I love reading Connie G Thomas’s Cross Stitch Blogs.  Sometimes, her ideas can occupy my mind for a long while after I’ve finished reading them. Yesterday, I had to smile, when I read her words. She asked the simple question: ‘With all the excitement over politics here in the US, I just wonder - do any of the candidates cross stitch?’

After having seen the candidates giving speeches and promising improvements in the lives of the public in the USA, the image of any of them with an embroidery hoop in their hands is surreal. The same goes for politicians worldwide.

This set me thinking: What are the personal characteristics of people who stitch? Do we share personality traits? And if we do, what are they? Here are some of my own ideas on this:

Patience
No one gets instant gratification from cross stitch. You can create a beautiful design for a greetings card in an evening, true – but like doing a jigsaw, the rewards come slowly. As we all know, the rewards are well worth waiting for. However, we live in a world in which gratification is increasingly demanded now. Cross stitching is one antidote to that.

Good organisational skills.
Cross stitching involves project management on a small scale. Sourcing the equipment, planning your route around the design – this takes skill and hard work.

Attention to detail and perfectionism
No stitcher aims to produce a shoddy piece of work. We cannot all produce perfect results all the time, but we all try to do the best we can. If the slightest thing goes wrong – a miscounted stitch, or an inaccurate colour - this will show. So we try to avoid mistakes.

Caring nature
Do you know many stitchers who keep all their finished projects for their own personal enjoyment? I don’t. We tend to share our finished projects, or give them away as presents for people we care about. Many of us use our stitching skills to raise money for charities and other good causes, or we donate our stitchery to hospitals, hospices etc.

Creativity
From choosing a design, or creating one ourselves, we are in charge of our projects. We add embellishments, experiment with colours or speciality threads. We choose how we shall display our masterpieces too.

Returning to Connie’s original question, about whether politicians are cross stitchers, looking at the personal qualities above, I think it would be an excellent hobby to draw out the skills in a good politician.

Can you think of other qualities that we stitchers generally possess?

Happy Stitching!

Iona

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I’m the first to admit that I make stitching mistakes. Nobody’s perfect. In fact, even the most expert stitchers make a mess of things occasionally. (What a relief.)  The most positive thing about making a mistake is learning not to make that error again.
 
It’s better to learn from the mistakes of others than from your own. No one enjoys unpicking their work. So I’ve put together the four most common cross stitching mistakes (from my own and others’ experiences) and listed them below, along with tips to prevent them.

Mis-counting your stitches
Counted cross stitch takes its name from the fact that you count the number of holes in your fabric against the number of stitches made, positioning them correctly. It’s easy to miscount. We have all done this. The mistake is to bluff things out, and continue stitching, hoping that your rogue stitches will not be noticed. The bad news is: they will show. They will change the shape of the picture and leap off the project and dance before your eyes. So grit your teeth and unpick those mistakes now. Making a grid will help prevent those counting errors. There’s a Patterns Patch club tip to come soon about that.
 
Failing to pre-sort your thread (floss)
In your enthusiasm to start a project, it can be tempting to miss out the pre-sorting phase. This can result in using the wrong shades of colour, especially if you are using several shades of the same colour family. It’s easy to make your own thread sorter; in fact, you get can find out how from the Patterns Patch tips over the next few weeks.

Making uneven stitches
One of the first things we learn is that you should make one leg of the stitch first, and then the other, always starting at the same corner of the cross stitch, so that the top stitches are facing the same direction. This can be easy to forget, especially if you are not concentrating fully on your work. I’ve seen the results of this, and it does show - and it spoils the smoothness of the finished results.
 
Creating untidy backs of projects
We know we should not start and finish threads with a knot. We learn how to do away-waste knots and knotless loops but it’s tempting to make a quick and easy knot. We know we should not trail threads across the backs of our work. We hope the lumpiness and trailed threads won’t be noticeable from the front. But they can be.

I’ve learned the hard way that taking short cuts never works. Doing your best brings its own reward. What do you think?

Happy stitching!

