Sampler Cross
Sampler Cross
How to Create a Cross Stitched Heirloom
Everybody would like to leave their loved ones something special when they pass away so cross stitchers and the companies that develop cross stitch designs are now, more than ever, turning to the classics in order to produce a unique and very personal heirloom.
Celebrations cross stitch
Currently there is a wide range of cross-stitch designs available for you to record those special occasions, such as:
the birth of a baby
a wedding
an anniversary
a special birthday.
You can hang these cross stitch pictures on a wall for a life time and not only will they bring back fond memories of the occasion itself; they will bring back equally happy memories of the person who actually did the stitching.
Generally these designs are aimed at intermediate cross stitchers and when framed and placed in a prominent position can be a real conversation piece.
Christmas heirlooms
Cross stitching a beautiful design or a family scene onto a large Christmas stocking can make a great heirloom that will be brought out and cherished every Christmas.
Generation after generation can fill it with sweets and little treats year after year and when the children ask where it came from, it will be fondly remembered as your handy work.
Crossword style heirlooms
You can use all of the names within your family to produce a cross stitch piece in the style of a crossword. Designing the pattern will take some time as you will need to make all of the names fit together. However, when all of the names are stitched in complementary colours and a pretty border design is put around the name crossword, it will be an adorable heirloom that will be forever in the family.
By leaving space around the edges or by spreading the names out you can always add new family members as they arrive so that it is always up-to-date.
Samplers
Samplers come in all shapes and sizes and they can contain pretty much anything you want them to. They are normally quite intricate projects and so are great to stitch as a family heirloom as they will be admired and treasured with each passing generation.
You may wish to cross stitch a family motto or a saying that you are well known for so that the sampler is personal to you and your family.
… and of Course There’s Always The Classics
Why not go all out and cross stitch one of the famous classic paintings such as The River by Monet or the Vase with Irises by Van Gogh. There are now hundreds of classics and more modern paintings to choose from and although they do take an experienced stitcher a lot of spare time they are well worth the effort.
You can pick a painting that is particularly special to you and your family and turn it into a work of art of your own making.
New style cross stitch heirlooms
A number of companies today (including Patterns Patch) offer a useful service where you send them a photo of a loved one or a special pet and they produce a counted cross stitch pattern in your specified stitch count so that the finished piece is as big or as small as you want it.
You can then cross stitch the design yourself and recreate the original photo but in the unique craft of cross stitch.
An Heirloom is a wonderful keepsake to pass on to the next generation of your family, and one that you have cross stitched yourself will be infinitely more special and lovingly treasured. It is a way of passing on a legacy and ensuring that you will be remembered always.
About the Author
John Wigham has been a professional author and editor for 20 years and is a co-founder of http://www.patternspatch.com an online cross stitch club dedicated to counted cross stitch. The website has a small team of writers who are devoted to our cross stitch club and enjoy writing about their hobby.
10 Good Reasons to Take Up Cross Stitch
There are a numerous reasons for taking up the beguiling, blue-collar craft of cross stitch, ten of which are shown below. So continue reading then pay a visit to your local craft shop and start your cross stitching career today.
1. Why “blue-collar” you might ask? Well! When compared to most other pastimes, cross stitch is truly inexpensive; there’s no fancy or expensive machinery. When you have bought a kit or the thread and fabric for your own design that’s about it for outlay (well, until you buy the next one anyway). Simple kits start from a couple of dollars and you’re guaranteed something at the end of it to show for your efforts.
2. Whatever you produce, be it a tiny picture of a mere few inches in diameter, or a sampler that stretches the length of your wall, you will always have it to keep. You can even hand it down to your children, thereby creating an heirloom.
3. Even beginners can make cross stitch works that look both beautiful and professional. Starter kits don’t need any previous experience and as you develop your skills you can progress to evermore complex patterns. You will never have to scour the shops for that special gift again.
4. Everything you make will be unique and very personal; the perfect gift for every occasion.
5. Cross stitch is great for stress relief and relaxation. Just sit down with your favorite radio program or CD on and stitch away to your heart’s content.
6. Cross stitch is a truly “portable” hobby. You can stitch while sitting in your armchair watching the TV or alternatively you can take it with you on holiday or on long train journeys. Boredom will surely be a thing of the past.
7. The huge number of cross stitch designs available today means that there will always be something you like, regardless of your ability. Simple designs for beginners incorporate a small number of color threads and very basic stitches so that you don’t need to go and read a manual before you make a start. However, as you progress and learn a few more stitches and techniques you can attempt more complex patterns until you really are the professional cross stitcher.
8. There are literally hundreds of websites that offer free patterns to cross stitch. You will have to buy your own threads and fabric but that is half of the challenge! There is absolutely no way on this earth that you will ever run out of things to cross stitch; it really is a hobby for life.
9. As you become more confident and proficient, you can sell some of your creations so making a bit of pocket money while doing something that you love to do. You can even advertise your talents and design patterns for individual customers. Given a few years you could have a nice little business venture as well as a great hobby.
10. Outdoor hobbies such as hill walking and bird watching aren’t much fun in the rain or in the middle of winter, but cross stitch can be done at any time of the year regardless of the weather. In fact it’s a great feeling to sit in a nice warm, cozy house on a dull winter evening and happily stitch the hours away.
Overall, cross stitch really is a universal hobby anyone can master and if your curiosity does get the better of you, you will undoubtedly become hooked in no time. Historically, cross stitching has a rather vague stigma attached to it as being thought of by many as just a “pensioner” activity. But this couldn’t be further from the truth, people of all ages cross stitch, even teenagers and children… and yes men too! … and hey! If you don’t believe me, have a go yourself, you’ll soon find out why cross stitch really is universally popular.
About the Author
John Wigham has been a professional author and editor for 20 years and is a co-founder of http://www.patternspatch.com an online cross stitch club dedicated to counted cross stitch. The website has a small team of writers who are devoted to our cross stitch club and enjoy writing about their hobby.
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Winter Sampler Counted Cross Stitch Kit $21.81 Cross-stitch kit highlights a wonderful winter wonderland Counted cross stitch kit includes 14-count chamois 100 cotton Aida fabricNeedle work set features scenes of snow sports and winter holidays bordered by bells and snowflakes |
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Janlynn Spring Sampler Cross Stitch Kit $17.46 Theme: Spring SamplerMaterials: Aida fabric, cotton Dimensions: 12 inches wide x 16 inches long |
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Janlynn Bear Birth Sampler 11×14-inch Stamped $8.75 Janlynn sewing kit announces the birth of a little oneBear Birth Sampler includes alphabet and numbers for personalizationGreat sewing and needlework project for almost anyone |
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Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings`s Cross Creek Sampler (Hardcover) $17.37 Description not available. |
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‘Beach Babies’ Counted Cross Stitch Kit $14.62 Adorable sampler features three toddlers in swim suits, hats and sunglassesNeedlework kit includes: Thread, 14-count Aida, sorter, needle and instructionsFinished size of counted cross stitch set measures 14 inches wide x 11 inches high |