Just so you all know I have been doing research and shopping and I think I’m ok except for a few questions and I’m sure I’ll have more questions once I get started.
The responsible thing to do would have been to cross stitch a few pieces and decide if that’s something I love before buying a lot of stuff but . . you wouldn’t expect that from me, right?
Here’s a portion of the fabric/cloth I’ve ordered.
You can see I’ve gotten adventurous (or stupid). 40 count linen??? Yes, I ordered some of the same fabric/colors/counts twice because there are a couple of projects I might want to use it for. I figure if I keep a good selection of fabric here, and I see a pattern I’m anxious to start, I can get DMC floss at Hobby Lobby and so many of the patterns can be downloaded instantly as a pdf. Since fabric could be the hangup, I figured I’d just go ahead and get myself a stash of cross-stitching fabric started.
Plus, Nicole said she used to cross-stitch and she loves it so maybe she’ll do some with me.
I have no idea how hard it is to cross-stitch on linen but almost all the things I really like are done on linen so . . I wanted to give it try.
There are several other fabric orders but I think you see what I’ve been doing.
I’ve seriously been trying to match up the patterns I’ve purchased with the right fabric so I started making index cards with the info which, of course, is subject to change once I see the fabric with the floss.
I have about 30 patterns I want to stitch. That’s probably a lifetime worth of stitching so technically, I could stop buying stuff now.
Some of the patterns I’m really excited about are these, and they’re kinda loosely listed in the order in which I’d like to make them. Like everything else, this is all subject to change based on my whims.
Winter Rose Manor
Shepherd’s Sampler
Feast of Friendship
Harvest Time
The Anniversary
Moonlight Visitor
Ugly Sweater Weather
Those are some excellent choices, don’t you think?
I do have some easier things:
Snowed In (a set if 5 “ornaments”) from Stitching Housewives
Playful Cats
Bluebird Salute
Sew Tweet
There’s probably something here I could get started on but I do have knitting that needs to be finished so I think I’ll work on that tonight.
Donna Williams says
Only 40? Ha! You’ve made some great choices. My faves these days are Blackbird Designs. Fabrics are hard to come by, so I think you did well.
Kathy S says
So what about Vince? Is Vince still stitching?
Judy Laquidara says
I don’t think he did any stitching today. It was a pretty day and he had a lot to do outside so he was out there working most of the day.
Darlene says
Great choices – patterns and fabrics! You’re definitely going to have lots of fun. If you have a Michael’s nearby they have a coupon you can use to save 20% on regularly priced merchandise. Just a thought! I do way too much curbside pick up with Michael’s. LOL
Jo says
I love stitching on linen and used to all the time. For the past 15-17 years I have mostly quilted. In the meantime, my eyes are no longer the same.
At my best, I loved stitching on 32-36 count. 40 count was reserved for very small special projects. Now, I am happy to work on 28 count. I love the way linen feels while stitching. If you are comfortable at the higher counts, good for you!
Nelle Coursey says
These remind me of the fracteurs I used to do the calligraphy on for a friend of mine. I really enjoyed doing that! They are beautiful!
Elle says
I love the look of linen. It takes serious focus and great lighting and no tiredness 🙂
Becky Rhodes says
I did all kinds of counted cross stitch like 30+ years ago and loved it! You’ve picked some really cute patterns. Right now I don’t even know where all my floss is so don’t get me started!
Carol H says
I find that I prefer evenweaves to linen because I find the my stitches are less stable on linens with looser weaves, slubs and varying widths of threads, but that’s a matter of personal taste. Also, be careful that the thread counts are the same vertically and horizontally…often linens are not and you get distortion in the images. I agree that the higher counts of linen are more stable, and linen is traditionally what one used to use for samplers. But no way these days would I buy 32-40 count of any fabric. That would be a major stress on my eyes even with magnification and perfect lighting!
Note also that prewashing may change the count as many fabrics shrink, some more along the vertical than horizontal, further throwing off the shapes of images ,,,AND… perhaps even making your fabric too small in one direction or another for the chart you are using.
You didn’t say how you plan on using these pieces but be sure your fabric is at least six inches wider and longer than that space taken up by the chart. Otherwise, you won’t be able to frame, or seam into a pillow or wall hanging because you will lack a seam allowance.
