Welcome to my blog!
5 Reasons Why You Should Try Cross Stitching
I think you should try cross stitching.
And not just so I can sell you a kit or pattern. It's actually the other way around: I began Dandelion Stitchery as as outlet for my cross stitching passion because I knew that if I needed simple cross stitch designs that I could finish in a few weeks, you would too.
Which leads me to my top 5 reasons why I think you should try cross stitching too:
1) Cross stitching is very easy to learn. The cross stitch fabric is beautifully designed in little squares. Each stitch is composed of an X - come up through the fabric, go down through the fabric in a diagonal and repeat within that square. That's it! Oh the places those little Xs will take you!
2) Cross stitching is not expensive. Grab yourself some cross stitch fabric (about $9), embroidery thread (each set is about $1), tapestry needle (about $4 for 5 needles) and an embroidery hoop (about $7). You're ready to go. Of course, don't forget the pattern.
3) Cross stitching is very easy to take with you. Everything slips into a purse or small bag. Include miniature snips and everything can accompany you when your travel involves an airplane. When my kids were younger, I would sit in my car while they had football practice and stitch away. Depending on the light available, I would sometimes bring a small light that hooks on my embroidery hoop.
4) You can cross stitch while binge watching your favorite shows. This is actually one of my favorite things to do at the end of a brutal day. Gather my cross stitch supplies, log in to my Amazon Prime account and choose a season of Law and Order. The negative thoughts in my head begin to disappear, my attention becomes focused on enjoying the show while going up, going down, going up, going down with my needle. Before I know it, I've stitched something beautiful and inspiring while focusing on me time.
5) The most important reason to cross stitch is the meditative benefits that come from living in the moment. Many people believe that doing activities that focus your attention, help reduce anxiety and depression. When you begin stitching with slow and deliberate strokes, you soon realize that you can control your emotions.
✄ Join the Dandelion Subscription Club for stitch therapy delivered right to your door every month!
SHOP NOW
FollowAre You a Book Lover?
Are you a book lover? I'm completely obsessed with reading; reading fiction, reading nonfiction - I'm an equal opportunity reader. A few of my favorites are:
- American Spring by Walter R. Borneman; a book about the very beginnings of the United States around 1775
- The Last Man by Vince Flynn; Mr. Flynn was such a great writer and this one is one of my favorites of his books. I really love CIA, FBI and all international espionage books
- ANYTHING written by Laura Griffin! She's a romantic suspense writer who bases her books around Texas with a strong female as the lead
That is the inspiration behind this book lovers design. As a child, I would read late at night; usually with a flashlight so mom or dad wouldn't see under the door. However, sometimes they would find out and tell me to turn off the light and go to sleep. What did I say? Just one more page, please?
As always, this design stitches up quick with just a few backstitches on the book cart. Perfect gift for a librarian, school teacher, or your favorite reading fan.
SHOP NOW
FollowMarch Subscription Kit Reveal
The cross stitch designs for March are perfect for encouraging spring to come on out to play! The main design features a large pink and rose flower with green center surrounded by a softer green and beige trim.
One of the bonus cross stitch patterns features three potted flowers in all their simplicity glory.
The final bonus pattern is three magical and motivating words, "hope, dream, love."
My subscription kits come with both color and black/white patterns, 14 count white fabric, white muslin fabric for backing your hoop, two wood embroidery hoops, full sets of DMC skeins of embroidery thread, high-quality John James tapestry needle, and an instructions and tips guide.
SHOP NOW!
FollowDecember Subscription Kit Reveal
After the last several years we've had, we need a good and solid reset. January is the perfect time! That mindset was the inspiration behind this New Beginnings design. In calming colors, this message conveys that we can all benefit from new beginnings. New attitude. New goals. New Outlook. New ways to focus on you.
The adorable companion cross stitch pattern features a simple plant vase filled with soft greenery with a few purple and beige flowers sprinkled in.
My subscription kits come with both color and black/white patterns, 14 count white fabric, white muslin fabric for backing your hoop, an 8-inch hoop AND a 6-inch hoop, 7 full sets of DMC skeins of embroidery thread, high-quality John James tapestry needle, and instructions and tips guide
FollowEnter My Christmas Giveaway!
Enter my Christmas giveaway. I'm giving away one 6-Month subscription to my new Dandelion Subscription Club!
The Dandelion Subscription Club is the perfect stress-free craft, delivered directly to your home. Cross stitching is the perfect hobby for grabbing some you-time; slowly. It's super easy to do, even if you've never cross stitched before.
And the best part?? The first kit features this super cute The Joy of Santa and Reindeer combo design!
Designed by Pam, each month you'll receive an exclusive design plus a bonus pattern with enough cross stitch fabric and thread to stitch both. Everything you need is sent directly to your door so there's no need to search stores for supplies.
