Cross stitch- anyone recommend any non-chintzy sets

[bellinisurge]

I found a small cross stitch set that my dd bought in an English Heritage gift shop yonks ago . It's only little - about 10 cm squared - and of a "cute" llama. I'm finding actually doing it very therapeutic and wonder if anyone on here can direct me to something larger. Definitely non-chintzy. Don't mind sweary mottos or anything like that.

I like Micheal Powell cross stitch kits. They aren't kooky or sweary though!

Notonthehighstreet.com have got a variety of kits

www.notonthehighstreet.com/search?filter%5Bcategory_id%5D=15000&page=3&term=cross+stitch

Check out subversive cross stitch. Very sweary!

I like bothy threads and subversive cross stitch.

You should have a look at caterpillar cross stitch I love the designs on there. She does stitch along projects where you get part of the pattern sent every month which is fun. She's starting a new one this month. www.caterpillarcrossstitch.com

Try the Lakeside Needlecraft website, lots of lovely kits. Also there are cross stitch magazines which usually come with a free mini kit.

Thank you very much, everyone.

Loads of snarky cross stitch on Etsy too. I've rediscovered the therapy! Currently doing a donut design for DD but as soon as the thread arrives it's on to a 'dad' tattoo-style design for father's day - my dad is tattooed but I'm not. Also my DSM's mum died so will be doing a floral one in memory of her. I've got a lovely Russian doll I've just finished from Etsy too!

Try amazon - they have some. Don't buy threads from them, though, as they are hugely overpriced. There's Marie's Cross stitch and enchanted needle online as well. I do miss sewandso for cross stitch supplies.

I love Bothy Threads. I'm currently working on a giraffe picture for ds1s bedroom.

Just had a look at @flojo73’s link and pissed myself laughing at the idea of a cross-stitch selfie! Although the idea of being able to use a photo is appealing if you want to avoid chintzy, granny patterns I suppose

Always emilypeacock.squarespace.com

Hannah Bass kits are really nice. I’ve just ordered my next project.

My favourite are Satsuma Street designs.

I like 8bitnorthxstitch on www.etsy.com/shop/8bitnorthxstitch

If I was any good at cross-stitch I’d get them all!

The Make Arcade have some cute kits.
I love Stitchrovia patterns on Etsy, they don't do kits though.

Hannah Bass
Stitchsperation on Not On The High Street

My absolute faves are Stitchrovia by Emma Congdon. Her designs are amazing and available on Etsy, but she's also just published a book. You can buy threads and aida easily, I use Love Crafts. Much cheaper than a kit.

I have just started my enormous cross stitch kit I bought about 2 years ago from a Surrey based company called Gecko Rouge. They have lots of very unusual kits but most are quite large and daunting.

www.geckorouge.co.uk/

Depending on the size of project there are some fabulous designs out there. I like Norah Corbett and Mirabillia for pixies and ladies with lots of beading and bling, and I’m just about to start Gotham Sirens by Tilton Crafts. Beware though you could lose yourself in stitchy projects and materials...