Iona

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Readers of this blog from the UK will surely grimace at the thought of cross stitching outside this summer. We’ve had a relatively cold, rainy time, although we mustn’t forget that May was warm and sunny. That seems a long time ago! Now, I’m beginning to suffer from Cabin Fever, so as soon as it stops raining, I shall be outside with my latest stitching project.

Stitching al fresco can be one of life’s many pleasures, provided that you take the necessary precautions. I’ve learned this the hard way – a previous stitching project was blown into the sea – so from now on, I’m considering the following hazards:

Wind and Rain. I keep all my stitching stash in a tall-sided box when I stitch outside. This gives protection  from the wind, and if it starts to rain, I can quickly grab my stitchery and disappear indoors. There’s no need to take the entire contents of your craft cupboard outside with you. Just include the basics you will need. Keep them tidy – and remember to use a thread organiser, so that the correct threads are easy to access and do not get tangled.

Poor Light. Failing light can produce eye strain, and stitching mistakes too. Abandon the session if it starts to get dark.  Conversely, if the sunlight is very bright, this can cause eye problems too. You can, of course, wear sunglasses, provided you have a good quality pair. Many of the cheaper sunglasses are designed just to protect the eyes from bright light, and they are not usable for close work.

Distractions. Going indoors to fetch something or speak on the telephone can seem harmless enough. But one thing can lead to another, as far as distractions go. It’s easy to get involved with something else, only to remember that you have left your precious project outside for hours. A friend of mine told me that some Robins took some of her threads to line their nest last year while she was preparing some lunch.

Fading. The colours of your threads and fabric will not fade if you stitch outside for a few hours; however, if you get into the habit of leaving your stash near a window of a conservatory or shed, you may find that the colours will eventually get lighter as a result of exposure to the sun. So always place a lid on your stitching box.

Beaches. Does anyone actually manage to stitch on the beach? We all know that sand manages to find its way everywhere, and if you are sunbathing, what about those greasy hands that have been applying the sunscreen - all over your fabric? And excited children and dogs, shaking sea water in all directions? If you have some tips about stitching on the beach - or elsewhere, do share them!

Happy Stitching!

Iona
 

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Using an embroidery hoop (or frame) when you embroider is often considered to be essential. I have a small collection of hoops of different sizes, and every now and again I use them. My largest hoop is too big to place among my general stitching stash, so it sits on a shelf, like a huge halo.
 
I know that experts are divided as to whether we should use hoops – so here are the reasons for and against…

Most books on cross stitch list the hoop as an important part of the stitcher’s equipment, often placed alongside needles, fabric and threads in its importance. The reason for this is generally given that the hoop holds the material taut while you are stitching – and therefore helps you to produce even stitches.

Additionally, if you have any sort of mobility problem that affects the fingers or wrists, using a hoop, frame or a special lap-frame or table-frame can help to minimise pain, and deterioration of the condition. If you have a lap-frame, this can free your hands so that you can use one hand above the frame and the other one, below, so that you simply pass the needle from one hand to another through the fabric. This eliminates that swinging movement that is made when you are making stitches.

Stitchers who never use a hoop include the great Jane Greenoff and Shirley Watts. Jane asserts that she prefers working with her cross stitching in her hand as it allows the sewing action to take place without hindrance. Shirley adds that a hoop can be cumbersome and can easily leave snags or stretch marks on the fabric. She also enjoys feeling the material scrunched in her hands. It is clear that when you see close-up photographs of their work that their stitches are beautifully even.

If you do decide to use a hoop, how can you get the best from it? Hoops have two rings, one with a fastening. You sandwich the fabric between the rings, and adjust the fastening to keep it tight. The inner ring can be wrapped with tissue paper or cotton tape to prevent any damage to the fabric. If you prefer, you can use an interlocking bar frame for small projects and a rotating frame for larger pieces of work.

The hoop should never be placed over an area of stitching, as this can pull and distort the stitches. It’s also essential to remove the hoop after each stitching session, so that marks and creases are not formed. I wonder how many stitchers always use a hoop or frame? Please share your experiences with us.

