and a scissor fob, etc. Whatever sounds like fun and will keep things interesting and fresh! Naturally, be sure to pack carefully - make sure all your projects are kitted up and ready to go, include that extra pair of scissors just in case, and don't forget that fave stitching light you always use.

-- Consider how you like to stitch and include that in your plans. For example - do you like to stitch while watching a great movie, or listening to a fabulous audio book? Bring your faves along, as well as a few new ones that you're looking forward to, and you'll be on your way to stiching nirvana!

-- Remember, try not to overplan or overdo. It's always helpful to have a general schedule in mind, and/or a few ideas for potentially fun activities, but the point of the vacation is to slow down, take a break, and focus on stitching. Cramming a bunch of extra activities into the trip will defeat the purpose! Pick a couple of things to do that might be fun for the occasional stitching break, and leave it at that. Relax, have fun, and enjoy stitching!

-- Treasure the memories. Take lots of pictures, keep a journal, make a scrapbook - whatever works for you! With luck, your stitching vacation will turn into a regular tradition.

Cross Stitch in the News

2009-06-25T12:01:00.001-07:00

Check out this absolutely incredible story (here too) about a woman who recreated the Sistine Chapel, in cross-stitch.

All I have to say is, Wow.

Unbelievable and totally amazing. The pics are mind boggling!

Oh, and apparently she used this software.

Old and Out of Print Charts

2009-06-24T15:01:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for old or out-of-print (OOP) charts, you have a few options.

One, of course, is eBay or other auction web sites, to see if someone has put the chart up for auction.

Another is The Old Stitch, a small company specializing in gently used cross stitch charts/books.

Adams Used Books is a similar service.

I haven't used any of these services personally, so I have no opinion about them one way or the other. But if you're desperate for a chart - and it's happened to all of us - then these might be worth checking out. Of course, you can also ask around - your LNS, your fellow stitchers, online forums, garage/yard sales, etc. can all be potential sources of a lead on a difficult-to-find chart.

Good luck and happy hunting!

NeedleArts Inspired Travel

2009-06-23T15:46:00.000-07:00

So I discovered that New Mexico has created a Fiber Arts Trail that you can explore, which includes artists working in a variety of fiber arts (weaving, etc.). Not strictly cross stitch, but what a great way to see hand crafts created with a variety of fibers, threads, yarns, cloths, fabrics, etc. Very cool idea - I think this might be very interesting for a lot of stitchers. I for one would love to go! Wouldn't it be neat if other states/regions did something similar? If there are others out there, I'd love to know!

Cross Stitch Organizations

2009-06-22T16:14:00.000-07:00

There are a variety of organizations out there focused on cross stitch and other types of needlework. If you'd like to become a part of one of these groups and become part of their community, here are a few options - of course, there are others as well. A sampling:

The Cross Stitch Guild is a UK group started by well known designer Jane Greenoff. This is a worldwide organization open to anyone with an interest in cross stitch/counted embroidery.

The Embroiderers' Guild of America is a national organization with many local chapters.

If you're into samplers, there are several local and regional sampler guilds as well.

Of course, you can always start your own cross stitch club!

Also of note is The National NeedleArts Association (TNNA) . TNNA is a professional trade association for industry professionals, but they have some great community activities as well. Their yearly Nashville Market trade show "has long been known as a primary venue for cross-stitch designers, as well as other needle art industry suppliers." Check out this article about students studying for a career in the fiber arts - Pathways into Professional Needlearts is a TNNA supported program.

Happy Dance!

2009-06-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

OK, so I can't resist sharing my Happy Dance for my latest finish, Maybelle Cat by The Good Huswife. It took longer than I anticipated, as usual. If it isn't a WISP, it isn't one of my projects. I really need to work on that. Which entails doing more stitching. Which is a good thing. So I guess it all works out in the end. :)

I'm now working on those scissor fobs I've been wanting to do. I'm also trying to get a bunch of my fibers more organized so that I can be better prepared when I want to kit up my next project.

Stitch On!

Stitcher Interview

2009-06-18T15:44:00.000-07:00

Check out this cool interview with the Twisted Stitcher, Vonna Pfeiffer. She has a great stitching blog, as well as an awesome-looking finishing service.

Speaking of finishing... there are lots of finishing ideas available - try here and here as a starting point.

