About.com Cross-Stitch

Weekend Project - Joy Ornament Pattern

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:00:18 +0000

Looking for a quick weekend project? Need a break from that wall-to-wall project you are working on? The Holiday Ornament Collection includes ornaments that are whole cross stitch and others that contain a few specialty stitches. Depending on your stitching level and speed, you should be able to complete one or more of the ornaments in a weekend.

Photo © Connie G. Barwick

I stitched the Simple Joy Ornament in a few hours. I used a Threadworx floss, DMC Light Effects Floss, and Charles Craft Aida fabric for my project. You may use any type and color of floss and fabric you like to create your ornaments. Try something new or stick with something tried and true. But whatever you do, STITCH!

More Charts Suitable for Ornaments:

Weekend Project - Joy Ornament Pattern originally appeared on About.com Cross-Stitch on Friday, November 6th, 2009 at 06:00:18.

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It's Time for Holiday Crafting!

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:00:53 +0000

The holidays always seem to sneak up on me. I write about them, so really there's no excuse, but somehow there's not a transfer from my blog to my real life until about two weeks after I should really be thinking about making my own holiday decorations!

This holiday season, several of the crafty Guides and a few other crafters are cooperating on weekly posts that will share some of our great ideas and projects with you. I know many of you are multi-crafters like me, so I jumped at the opportunity to participate. If you are interested in participating, find the contact information at the end of this post. The more the Merrier!

Clothes Pin Holiday Card Holders
What to do with all those holiday cards? Hold them up with clothes pins as dazzling as twinkling lights with this how-to from Kate Pullen.

Make a Gingerbread House
Ever want to create the perfect gingerbread house? Okay, I have yet to master this skill..but you can! Our Barbara Rolek will show you how.

How to Draw a Christmas Tree
Here is one that will come in handy for all those handmade cards. Master sketch artist Helen South will show you how to draw the perfect tree from start to finish.

Paint a Glass Ornament
Turn a plain glass ball into a work of stained glass art. Our Guide to Painting will show you how to create this delicate trimming.

Silent Night Cross Stitch Pattern
Don't just get cozy, get your stitch on. Create a Silent Night design with this free pattern from Connie G. Barwick.

Stitch a Pear Trio
Hang up something special in your home for that Thanksgiving gathering. This free 'Pear Trio' needlepoint pattern from Cheryl Fall is just what your walls needed.

Easy Christmas Ornaments
Start a tradition for the kids to make new ornaments each year. Sherri Osborne has the shape patterns and project ideas for these ornaments that reflect Christmas traditions.

Print Thanksgiving Placecards
Add some warmth to your table with these Thanksgiving place cards that will have your guests saying 'awwwww'. Barbara Crews has the free printable for you to personalize.

Wine Bottle Wrap Pattern
Instead of giving a bottle of wine in one of those skinny bags, make a felt wrap that the bottle can be displayed in all season. Phyllis Dobbs will show you how.

Make a Miniature Christmas Tree
Why are tiny things always so darn cute? Learn how to make a little pine tree with Lesley Shepherd.

Interchangeable Thanksgiving Pins
Sometimes you just can't commit to just one pin. With this interchangeable Thanksgiving pin by Tammy Powley, you can tell everyone when you're ready for pie...and when you're overstuffed.

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.

It's Time for Holiday Crafting! originally appeared on About.com Cross-Stitch on Thursday, November 5th, 2009 at 06:00:53.

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Photo of the Week - Chuck Norris

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:00:58 +0000

Stephanie Hryshchyshyn sent in this photo of her Chuck Norris on a Total Gym project. Not only is it an impressive project, but it is her first Cross Stitch project. I keep thinking of those "Chuck Norris is so tough" jokes and relating them to stitching. "Chuck Norris is so tough he stitches with the power of his mind instead of tapestry needles." Learn more.

Photo © Stephanie Hryshchyshyn

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Photo of the Week - Chuck Norris originally appeared on About.com Cross-Stitch on Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 at 06:00:58.

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Needle Show Retail

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:00:54 +0000

The Needle Show Retail, November 5-8, 2009, is new venture brought to you by the same team that organizes the Online Needlework Show. There will be many different booths in the show, some simply for advertising, but also some in which you will be able to do more than just browse, but also order items.

This is the first show of this type, so things are still in process. Check the Needle Show Retail homepage for more information.

For those of us who don't have a local needlecraft shop (LNS) this is a great opportunity to browse through and purchase items from a variety of vendors.

More information:

Needle Show Retail originally appeared on About.com Cross-Stitch on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 at 06:00:54.

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What is Your Holiday Stitching Status?

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:00:29 +0000

The winter holiday season is almost here. Do you have some interesting projects in the works or completed? Use the comments section below to share with us or post in the About.com Cross Stitch Forum. What is your stitching status? Vote in the Poll and let us know.

If you are looking for some holiday stitching inspiration, here are some patterns and projects.

Holiday Patterns and Project Ideas:

Easy Christmas Cross Stitch Patterns
Various Christmas Cross Stitch Patterns
Cross Stitch Projects
Kwanzaa Design
Happy Hanukkah Pattern

What is Your Holiday Stitching Status? originally appeared on About.com Cross-Stitch on Monday, November 2nd, 2009 at 06:00:29.