Happy Stitching!

Iona

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Adding well-placed and well-chosen charms can add a new dimension and interest to your finished cross stitch project.

I have an old and battered tin in which I keep charms, buttons and random embellishments for my stitching. I doubt that I shall ever use them all, but it is good to look through the charms from time to time, and plan how I could use each one.

Have every added some charms to your cross stitched projects? If you haven’t, do try this one day.  You may find that charms add new value to work that you completed a long time ago. There’s certainly no shortage of availability of all sorts of charms to buy via the internet or at your local needlecraft shop. Before you try using charms, buttons or other embellishments, here are some tips:

1. Consider the size of the charm or button. It can be disappointing to order some charms only to discover when they arrive that they are too big or too small. Placing a charm that is the incorrect size on a design can spoil the look of the picture. To use an obvious example, if your butterfly charm is twice the size of a stitched flower beside it, it will look odd. You can possibly position the charm in such a way as to make it look closer to the eye than the rose, but this may not work, visually.
 

2. When selecting charms, buy the best quality you can afford and match its style to that of your design. Cheap, stamped metal charms can spoil a beautiful heirloom sampler – although they can look appropriate with a cute card sometimes.

3. Be wary of brass charms or buttons. It’s possible that if the finished project becomes slightly damp (if displayed in your bathroom, perhaps), a chemical reaction may take place between the charm and the fabric which can cause discolouration.

4. Clean all charms carefully with a soft towel before adding it to your stitching. Consider coating the back of the charm with clear nail varnish to prevent any staining of the fabric.

5. When sewing on the charms or buttons, use thread that matches the background fabric.

6. When applying the charm, begin with a loop start, positioning the charm carefully, and then pass the needle through its hole from the right side, establishing its correct position. Slip the charm off the needle’s eye and pass the thread in and out of the fabric and through the loop on the right side. Then stitch the charm firmly into position, making sure that the thread remains tight.

7. If you plan to frame the finished project, make sure that the framer inserts spacers so that the charm does not touch the glass.

Happy Stitching!

Iona

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In the current ‘Credit Crunch’ we are being advised to economise. This affects our favourite hobby of cross-stitching, of course. Most cross stitchers have occasionally made expensive mistakes when buying things. As for me, I still cringe when I see a kit at the bottom of my storage box that I bought years ago. I had been lured into buying a ‘bargain’ that was, in fact, a poor quality cute design of a horse… or is it a donkey? I’m not exactly certain, but I do know that I have learned from this mistake, and as the years have passed, I’ve made some personal rules that I’d guess you may agree with. Or do you? Here they are:

1. There are some things where economy should not matter.  For me, this is definitely a good quality lamp to work by. It’s not possible to recommend a particular lamp, because everyone has unique needs, but do buy the best you can – and place it on a birthday/Christmas present list if you cannot afford one. Look out for second-hand bargains and auctions, but never compromise on quality for what you need.

2. Do not be tempted to buy things impulsively – at needlework fairs etc. Enthusiasm is infectious, and when you see someone else saying how wonderful a product is, it is easy to reach for your money. If in doubt, do not buy… walk around, think about it, and return an hour later…

3. Never economise by buying cheap threads (floss) that you often see with giveaway kits and ‘bargains’. It’s wise to stick with the tried and tested big-name brands – purely because the results are better. The economy brands have no natural sheen, and they look cheap.

4. Invest in the best basic equipment you can afford. For example, it is false economy to buy cheap scissors or needles. I still use a pair of embroidery scissors I was given ten years ago and have no intention of buying a new pair.

5. Shop around… when you buy.  You may choose to support your local needlework shop. That’s a great principle, but many stitchers do not live near a shop, so we buy via the internet. Beware of cheap offers that lure you to a site, and then… you pay for overpriced extras while you are there. (This is a psychological trick that the giant supermarkets use to reel in customers.) Check out the delivery costs too – and additional taxes that may be added to the total of your purchases.

6. Remember that many designs are timeless. You may find some great advice and charts from second-hand books and magazines.

