when i learned to cross stitch back in the mid-90's, i bought the entire DMC embroidery skeins, including the variegated ones. i even had the colour sample catalogue as i also learned how to make my own designs (out of my old photographs) and that helped me a lot in choosing the colours needed. of course that proved to be a lot of work so in the end i would send for my photographs to be converted into cross stitch patterns and they also took care of the colours that were needed.
i had long ago stopped cross stitching. all the grand and intricate patterns i made were given away as gifts, and only three are left for myself. i've sent to my sister a few years ago, my entire collection of threads and skeins as well as most of the cross stitch magazines i had amassed. i only retained some of the expensive needles i bought because cross stitch needles are the best for darning -- the big holes are so eyesight-friendly.
Such a bright array of colours and textures. It's amazing how many different colours of floss there are ... and how beautifully they blend together to make life-like images!
I also did the cross-stitch thing in the 90s. I have now gone back to needlepoint as it is easier on the eyes!!
did your sister take up where you left off? or did she get you started in the first place. I imagine it to be a very time consuming hobby. I wonder if the three you kept are of your photos - it would be good to see them.
@helenhall - my sister in the old country ended up giving them to my nieces who are busy all the time and cross stitching is strictly a hobby in that they take it up only when they have a free time. my niece here in toronto took my unfinished projects https://365project.org/summerfield/365/2012-01-01 and finished them but she kept them for herself.
the three i kept aren't my own designs, but from patterns i got from a magazine called 'cross stich australia'.
@summerfield thanks for posting links to all of these. They are all intricate works and I can imagine them taking their place in homes of friends and family with great appreciation. Sounds like all the cross stitch regalia will continue to be a family heirloom.
I also did the cross-stitch thing in the 90s. I have now gone back to needlepoint as it is easier on the eyes!!
Oh and if possible I would love to see some of your work... it sounds beautiful!
@helenhall - my sister in the old country ended up giving them to my nieces who are busy all the time and cross stitching is strictly a hobby in that they take it up only when they have a free time. my niece here in toronto took my unfinished projects https://365project.org/summerfield/365/2012-01-01 and finished them but she kept them for herself.
the three i kept aren't my own designs, but from patterns i got from a magazine called 'cross stich australia'.