http://www.PatternsPatch.com Patterns Patch Counted Cross Stitch Club en-us Support@PatternsPatch.com http://www.PatternsPatch.com/public/144.cfm As you begin to build up your cross-stitch supplies, you will find yourself needing some sort of organization to keep everything straight. Otherwise you end up with piles of "stuff," and you won't be able to find the supplies you need for new projects. Here are some tips and tricks for keeping your cross-stitch supplies organized: http://www.PatternsPatch.com/public/226.cfm This third and final article in this mini-series will walk you through the actual steps of stitching and finishing your project. Carefully producing that professional look we all desire when creating something for show. http://www.PatternsPatch.com/public/158.cfm Learning to cross stitch on an embroidery machine can be confusing and frustrating if you haven't received the right instruction or what can be some very helpful hints and tips. There are so many things that can go wrong if you don't take the right approach. http://www.PatternsPatch.com/public/298.cfm Every completed project should be laundered before framing or finishing regardless of the care taken during stitching. Natural oils from your hands enter the fabric during stitching and will eventually appear as stains. Any fabric that isn't clean is also subject to discoloration within a few years http://www.PatternsPatch.com/public/222.cfm Cross stitch has been a corner stone hobby through out history for a great way to celebrate all the holidays and special occasions in your life. There are literally millions of patterns for every occasion. Some of the most sentimental and heart warming gifts are those that are created by someone special for someone special. Weddings are no exception, in fact quite the contrary. A wedding is one of the most special days in anyone's life; new couples are creating their own holiday in which they will celebrate the beauty of their lives joined together and their love for one another http://www.PatternsPatch.com/public/225.cfm After completing the steps in Part I, you are well on your way to creating a completely professional looking cross stitch work of art. This next article will walk you through the process of carefully preparing your fabric and your floss for that professional look we all desire when creating something for show. Ultimately, if you are careful to follow these easy steps you will have no problem creating a professional look in your hobby even if this is the first project you have ever completed or attempted http://www.PatternsPatch.com/public/224.cfm One of the best aspects of having cross stitch as a hobby is that with a little effort you can almost always achieve a professional look with your finished cross stitch piece. As a beginner or as an experienced cross stitcher there a few simple rules to follow that can really give your finished art a quality and professional look that will amaze all. This is the first of three articles that will go into detail, with the best steps to take to ensure you are doing all you can to complete a great looking cross stitch project http://www.PatternsPatch.com/public/146.cfm Whether you are just beginning to cross stitch or are looking to advance your skills, there are some basic supplies that you will need in order to do just about any cross stitch project. If you have some basic cross-stitch on hand, it will make doing any project easier. Also, many of these supplies can be used on a number of other crafts, so they are an investment in your overall crafting enjoyment http://www.PatternsPatch.com/public/147.cfm Do you have a dream design? You know the one. It haunts you at night. It's the one you look for every time you walk into a craft store. It's the one that almost caused you to quit cross-stitching forever. Well, there are some solutions to help you find that elusive cross-stitch pattern without sweating, screaming, or pulling your hair out http://www.PatternsPatch.com/public/191.cfm Often when we contemplate our cross stitch hobby we imagine serene scenes with quiet women in rocking chairs, stitching away in a peaceful corner of the room. Although this is a great thought it's usually far from the typical cross stitch scene, although many of us wish it was. Cross stitch can be done anywhere at any time and by any one http://www.PatternsPatch.com/public/157.cfm Cross stitch has been embedded in our cultures for many, many years; its history and origins can be traced back beyond the mid 1600's. The earliest known cross stitch creation currently displayed is a piece of linen with silk embroidery which is displayed in Pilgrim Hall and was created by Loara Standish, the daughter of Captain Myles Standish, circa 1653. Cross stitch is one of the oldest forms of stitching and has been a popular and beloved hobby for men and women, boys and girls through out the years. http://www.PatternsPatch.com/public/104.cfm There are hundreds of websites today that are dedicated to the art of cross stitch so it can be quite difficult choosing that special one to join over and above the rest. Below are a few things to consider when making the choice http://www.PatternsPatch.com/public/150.cfm Until recently your options for cross stitch patterns have been largely limited to what special manufacturers of cross stitch charts have produced and sold. Although these are still a popular way of doing cross stitch the choice is now really up to you. You are now able to create your own cross stitch patterns using your own pictures with numerous computer software applications that are available http://www.PatternsPatch.com/public/124.cfm There are a number of reasons for taking up cross stitch, ten of which are shown below, so continue reading then pop off to your local craft shop and start your cross stitching career today http://www.PatternsPatch.com/public/101.cfm There are many different types of cross-stitching and embroidery yarns, and a multitude of companies that produce them. What is the difference between them and their yarns? Let's look closely at two of these major companies, both producing high quality yarns, doing a comparison study between them at the end http://www.PatternsPatch.com/public/151.cfm Religion is undoubtedly a major influence in the world today and many cross stitchers will have considered stitching a piece that symbolises their religion. Well, just as with every other type of design that we frequently get the urge to search for, there are hundreds of beautiful patterns available http://www.PatternsPatch.com/public/112.cfm Wildflowers and herbs have been useful to mankind in many ways, ever since the beginning of our history, other than subject matter for art and needlepoint. Lately, alternative medicine has taken over part of the front seat for medicinal purposes, due to the each individual wanting some say-so in their medical choices http://www.PatternsPatch.com/public/90.cfm Every being and artifact on this earth has its own historical beginning, and cross-stitch embroidery is no different. Counted cross stitch is rising in popularity again today, and was at its peak, prior to the invention of the sewing machine. Other than that short span of years, it has been part of women's lives since early medieval times and before. However, without people like Therese de Dillmont or Princess Christian of Schleswig-Holstein, the movement would never have spread as rapidly as it did, bringing new jobs for women who had no experience or money... http://www.PatternsPatch.com/public/91.cfm The idea of basket weaving as a form of therapy, traditionally used for patients with mental illness was often laughed at. But in a way, there was wisdom in the use of crafts for having a calming effect. In today's society, the meaning of "slow down", an easy and natural pace, and relaxation, has become pretty close to obsolete in meaning and in activity http://www.PatternsPatch.com/public/502.cfm Have you ever been interested in trying out counted cross stitch? But think it's hard for beginners ... not because the act of cross stitching itself is hard, but because the world of stitchers can seem overwhelming and confusing to novices. You're not alone there ... it can feel almost as if the experts are speaking an entirely different language that makes no sense to you. However, do not let this