Like all businesses, we are developing ideas and projects as we go along. And, it oocured to us last week that we should spend more time on our What is blog topics. We somewhat explain what they are and give a very brief history but then poof! Nothing more. So we are going to start exploring the What is blog topics for the whole month starting with Cross Stitch.

Cross Stitch is a from of hand embroidery that is little x's stitched onto fabric to make a design or pattern. The fabric the x's are stitched onto varies as technolgy in the textile industry has grown beyond my wildest dreams. The threads that are used to stitch the x's has dramaticlly changed for the same reason as the textile industry. Not to mention all the embellishments that can be added to cross stitch like beads, buttons, treasures, jewlery, etc.

There are also two types of Cross Stitch - stamped and counted. Stamped Cross Stitch (picture above) is familiar to those of us who have been stitching 20 or more years. The pattern or design is actually stamped on the fabric with thread colors left up to the stitcher most of the time. I have done a few of these and know of one that is framed and still a canterpiece at my maternal grandparents house. I have a few stamped pieces fromy my first husband's grandmother that need to be finished.

Counted cross stitch is well counted. The pattern or design is in a leaflet, magazine, or book with information like the type of fabric to use, the recommended floss, Design Size, and etc. The stitcher can chose to follow the recommendations set out by the designer or publisher or they can choose other fabrics and fibers. They can even chose to take parts of different designs to make something unique.

Now, like everything else Cross Stitch does take time to master and you do have to start at the beginning. I have been stitchihing since I was 12, almost 50 years now, and I still have not mastered cross stitch. By the way, I started with Christmas ornaments then moved my way up with very little guidance from anyone. Meaning, anyone can do cross stitch. There is also always something new or exciting to try like glow in the dark thread or a new fabric. And, yes cross stitch does take time and patience to develop.

It is an art that you create and it asks you to slow down, relax and just enjoy your life. It beckons you to delve into the world of embroidery where beauty and utility often meet. You will learn more about yourself with a needle and thread in your hand then you ever thought possilble. Join me this month as we explore the world of Cross Stich.