About.com Cross-Stitch

Super Sunday Challenge Update

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:16:26 +0000

On Super Sunday, I challenged stitchers to complete a certain chart while watching the game. It was sort of a last minute idea and I will definitely be issuing more challenges like this in the future, so watch for them. The challenge chart was the free Rose Window pattern. It's a fairly simple design and there are no colors suggested - you get to select your own.

I had two stitchers take me up on this challenge. Ironically, Irene and Kristin chose a similar color palate for their project. Visit the forum to see what they came up with. So far four stitchers have shared photos of this design. Marty stitched hers in shades of purple. X_Woman's version reminded me of a chocolate covered cherry - the fabric was actually black though.

If you stitch this pattern or any other design you find from About.com Cross Stitch, be sure to share a photo with us. Email me at crossstitch.guide@about.com to find out more.

Super Sunday Challenge Update originally appeared on About.com Cross-Stitch on Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 at 22:16:26.

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Corrections and Additions to the Sports-Themed Motifs

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:00:26 +0000

Esther pointed out an error on the Basketball chart and I corrected the DMC numbers. I have also added two new motifs since I originally posted the collection. A trio of golf balls and some hockey sticks will be suitable for fans of those sports. If you have other sports you'd like to see represented here, let me know.

Photo © Connie G. Barwick

More Free Pattern Collections from About.com Cross Stitch:

Pattern Tile Collection

Floral Diamond Collection

Small Saying Cross Stitch Charts

Corrections and Additions to the Sports-Themed Motifs originally appeared on About.com Cross-Stitch on Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 at 06:00:26.

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Craft Optics Telescopes

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 06:00:15 +0000

I have officially become middle-aged. I can still see to read just fine, but suddenly my arms just weren't the right length where my stitching was concerned. My prescription is very strong as it is - now my up-close vision is iffy. What's a serious stitcher to do?

In an effort to avoid going to using only 6-count Aida for my projects, I have tried all sorts of magnifiers. I am too fidgety for the ones that fit around the neck, but if I get in the zone, I can make them work. Free-standing magnifiers tend to give me motion-sickness, so while they offer a great view of my stitching, I can't use them long term. I managed to make clip-on lenses work pretty well, but was frustrated with the fact that I had to hold my work at a single fixed point to see it.

Photo © Craft Optics

Since I had so many problems with traditional methods, I leapt at the chance to test some Craft Optics telescopes recently. These magnifiers are unique in that they are attached to glasses fitted with lenses in my current prescription. So far, I feel as if all my problems have been solved!

The glasses are super comfy and rather geeky chic. I can use the telescopes to view my work, and still watch TV and interact with my family at the same time - I swear I can't hear if I don't have my glasses on!

There's no problem with motion sickness, and when I flip up the telescopes, they stay put. And, there's quite a range where I can see my project, so I don't have to hold it in just one place. There are lots more features I am still discovering and I will offer a more formal review of this product as soon as I have a chance to test it out more.

Granted, the starting price of $399USD means that this option is not an inexpensive one. But for hard-core stitchers who have "bad eyes" like me, it is a very practical one. If stitching is a major part of your life, as it is mine, they might just be worth it!

As I said, I will be offering a more formal review soon, so stay tuned, but I wanted to let you know that such options were out there, in case you are having problems like mine. (I have no connection with the company other than the fact that they sent me a pair of their Craft Optics Telescopes to test.)

The glasses are available in red (show here) and black (like the one's I am testing). You may visit the Craft Optics website, fan them on Facebook, and/or follow @CraftOptics on Twitter to learn more.

What do you think? Would you, if need be, use a product like Craft Optics telescopes? Vote in the poll and express yourself. If you have an option that has worked perfectly for you, let us know in the comments section below before you vote.

Craft Optics Telescopes originally appeared on About.com Cross-Stitch on Monday, February 8th, 2010 at 06:00:15.

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Super Sunday Project - Rose Window Cross Stitch Pattern

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 06:00:13 +0000

Whether you are for the Saints or the Jets, or are just watching the game for the commercials, like me, today is a great time to complete a Super Stitching Project! This year, I challenge you to stitch one of my favorite designs, the free Rose Window Cross Stitch Pattern on the fabric of your choice with the floss colors of your choice. This is a small simple design that will take less than 24-hours to stitch just as the experience of the stitcher who completed the beauty featured here shows.

Photo &copy X_Woman

In a post in the Cross Stitch Forum Member X_Woman explains why she choose this project, "I was having a hard time deciding which of my many, many choices to work on next. I had down loaded a few of Connie's designs but still wasn't sure. I was looking through my supply box and came across a package of black 14 CT Aida and some floss I bought at my LNS...."

Another member, prolific stitcher Marty interpreted this design in shades of lavendar and purple. View her completed Rose Window project.

X Woman was able to finish stitching the design in one day and I bet you can too.If you decide to stitch the design, please be sure to share a photo with us in the forum or submit an entry for the Cross Stitch Photo album.

More Information:

Super Sunday Project - Rose Window Cross Stitch Pattern originally appeared on About.com Cross-Stitch on Sunday, February 7th, 2010 at 06:00:13.

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Bird of Paradise Needlepoint Pattern

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 06:00:53 +0000

Cross Stitch Forum members discussed a new source of great free patterns suitable for Cross Stitch recently. I soon realized that the site they referred to was About.com Needlepoint. I enjoy browsing through Cheryl's designs too, so I wanted to make sure that everyone was aware of them. Especially since most Needlepoint designs are easily adapted for Cross Stitch since they are based on a grid too.

