Saturday, September 6, 2008

Cross Stitch Blog Thoughts....

Well, it is Saturday, I have been up since about 4:10am, can't sleep so I read blogs. It is amazing to me how many people you meet in the "blog-o-sphere", you can take a trip without ever leaving home. I am just in awe of the entries, photos and crafty accomplishments that I come across. All of you in "blog-land" inspire me to take better photos (long way to go there), expand my design taste, and break out of the "just got to put in a frame" box.

I have always loved cross stitching, although I must admit that finishing a project has always been a challenge for me. Typically, I frame things I stitch. Framing for me is easy, I used to work in a frame shop and I have everything I need here to do the job my self. Over 90% of the pictures in my home were matted and framed by me. That is how I did all my early pieces and I made them for gifts, rarely keeping anything for myself. Since joining stitching groups, which I first thought would be frivolous fun, boy was I mistaken, I have learned so much and vastly expanded my stitching horizons. I have made bookmarks, ornaments, cards and a needlebook with my stitching -- never did anything like that prior to 2005 when I joined a group. Now I am getting ready to finish a scissor fob, scissor pocket, floss tag (one of the coolest things I have seen), a flatfold and a block. Soon I will attempt a biscornu and a fabric basket. These groups have helped me get out of my stitching doldrums.

The people on these groups are serious about the craft and are generous when it comes to sharing their accomplishments and ideas. I love perusing the web in search of free designs and finishing techniques. I especially love looking at different interpretation of designs on the Freebie Gallery. I absolutely love reading blogs and finding new ones to add to my blogroll. All of you out there energize my love of cross stitch and I am truly thankful that you share your craft.

This morning I had the opportunity to visit Japan, Norway and Ohio, I had a lovely time. Have a great day. I need to get ready for my garage sale, yuk!!

See ya!!

CJ

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am always so amazed by the wealth of knowledge online. So MANY creative people out there in blogland.

Good luck with your garage sale.

Anonymous said...

You are so right, I've learned a lot when reading blogs and/or some of the stitching message boards. I'm trying to perfect some finishing skills-OK, so I have a long way to go.

Jennifer said...

Funny that I should run across your blog, but I was in "blog-land" also early this morning doing the same thing that you were. Isn't it great to be able to be inspired by so many talented people. Thanks to all of them!

Lynn D said...

Just wanted to stay how much I enjoyed the music. I usually keep my sound off because I don't always share the same taste... but the Elton on your page is so enjoyable!

Lucy said...

You took the words right out of my mouth...I love to read and share my love of cross stitch and crafts in general. That is the only place I find people with the same passion about it as myself.

CJ in OK ;-) said...

I agree, we can travel around the world of stitching in just a couple of hours on the web. So much to inspire us. But don't sell yourself short. Good framing is a real talent too. Happy Stitching CJ(ok;-)

Jennifer said...

I found when I started reading blogs that my stitching and my interest in the craft was really energized in a way I didn't think was possible. It's hard to find people who stitch locally, so the online community has been a tremendous source of inspiration (and a LOT of enabling).

Meari said...

I felt the same way as you when I first joined online groups, CJ -- I soon found out how much I didn't know! Like you, I've always framed my own pieces and never thought to finish them in any other way. Look at me now, LOL! I love taking a peek into the worlds of other bloggers :)

Hope your GS goes well.