Cross Stitch - Definately Relaxing (Cross Stitching in general)

Member Name: raebroughton

Product:	Cross Stitching in general
Date:	10/07/09 (25 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Very relaxing and great to see the finished product!

Disadvantages: You may not want to put it down!

Cross Stitching is one of my favourite hobbies, I have been doing cross stitches ever since I was around 8 or 9 we used to do the big cross stitch patterns at school which I used to love. Then my Gran bought me my first cross stitch kit which was a small blue butterfly and ever since then i've been hooked!

I don't tend to do as many as I used to but I blame the internet and my Nintendo DS for that! Sitting down and doing a cross stitch always relaxes me and I have found it stops me from snacking as your hands are busy with the cross stitch which is always good. I occasionally watch tv at the same time although I sometimes go wrong if I get carried away with what's on the screen so I find it easier listening to a cd or the radio.

My favourite cross stitch was one I did for my Mums birthday it was of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia, it really looked effective when it was finished. I also completed a 25th Wedding Anniversary cross stitch for my parents I basically took quite a few designs out of magazines and made a pattern it was a bit tricky to put together but in the end I think it turned out ok. I tend to make the odd Birthday and Mother's Day Cards which just makes it a little bit more special. It all really depends on the amount of free time I have.

Normally If I want to do a large cross stitch I buy a kit, I find it easier than using a pattern out of magazine and then trying to get the correct colour thread. Although for smaller designs which I use in cards I would find a pattern in a magazine and if I don't have the exact cotton I just substitute the colours and use what I have. Then I would make the card myself which can be a bit fiddly but tends to look quite nice when finished.

Summary: I would recommend it as a hobby, but I must warn you it can be addictive!