About Cross-Stitch

Photo of the Week - Hummingbird and Cactus Photo

2009-11-25T06:00:50Z

Holly sent in this close-up photo of her Hummingbird and Cactus Project. She stitched it from a kit, so we aren't sure who the designer is. If you know, post it below so I can add the information. Learn more about this photo.

See the Framed Project.

Photo © Holly

Cross Stitch Photo Albums

Submit a Photo - share your photo with us and you might just be featured here.

I never seem to keep my posts completely wordless, but here are more blogs posts featuring photos on Wordless Wednesday at About.com.

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Photo of the Week - Hummingbird and Cactus Photo originally appeared on About.com Cross-Stitch on Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 at 06:00:50.

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Un Natale da Ricamare 2009

2009-11-24T06:00:05Z

Each year, there are two publications that start those holiday bells aringing for me. The first is the Just CrossStitch Ornament Edition. I look forward to seeing the new offerings from the designers and reading the recipes many of them share. This year, my favorite design looks just like a snow globe - it even has beads that move around just like the "snow" flakes.

The second publication is a more recent addition to my holiday festivities. It is Un Natale da Ricamare. This magazine is available in Italian and in English. It features some really neat ideas for making up ornaments. It has a bit of a international flavor too. (So do the recipes!)

Order Un Natale da Ricamare 2009 or the back issues (well worth it) from Mani di Donna. And watch for the Just CrossStitch Ornament Issue on newsstands or check the JCS site for ordering info.

What says Holiday Cross Stitch to you? Share about it in the comments section below.

Un Natale da Ricamare 2009 originally appeared on About.com Cross-Stitch on Tuesday, November 24th, 2009 at 06:00:05.

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Free Thanksgiving Pattern Collection

2009-11-23T06:00:33Z

What are your plans for Thanksgiving? (That is, if you are celebrating.) My husband is off work this year, and I am planning a simple meal. I am following a new "lifestyle plan" (sounds better than diet), so I will be having turkey, but not quite all the trimmings. My husband is looking forward to our next holiday meal, when I promised to break my plan for the day!

Here's a last minute pattern set for "Turkey Day" or "Tofurkey Day" if you prefer. The Thanksgiving Pattern Collection has several elements. First, there are Pumpkin Corner motifs. They will be great for bread cloths, napkins, or other decorations. Then there is a Pumpkin Border - use it to chart sayings with the Thankful Alphabet included in the set. Finally, I have charted a saying from Psalm 100:4 as an example of how the border may be used.

If you won't have time to stitch these before your holiday celebration this year, there's always next year! Make several of the sayings to give as gifts or stitch the borders alone to make candle mats for friends. As always, if you stitch any of these designs, submit a photo of them for the About.com Cross Stitch Photo Album.

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Free Thanksgiving Pattern Collection originally appeared on About.com Cross-Stitch on Monday, November 23rd, 2009 at 06:00:33.

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Crafty Bloggers This Week

2009-11-21T20:48:26Z

All sorts of fun crafty activities going on in the crafty blogosphere this week:

The Crochet Dude
Drew kicks off the holiday season with a crochet pattern event.
About Family Crafts
Do you play with clay? If so, please take a moment and share your favorite stories, projects, recipes, techniques, and more.
The Impatient Crafter
In this week's teen crafts blog for iLoveToCreate Madge makes a stunning mixed media necklace. You might just want to sport this one yourself.
Aileen's Musings
Aileen is offering Vintage freebie images for you to download and use in your art. Get started on those digi holiday cards using some of them.
The Artful Crafter
Check out Eileen's latest craft finds: lots of free stuff and free advice - well that's usually free, isn't it?
Cathie Filian
Cathie has lots of Thanksgiving recipes, crafts and family activities posted. Plus tips for a smooth Thanksgiving!
Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
Sweater Surgery attacks t-shirts and cuts them up into some cute gathered tops with the help of Generation-T Beyond Fashion.
Mixed Media Artist
Cyndi has finished a second Garden Quilt and is offering her tutorial!
Craftside
Over at Craftside you can enter to win a Mixed-Media Doll by Linda O'Brien, Co-author of Who's Your Dada?, download a free intricate leaf paper cutting pattern, get a fun how-to on making a paper cupcake and a pretty pair of fall leaf earrings.
Farm Girl Roots, City Girl Style
Linda shares one of the first quilts she designed and tells the first of many stories about lessons learned.
Crafty Princess Diaries
Mix up altered books, glitter, and teenagers, shake well, and voila! You have a fun day of art combined with writing.

Crafty Bloggers This Week originally appeared on About.com Cross-Stitch on Saturday, November 21st, 2009 at 20:48:26.

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Don't Forget the Saturday Stitchathon!

2009-11-20T16:00:26Z

Don't forget that November 21, 2009 is our first Stitchathon in the About.com Cross Stitch Forum. Some stitchers have big plans for tomorrow - I know a few are set up to have a Lord of the Rings Marathon at the same time. Even if you can't stitch all day, drop in for a bit.

Don't miss the excitement! But, if you can't stitch with us on Nov. 21, remember that we are having Tuesday Night Stitchalongs too. So many stitchers are making so much progress on former UFOs that is it amazing!

