Cross stitch virgin - what do I need to get started?

[sweetkitty]

Been looking at some cross stitch patterns on ebay I would love to do one each for the DDs for their rooms, how difficult are they in general?

Should I do some beginners things first before attempting a big one?

Haven't a clue where to begin

Help

Pretty easy and v. rewarding!
I would start simple - something small - just to get the hang of it. Or how about a kit (thread and fabric included)?
The most 'complex' thing - and it's not rocket science - is following the chart.

Sorry, crying baby, gotta go.

Message withdrawn

Get a LoRan needle holder card (see on here for example www.stitchdirect.co.uk/acatalog/Loran_Accessories.html )- it's got a magnetic strip so you can put several needles on it and mark which one has which colour - you'll find that having several needles ready with a range of colours saves you tons of time rather than rethreading each time you change colour. And whatever you do, tidy your threads off as you go - the first cross stitch I did I thought I'd wait till the end - BIG mistake.
Use a highlighter marker to mark the chart as you complete a set of stitches.

I started with small patterns like Newtons Law designs (the raggy looking bear) or just winnie the pooh bookmarks till you get the hang of it. Go to hobbycraft if you have one now. I then went onto bigger things, have got all the equipment now and love it. You'll get everything you need in a pack, but buy a tension ring, extra needles and something to store threaded needles in. H've got something that looks like a huge toblerone with foam inside for all needles to sit in. Go for it, its v relaxing!