Cross Stitching is Back from the Past

Anyone who has ever muttered such a phrase to themselves, understands the importance of cross stitching.

Begun in a time when idle hands were viewed as the devil's playthings, cross stiching was used to not only keep those hands busy, but also to decorate and enliven a home. In the 19th century, girls were even taught in classes to cross stitch to prepare them for the work of sewing as well as improving their spelling. They generally created samplers, an alphabet or phrase embroidered onto a piece of linen and the young ladies were required to complete at least one sampler a year.

But, in today's society of hustle and bustle, cross stitching has become something of an anachronism. Working women view the art as archaic and "countrified". So, why cross stitch?

Relaxation

Cross stitching provides a rather easy solution to clearing your mind. When you're focused on matching colors and following a pattern, bills, family problems and the dog chewing up your favorite pair of shoes no longer has any bearing. Then, there's always the wonderful sensation that the image of curling up in front of a fireplace on a cold winter's eve with your latest project in hand brings to one's heart. Does anything else sound cozier?

Beauty and Accomplishment

Why purchase a painting to hang on your wall when you can create something just as beautiful? Why settle for a generic piece of artwork when you can have a conversation starter hanging on your wall? There is also a sense of pride and accomplishment that follows finishing a project, cross stitching is no different. You can also personalize your own samplers to important events in your life, weddings, births, even favorite holidays.

It's a family thing

Cross stitching isn't a difficult craft to learn. In fact, once you've mastered the basics, it's something that can easily be taught to a child with a few restrictions. Is your child capable of handling a needle? Can he or she count up to twenty with no problem? Can your child sit still for more than five minutes? If so, then there is no reason why your child can't join you in your project. It will also teach the importance of finishing a task and the pleasure of creating homemade gifts. And, with a selection of themes from Disney to candy, there is something that is bound to pique your little one's interest.

So, how do you get started? Also an easy question to answer. There are books, websites, even groups devoted to the cross stitching craze. "Cross Stitch for Dummies" even comes with printable patterns and suggestions. Those are best for "counted cross stitch", where you can pick up a specific type of cloth and the floss, or thread, to go with it. If you just want to jump in, your best bet may be a "stamped cross stitch" kit, where the design is stamped onto the fabric. The kits come with needles and floss for you to use.

So, take a breath, jump on in, and get stitching!