Tuesday, June 12, 2007

My "other" hobby

Like alot of other people who craft, I love to dabble in lots of different mediums. While jewelry satisfies my "I want it now" fix, counted cross-stitch comes in at the top of the list as far as crafts that I truly enjoy. There is something about taking an ugly (yes, if using Aida or plain linen, it truly is somewhat ugly to start) piece of fabric and, using simple cotton threads, making it into something that I cherish for my home or want to give as a gift.

Admittedly, I have more patterns, kits, fabric and thread than I can ever use in this lifetime but I still have to "check out" the cross-stitch section of the local craft store or specialty store to see what's new (my husband has long since given up on coming into those stores with me). Since I love the ocean (and just about anything related to it), most of my projects are lighthouse, shell, water related themes. Pictured below is my first attempt at stitching on linen - and using charms for that matter!



I picked up the frame up when I purchased the pattern at this great little needlework shop called Yankee Cross Stitch located in North Hampton, NH. I just couldn't help myself - I loved the weathered driftwood feel of the frame. If you're ever in the area and like to stitch, this is one of the best little stores I've found.

May you enjoy your "other" hobby as much as I do!

4 comments:

Hear Me Roar! said...

I had to give up counted cross stitch many years ago because the book buying habit can be SO addictive. When each book has 10 different things to make, and you love them ALL, and then the book next to it is just as cute... well if you have no restraint you end up with too many 'to dos'. Hopefully you have a better handle on it than I did!

marsha said...

Well what do you know! I happen to do cross-stitch myself! It is relaxing ... up to the point you miss a count and end up stitching too many or too little! lol ...

That's a lovely piece of work btw, so very serene and calming!

Kirsten said...

Our hobbies are similar! I love embroidery, not so much counted cross stitch, but more of the free-form embroidery and Victorian crazy quilt embroidery. Now if I just had time to puruse it! Maybe that's a jewelry/metal artist thing, another obessive craft for a hobby.

Mary McK- said...

I wish I could say that I cross stiched or embroidered. I'm really more a "embroidery thread collector" not sure what I will eventually do with it all, but it sure does look pretty in my studio.