Hey all…March 1st is getting closer and that’s the day we are starting the cross-stitch along. I wanted to get a blog post in here so that you still have time to get the kit and you can stitch along with us.  By us, I mean Judy at Patchwork Times and I. We are both hosting the stitch along together. Both Judy and I were quilters with published books but now we picked up cross-stitch again…we are also both bloggers and you can find Judy HERE. If you think I write lots of blog posts…Judy writes even more!!
Judy is a great stitcher and has even become a model stitcher stitching a design that will be coming out at Needlework Market in early March. You can read Judy’s blog post about that HERE. She’s working on another design too.
The stitch-along chart we’ll be starting is Blessed by Waxing Moon Designs.  The pattern comes with three different designs and we’ll be stitching the one that says “Blessed” in the bottom left corner.
All three designs come in one pattern so if you decide you love cross stitching, you can go on and stitch the other designs too.
This one is the one we are focusing on.
Judy and I decided to host the stitch along because as bloggers, we get so many questions about designs we are stitching. People want to know how to stitch on linen. People have questions about thread and what some cross-stitch terms mean. We thought if we hosted a stitch along, we could answer all of the questions that come in as we go.
We are doing all we can to make this beginner-friendly. I broke the… chart down into four different sections. We’ll stitch each section during the designated month.
I’ll likely be starting the week before so that I can have a little bit stitched so I can take pictures and write the blog post for you with some tips or tricks so that you can have success once you start stitching.
If you’re a speedy stitcher and want to stitch ahead, you’re totally welcome to. If you want to stitch this chart along with us and stitch one of the other charts in between assignments, go for it. This is TOTALLY NOT a rule-driven stitch along.
At the end of June, Judy and I will both give you some ideas for finishing. I’m hoping to do a pillow…Judy might be too. We both have different ways of doing stuff so I’m sure you can get some ideas from each of us.
I do really want to stress that there is not one universal way to cross-stitch. Judy and I will each tell you more about what we do…but we are hoping you will in the end develop your own way that you are most comfortable with.
If you are a beginner, I want to encourage you to try one way, and if it doesn’t work for you, move on and try another way. If you all have read Judy’s blog you will know that Judy wanted to learn to use the sewing method to cross stitch and she had to work to make that work. She watched several different videos and one day, it clicked. Whatever method you try might not be something you catch onto immediately, that’s totally okay. You might have to practice or…you might have to move on to a different method. What I really want to say is: Please don’t immediately give up if you find it isn’t immediately working for you. Cross stitching on linen didn’t immediately work for me. It took me about three tries.
I come to cross-stitching by first being an embroiderer way back when I was four my mom taught me. I think because of that, I prefer stitching in a hoop. (Also my hand cramps up if I don’t use one). MANY cross-stitchers don’t use a hoop. This is just one example of how Judy and I will tell you what we do…but you have to find what works best for you.
HERE is the link to the hoop I use. Again, no hoop is needed but if you want to try hoop stitching, I recommend this one. It is a Morgan hoop.
I know many of you already have kits. The Stitchery Nook in Osage, Iowa has been putting those together for us. I think you all surprised them with how many orders have come in. Originally Judy and I hoped that 50 of you might be stitching along with us. Oh my, you blew that out of the water. You have almost tripled that amount. The gals have been scrambling to get supplies and finally, the Weeks thread came in so if you’re waiting on your kit, it should be coming this week.
Hosting a stitch along is new to all of us so…we’ll be more prepared next time. Thanks for being understanding of us.
If you don’t have a kit yet, HERE is the exact link to their page on ordering goodies for the stitch along. There is a drop-down box that will help you pick out the supplies you might need. Please refer back to the original post where there is more info and specifics. If you are having trouble ordering, call the shop, Sherry and Liz have been awesome and will happily help you. Here is the shop number. (641) 732-5329
My kit is already here…
If you are an international stitcher and want to join us…No fear. You can download the PDF chart from Waxing Moon Design’s Etsy shop. You can find that link HERE.
There is still time to order!! If you haven’t, I hope you’ll consider joining us.
I love stitching ! I can’t afford the kits but I’m going to find something to stitch on so I can follow along. Have a blessed week.
I am thinking of jumping on this and trying linen. Could you maybe put a spot on your header for all things Cross Stitch so we can easily find all this info? Thanks!! Can’t wait to follow the stitch along.
I have that at the tops of the page now.
Questions – You say that this is a rule-driven stitch along – is that what you really meant to say??
HA…NO. That was a typo. This is totally NOT and rule driven stitch along.
Shew! Thank goodness. And sorry about the double post – don’t know how that happened!
Questions – you say that this is a rule-driven stitch along – is this what you really meant to say?
I just got my fabric and thread in the mail last night! I bought the linen to try as I’ve never done it. I really like the look of it. I usually stitch on Aida. I’m currently trying out some 25 count evenweave and boy is two over two different!
Got my kit yesterday and can’t wait to get started. It’s been many moon since i last stitched.
Hi Jo! My kit arrives either Friday or Saturday for this SAL. I’m so excited for my first SAL on linen cloth!
JO, You’re in my daily prayers.
You have helped me regain the cross-stitch bug and I am finishing one that I have already started. I looked at the evenweave and the linen under the direction of a dear cross-stitching friend. It simply looks like WORK to me. I chose to stay with Aida since I cross-stitch with one dog on my lap, one beside me and a husband on the other side. I generally do cross stitch when I am too tired to do quilt piecing and sewing clothes. I need something “mindless” so Aida seems much less taxing. Love your blog and your family!
I love to cross stitch and I’m so excited to join your SAL!! I just ordered a kit from the shop you listed. Thank you so much for all the info. Hugs,
Once we start can you include directions for putting the floss on the floss drops? I’m not sure how that works; and how one gets the floss off to stitch. Thanks.
Jo, I have a question about linen. I purchased some in Hobby Lobby years ago and I believe the brand was Permin of Copenhagen and it was 14 count. Is linen supposed to be stiff and nubby with fairly big holes in it? When I see Judy’s fabric it looks soft and drapey. I just want to get an idea of what to stitch on. Got my pattern and floss yesterday Thank you.
Judy and I stitch on linen. In general is much softer and more drapey. It’s easier to stitch aida though.
14 count of linen comes with really big holes, (or this is aida and shoulc be crossed 1over1) and Permin is usually stiffer than other materials. I would suggest to choose 28 count linen for starter. Please note, I am not a fan of Permin, they have quality materials but somehow everything is too stiff for me, I even disliked their needles…
I’m so excited to stitch along with you. This is my first SAL. I too am a quilter and have restarted down the cross stitch road again after many years. Looking forward to the SAL, Thank you.
Count me in your stitch along please! I am excited to start cross stitching again after not doing any of it for over 7 years. I just bought my kit yesterday from the wonderful Stitchery Nook. I am really going out on a limb by trying out 28 count linen. I hope that I can do it. I have faith in my
Lord. This is going to be a fun project and I thank both of you wonderful ladies for hosting it.