Olivia Storm

In 1983, Hoffman Media LLC, published Just CrossStitch Magazine for the first time.  Developed by an avid stitcher, this publication has delighted other stitchers for over 20 years and hopefully will continue to do so.  One of the many great things about this magazine is that all stitchers from the new beginners to the experienced crafters can enjoy it.

Every reader looks forward to the Christmas extravaganza published in the last issue of the year.  Just CrossStitch Magazine has been doing this for over 10 years, and the excitement it creates for this craft is phenomenal.  Each year, some 70 designers pool their talents to create ornaments of all kinds to be included in this special issue.  Once these ornaments are published, they will never be re-published again.  It's a once in a lifetime opportunity seldom missed by those who anticipate it each and every year.

Several very talented designers are featured in this publication including Donna Vermillion, Marie Barber, Nan Caldera, and Cindy Valentine among others. With each issue having a specific theme and an original exclusive pattern, they've published patterns covering probably every interest you can imagine.

Each issue includes the same basic features.  You can find beautiful photos showing what the finished design will look like, as well as giving you an idea of how you may want to display or use your piece.  You will also enjoy the array of patterns they choose to publish, enough to keep you stitching for a good amount of time!  There's also easy to follow step-by-step instructions along with a list of materials needed for each and every pattern published.

Keep in mind, this publication offers easy designs for their readers who have just started to learn cross stitch, while they also offer larger, more complicated designs to challenge even the most experienced stitcher.  There are also informative articles to teach you new techniques, or maybe introduce you to some new materials just recently available on the market.

Looking through older issues of Just CrossStitch Magazine, you'll discover just how widespread their themes are.  They've done several issues covering specific holidays such as Christmas, Valentine's Day and even Halloween.  Besides the holiday themes, seasonal issues have also been published.  You can find everything from pretty springtime flowers, to whimsical snowmen, and everything in between.  There have also been issues featuring baby designs including Noah's Ark, as well as designs for lighthouses and American Heritage and several others.  There's surely an issue out there for every stitchers' interest.

Another wonderful feature of this magazine are the instructional articles explaining how to turn your finished cross stitch pieces into beautiful home décor items.  Such articles have included how to make throw pillows, Christmas stockings and ornaments, traditional wall hangings, and even treasure boxes capable of holding all your cross stitch needles and other small tools.

Any newcomer to the world of cross stitch would be smart to pick up the latest issue of Just CrossStitch Magazine.  Not only would they find the easy instructions to guide them along their way, they'd also have a list of materials so they'd know exactly what they need to get for their very first project.  They'll be so pleased with their completed piece that they'll be hooked on cross stitch for sure.  Also the pride they'll have in taking a project from a blank piece of fabric and a pattern, to a beautiful display piece will give them a boost of self-confidence, which everyone needs from time to time.