Cross Stitch

razra

I also do lots of x stitch (stops me going out spending money LOL) I did try a stamped embroidery kit and its still a UFO even now:o I just couldn't get to grips with all the different types of stitch.

But as they say, try it you might like it:D

if you ask on freecycle someone may have patterns/kits they no longer want,you never know

taurusgb

THIRZAH wrote: »

What kind of embroidery were you thinking of doing?

If you can do cross stitch you would find other kinds of counted thread work such as blackwork or canvas work fairly easy.

Oh I'd forgotten about blackwork - I love doing blackwork.....I'm "trying" to complete all six wives of Henry VIII in blackwork - all single pieces, all A4 ish size, and I adore doing it, but after a while when I've been stitching just one colour (blackwork doesn't HAVE to be doe in black thread ) my eyes get tired. That said, it does grow fast though once you've mastered the infill stitch patterns. I've done the first two wives and am half way through the third...think I might get this out and do some tonight.

taurusgb

dmg24 wrote: »

Thanks taurusgb,

I hadn't thought of patchwork, but really should have done as the lady I went to the craft fair with bought a patchwork Christmas doily/ centrepiece while we were there!

Would I need a sewing machine to make up the quilt? This would be my stumbling block, as I can't really afford one. I can always keep an eye out of Freecycle though!

You wouldn;t necessarily need a machine - though it would be much quicker to use one, as it is just stitching in straight lines really. Freecycle is a good idea though!

One other idea - do you knit? there's a thriving knitting thread at the moment on the OS forum.

dmg24

Thanks guys,

stefejb, I hadn't even heard of hardanger, but it looks really pretty!

razra, I find the stamped kits more difficult than the counted ones - don't know why, I just can't follow them!

taurusgb, can't wait to see some of your work! Don't worry if you can't get the camera tonight, but give me a shout when you can post some of it! I haven't done knitting since I was much younger, and wasn't very good at it then. However, I also couldn't do cross stitch then, so always worth another go!

I just wish that, for all these things, you could get blunt needles (or something like that?!) ... I fly quite a lot, and would love to spend my time doing something constructive than just sudoku (although I do love that too)! x

gemmaj

When I get bored of cross stitch I switch to Latch Hook (its a form of rug making - there are a suprising number of different ways to make rugs!) or knitting. I have learning to crochet on my list of things to do, too!

dmg24

Crochet doesn't appeal, don't know why, but will look up latch hooking!

I do have a big obstacle to any of these things ... my cat! He just wants to join in(?!), but I have lost count of the thread that I have lost (only little pieces, I wouldn't let him swallow the long pieces)! x

dumpy

I used to do lots of cross stich but I now prefer doing other forms of embroidery. I've done gold work (like you see on uniforms and in churches), silk shading, black work and white work. I'd love t have a go at crewel.

Have you looked to see if there is a branch of the Embroideries Guild near you? They do lots of workshops at meetings and it's not too much to join.

As a massive treat 2 years ago I went on a weekend with the Royal College of Needlework. Wow, it was fantastic, but I'll be saving for another 2 years before I can go again :rotfl:

Oh and I spin and weave if you want some ideas about that? When they invent the 36 hour day I'll be able to do it all......

dmg24

Thanks dumpy,

I'll definitely look at the Embroideries Guild, as I would like to find a way to meet new people too. I know John Lewis used to run demonstrations and little meets, but haven't seen anything advertised in a long time.

Even talking about it makes me feel so much calmer! x

dumpy

Link to all guilds

http://branches.embroiderersguild.com/branchlist.php

I live too far away from one, but my mum is a member. I do get the magazine, Stitch, delivered and am inspired every two months! Oh for some free time....

I like workshops as if I go out to a workshop I do the activity, if I'm at home I'm distracted by washing, cooking etc etc.....

Let us know how you get on!

dumpy

Oh and if you are really inspired there are fantastic courses and kits here

http://www.royal-needlework.co.uk/index.php

I'd love to do more of these but I'd have to sell the family!