Any cross stitchers out there?

[TotallyAddictedToLurking]

I have just started cross stitching and I'm addicted.

I've done the little easter kits from hobby craft and I'm working by way up to bigger projects.

Does anyone know of any good forums or blogs?

We could even start a little chat going here

[ShadowOfTheDay]

I cross stitch and also do needlepoint and other tapestry/canvas work... it wiles away a dark evening and gives something nice at the end...

I tend not to go online tooooo much as it eats up stitching time and I become more of a "watcher" than a doer.... IYKWIM

[MmeMorrible]

I cross stitch too, although I tend to stop and start depending on how busy life is generally. I like stitching small things like birthday and Christmas cards as I lack patience for big projects.

I like the Cross Stitcher magazine as it has some nice patterns that aren't as twee as most of the other magazines. Haven't ever been on a forum or anything to talk about stitching though.

Would be good to exchange ideas here.

[craftynclothy]

I like the Sewingseed patterns (she has a blog and an etsy shop). They're a bit more modern than the kits you find in shops.

[TotallyAddictedToLurking]

Shadow I know what you mean! I used to spend most of my time on pinterest looking at various projects but never actually doing them. But I really enjoy cross stitch so I have cut down on the Internet.

I have subscribed to a couple of magazines. I can't remember the names but they were doing an offer of 5 issues for £5.

I will have a look at etsy, I've never used it before.

[MyGastIsFlabbered]

I used to cross stitch but haven't done much since the boys arrived. Would love to get back into it.

Has anyone done blacksmith? I have a kit but I'm scared to start it!

[MyGastIsFlabbered]

That should be blackstitch not blacksmith!

[ShadowOfTheDay]

I have done some blackstitch..... but TBH found it a bit boring - I'm sure it is not, but I needed something with a bit more colour and less counting to pick up in between sessions....

I've done some gold thread work too - and found that a bit too fiddly with couching threads everywhere...

I'm just a lazy stitcher really

[rockybalboa]

Me! I love it. Cross Stitcher magazine is great. I don't like twee stuff at all and my next projects will either be from Tiny Modernist patterns (Google her, there are some free patterns on her website) or from Daily Cross Stitch. I follow the latter on Facebook and you can sign up to their emails to get a free pattern emailed to you each day. I also like designing my own stuff and have a number of books by Jo Verso. The website sewandso has lots of nice charts and kits too (in amongst the inevitable twee nastiness which isn't my thing at all).

[NickyEds]

Hello, I love it too- started years ago and it turned into a little business doing childrens names. I subscribe to cross stitch crazy which has a really nice range of charts in it. I love doing bothy threads and micheal powell samplers- I was in the middle of his Christmas lights one when I went into labour- it might take me until next year to finish it though as I've been too busy to pick up a needle since DS was born!!!

[rockybalboa]

The Stitching Shed do some lovely kits too, good for beginners as well.

NickyEds, do you make much money from doing children's names? I have done various commission pieces (personalised portrait samplers) but I can't see it as a way of making a living. I would love it too though. Do you run it through Facebook? I have a Facebook page for my cross stitch but it's more of a way for me to keep records of things I've done. I'd love to turn it into a business though. Maybe once all three DC are at school...

[NickyEds]

I don't make a living!! It's part time money for full time work. I also make finger and hand puppets and a few other bits and sell them at craft fairs. I used to take around £100 at a good fair- more at Christmas far less at rubbish fairs- but fortunately my overheads are cheap. The main idea was that we could just about afford to do it, it was what I always wanted to do and I thought that it would fit in when we had a family. DS is 13 weeks old and can't imagine ever having time again!!!