Once long, long ago I did a lot of counted cross stitch. The boys were very young and it was way before I started quilting in 2000.
I’d been toying with the idea of trying to cross stitch some special quilt labels so when I was offered the opportunity to review another book from C&T Publishing, 365 Cross Stitch by Jennifer Dargel, I jumped at the chance again.
Between my quilting, knitting, and crochet I don’t have time to tackle any big cross stitch projects but in addition to trying some labels I thought that these small projects that are framed in the hoops would be fun. Long time readers of my blog might recognize why this one would be perfect for my house.
With both Caleb and Mo infatuated with dinosaurs, this one would be very fun to make too. There’s an alphabet graphed out for you and I could put Caleb’s or Monroe’s name under it instead of the word dinosaur. I might even need to make two!
One thing I really like is that you can mix and match different elements and it stimulates new ideas of your own. In addition to the many patterns included, the book instructs you on how to get started, lists the supplies you need, and shows you how to finish off the project in the hoop – no framing needed!
If you have an interest in cross stitch and would like to win a digital copy of the book, leave a comment and I will draw a winner randomly on Thursday.
It has been a good 20 years since I’ve crosstiched and would’ve mind giving a shot again. I like your idea of using the craft to create labels on special quilts keeping the recipient in mind. I would enjoy trying to get a chance to win a copy.
I too have recently come back to cross stitching. It is competing with sashiko though. It is wonderful to have many options between quilting projects.
That looks like a good resource. I started some, having not done it before, but have abandoned it. My plan is to get back to it after the first of the year. Meanwhile, I pulled out some old embroidery projects to do when I want some hand sewing.
When I was a child I cross stitched on printed panels. I continued that during the years until counted cross stitch started. I loved doing it but now my eyesight is poor due to glaucoma. I made so many things with cross stitch and have collected vintage work at antique shops and they are hanging in my front hall. Jo at Jo’s Country Junction has completely fell down that rabbit hole with floss tubes etc. I’m sure you will enjoy cross stitching again.
It’s funny you mentioned cross stitch. I started cross stitching around 1974 and loved to do samplers. Then started quilting somewhere around 1976 plus the stitching. I figured I stopped cross stitching around 1989/90 when I was working on a country anniversary sampler. I put it aside due to having two boys in school and sports and me working a full time job and a part time job plus going to school. Well this past spring there was a stitch along with a blogger, so I pulled it out and finished it as a Christmas gift for my youngest son and his wife. I did a UNC and had it framed for my oldest who’s along with his wife is a Carolina graduate. I’m doing quilt and sewing related pieces now in hopes to have enough for a wall hanging.the only problem is I find stitching is cutting into my sewing/ quilting time..lol. I guess I need better time management.
Making x-stitch quilt labels is a great idea! I’d like to try it also.
I did a lot of counted cross-stitch in the 90s and recently hung some Christmas ones around my apartment. I love doing them, but my eyes just don’t allow me to work on them anymore.
What a great pass time. Even buying all the materials and bundling them up for someone to do. Thanks for the ideas.
Thank you for the opportunity to win this book. I too would like to try making labels! I think it would be so much fun.
This sounds very appealing. I have a similar history with cross stitch. My kids would tell me if I needed to look up from my stitching while I listened to TV and stitched. They also learned to look out for needles stuck into the arm of my chair! My youngest is 44, so yes, it was a long time ago!
Looks like a good book to have for small cross stitch. Thank you.
I love cross stitching. But I started quilting in 2014 and it has been put on the back burner. I just recently started again in between quilts. My grandson is into dinosaurs. When I saw the pattern of or one I knew I wanted to incorporate cross stitching with quilting.
looks like a good book. would love a chance to win a copy. never did counted cross stitch but did printed cross stitch as a teen. thanks for the opportunity. i know i MUST have another hobby, right? patti in florida
Looks like a good book. And cross stitched labels would not fade like every pen I’ve ever used.
Like you I do both quilting and cross stitching. Currently working a huge cross stitch piece. Both are good stress relievers for me.
I make cross stitch postcard’s,so I’m always looking for patterns that are on the small side to fit.This year I mailed out 20 different patterns.The girls at the post office love to see them as well.The last time,before this year was in 2011,I’m finding it really difficult to find smallish patterns to make. And counted cross stitch books,don’t seem to be around anymore.So I’d love to win your book,so I can start making some for next year.The reason I make them into post cards,is not only does the person who receives one gets a keepsake,but everyone who comes in contact with them get joy in seeing them.Thankyou
Nice cross stitch.
Not here for the drawing (don’t include me, please), just here to say welcome back to cross stitch! I also want to say, “yeah that’s how it starts….”. I had never cross stitched although I knew of it as far back as my teenage years. I began seeing a lot of the quilters I follow doing it and was fascinated by all the special finishing and display techniques. Then I came across a small and cute Dimensions kit with a theme similar to the one that attracted you (“My Doctor Says I Need Glasses” accompanied by motifs of two wine glasses) that included all of the needed supplies for a price way cheaper than a quilt kit. Fast forward to today and that one and more than a few others are either “fully finished”, stitched and waiting finishing, in progress or kitted! All I can say is have fun and good luck not letting it take over!
What a great idea to make cross stitched quilt labels…. I’d love to give it a try. I used to cross stitch but haven’t done more than little things for a while — eye site just isn’t good enough!