7. Share your books, magazines and equipment with stitching friends. You can even buy fabric and other essentials in bulk to save money. Stitching together is fun, as well as being economical.

8. Why spend many pounds on a single chart/pattern? There are many free designs on the internet, and of course, if you are a member of Patterns Patch, you can access hundreds of beautiful designs, free of charge.

I think that the ‘less is more’ principle is important in cross-stitch. Buy fewer - but always top quality - items and services. And also - Beware of ‘bargains’! Please share any money-saving tips with us!

Happy Stitching!
Iona

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Many of us have watched the Olympic Medals ceremonies over recent days, and applauded the talents of the sporting greats. In this celebratory mood, I have been wondering who would get my own personal gold medal for cross stitch greatness. Most cross stitchers have a favourite designer. I have a number of cross stitching heroines whose work I lap up with great enthusiasm.
 
I am rarely impressed by people who wallow in their own grand achievements. I prefer those who share with others the secrets of success with a truly generous heart. These people inspire and encourage others to improve their own skills and demonstrate real greatness to me.

Who is your favourite cross stitch guru?

For me, Jo Verso is one of my three favourites. During her career, she was the world’s best-selling cross stitch author, publishing six very successful books, and achieving sales of over 900,000 copies. Her popularity did not arise from her own personal cleverness, although that was apparent. What was special about Jo was that when she wrote a book for beginners, you could be certain that you would be able to understand and follow her patient instructions even if you had never picked up a needle before.

Jo was one of the first designers to use charting software for cross stitch design. She also explained how any stitchers with some crayons, scissors and graph paper could design their own personal samplers, creating a picture of their own life in stitches. So what was once considered to be the domain of experts was opened up to anyone who had some time and determination. This process, along with other tips and resources, is simply explained in her last book ‘Picture It in Cross Stitch Today’. The success of this book was a surprise to this modest woman.

Tragically, Jo was killed in a car accident in France in 2002. The cross stitch community has lost a great mentor, friend and expert.  However, Jo has gained stitching immortality through her books. The new edition of her last book, published posthumously earlier this year, can be appreciated by many new stitchers too.

Happy Stitching!
Iona

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John Wigham, founder of Patterns Patch, told us yesterday about member, Becky, whose cross stitch projects are progressing well thanks to the Beijing Olympics. Becky is doubling up her stitching with cheering on the Olympic team in their pursuit of Gold medals.

I’m afraid I’m unable to stitch and watch the Olympic Games. I’ve tried, but I tend to make mistakes, or stab myself with my needle. There are lots of things I do while I’m stitching that don’t result in disaster. I wonder if you do the same. Here they are:
 
1. Listen to Audiobooks. I love listening to books, and stitching while listening is a double treat. I cannot look at a flower sampler I made ten years ago without remembering that I listening to Lord of the Rings as I completed it. Listening to the radio can be good, but I find I’m less in control of what I’m listening to.

2. Listen to Favourite Music. There’s nothing to beat stitching and being transported away by your favourite music at the same time.  Have you noticed that you tend to stitch quicker when you are listening to fast-paced music?

3. Use up waiting time. Do you hate waiting your turn at the dentist’s? I know I do, and I cannot raise the enthusiasm to read the dog-eared celebrity magazines that are piled up in front of me. Who wants to know the make-up bag secrets of an eighteen-year old celebrity? Not me, for sure. It’s surprising how much you can achieve if those minutes that would have otherwise been spent worrying.

4. Chat with stitching friends. Usually when you have visitors, good manners dictate that you look at each other while talking. If your visitor is a fellow stitcher, then there’s an acknowledged acceptance that you can look at your stitching instead of your companion.
 
5. Manage stressful times. When people feel stressed, they tend to pace around, fidget, drum their fingers and carry out comforting rituals such as eating or drinking? If you stitch instead, you can channel that energy into something positive and creative. And for slimmers, hands that are stitching are not delving into the biscuit tin.

6. Meditation. Sometimes, it’s good to do absolutely nothing else but stitch in relative silence and have nothing else to distract you. The repetitive movements of your fingers and the slowly growing picture in front of you can help to clear your mind and it takes on a meditational quality.