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Free Candlewicking Ornament Pattern

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 06:00:51 +0000

The free Candlewicking Ornament pattern was inspired by antique glass ornaments. Use a single color to stitch the design as shown here, or choose multi-color floss for a more vibrant motif. I love the old-style glass ornaments. My mom has some that have been around for so long that I am afraid to touch them for fear they will break.

Photo © Connie G. Barwick

If you have never tried Candlewicking, but you are interested in trying this traditional embroidery style, read Candlewicking basics to learn what you need to get started.

More Free Candlewicking Patterns:

Free Candlewicking Ornament Pattern originally appeared on About.com Cross-Stitch on Sunday, November 1st, 2009 at 06:00:51.

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Right and Wrong Side of Fabric

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:32:33 +0000

In response to a recent blog post about right and wrong sides of fabric, Pat from Cross-Stitch-Art.com posted this great tip.

She writes, "Fabrics do definitely have a wrong and a right side. Here's how to tell: Take the upper left corner in your left hand and the lower bottom right corner in your right hand and gently pull. The upper right corner will curl toward the right side of the fabric. It will work every time."

Thanks Pat! One thing I love about this site is that stitchers are so wonderful about sharing tips and knowledge with others.If you have a question about Cross Stitch, fabric, needles, or any other topic related to needlework, there are several ways to get answers. You may email me directly at crossstitch.guide@about.com with your queries. If your question stumps me, I will research it or post it here for help from others.

OR, you can post your question in the About.com Cross Stitch Forum. The members there are so knowledgeable and love to help. So, post or send in those burning questions today!

Right and Wrong Side of Fabric originally appeared on About.com Cross-Stitch on Saturday, October 31st, 2009 at 12:32:33.

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Free Jeweled Crown Cross Stitch Pattern

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:00:18 +0000

Crowns are significant symbols for several different reasons and occasions.

Christians use the crown to signify the heavenly reward they will receive after the suffering here on earth.
The Crown is often used as a symbol in Mardi Gras celebrations.
Crowns symbolize royalty, sovereignty, and power.
The Claddagh, a crown above two hands clasping a heart, is a Gaelic symbol of lasting love, eternal friendship, and loyalty.

I adapted the free Jeweled Crown pattern from a graphic design by Sue Chastain, About.com Guide to Graphics Software with her permission, of course. The design is presented in two formats - the first is a silhouette and the second, a colorful version. You may stitch the silhouette in the color of your choice. Purple might be good - it is another symbol of royalty after all. The colorful version will sparkle if you add some metallic floss or blending filament in addition to the suggested floss colors.

Whether you stitch it for a Mardi Gras decoration or make an ornament, this chart is comprised of whole cross stitch only, so it is simple enough for beginners. Adding special fibers and flosses will provide a challenge to experienced stitchers. You may also want to fill in some parts of the design with a cross stitch variation to give a different appearance to the design.

More Free Charts:

Free Jeweled Crown Cross Stitch Pattern originally appeared on About.com Cross-Stitch on Friday, October 30th, 2009 at 06:00:18.

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Free Hamsa Cross Stitch Pattern Collection

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:32:49 +0000

According to Ariela Pelaia, About.com Guide to Judaism, "A hamsa is an amulet shaped like a hand, with three extended fingers in the middle and a curved thumb or pinky finger on either side. It is thought to protect against the "evil eye" and is a popular motif in both Jewish and Middle Eastern jewelry."

I have also seen hamsa used in embroidery projects, so I decided to design some simple Hamsa Cross Stitch Patterns.

Stitch your own protective amulet. Who couldn't do with a little more protection these days? The designs are done in an outline form, so the fabric will really be the star of these projects. If you are more of a fiber person, then fill in the design with your favorite floss colors.

I have positioned the hamsa with the fingers up, but you may flip the design if you like to position the fingers downward.

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Free Hamsa Cross Stitch Pattern Collection originally appeared on About.com Cross-Stitch on Thursday, October 29th, 2009 at 20:32:49.

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Photo of the Week - My First Swap

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:00:24 +0000

I have lots of stitchy friends on Twitter and Facebook and even Flickr (find me as Connie G.) and I really love to see their projects. So, when Tracy Lee tweeted me about her recent finishes, I asked her if I could use a photo of one of them here. She said yes, and I was happy to have permission, but I thought that was the end of it.

Since we also happen to be friends on Facebook, later in the day, I saw her post there and noted that one of her friends had already claimed one of the projects and she agreed to it. "Well, if it's that easy," I thought, "I am going to put my bid in for the Giraffe." So, I asked and we ended up arranging to swap the Giraffe and Monkey projects for two small kits I had in my stash. I also threw in a medium-sized kit that was lingering in my craft room. Tracy is blogging about her experience with the swap to day too. She titled her post I'm Famous! which of course, gives me a chuckle.

I plan to keep my eyes open for more swap-or-tunities, i.e. de-stash experiences, in my future.

Note: Just in case you wonder, I donate many of the items I receive for review to charity. Anything I swap is from my personal stash which is ever growing and threatening to burst forth from my craft room. (I have a bad tendency to purchase kits and other stitching supplies when I see them on clearance.)

If you are interested in setting up a swap with another stitcher, we have a folder in the About.com Cross Stitch Forum set up just for that purpose. Organize your own swap today.

Tracy's Woeful Wednesday Blog
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Photo of the Week - My First Swap originally appeared on About.com Cross-Stitch on Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 at 06:00:24.

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