For other fun stitching blogs like Vonna's, check out http://bigblogofstitchingblogs.blogspot.com/ .

Stitch On!

Preserving Cross Stitch Memories

2009-06-17T15:38:00.000-07:00

I think it's important to take the time to preserve important cross stitch memories, since hobbies are such an integral part of our lives. To that end, you may want to consider keeping a detailed cross stitch journal and writing a journal entry (or several!) about each project. You could also create a scrapbook page, a blog entry, or whatever works for you! This can be a wonderful way to commemorate the project and remember the circumstances of your life that surrounded the stitching of a piece. Here are some writing promps to consider:

Why did you choose this particular project, and why at this particular time?
What is your favorite thing about the piece?
What was going on in your life while you were stitching this piece?
How does this piece make you feel? What emotions does it generate?
What does this piece make you think about? Are there particular memories associated with this project?
Are there any special stories associated with this project? For example, if it is a piece for a loved one - what is your favorite thing about that person? What about them is most special to you? What events/stories do you remember most about that person and their presence in your life?
What have you learned while stitching this piece? What has changed for you - how are you different now than you were before beginning the project? This can be technical (I learned a new technique or used a new material) or more related to your life as a whole (I'm a more patient person now).

If you have a special way you commemorate a project, I'd love to hear about it!

Cross Stitch Record Keeping

2009-06-16T16:26:00.000-07:00

Keeping records of your cross stitch projects can be fun and a great reminder of how much love, time, and energy you invest in your projects. You may even want to have a special journal or notebook that you use to record your cross stitching activities. Here are a few things to consider keeping track of:

-- Naturally, the name of the project and the designer. Also the details of the materials used - which fabric, threads, embellishments, etc.
-- The date you started a project, and date of completion. I've been known to write these on the chart itself so they are easy to find.
-- Some stitchers even track how many hours they spend on each project!
-- Was the project for a special person or event?
-- Take progress pictures of your work as you stitch, and of course the all-important 'finish' photo!
-- Make note of any special details or stories related to this project.

Of course, the best part is sharing your 'finish' news with those who can appreciate that big 'Happy Dance' of excitement and accomplishment!

If there are other ideas out there related to tracking your projects, I'd love to hear them!

News Item of the Day...

2009-06-15T10:04:00.000-07:00

... Is this nifty article about a woman from Escondido, CA who creates her own cross stitch samplers based on various elements of American history and regional culture. I wish the pictures showed the samplers in more detail - they look gorgeous! I appreciate the characterization of cross-stitch as 'purposeful' - I think that's exactly right.

Also, I found it interesting that yet again a close connection is demonstrated between arts/crafts and culture/society: "Home crafts represent an industry that has buoyed otherwise struggling retail sales across the country, as more people turn to homemade creations in this recession."

Arts and crafts are such an important, elemental, impactful part of our lives - in times of difficulty, we return to them again and again as a source of strength, healing, and connection.

Using Cross Stitch to Manage Adversity

2009-06-12T14:20:00.000-07:00

Today, two inspirational examples of people using cross stitch to manage adversity in their lives.

First, a Michigan woman used cross stitch to manage stress in the face of job loss. Quote of the day:

"There is something about a beautiful work of cross stitch that always moved me. It looked so tedious, but at the same time, challenging. So, I went to the cross stitch store, bought a pattern, thread and canvas, and began my work of art. Talk about time consuming! It became my treat to myself, my reward, after sending out my resume, going on interviews, or making connections that day. It was tedious, hard on the eyes and tiresome, but I loved every minute of it. It also distracted me, which kept me from obsessing on the fact that I didn't have a job."

Second, a review of a Canadian exhibit by a diagnosed schizophrenic who uses cross stitch (and quilting) to help cope with his disease. He "took up cross-stitch to focus his nervous energy" and began creating some amazing art.

Wow. What a wonderful testament to the healing power of art -- specifically cross stitch -- in our lives!

Cross Stitch and the Art of Memory Preservation

2009-06-11T15:50:00.000-07:00

Fascinating bit today on the NYT web site about a study looking at ways to prevent memory loss. In a nut shell, learning a new skill -- for example, taking up a new hobby such as cross stitch -- can help keep your mind agile, alive, and engaged.

Quote of the day:
"When it comes to mental agility, we’re more likely to think of crosswords than cross-stitch. But neuroscientists suspect that learning a challenging new skill — a new language, a new musical instrument — may be even more effective than mental games at keeping the brain sharp."