I know many people manage to stitch on planes, trains, buses and beaches, but I have never managed this successfully. My last efforts on a train resulted in a woman brushing past me and carrying off some of my threads on the back of her coat. I never did retrieve those!

Do let us know when and where you have stitched!

Happy Stitching!
Iona

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It’s easy to see why unicorns are such popular mythical creatures. With their wispy manes, horns and knowing eyes, they appear to have a real sense of wisdom in addition to their magical qualities.

Unicorns were fierce animals who were capable of sensing an enemy from a huge distance. They moved soundlessly through forests, being able to run faster than any other creature.

They avoided contact with all but the woodland spirits, choosing to live alone. They would occasionally allow themselves to be ridden by elf maidens of pure heart, and if treated with kindness, would be their protective steeds for life which could be 1,000 years. The secret to a Unicorn’s long life was said to be the strong magical power in their horns.

Marianna Mayer once observed in The Unicorn and the Lake, “The unicorn is the only fabulous beast that does not seem to have been conceived out of human fears. In even the earliest references he is fierce yet good, selfless yet solitary, but always mysteriously beautiful. He could be captured only by unfair means, and his single horn was said to neutralize poison.”
 
For the cross stitcher, there are plenty of opportunities to use imagination when stitching unicorns. You can add beads, metallic threads and charms to emphasize the glistening beauty of these creatures.

Here are a few tips for stitching a unicorn:

1. Consider stitching this white beast against a coloured background. Purples, reds and gold can produce a great contrast to this white beast.

2. You can be creative with the background too – perhaps adding some stars and abstract designs.

3. To make sure that the unicorn stands out from the background, use more attractive embellishments (beads, charms etc.) on the unicorn than on its background.

4. If you are stitching a unicorn design as a gift, consider placing the design on something that can be carried around by the recipient, to emphasize its protective qualities; a notebook cover, bookmark or spectacle-case.

Below, there is a picture of one of the designs that Patterns Patch members can freely download.

Happy Stitching!

Iona

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I have a collection of odd pieces of fabric that I’ve bought over recent years. I’ve just started to organise them so that I can find exactly what I want whenever I want it. One thing that has crossed my mind is that I have not always been good at buying fabric in the most sensible and cost-effective way. So I’ve done some research into this, and have come up with the following tips to share with you to prevent frustration and expensive mistakes:

1. Consider buying fabric in bulk with friends and then sharing it between you. Fabric can be costly, especially if you buy it by the width, so sharing the cost of a bulk buy can prove to be economical.

2. Unless you have specific ideas for making cards, bookmarks etc., be wary of buying off-cuts at reduced prices. It can be tempting to choose a ‘bargain’ that you never use.

3. Check any material that you buy from shops carefully. Note any flaws. Some rustic materials such as linen have natural imperfections, and these can, where necessary, be covered by stitches. Inspect the material nevertheless.

4. Ensure that the material that you buy has no dirty marks, especially along the creases. (I once discovered a spilled coffee stain on some fabric that I bought.)

5. Ensure that the shop worker cuts your fabric carefully long the line of the thread. If she does not, you will have to pull a thread out and cut again to straighten it, which may waste material. Remember also that when you are cutting a large piece of fabric into smaller sections, to cut along a thread line – and to leave the selvedge (closed off) edge at the sides of the embroidery.

6. Beware of the temptation of buying attractively coloured fabrics. Bear in mind that the fabric is the background, and that your design should stand out from it. Dark fabrics can be more difficult to stitch on, and you may need to place a white piece of fabric or lap-light underneath the fabric, when you are stitching, in order to see what you are doing.

7. If the fabric that you buy has creases in it, don’t be put off from buying it. Just iron it carefully between damp towels to remove the creases before you begin stitching. Some stitchers recommend placing a piece of string underneath the crease and ironing on it in (under a towel) order to press out the crease.
 
Good luck with your fabric purchases, and do share any tips that you have with us.

Happy Stitching!

Iona

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