FollowTop 5 Christmas Gifts for Your Favorite Stitcher
This season, give your favorite stitcher the ability to relax and unwind (even if it's just for an hour or two). Cross stitching is easy to do and the repetitive nature of making those Xs is extremely relaxing. Not to mention that stabbing your fabric is a lot more law abiding that stabbing that crazy person in the store line.
1. Subscription Kit
The perfect gift that gives and gives and gives each and every month is a subscription kit. Each month, she'll receive a new cross stitch pattern with all the supplies needed so no running to those crowded stores only see that some materials are out of stock. Each complete kit is delivered directly to her mailbox. And each pattern in my Dandelion Subscription Club is designed to finish within the month so no projects stacking up unfinished.
PS: Order before December 15th to lock in my Founding Members price of $34 each month. Cancel anytime.
2. Cute Wood Easel
What better way to display her cross stitch work than in a cute small wood easel! While these small size easels are in the background, they do a marvelous job of presenting the projects in the hoops with just a touch of lift. Plus they are great for all other small items she would like to display.
3. Colorful Thread Snips
Almost all cross stitchers have those scissors or snips that they reach for during a project. These small snips are durable and perfect for crochet and paper as well although most stitchers keep a tight hold on their thread snips. Just sayin'
4. Diffuser Bracelet
Yes, your favorite stitcher would love a diffuser bracelet like this Live Simply Mini Bracelet and Charliemadison Originals is the perfect shop to get one (or more)! Your favorite stitcher just adds a few drops to the wood beads on the bracelet, glides it on her wrist and she will enjoy the calming effects of the essential oil while she is stitching. Charliemadison is owned by my sweet friend, Wendy, and she donates 5% of every sale to organizations that support military service members and their families. Definitely a win-win for you AND your favorite stitcher.
5. Essential Oils
Since you're thinking about a wood diffuser bracelet, don't forget the essential oil to use with it. Your favorite stitcher needs a relaxing and de-stressing blend for the holidays (and beyond). This oil by Debbie of AromaThyme Aromatherapy is perfect. The Beyond Lavender oil offers a calming yet uplifting blend of Orange, Geranium, Cedarwood, Spanish Marjoram, Frankincense as well as Lavender.
FollowNovember Subscription Kit Reveal
Christmas is my favorite time of the year! I love the anticipation of family to visit, the sparkling lights on trees and houses, as well as secretly-wrapped presents.
That is the inspiration behind my November subscription kit design. My children couldn't wait for Santa to bring goodies. But it wasn't just the gifts, they were waiting on; it was the specialness of the season. It was knowing that everyone's attention was on each other. No work schedules. No errands. Just togetherness.
On the larger design, the words, "The Joy of Santa" are surrounded by a simple red and silver Christmas tree and a gathering of presents. One the smaller design, are Santa's tools of the trade; his sleigh and reindeer.
This cross stitch kit comes with both color and black/white patterns, 14 count white fabric, white muslin fabric for backing your hoop, an 8-inch hoop AND a 6-inch hoop, 7 full sets of DMC skeins of embroidery thread, high-quality John James tapestry needle, and instructions and tips guide.
October Subscription Kit Reveal
This month's design has all the warm feels of the fall season; from the simple words in a soft shade of brown to the sweet floral vine around the outside.
Along with this Give Thanks design, you'll receive a bonus pattern of hearts, hearts and hearts.
Each month's kit includes the main cross stitch pattern, bonus pattern, embroidery hoop, John James cross stitch needle, enough plastic thread bobbins for that month, and a cross stitch instructions and tips guide.
Follow Me on a Creation Journey
I've designed a new personalized stitch people design and it came from my heart. There is nothing more important in my life than these 3 boys. They are everything to me.
While we were spending time together over the holidays, I realized I wanted to add to our family photos but getting everyone together these days is really hard.
So I decided to use stitching and one of our family photos (taken way before Covid), to create these boys in stitches.
Follow my stories on Instagram for updates and to see my stitching progress.
Word of the Year Cross Stitch Pattern
Do you have a word of the year? Deciding on a word of the year has been very trendy lately. That one word can be so inspiring and powerful. It has the ability to drive your mindset and actions throughout the year.
My word of the year from last year was simplify. I want to continue this word into the new year. Simplify means "to reduce to its basic essentials." This is the word I've chosen -again - to be my #wordoftheyear.
I find myself being pulled in so many directions that I end up feeling almost catatonic with indecision over the simplest of things. I've decided to simplify my home, my work life, my expenses, my body and definitely my mind. The new year just happened to coincide with my declaration.
I am now decluttering my guest bedroom, mudroom and garage. If it hasn't been used or displayed within the last year - it goes. I am currently eliminating any unneeded expenses. (Sorry, NetFlix - you don't make the cut.) And I'm doing more yoga and herbal tea than running and soda. (That's still a work-in-progress.)
While life can get extremely complicated, I've decided to approach everything with a "simplify" state-of-mind. Do you have a word of the year?
You're welcome to join my email family for more inspiration, cross stitch tips and free patterns.