Find out more about both of these opportunities as you Come Stitch With Us!

Don't Forget the Saturday Stitchathon! originally appeared on About.com Cross-Stitch on Friday, November 20th, 2009 at 16:00:26.

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Make It Merry Week Three

2009-11-20T06:00:16Z

Welcome to another edition of Make it Merry, where talented crafters share their holiday how-to's.

Advent Candy Tree
Everyone loves counting down to the holidays...add candy to the mix and you've got a fun Advent calendar from Sherri Osborn for the whole family to enjoy.

Pumpkin Cross Stitch Pattern
Use a variegated floss to make a swirling pumpkin that would look great near the Thanksgiving table. Connie G. Barwick (hey, that's me!) has the free pattern.

Knit Wreath Ornament
Scrap knitting makes for fun quick projects that are perfect for any skill level. Sarah E. White has the instructions for this cute wreath.

Miniature Glitter Houses
Snowy villages look great upon every mantle and tabletop. Lesley Shepherd has a free printable so you can make your own tiny houses.

Paper Bead Star Ornament
If you're looking for something a little different to do with your paper beads then take a look at this paper bead star. This project is simple to adapt in a wide variety of ways.

Rustic Pillar Candles
'Tis the season for running out to buy candles. David Fisher will show you how to make these festive pillar candles with the perfect finish.

Pear Diamonds Painted Card
This card has an intricate finish, but it is so easy to make. Tina Jones shows us how to create this colorful card from start to finish.

Christmas Apron Pattern
Just because you've got to bake cookies for the whole family doesn't mean you can't look fabulous! Phyllis Dobbs has created this adorable holiday apron, and she's got the free pattern just for you.

Flower Petal Ornament Cover
Sometimes those plain ornaments just need a little dressing up. Tammy Powley will show you how to use seed beads to create this unique ornament drapery.

Paint a Christmas Tree
Instead of paying a premium for a colored tree, Barbara Crews will show us how to paint your tree red to match the latest holiday trends.

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.

Make It Merry Week Three originally appeared on About.com Cross-Stitch on Friday, November 20th, 2009 at 06:00:16.

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Carrol Nielsen's Christmas Cross Stitch Designs

2009-11-19T06:00:16Z

Carrol Nielsen of Carrol Nielsen's Christmas Designs says that, "It seems like I have had a needle and thread in hand since a very young age and I often joke that my family wouldn't recognize me without it." Carrol hails from the "Land Down Under" and it has a definite influence on her stitching as you can see here!

Photo � Carrol Nielsen's Christmas Designs

Carrol's designs are dominated by Koalas. Koalas for Christmas, baby samplers, and they just keep popping up everywhere. Carrol says, "When I was a kid I just couldn't draw a koala. My grandmother was in love with koalas and I have her in several photos having a koala cuddle on her visits to Australia...." Learn more about Carrol Nielsen's Christmas Cross Stitch Designs.

Carrol Nielsen's Christmas Cross Stitch Designs originally appeared on About.com Cross-Stitch on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 06:00:16.

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Photo of the Week - Father Sun Project

2009-11-18T06:00:07Z

Not only is this project gorgeous, it only took X_Woman a month to stitch it! She says, "Hey, what can I say? I love cross stitch!" Read more.

The design is by Joan Elliot, from her book Bewitching Cross Stitch.

Cross Stitch Photo Albums
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I never seem to keep my posts completely wordless, but here are more blogs posts featuring photos on Wordless Wednesday at About.com.

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Photo of the Week - Father Sun Project originally appeared on About.com Cross-Stitch on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 06:00:07.

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Etsy Coolness

2009-11-17T06:00:18Z

I have been spending some time browsing on Etsy this week and wanted to share some of the cool things I found. These are all finished items - if you are running short on time and still want to give hand-made gifts, Etsy and other sites like it may solve your time-crunch issues.

Leather Zip Pouch From CruzDesigns, this cute little pouch will make a great coin purse. If I hadn't already exceeded my Etsy budget for the month, I would buy it for myself!
Belle of the Barbeque Hostess Apron From lesjardinsdevie, this awesome apron includes a cross-stitched border. Lovely and practical gift! I can just see my mom wearing it.
Robot Family Baby Announcement Sampler From misofunky, this birth announcement is so cute that I want to buy one and I don't have a baby of my own. It is great for nerds who propagate the species!

Have you found a great deal on Etsy, Artfire or other handmade focused website? Let us know about it using the comments section below.

Etsy Coolness originally appeared on About.com Cross-Stitch on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 06:00:18.

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Which Supply is Your Weakness?

2009-11-16T09:40:04Z

I am a complete floss addict. If you could see my craft room, you would know that there is no debating that statement. I have storage boxes full of various brands and types of flossses. I love trying out new-to-me brands and types.

I am also a bit of a fabric addict too. If I see fabric on clearance or find it on a "deal" I will order it in multiple quantities.

Which supply is your weakness? Are you a fiber addict, a fabric fancier, a needle nut, or what? Vote in the poll and let us know and use the comments section to share your stories about your supply weaknesses.

Which Supply is Your Weakness? originally appeared on About.com Cross-Stitch on Monday, November 16th, 2009 at 09:40:04.

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