I'm totally behind that! An intellectually complex and mentally challenging activity such as cross stitch -- which has lots of different aspects to it that can be focused on, developed, and enjoyed over time -- can provide learning experiences for years.

Cross stitch: fun, rewarding, and good for the mind!

Pardon me, I think I need to go develop some neural connections and fire a few synapses... quick, where's my needle and the instructions for that new technique I've been meaning to try?

Cross Stitch Magazines

2009-06-10T19:53:00.000-07:00

I love cross stitch magazines - they are treasures to be eagerly anticipated each and every month. I have quite the collection, so much so that I am currently making an effort to be very selective about my magazine acquisitions. If I don't absolutely love a chart - if I absolutely just can't live without it - if it isn't an automatic "yes, I must stitch this" - then I don't add the magazine to my stash. But with that in mind, here are a few of my fave cross stitch magazines, just waiting to present me with my next "must stitch" chart.

Just Cross Stitch
Cross-Stitch and Needlework
Stoney Creek Cross Stitch Collection
The Cross Stitcher
Origin Publishing (UK) magazines
The Gift of Stitching -- an online magazine, neat idea!

Great minds: Connie at About.com just posted about this very topic earlier this week! Fun, and they have a list of other magazines as well.

Stitching for Charity

2009-06-09T15:13:00.000-07:00

There are many opportunities available to share our love of cross stitch with others and support those in need at the same time. For example, the Flying Stitch in Battle Creek, MI (a big shout-out to a wonderful state where I lived for many years - GO BLUE!) recently held a Stitch-A-Thon to raise money and awareness about breast cancer. What a wonderful idea!

Stitching for charity can be a great way to give back. Here are a few resources and links to organizations that work with stitchers. I'm sure there are others, and I'd love to hear about them!

Stitches of Love and Kindness
Cole's Quilts
Stitch for Pleasure, Stitch for Charity
Quilts 4 Kids
Operation Elderly Charity Stitchers
Love Quilts

List of Charities from About.com
List of Charities from CyberStitchers

Stitching for others warms the heart!

Threads

2009-06-08T15:38:00.000-07:00

I just purchased some stash for my next few projects, which included some beautiful threads. I just love all those colors! Beyond the all-important DMC (and Anchor), there lies a fabulous and drool-inducing world of threads to enhance your every project. If you're new to cross stitch, or haven't yet looked beyond DMC/Anchor, you'll be thrilled with what's out there (just remember that overdyed threads are generally not guaranteed to be color fast). Some of the many threads worth exploring:

Weeks Dye Works - located in my neck of the woods, awesome!
The Gentle Art - Sampler Threads

Crescent Colours
The CARON Collection
Threadworx
Rainbow Gallery

Stitch On!

Cross Stitch Sites

2009-06-04T15:35:00.000-07:00

When you look up cross stitch on the web, what sites come up? A couple of important ones - and if you don't know about them, you should.

First, Hoffman Distributing Company (http://www.hoffmandis.com/). Love it, love it, love it! They are the leading cross stitch book distributor, and chances are good your LNS knows all about them. They have new book listings that they update every Friday, and believe me when I say I look at that listing every week without fail! They also have some nice interviews they've done with some fabulous designers.

Next, DMC (http://www.dmc-usa.com/). Producer of all things thread (among other things). They have some fun freebies, and you can also sign up to become a cross stitch Mentor, which I think is really neat.

Of course, there are a zillion fabulous sites out there - these are just two of them. More faves to come. What are yours?

Scissor Fobs

2009-06-03T15:43:00.000-07:00

I'm now totally obsessed with scissor fobs, in large part due to the adorable fobs Renee recently finished. I've decided to make one based on the cat from the Lizzie*Kate design Meow Blocks - a decision that was reinforced when I discovered stitchhappy had the same idea and it turned out wonderfully (turns out she has some cute freebies available as well, including a ton of fob designs).

I'll probably use these instructions or these for finishing (they're quite similar).

Can't wait to start work on this!

Fun Link

2009-06-02T15:08:00.000-07:00

As a proud adoptive mother, I couldn't resist posting this link to some adorable adoption-themed cross stitch charts:

http://www.adoptshoppe.com/needlework.html

Thanks to Kerri for pointing this out.

