Cross stitch

[dragonfly]

Do any of you do cross stitch? I started 21 years ago when I saw a pattern for a sampler in a magazine of a baby in a cradle tied with a large pink ribbon and flowers. My sister was having a daughter so I did the sampler with the babies name, DOB and weight. She is 21 this year thats how I know it was 21years ago, I must see if she still has it. I did a wedding sampler for my son and daughter-in-law but I don't think they were impressed or appreciated all the hours to make it. I have done lots of pictures, samplers and cards. I struggle with pictures now as my eyes arn't very good even with glasses.

[lily]

I don't do cross stitch but do like tapestry. I agree with you about the eyes thing, I'm finding it more difficult to distinguish the colours despite the daylight bulb. Think we have enough cushions now, so will look around for something else this winter.

[Pippa]

I have done a lot of cross stitch in the past but prefer more freehand embroidery now and doing lots of chain stitch which curves beautifully and goes well with split and stem stitch. I agree about the daylight bulb Lily, unpicking a whole line the next morning does nothing for the temper! How about rag-rugs for the winter, if I remember you did a course, how did it go?

[franbee]

I have done loads of cross stitch in the past, not recently though. I moved on to tapestry pictures to use up a load of wool, so have a few lined up.

[dragonfly]

Pippa I would love to do proper embroidery with all the different stitches but the one I started 30 years ago still is nowhere near finished. I wasn't any good at it and kept meaning to go back to it and learn but cross stitch was easier.
franbee years ago I started a tapestry, it is still only 2 inches up the frame, it was really difficult as the picture didn't match the squares. It is of two pheasants with long pointed tails.
I have done 3 rugs though. One a world map, one a sailing ship in water for boys room, and one I made up with all the left over wool. It is a shield split into four equal parts each a different colour and our initals in each one.

[franbee]

I have a rug my cousin passed on to me, she had done a couple of inches. She said 'it's easy 'cos it's random' but I find it difficult to do random, a pattern would have been easier. And then I'll have to give it away 'cos the colours don't suit my decor, and I'm fully carpeted.

[TIGGYWINKLE]

I love cross stitch, but I do find it hard on my eyes. I now do small items that are quick like cards, and Christmas things.I have done some nice little things for our B&B like the letters for the rooms entwined with flowers, Little notices, Easter bits and pieces, and borders. I find freehand embroidery easier on the eyes, and do some embroidery on Towels, Pin Cushions, lavander bags etc. I just got a new scanner. I wonder is it o.k. to scan small patterns, and post them? I don't fully understand copyright.It would be nice for us all to do some Christmas goodies we could post with photos at the beginning of Dec, or is this one of my ambitious ideas that falls by the board. This site has whetted my appetite for so many creative projects, but time is always the enemy. Tiggywinkle

[eleanor2]

have only done lavender bags in cross stitch.would love to learn embroidery stitches.i do still have my needle case i made when i was eight.that has all embroidery stitches on .i still use it actually

[dragonfly]

Tiggywinkle I think that is a lovely idea to do goodies for each other. I haven't done any crafts since I joined RM and don't have time in the gardening season but love to do something when the dark nights start early and the weather is bad. Hope we don't forget by Dec.

[Ivy]

For all those of you who find it hard to do cross stitch because their eyes are failing after some time:
I have seen a frame with a great illuminated magnifying glass that could be attached to it if needed. I have no idea who would be selling them in the UK and how much they cost but it may be it's worth finding out.

[franbee]

Boots Opticians do a 'hands-free' magnifier, about £25. You hang it round your neck and it props on your chest so you can look down at your work through it but both hands are free.

[lily]

The rag rug course was very good, it is easy, you can do a flat or loopy effect. I've started a pattern, but am now wondering where to put it if/when finished- leaving it for the winter evenings and maybe inspiration will have struck by then.