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The list shows the most widely read articles on this site.

1. Start Creating Your Own Cross Stitch Designs (Part I)
   Marion Hernandes
   Have you ever searched for ages and not found that particular pattern you've been dreaming about doing? Instead of getting frustrated and giving up, why not try creating your own cross stitch designs? There are a number of ways you can create your own patterns so that you can get the perfect design any time . . . keep reading
   
   
2. Beginners: We'll Have You Cross Stitching in No Time!
   Kelly Morgan
   When you first start out with a new hobby the tendency is to run before you can walk and cross stitch is no exception. I remember my first attempt, it was a large wall hanging of some mice with a grandfather clock and although it was a complete kit, I still hadn't got a clue what I was doing! There were around 30 different colors and millions of stitches to do but I wanted something impressive. Needless to say it didn't take me long to give up on that particular design! . . . keep reading
   
   
3. The Most Difficult Cross-Stitch Design I Tracked Down!
   Olivia Storm
   I track things down on the Internet … that is just the way it is in today's times. I search and surf to my heart's content, finding what I need to know or do…eventually . . . keep reading
   
   
4. Metallic Threads: How to Get the Best Effects
   Marion Hernandes
   Some designs ask for you to use metallic threads, but they rarely tell you how to use them. For the most part, the pattern makers will usually give you a floss number and style to use, so buying the thread becomes the easy part. However, fraying or difficulty in threading the floss can present difficulties for the newcomer to metallic threads. Here are some tips that will work to keep your stitching trouble-free . . . keep reading
   
   
5. How to Make New Friends Through Cross Stitch
   Nancy L. Haydon
   Cross stitching is often thought of as being a solitary pastime, perhaps sitting alone while everyone else is out having a great time. But this is not so! Cross stitch can be the ticket to make many new friends and have lots of fun -- and yes, complete those cross stitch projects too . . . keep reading
   
   
6. Free Counted Cross Stitch Patterns
   Ellen Frost
   It used to be that if you visited your local needlework shop you may have found a few sheets on the counter from the big manufacturers containing some free counted cross stitch patterns. Now with the internet, it is much easier for both the designer and the stitcher to find each other . . . keep reading
   
   
7. How To Frame Your Favorite Cross Stitch Picture
   Sarah Bee
   Every cross stitcher who has purchased a book, chart, or kit probably has instructions for at least two or three framing methods. After trying your hand at framing a couple of completed projects, you probably prefer one method over any others. There is no shortage of framing instructions available so, for this article, we will concentrate on a framing method that yields good results and lasts for years. But first, let's consider the aesthetics of framing . . . keep reading
   
   
8. Create Your Own Peyote Stitch Patterns
   Marion Hernandez
   Our fascination with creating a fabric by stitching or weaving tiny beads together is not new. The Egyptians created burial garments using an early form of peyote stitch patterns over 4000 years ago! In more recent times the technique got its name from the Native American's who created beaded items for ceremonial events. Over the years the techniques have changed although the name has stayed the same . . . keep reading
   
   
9. Beyond Anchor and DMC: Exploring Other Thread Manufacturers
   Lizzie Bolton
   Many stitchers start out happily using thread made by two of the best known manufacturers: Anchor and DMC. Although these two companies are excellent, other notable cross stitch thread manufacturers exist, and are well worth your consideration . . . keep reading
   
   
10. Wedding Cross Stitch
    Carol Haydon
    Don't forget wedding cross stitch in your plans for that special day. Along with choosing the dress, deciding on flowers for the bouquet and writing the guest list, put some time aside for stitching invitations, place setting cards, wedding favours, a ring pillow or even a sampler . . . keep reading
    
    
11. Celtic Wedding Cross Stitch
    Marion Hernandez
    There are many different Celtic wedding traditions, which date back to at least the middle ages. One of the traditions is the use of many different combinations of the Celtic knot whether it's in a handfasting or the couple's jewelry. Celtic wedding cross stitch designs are a great way to incorporate the Celtic tradition into gifts and keepsakes . . . keep reading
    
    
12. Counted Cross Stitch Thomas Kinkade
    Nancy L. Haydon
    There is an art in turning a painting into counted cross stitch. Thomas Kinkade, one of todays most celebrated living artists, inspired Californian company, Candamar, to create beautiful needlework designs based on his pictures . . . keep reading
    
    
13. Cross Stitch Patterns of Roses -- A Great Way To Send A Message To A Special Person.
    Nancy L. Haydon
    If you ask people to name their favourite flowers, it is likely that they will place roses high on their lists. Roses are very popular, and have been named the Queen of flowers, possibly because of their beauty -- creating a wide expanse of color in the garden, and valued for their heady fragrance too. There are thousands of varieties that differ in shape of blooms, size, fragrance and some even lack thorns . . . keep reading
    
    
14. Religious Cross Stitch Patterns May Help Your Faith
    Kelly Morgan
    Among the subjects included in the work of almost every designer is that of religious cross stitch. One source attributes this to early examples of embroidery such as vestments worn by the clergy and royalty during religious ceremonies. Most artists consider their work to representation of life and religion has been an important influence in many cultures for centuries. Even people who claim not to be religious may still believe in the existence of the soul or spirit . . . keep reading
    
    
15. How Cross Stitch Helped Me Through a Time of Great Loss
    Nancy L. Haydon
    I have just completed a cross stitch project that has helped me to come to terms with the loss of a dear friend who died just over a year ago. Janet was so full of life and had so many exciting plans for her future. And so when she suddenly died at the age of thirty-eight, after a brain haemorrhage, those who knew her were left feeling a mixture of feelings -- from anger and rage to confusion, raw grief and deep sadness . . . keep reading
    
    
16. My Worst Disaster and How I Put It Right
    Olivia Storm
    My mother hung my first ever cross stitch attempt in her living room soon after I had finished it and to tell the truth I was in no hurry to have another attempt at one so detailed. However, my mother's friend asked if I would cross stitch a design for her so that she could give it to her mother as a present . . . keep reading
    
    
17. Who Else Wants to Cross Stitch on Plastic Canvas?
    Heather Martin
    If you haven't yet tried cross stitching on plastic canvas, you should. With plastic canvas, it's possible to create unique cross stitch projects that you simply can't create with fabric. This is because plastic canvas is much firmer than normal fabrics; you can even use it to create three-dimensional projects . . . keep reading
    
    
18. How To Wash Your Cross Stitch Piece
    Sarah Bee
    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 . . . keep reading
    
    
19. American History Through The Eye of a Needle ~ Part I
    Rose Wilder Lane
    Three hundred years ago the colonies in America were European. Gentlemen and their ladies brought to North America the absolute monarchies of the Continent, the feudal system of England, and the arts and cultures of the Old World. They also brought the lower classes to do the hard work... . . . keep reading
    
    
20. Native American Cross Stitch -- A Heritage To Be Proud Of
    Olivia Storm
    The Native American people are proud of their heritage and of their ways. They have endured many tragedies throughout history, but they have stood strong and not turned their backs on those that went before. It is because of their strength and heritage that many companies have designed Native American cross stitch patterns to honor these people . . . keep reading
    
    

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