One of her recent designs, the free Bird of Pardise design is an example of Cheryl's use of color. She has designs for a wide range of topics and styles. If you have questions about Needlepoint, be sure to visit Cheryl's Needlepoint Forum. To find out when she posts new patterns, sign up for her newsletter. If you have questions about converting Needlepoint patterns to Cross Stitch, feel free to email me at crossstitch.guide@about.com.

More Free Patterns:

Bird of Paradise Needlepoint Pattern originally appeared on About.com Cross-Stitch on Saturday, February 6th, 2010 at 06:00:53.

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Crafty Bloggers Update

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:52:48 +0000

This weekend, the weather is TERRIBLE where I live. Thank goodness we don't have snow, but it is cold and rainy. I am planning on staying inside near the gas logs as much as possible. If you are looking for crafty ideas to help you beat cabin fever, my favorite crafty bloggers have some great ideas for you.

Cathie Filian
Find out how to enter win Cathie's HUGE 101 Snappy Fashions Giveaway.
Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
Make a romantic ribbon wristlet with The Impatient Crafter for iLoveToCreate.
Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy is super excited because she has some new craft books to read.
Mixed Media Artist
Snow painting? Sure...go shovel up a small bucket full and meet Cyndi at her blog.
About.com Family Crafts
Sherri wonders what sorts of crafts you can create using buttons.
Aileen's Musings
Aileen has a funtastical mini tutorial on creating a mailable canvas valentine and birthday card.
Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
See how to make a Paper Flower with a quilling paper fringer inspired by one from the beautiful book Home, Paper, Scissors by Patricia Zapata.
Craftside
Craftside's got how-tos on making a double sided hanger out of a soda tab, burning the edges of silk, a good list of essential oils to add to homemade paints, a gift tote bag tutorial and some really wacky mannequin outfits from CHA.
The Artful Crafter
Learn how to make laminated tasseled bookmarks and personalize them for any occasion. And don't miss Eileen's follow-on tutorial on making your own tassels (should you run out mid-project as she did).

Share your own favorite crafty sites using the comments section below.

Crafty Bloggers Update originally appeared on About.com Cross-Stitch on Friday, February 5th, 2010 at 20:52:48.

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Super Bowl Sunday - Needlecraft Sales!

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:00:30 +0000

I always plan to watch the Superbowl. Of course, it is only for the commercials. I have never been much of a football fan. I know some of you are big football fans and will be watching the actual game. And, probably stitching a bit too as you watch.

Another good reason to celebrate Super Bowl Sunday is that many Cross Stitch shops, online and brick and mortar alike, have special sales. Check your favorite shop and if you find a sale, let us know about it using the comments section below.

Super Bowl Sunday - Needlecraft Sales! originally appeared on About.com Cross-Stitch on Friday, February 5th, 2010 at 08:00:30.

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Free Weekend Project: Whimsy Four Pattern

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 06:00:34 +0000

The free Whimsy Four Pattern will be a great weekend (or several weekend) project for those of you who enjoy stitching abstract motifs. It is inspired by a graphic created by Sue Chastain, About.com Guide to Graphics Software.

For this project, I tried out Caron Collection Wildflowers floss. I still need to stitch the border. I had to order some floss and this project got side-tracked as a result. I stitched the design over one thread on 25-count evenweave fabric. I didn't use the floss colors I'd initially intended to because I wanted to try out the Wildflowers floss.

You may use the floss and fabric of your choice for the project. It will work just as well on Aida as it does on evenweave because it is whole cross stitch only.

Free Weekend Project: Whimsy Four Pattern originally appeared on About.com Cross-Stitch on Friday, February 5th, 2010 at 06:00:34.

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Laundry Room Signs in Cross Stitch

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:01:13 +0000

About.com covers way more than Cross Stitch - did you know that? Topics covered include everything from 15 Minute Fashion to Zoology with everything from Beer to Crochet to Weight Loss and way more in between. I have many favorites and one of them is Laundry. Mary Marlowe Leverette, About.com Guide to Laundry manages to treat her topic with a mixture of common sense and good humor. I learn something every time I visit. Laundry may not be my favorite chore, but it is made much easier using Mary's tips.

Recently Mary contacted me to let me know that she'd come up with some witty signs for the laundry and if I wanted to use them for patterns, it would be fine. I leapt into action at her offer. I am always looking for inspiration, after all.

Our collaboration resulted in the Free Laundry Signs Cross Stitch Pattern Collection There are more signs to come, so you may want to bookmark the pattern index and check back soon.

More Information on Laundry:

More Ways to Connect with About.com Cross Stitch
_{Cross Stitch Newsletter |
Cross Stitch Forum |
Free Pattern Index |
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Laundry Room Signs in Cross Stitch originally appeared on About.com Cross-Stitch on Thursday, February 4th, 2010 at 14:01:13.

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Photo of the Week - Biltmore House Project

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 06:00:08 +0000

Marty is one of the most prolific stitchers I know, especially considering certain factors in her life that make it difficult for her to participate in her favorite craft at times. I always enjoy getting to know the members of About.com Cross Stitch and she and I have been email buddies for a long time. I was so excited to see photos of her completed Biltmore House project because she'd kept me updated on her progress as it was in progress. She did this project for a family member.

Photo of the Project Framed.

Photo © Marty

Cross Stitch Photo Albums

Submit a Photo - share your photo with us and it might just be featured as upcoming photo of the week.

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

_{Follow About.com Cross Stitch on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.}

Photo of the Week - Biltmore House Project originally appeared on About.com Cross-Stitch on Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010 at 06:00:08.

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