Where are all the cross stitchers?

i like to cross stitch but i am being called mama all day and trying to get #2 here lol. so i don't have much time for any of my crafts really. lol

if ya' wanna talk some time e mail me :-)

No way, I love it (I'm 32)!! I pick mine up as and when the mood comes over me and tend to favour quite intricate designs (I'm working on Monet's Poppies - it requires about 20 threaded needles per inch square, argh!!). I sometimes get the cross stitch magazines at the supermarket, they're great for getting you enthused and giving you good freebies, so pick one up next time.

If you're looking for something new, I'd definitely recommend Michael Powell. I'm working on his Welsh Series at the moment, they're lovely colours and look great.

I also have the Cross Stitcher Magazine Software - this is brilliant, as it has video demonstrations with tips on how to do all the basics, plus you can design your own charts or convert a picture/photo of your own. It also has some lovely aperture cards you can print off.

No, you are not alone. I wish I could stitch all day but with a 5 and 2 year old, I can only stitch when they are in bed!

I'm working on this for a friend right now: http://www.tiag.com/designs/LL-63jpg.html (I've finished the purple bow and almost done with the front part of the dress.)

I have to put it away at the moment because I have to sew a Halloween costume for my 5 year old and knit a gnome for a fundraiser for his school.

As for tips, I really don't have any that you probably already know... I'll just tell you what my mom said to me: no knots in back, wash hands before and do not use lotion, work away from your free hand so it doesn't soil your stitches, store nicely when working on it to keep it clean, wash and press nicely when complete..

:)

You're not alone day or night :-)

Right now I'm working on "Regal Tiger" a kit I ordered through marymaxim.com It's about 14 x 11 so should take about 6 months.

My best tip is to always grid your fabric when working larger pieces. I use fishing line and weave them up and down through the canvas every 10 squares so it's easier to keep track of the chart. When you're completely done you just pull one end of the fishing line and the whole thing comes out without snagging any of the floss. Make a working copy of the chart and cross off stitches you've worked.

This is my last piece and how it look midway through gridded... http://photos-e.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v24...

We cross stitchers are a closet bunch. My husband is so used to 'just one more stitch' at night. You would be surprised just who does cross stitch. Here in New Zealand it runs second to quilting. I cross stitch and my sister is in to quilting. And all you lady's with young ones, hang in there. When they leave home and all there is to do at night is cross stitch the house can seem very quiet indeed.

I'm in Philadelphia :-)

I haven't done it in a while, but want to pick it up again. My RA makes me sore after a bit, so I'm thinking about just doing little designs, now, like something I can put on my artist trading cards (which I also haven't worked on in months!)

If you want to connect with others that do the same craft as you, go to a craft forum. Two of the forums that I really like can be found at these addresses. http://forums.allcrafts.net/ and

http://craftqueens.invisionplus.net/ I do quilting, if your interested in finding more about quilting go to http://www.appliquequiltdesigns.com/

I do when I am home. Working on 2 right now. Quilt and a kit.