Stitch On!

Cross Stitch How-to: The Basics

2009-06-01T05:43:00.000-07:00

Just getting started with cross stitch? Here are a few how-to resources that can help get you on your way - they include tips, techniques, and everything you need to know to get started.

My fave tips:

-- Keep your crosses going in the same direction so they all look the same.
-- Don't knot your thread, secure the ends under completed stitches on the back side of fabric.
-- Don't carry thread too far when moving from one part of the fabric to another. I usually don't carry more than about an inch. Longer and I'll clip the thread and start again fresh at the new location.

Resources:

Counted Cross Stitch, Needlework, and Stitchery Page

Cameoroze's Stitchers Studio

Know How from Cross-stitching.com

Tutorials and Info links from About.com

If you know of other great how-to resources, let me know!

Cross Stitch Factoids About Me

2009-05-29T17:04:00.000-07:00

A few tidbits about me and my interest in cross stitch, just in case you're curious:

-- I live in the Raleigh, NC area. My LNS is The Lazy Daizy. Love them!

-- Fave thing about cross stitch: Working with all the different colors!

-- Fave subjects to cross stitch: Cats, quilts, four seasons themes. Seeing how this connects with my love of all things color?

-- Ultimate cross stitch goal: Finish at least one Paula Vaughn design (first stop: "Purr-fect Patterns"). Her work is one of the reasons I got hooked on cross stitch in the first place!

-- How I got started: My mom taught me. After an extended break while completing my education, I got back into cross stitch shortly after starting my first real job about ten years ago. Been going strong ever since.

-- Fave way to cross stitch: On the couch next to my Ott light, blanket and cat on my lap, with a 'comfort movie' (read: Pride and Prejudice, Chocolat, The Princess Bride, etc.) that I've seen a million times playing in the background.

-- I'm definitely a methodical (read: slow) stitcher. There isn't a project I've done that hasn't been a WISP (Work in Slow Progress). Perhaps this has something to do with the fact that I always seem to choose huge projects with a million color changes? Darn that color addiction. :)

There you have it. A bit of insight into my world. Stitch On!

Cross Stitch News

2009-05-28T14:35:00.000-07:00

A few news articles of interest with regard to the world of cross stitch:

http://www.fremonttribune.com/articles/2009/05/27/news/local/doc4a1d5f1d8083d597932398.txt -- A heartwarming article about a senior gentleman in Nebraska who is creating (and displaying) some amazing cross stitch.

http://www.bworldonline.com/Weekender051509/main.php?id=marketing1 -- Filipino artist Manuel Baldemor is collaborating with DMC to turn some of his beautiful artwork into some stunning cross stitch. It's available in the Philippines; not sure if it will be available elsewhere or not.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/features/article2440693.ece -- Apparently, Urban Cross Stitch is quite the rage in Britain. Mmmm.... Cupcakes, Cocktails, & Cross Stitch - what a great idea!

Stitch On!

Cross Stitch Acronyms and Terminology

2009-05-27T15:06:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what the heck cross stitchers mean when they say that they have multiple WIPs, a stack of UFOs, not to mention have achieved SABLE, but they are still going to their LNS to acquire more stash?

Never fear, Center Stitch is here to provide an explanation of cross stitch acronyms and terminology. To wit:

WIP = work in progress
UFO = unfinished object
Stash = personal needlework supplies
SABLE = Stash Acquision Beyond Life Expectancy
LNS = Local Needlework Shop

There now, don't you feel better? Now you'll know what someone means when they ask you if you want to participate in a SAL (stitch-along, multiple stitchers work on a design at the same time) or a RR (round robin - several stitchers working on projects in sequence).

For additional explanations of cross stitch acronyms and terminology, see:
http://webitude.com/xstitch/acronyms.html
http://www.datafurnace.net.au/crossstitchbyza/html/advice-acronyms.html

Stitch On!

Welcome to Center Stitch!

2009-05-27T05:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Center Stitch. I hope this blog will be a center of news and information for new and experienced cross stitchers alike. Center Stitch will include tips, trends, and tidbits - in short, anything of interest in the world of cross stitch! I hope Center Stitch can serve as a helpful starting point for new stitchers, as well as a resource for experienced stitchers. Ideally, Center Stitch will bring stitchers together in a fun and informative community that will help sustain and develop the craft that is cross stitch. Enjoy!