Sunday, April 20, 2014

Slow Stitching Sunday - Cross Stitching

When searching for my DMC floss for my Superpower wallhanging, I came across a box of old cross stitching UFO's. 
These are really old... as in more than 20 years old! And some of the projects were so close to being finished. I was happy to find these little baby bibs that I could easily finish up for gifts. I got totally absorbed in stitching them, and just need to finish outlining the balloon with the teddy bears. So cute! Sure you can easily buy little bibs, but isn't it so much more fun to have hand stitched ones?!?
I haven't done a lot of cross stitching since I became addicted to quilting, and now that I have started working on it again, I remember why I don't cross stitch much anymore...
I just don't have the eye sight for it! These charts and stitches are teeny, tiny, small





For the month of May, I am going to stitch up these loose ends and try to finish up some of these treasures, such as this one. This is part of a pattern by Tedd Arnold and I've always loved it. My stitches are so pretty and just wait until you see the finished masterpiece!




From It's a Small WWW


I am wishing all of my slow stitching friends the blessings of Easter and sending you thoughts of healing love and creative renewal. 
What treasures are you creating with your hands today? Link up your blog post below and share with us!







19 comments:

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

I remember doing one cross stitch years and years ago and that was enough! :) I think I was in my twenties, working through different crafts to try out : Cross stitch, crewel, a little hooked rug, etc. The patience and attention to detail that cross stitchers have is truly amazing ! :) Happy Easter to you and your family! My son's been moving this weekend ...busy times, though I do have some quilting in the hoop, no new pics / I finished my snowball quilt though, and will link up that post :)

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Lovely little pieces, too cute to just let sit so I am happy to see you finish them. I am hand binding, a little house work before family arrives. Just a slow, relaxing day I hope.

Kathy ... aka Nana said...

I could have easily written that comment about becoming addicted to quilting and why you gave up cross stitching. I have a cross stitch UFO ... a Thomas Kinkade piece ... fairly large (~14x~16) ... I think every once in a while about finishing it, but then I think about how much quilting I could get done in that time ... yep, my heart has been won by quilting! ;-)

Wishing you and yours a blessed Easter.

Chantal said...

These bibs are so cute. My mother was too old to stitch me some when I had my babies but my sisters got some and we do cherish these precious little gifts, stains and all LOL. Can't wait to see your new masterpiece; I love what I have seen so far. ;^) Happy stitching.

Carla A Few Of My Favorite Things said...

Happy Easter! I used to cross stitch too, but my eyes arn't what they used to be either. Reading glasses really help me with my hand quilting so I am glad I can still do that.

beaquilter said...

lovely items, I need to bust out my cross stitch, I only have a few sets, but I do LOVE doing it when I get going and it would be great for the Sunday ride to and from Church, I have some embroidery I'm working on now, but once that's done, I'm going to dig thru my old box :) you're inspiring!

Ellen said...

The bibs really are adorable and I agree that they will make very special gifts.

I haven't cross-stitched for years but every so often I do think about picking it back up.

Jo said...

What a great find. Have fun

Created by Kathi said...

I have a cross stitch buried under my quilting fabric stash that is gonna be wonderful.. if I can ever work on it.. I agree.. it is small small work and hard to keep your place on a large project like yours and mine! lol So I will slow stitch and link my post when I meet my goal for the day... almost there. Have a blessed slow stitching Easter! Kathi

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

today in between garden projects and house projects I will get some quilting done on the Red and Black big stitch quilting - almost done - happy easter!

barb said...

hi kathy,
when my daughter was a baby, i did all sorts of cross stitch baby quilts and made one that was queen size for my mom.i am afraid i am a slow stitcher because i hand piece and hand quilt and donate to charity. i love doing it this way, although people are always telling me i must me certifiable crazy to put that much time and labor into a quilt and give it to a stranger. well, i will not argue the crazy part but i love to pay it forward. i spend alot of time in the hospital, and i cannot stand to have idle hands. so i safety pin all my quilts so they are portable. hand quilting gives me time to meditate and be thankful for just being alive for one more day. and not dwell on the fact that i have lost my only child, or that i have bladder cancer or severe arthritis or about the severe pain i am in but to be thankful to be alive to feel that pain. thank you for sharing. barbara babscorbitt@gmail.com

Cathy said...

Bad eyesight - same reason I don't do much cross stitching anymore...plus, it seems boring now compared to quilting.

Susan P said...

Happy Easter Kathy! Love the bibs. Handwork is always so relaxing.

Teresa in Music City said...

I used to cross stitch a lot, but I gave all my flosses and patterns to my daughter. She does some lovely things now! I love your Easter Cross!!!

newsurfiegirl said...

It is always nice to receive a handmade gift, I'm sure the recipient will appreciate them when they are finished! I have a few of those old UFO's hanging about too! LOL

Rebecca in AK said...

Very cute bibs! Lucky baby who gets them! I have never tried cross stitch. My aunt used to make lovely things though. I have done quite a bit of embroidery. Have a Blessed Easter day!

jan said...

Your cross stitching is beautiful. I wish I could see enough to still do it too. I do alot of my hand stitching outside. Enough with those natural light lamps I find myself squinting! Happy Easter to you and your family!
xo jan @ Sew and Sow Farm

Janet O. said...

Cross stitch was once my passion, but it has been years since I have done it. I got rid of all but 3 patterns, but I kept my floss. I keep telling myself I will do those patterns one day. You are doing much better in that regard than I am! : )

margaret said...

I am so glad to meet another person that struggled with cross stitch, only tried it once, ended up being both cross and cross eyed!