Scarlet 
There’s an old, old song that goes something like this, “Love and Marriage, Love and Marriage… Go together like a Horse and Carriage.”. Similarly, cross stitch and bookmarks (cross stitched bookmarks) have rubbed along famously together for the last couple of hundred years. So, It’s unlikely to be a surprise that many cross stitchers also happen to be avid book lovers.
Read moreCross Stitched Bookmarks: A Dazzling Marriage of Convenience.
It’s easy to get into a stitching rut. I know how easy it is to keep to the same sorts of designs, safe in the knowledge that it’s the easiest route to getting good results. I’ve started stretching myself a little more, over the past few months, and I am surprised to discover just how much better a stitcher I am for my efforts AND how much more cross stitch fun I’m having.
If I can do it, so can you. I am not a patient person, and I am certainly no natural expert. Here are five strategies for improvement I have learned. I wish someone had told me about them when I first started cross stitch.
Read moreCross Stitch Fun: 5 Ways To Increase Your Cross Stitch Pleasure – Right now!
For cross stitch enthusiasts all over the world, well designed patterns and kits are their favorite way in which they can create a beautifully made cross stitch birth sampler, card, wall hanging, pillow and so forth.
However, as many of us use our cross stitching in order to create gifts for our loved ones, we can sometimes be at a loss as we look for ways in which to provide them with unique pieces which are personal to them.
Read moreCross Stitch Birth Sampler: Make It Unique, Give it Love!
Hi, I’m Scarlet and, together with my fellow writers, John and Janis, are creating Patterns Patch Blog. We’re an inspiring, friendly and upbeat website where you can explore the wonderful world of cross stitch. You will also learn new stitching techniques from both your fellow members and ourselves.
With Halloween now over for cross stitchers, and thanksgiving just around the corner, your holiday fun begins with the excitement of the vast range of needlework projects for a Cross Stitch Christmas Stocking.
He’s known by a different name in almost every country he visits. But no matter what Santa Claus goes by, his arrival is eagerly anticipated by children all over the world…
Read moreDelightful Cross Stitch Christmas Stocking Patterns Bring You Joy!
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 necessarily exactly what you – as an individual – need.
We all have our personal preferences for storing our stitching items. And, of course, many of us are naturally untidy too … leaving projects scattered around the home, and possibly gathering dust. So, let’s take a look at how we can become better organized…
Read moreHow To Keep Your Cross Stitch Stash Organized and Tidy.
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 all, and the results of which can be oh-so-clearly seen in finished projects. This is a real shame, especially when we have worked hard to produce something of intended beauty. So! Let me tell you what these seven bad habits are and how we can eliminate them.
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! In this article we’ll give you a few new cross stitch ideas and get you to look at things a little differently.
Read moreFeeling Jaded? Here Are Some Great New Cross Stitch Ideas.
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 rayon/viscose threads can make the difference between a good project and an extra-special one.
However, these threads can be difficult to work with, and it can be tempting to lose patience with them when they tangle, break, fray and do not lie flat on the fabric as other cotton or silk-based threads do. Let’s see what we can do to make life a little easier…
Read moreSpecialty Threads: Great Tips for Cross Stitch Success
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 her cross stitching. Instead of using traditional patterns and equipment, she now uses Binca, a fabric that has a low hole-count, and also can be felt easily with your fingers as well as seen.
Read moreWhy It’s Important So To Take Care of Your Eyes When Stitching
