Scarlet
How To Keep Your Cross Stitch Stash Organized and Tidy.
Frequently, I see articles in Cross Stitch magazines about the importance of storing your cross stitch stash well in order to be tidier and better organised. These articles usually recommend spending a small fortune on craft tote bags, storage solutions and attractive craft boxes. Now, while these are wonderful objects to own, they are not […]
Bad Cross Stitch: 7 Habits to Avoid
It’s so easy to get into bad habits, isn’t it? Very often, impatience or laziness or time constraints can cause us to cut corners or to be sloppy with our work. Not surprisingly, if bad cross stitch habits are not corrected, they soon become cross stitching “sins”. Sins that rarely save us any time at […]
Feeling Jaded? Here Are Some New Cross Stitch Ideas.
Are you looking to try something new for your next cross stitch project, but undecided on exactly what. Or, perhaps you’re in a bit of a stitching rut? After all, it’s usually easier to stick with what is familiar. Every now and again though, it’s great to broaden our stitching horizons and try something new! […]
Specialty Threads: Tips for Cross Stitch Success
Introducing specialty threads for stitching As we all try to make an extra effort to add shimmer and style to our special occasion stitching projects, there are many challenges that may arise. We know how great specialty threads are – and what they can add to the finished results of our sparkling projects. Metallic or […]
Why It’s Important To Take Care of Your Eyes When Stitching
Today, I visited Karen, a friend of mine who has recently suffered from sight loss. One of the first things she said to me was, “Whatever else you do Scarlet, take good care of your eyes! I didn’t …”. Fortunately, she can still see strong colors and shapes, and she uses this ability to continue […]
Thread Heaven: No More Cross Stitch Knots and Tangles – Guaranteed!
In my last article, I wrote about storing your threads (floss) in such a way that they would remain easy to find, store and identify – to spare the frustrations of losing important shades of thread just as you needed them. Today, I’m going to focus on another challenge relating to threads – that is […]
How To Keep Your Cross Stitch Projects in Safe Storage.
Do you have a number of projects on the go at a time? I know I do. I have a several projects ‘on hold’ while I complete some Christmas cards and tree ornaments. There are some disadvantages of putting away your long term projects into cross stitch storage, however. Not least being that the momentum […]
How to Avoid Eye Strain When Cross Stitching.
Do This Sound Familiar? Many people who enjoy cross stitch are familiar with that feeling of tired eyes and a headache that follows a satisfying evening of stitching. We all love to achieve great results, but we shouldn’t have to suffer afterwards for our pleasure. So, how to avoid eye strain? Good question, and fortunately […]
Magnolia Cross Stitch: Five Years and Five Continents, Completed at Last – Majestic!
“Never again,” I said to myself over and over. I must have been out of my mind when I chose Majestic Magnolia, a gorgeous cross stitch design I simply couldn’t resist. It didn’t matter to me that I was still a beginner and I had never stitched on linen. I thought I could tackle any […]
Welcome to the Patterns Patch Blog
Hi, I’m Scarlet and, together with my fellow writers, John and Janis, have created an inspiring, friendly and upbeat club where you can explore cross stitch and learn new techniques from both your fellow members and ourselves. We share with you insider information, unusual facts, and shortcuts to better stitching. We also include a series […]