Among Friends

[151949]

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@Winkk wrote:

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@151949 wrote:

I've been doing cross stitch for years.I prefer the counted stitch method, but I have a friend who prefers the pre printed projects. I'm currently making a mermaid project that I'll finish into a pillow for my living room. It is a long project though - 22 stitches per inch , and will be 18" x 12 " when finished - so that's a ton of sewing! I had a bunch of finished projects that I'd never made into anything sitting in a drawer and a friend took them to a craft fair and sold them for me. I made approx $40 per project. I also do some backstitch projects where I'll actually draw a picture on the fabric with a fabric pencil then stitch the picture in back stitch. I sold a few of those too, for $250 each.Such a simple thing but people love them.

I don't do them specifically to sell though. Actually I do it to keep from snacking!

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@151949 people do like cross stitched items.  It sounds like the ones you made are really nice.  Yes, less snacking is also a good incentive.  I like to read but I can snack and read.  I need to keep my hands busy.

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YES you don't want to get your sewing dirty so you can't be eating and sewing at the same time.

[NickNack]

I have cross stitched a lot but don't do it now.  I have never used a pre-printed pattern.  If you start with an easy project it's not hard to do the counted cross stitch method.

[carol-lamb]

I have been an avid counted cross stitcher for about 35 years. I taught myself when I was in my 20’s. I still stitch (currently working on two pictures), but it takes me a lot longer because my aging eyes have a harder time seeing up close!  I have had to get stronger readers just for my stitching and I have to use a magnifying glass often. I would suggest learning to cross stitch on plain cloth using a pattern. I think the finished product is so much nicer than stitching on a stamped pattern. I started that way, but I found that you could still see the stamped “x” under the floss. I didn’t care for that so I bought a cross stitch booklet and taught myself. With you tube, you won’t have any problem finding videos to be able to teach yourself. I would start out with a small easy picture. You always start stitching in the center and work your way out. 

[151949]

It is hard on the aging eyes! I use a magnifier with a light that I wear around my neck. It helps a lot.

[ALRATIBA]

I learned cross stitch and other types of embroidery from my mother when I was a little girl.

Now - there are lots of YouTube videos out there ... check them out!

[CelticCrafter]

I only do counted cross stitch.

I don't care for the pre-stamped because the stitches are not even or consistent in size and don't like the look of the finished project.

I don't know why but against my better judgement, I started a pre-stamped apron not too long ago, I think I got maybe 10 stitches into it and ditched the whole thing.  Hated it.

[Puppy Lips]

Oh yes !!! But I have not done it in years.  I used to make a lot of things - designs that I framed, baby bibs, ornaments, etc.  My first grand daughter was born two months ago.  I should make her a birth sampler.  I never did the pre-printed ones, I only used a pattern.

It takes patience and careful counting.  I am very particular and if I make a mistake, I will undo a large section if I have to, to make it right.  Have fun!

[CelticCrafter]

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@Puppy Lips wrote:

Oh yes !!! But I have not done it in years.  I used to make a lot of things - designs that I framed, baby bibs, ornaments, etc.  My first grand daughter was born two months ago.  I should make her a birth sampler.  I never did the pre-printed ones, I only used a pattern.

It takes patience and careful counting.  I am very particular and if I make a mistake, I will undo a large section if I have to, to make it right.  Have fun!

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@Puppy Lips - me too, even though most times we could fudge our way around the mistake and probably be the only one who knew there was a mistake. 

[Cakers3]

Self-taught and I do prefer counted cross-stitch.

All the craft stores have little mini-kits -try a few of those to get your feet -er-fingers wet.

Enjoy!

[Puppy Lips]

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@CelticCrafter wrote:

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@Puppy Lips wrote:

Oh yes !!! But I have not done it in years.  I used to make a lot of things - designs that I framed, baby bibs, ornaments, etc.  My first grand daughter was born two months ago.  I should make her a birth sampler.  I never did the pre-printed ones, I only used a pattern.

It takes patience and careful counting.  I am very particular and if I make a mistake, I will undo a large section if I have to, to make it right.  Have fun!

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@Puppy Lips - me too, even though most times we could fudge our way around the mistake and probably be the only one who knew there was a mistake. 

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@CelticCrafterHaha.  I can only remember ONE time where I found a mistake and went over it with the right color.  It was in a huge project that had two dog heads in it and it was for a friend.  There were many colors intertwined and no one would have known any different.  But I would have known (and been compelled to point it out).  Sometimes I think my need for perfection in making things has held me back from doing more.  I can be my own worst enemy at times!