Oh, and red floss is as prone to bleeding as red yarn!
Good luck from a long-time cross stitcher!
Judy Laquidara says
Why would I need it to be 6″ wider and longer if I’m making a pillow that surely wouldn’t have more than a 1″ on each side seam?
Do I need to wash the fabric before I cross stitch it if it’s something I’m going to frame and never wash? What about if it is a pillow that could be washed some day? Sometimes (maybe often) I may not even know what I’m going to do with it when it’s finished.
You mention the thread count may not be the same horizontally and vertically. Would this be true possibly even for fabric I buy from a reputable cross stitch shop? Seems like that would be pretty important.
Thanks for your comments. That brought up things I hadn’t thought about. Yes . . I know about red floss running. I used to cross stitch, as well as smocking.
Debbie Walker says
Have you looked at Lori Holt’s cross stitch patterns, etc? Check out her blog, Bee in my Binnet. Cute stuff there as well.
Judy Laquidara says
I have looked at her stuff and I do like it.
montanaclarks says
Well, this is one hobby I won’t be following you down the rabbit hole. I did some cross stitch in my younger days but it’s definitely not my thing.
Karen Sutton says
I preferred cross stitching on linen – Ioved the look especially for samplers and the patterns you picked out. You’ll just need a good light. I wish you had started this new endeavor sooner – I boxed up a huge box of fabric and patterns and gave it away thinking I wouldn’t be going down that road again. I did keep some favorites – just haven’t decided if I want to haul it out and join the fray. LOL
Dorothy Matheson says
Cross stitching was not my thing. I cannot count it out right. Needle point was my thing for about 10 years and I did many pieces. Then I did bead weaving to make bracelets and such. Then I go into quilting. So please do not buy more because you do not even know if you like it.
A Dazor lamp is the very best one.
My Mom did cross stitching and has a lot of pieces framed on her walls. I love them.
danielle says
I did cross stitch religiously for years (as you could see from all my pieces that are hung up). But it started getting harder and harder on my eyes. I have tried different lights and magnifiers and frankly they are a PITA. So I stopped doing XS, and concentrated on knitting. Got rid of so much of my XS supplies. Then a friend got deep into XS and kind of sucked me into it again with her (that plus retirement and covid). But now I have found that it is absolutely ok not to do it in the fabric as pictured; so my go to is now 16 and 18 ct instead of beautiful linen. And it is ok – it looks just as nice!
CHERYL M KILLINGSWORTH says
Check out the website gazette94.blogspot.com
Her 186 patterns are wonderful and free!
My favorite linen fabric company is Lakeside Linens and YES the red floss will bleed just by a little steam when your done! UGH!
Millie says
Have been a Cross Stitcher for about 50 years and still loving it. I think it is easier to start with 14 or 16 count and work up to your higher count linen, that way you won’t get discouraged. I am presently working on a piece that is on 32 count and will finish 18 x 24 inches with 72 colors of floss. Started it in 2018 to enter in our county fair last year. Wasn’t quite finished when they cancelled our fair due to COVID so I put it aside to do some smaller projects and some knitting. Finishing up some bookmarks for gifts this week, then I will probably pick it up and get it finished. You asked about the need to have the fabric larger than your piece requires: I contacted the framer about this piece and he needs 6 inches on each side to allow for matting. My personal preference is no glass on my framed pieces. I frame a lot on my own but as this will be a competition piece I want it done professionally.
One of my favorite mail order places is Stoney Creek. They have an extensive inventory and many beautiful patterns. you might want to check out their website. Good luck with you stitching, keep us updated on how you are doing.
JackiesStitches says
You’ve made some great choices!
I’ve been back to cross stitching for maybe 10 years. I found out pretty quickly that I LOVE stitching on linen and I really dislike using 2 threads. So I stitch 99% on 36 and 40 count and sometimes higher! I also do not like backstitching and I definitely prefer to stitch on linen because I like that look. You’ll quickly find what you prefer too and then you’ll gear your shopping in that direction. With the pandemic, waits are typical for overdyed linens and threads. Often long waits for linen.
I’ve not heard of the cross stitch store in Branson but I have heard of the Silver Needle in Tulsa and I’ve heard it is an amazing shop!