A few months ago, after years of saying I eventually would, I finally bought a little kit to teach myself how to cross-stitch. What with the quarantine and all, it seemed like the perfect time to try my hand at a new hobby. I even shared my first couple endeavors here on the blog. But then I kind of stopped talking about it.

Well, let me tell you, folks! I am hooked!

I have been trying increasingly difficult patterns. I have moved on from pre-made kits and have started downloading patterns from digital shops online and buying whole skeins of embroidery floss. I have quite a collection already! Approximately 80 colors and counting!

I have become so obsessed that I have been thinking about subscriber to a bloody cross-stitch magazine (who is this person I have become!?) and I found a wonderful blog that offers free geek-themed cross-stitch patterns here at Cross Stitch Quest. They are wonderful! 😍

I am currently working on Sleeping Beauty’s castle from Disneyland (I have mentioned before that I’m a huge Disney nerd!)— from this Etsy shop: Awesome Pattern Studio — and I will soon be starting a secret project for a Christmas present.

There is something delightful about doing cross-stitch. I have always liked working with my hands, I have an appreciation for fine detail work. I also love art, but I’m not a particularly good artist, so I feel like this is a bit like painting for me. The designs are pre-set, of course (though I’m already making plans to try making my own patterns), but still… The image comes together through my handiwork. And the motions are fine and repetitive, almost mindless, a little like some people say kitting or crochet is. So it can also be very meditative and therapeutic. And on top of all that, you have lovely creations you can frame or hang up, or make into a pillow case, or give as gifts!

So, yes, I just really love cross-stitch, ok? 😁