I never claimed to be someone who marches to her own drum. I know that I am very susceptible to prevailing winds in the culture. Yes, advertising works, I know I’ve bought items because of advertising. The same is true of the crafts I partake in. I find myself following trends. So I picked up knitting again 15 years ago when it was cool, I restarted my quilting when the Modern Movement showed up.
So for the last few years I’m seeing more info about cross-stitch. I have embroidered labels for my quilts, using some of the more modern designs. I even cross-stitched a few, especially the last one, with the Kipling Quote.
The book, Retro Cross Stitch is full of great patterns. I’m jumping in in the deep end and making this wonderful Old style travel poster.
Yes, I went on Craftsy and watched a class, where I learned some very valuable things about cross-stitch. I have also begun following some FlossTube Chanels on You Tube. Yes, I have succumbed.
Instead of the cheap Aida cloth at Joann’s, I ordered some linen and thread from The Fat Quarter shop. Turns out it isn’t really linen, but I do have to actually count the threads, which yes, is causing some problems. I also ordered some snap frames and thread holders. If I’m going to do this, I’m doing it right with all the bells and whistles. I even bought a new printer, my old one wouldn’t scan and I was out of of colored ink… so yeah a new printer.
At the moment I am enjoying having the fabric taut, although I may try another project, on real linen that isn’t in a frame and then I’ll try the sewing method instead of the stabbing one.
Ok, maybe I got a little too close with my macro lens…
Yes, there have been times when I’ve had to remove stitches, things weren’t lining up, all part of the process.
Yay! I get to use another color. No, I didn’t use all the brick red yet, one thing I’m discovering is that if I go ahead and move too far off to create more of the design, I tend to get more mistakes
This is looking so cool! Btw, have I mentioned that I don’t particularly like the cutesy cross-stitch? I am intrigued by antique designs, or new ones that are based on antiques. I absolutely love the style of the images in this book. But the cutesy stuff, no thanks.
The ’tile’ background is great.
Watching FlossTube, a number of people mentioned these magnetic cords. Yep, I bought some. Two are taming all of my recharging wires, which were quite the bird nest. Here are two that are holding back some excess fabric on the back, I was snagging it with my needle.
View from the back.
I may have to unpick some of that yellow, this is the problem with random stitches. Right now, I’ve moved back to the woman and will work on her, even if it means, switching out a lot of colors.
I do find this work to be quite meditative. Which these days, is something I really really need.
Leah