My first craft love, was for cross stitch. I absolutely loved it, and would sit happily for hours stitching away. I even used to take it to work with me, and sit quietly at my desk of a lunch time, beavering away at my latest project.
I often wonder just how many hours I've spent creating presents for new babies, weddings, christenings, new homes, anniversaries, birthdays, christmas gifts, teacher's gifts, etc. My brain would probably explode if I actually sat down and calculated it all.
Since Violet's birth I've still done the odd one here and there, but after discovering my love for knitting, and more recently, sewing, I don't seem to find the time for my old hobby as much as I'd like.
Another reason why I don't do so much of it, is probably due to the fact that my eyesight in my 40's isn't as good as it used to be in my teens, and in my 20's. No more 32 count Linen for me I'm afraid, which is a shame because I loved the delicate detail I used to get from working smaller stitches.
For me, the light also has to be right for stitching. I find it extremely difficult to stitch with artificial light, so my cross stitch tends to fall to the bottom of my project box when the nights start to draw in.
I am going to share a finished Cross Stitch with you today folks.
It's one I've been working on (on and off, more off) for quite a few years.
Every time I've taken out of my project box, I've always had very good intentions of actually finishing it, but other projects, and present making, have always come between us.
On Santa's list, I included as many family and friend's names I possibly could to make this project more personal to us.
It's turned out beautifully. I just wish that I'd finished it years a go.
I just need to find myself a decent framer, who's not going to charge me a kings ransom to frame it.
The pattern is called Santa's Wish List, and it's by Janlynn (#09-67). I purchased this years ago, so it may no longer be available.
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