Please talk to me about cross stitching!

[wibblyjelly]

I'd like to start a new hobby, and while trawling the internet, came across some geeky inspired cross stitch patterns. (star wars, Dr who etc)
I'd love to start doing this as a hobby, and create some pieces for ds's bedroom.

Do I need patterns, or can I just attempt to stitch the images I've seeen from the internet? What equipment do I need? And is it hard to do?!

I bought one of those magnetic place markers but it's not strong enough to hold on through the pattern annoyingly.

Ive just started too, it's a wonderful and soothing hobby. Got lots of tips here on MN and watched a beginners demo on YouTube. I got a starter kit for amazon as wanted to stitch my dd's name.

the reason why I want to learn is that I have seen some amazing sci if inspired cross stitch, and as ds is going to be brought up as a nerd, I want to make some for his room. If any one has any patterns, would you be able to tell me about them, please?

OOOo, you've inspired me to search about for sci fi and fantasy kits/patterns. Just found a Game of Thrones one [giddy now].
winter is coming

Num, this is the one that I saw...
www.google.co.uk/search?q=atat+cross+stitch&hl=en&client=tablet-android-asus-nexus&rlz=1Y3NDUG_enGB504GB504&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=wX5cUdvSK8Wt0QXWrYCADg&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=600&bih=904#biv=i%7C0%3Bd%7CKER1okul-RTuVM%3A

Coming to this a but late wibbly but I can really recommend this etsy shop for cool cross stitch kits, I'm making my DS the superhero alphabet sampler.