Are there any cross-stitchers still here? - Wedding Forum

Laurie · #1 (**permalink**) 29-10-2006, 01:24 PM

I know there used to be quite a few groovy cross-stitchers but have a feeling that most have disappeared these days.

I'd like to have a go at making something for the nursery but don't really know where to start. I'm guessing a complete kit would be the way to go, and our nursery theme is jungle, plus I'd like to incorporate baby's name into it. I've seen this one which I quite like and could get on with straightaway now that I'm part-time, plus I start maternity in a month's time. Does it look easy enough for a beginner?

Which suppliers would you recommend?
Can you recommend a nice but easy name sampler kit?

Ta,

Lauz

weez · #2 (**permalink**) 29-10-2006, 02:52 PM

i reckon that would be quite easy to do. It looks like its worked on aida, which is usually easier, and doesn't seem to have stacks of different shades and colours which should make it easier.

have you ever done any cross stitch before? if not, how about getting a cross stitch magazine/ they usually have a few easy projects and often a little kit as a freebie. then you can get a feel for it, before starting on a big project.

Laurie · #3 (**permalink**) 29-10-2006, 02:57 PM

I've not done x-stitch since I was at school so that may not be a bad idea. Ta

Laurie · #4 (**permalink**) 29-10-2006, 03:17 PM

Oh wow, if I develop a knack for it then a big Buddy x-stitch would be amazing!! http://www.thehappycross-stitcher.co...=1426&xSec=226

cake-lady · #5 (**permalink**) 29-10-2006, 04:59 PM

Laurie
I do a lot of cross stitching, and the giraffe on looks lovely, and I would say pretty easy for a beginner, just remember to follow the pattern
I cheat if it's a bit difficult........ I copy the pattern onto the aida fabric with a light pencil first, 'cos once you stitch over it, you can't see it
it's also very handy that you get everything included in the pack,
good luck, mind a post a piccie of it when you've finished
wendy
x

Teresa · #6 (**permalink**) 30-10-2006, 03:49 AM

That photo one is lovely Laurie. I've never really done cross stitch but I think that the packs you get would be quite good. Have you got a hobbycraft near you? They have loads of kits of different sizes. My mum has recently had a go and she just started off with a simple kit. You get all the instructions and it turned out really well.

cariad · #7 (**permalink**) 31-10-2006, 07:28 AM

I used to do a LOT of cross stich but haven't for a couple of years. I love the kits on www.stitchability.co.ukOoh just found some Anchor Creature Comforts ones LOL....

However the giraffe one looks a bit easier than some of the ones one this website.

Ffi · #8 (**permalink**) 31-10-2006, 02:52 PM

Hi Laurie, I'm still cross stitching, mainly samplers but not as much as I used to because I now sleep instead of stitching!

Cross stitch packs using aida (not linen) are definitely the easiest for beginners, some kits wil ay on them they're ok for beginners. The one you showed is lovely and looks ok for beginners to me, particularly as it's not huge (I personally hate half stitches so would avoid a pack with many of them but hard to tell if the one you showed has any).

The one with a Buddy pic would look great but I reckon it would be a nightmare to do - just think of working for hours with one colour!

They have some at -
www.maryjanecollection.com (I've bought the Noah's Ark one from here, which I hope to do for our little one, if and when I get the time!).

Good luck!

weez · #9 (**permalink**) 31-10-2006, 03:58 PM

if you wanted to do a simple personalised sampler, then a jo verso book would be a good place to start. her designs are dead simple and it can be quite good fun to make up your own sampler using different bits and pieces of her designs, on graph paper with felt tips.

By the way, its well worth splashing out on some kind of frame to stretch your project as you work. it makes it easier, and can make the end product more even and neat.

cariad · #10 (**permalink**) 31-10-2006, 09:33 PM

Oh, and try and find cross stich kits that are 14 count aida (like Ffi said), if you want to make it pretty easy or 18 count at a push. Hardanger and Linen are a higher count, therefore smaller squares & harder to do. I did something on 40-odd count once and nearly went blind and insane at the end...LOL...you also need to stitch more with higher count fabric because higher count = smaller area covered per square...

Laurie · #11 (**permalink**) 01-11-2006, 02:20 PM

Thank you guys.

I've decided to wait a bit and see if I still feel like doing it when I start my maternity. I can't do the name bit until we've met the little one anyway in case the name we've chosen doesn't suit him.

Niksmiss · #12 (**permalink**) 20-06-2007, 04:33 PM

Hi,

I'm new and I saw your post. You probably have one now but I thought of this one Sew and So - The Toy Box Birth Sampler

I did this for my nephew and finished it just after he was born. There are threads in pink or blue for a boy or girl. I done this one nearly 6 years ago and Kian (my nephew) has it on his bedroom wall.

Laurie · #13 (**permalink**) 20-06-2007, 04:47 PM

Thanks Niksmiss, that looks lovely.

I decided not to do one in the end and am having a bash at making big padded letters to spell his name instead.