Cross Stitch Crazy! (Cross Stitching in general)

Member Name: moongod

Product:	Cross Stitching in general
Date:	25/05/01 (77 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Simple and beautiful, Relaxing, Time-consuming (good when you're bored)

Disadvantages: Addictive, Time-consuming

The appeal of cross-stitch is one of the mysteries of loife...

I picked up a small kit just over a month ago and am now hooked. Most people start off with 'kits' which have everything you need in them except for a pair of scissors. From small kits which are great for carrying around with you (what else that comes in such a small size can occupy you for so long) to the more complex kits, the relaxing challenge of cross stitch is strangely addictive. Although kits may not seem good value, the hours taken up by the projects far outweigh any other similarly priced activities.

With large craft superstores opening up everywhere, it is becoming easier and cheaper to take up this hobby. No problems with literature either because there are more cross stitch magazines on sale than you would believe at your local WH Smith! Of these, I recommend 'World of Cross Stitching' which is useful for both starters and advanced stitchers. It also features nice designs that you might actually want to stitch! For more advanced stitchers looking for beautiful designs that are more challenging, I recommend Cross Stitch Gallery, which also sells kits of all of its designs at low prices.

The flipside of cross stitching is the design. This could be a hobby in itself - there are a variety of software packages available that help you design your own patterns from scratch or from a photograph. I'm currently working on my first design. Seeing the idea run from conception to completion is even more rewarding. I would only recommend this route if you're experienced with computers though.

The appeal of cross stitch is maximised by its simplicity - you don't need to sew to be able to do it. I think I should stop trying to explain how enjoyable it is. Try your hand at it yourselves! I recommend starting with a cross-stich magazine with a free kit as these are often basic and all the instructions are within the magazine itself.
Fuss free!

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