Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Cross-stitching through time

I love cross-stitching baby blankets, lap quilts, decorative quilts. I know what you're saying--it's cheating to work on stamped projects. But in case you're wondering, I know how to do the counted cross-stitch, too. I save those projects for different things.

The primary reason I like stamped quilts is because I don't know how to quilt. I've bought counted cross-stitch quilt tops before, even squares intended to piece together for quilting. They're all dry-rotting in my hobby closet.

I like mindless activities, and this is definitely mindless. I have to be careful not to poke the thread through to the other side and not to misread the key and stitch row after row in the wrong color. Which I did with this. In the picture below, you'll see this cute little elephant is supposed to have a yellow tie. In my version (advanced since I took the above picture), it's white.



Oh, well. No one will know the difference.

I started my first baby blanket almost thirty years ago, when my best friend was pregnant with her first. Managed to finish it by the time her second turned six months. But I intend to finish this one in time--the newest baby Yezak is due in January, and I want to have this keepsake ready and waiting for him.

A new baby!!!! I can't wait!




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16 comments:

  1. CarolineSeptember 2, 2015 at 7:13 AM

    I love elephants and I love this! It is so cute!

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    Replies
    1. Linda YezakSeptember 2, 2015 at 9:59 AM

      I couldn't resist this one. I bought it long ago just in case I'd have a chance to make it for someone. So glad that "someone" is related to me!

      Delete
  2. SamanthaSeptember 2, 2015 at 12:47 PM

    I don't quilt or cross-stitch, but it really sounds like fun. Perhaps someday I'll have the chance to learn :D

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    Replies
    1. Linda YezakSeptember 3, 2015 at 8:01 AM

      I can't sit without something to do with my hands, so I always have some project going.

      Delete
    2. Pegg ThomasSeptember 3, 2015 at 2:33 PM

      Me too! But with me it's usually counted cross stitch or knitting. Your blanket is adorable!

      Delete
  3. chappydebbieSeptember 3, 2015 at 2:54 AM

    I make these quilts a lot. Each of my grandchildren have one and love them. I simply sew a fabric panel on the back and add a border. I used to do counted cross stitch, but my eyes no longer allow me to.

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    1. Linda YezakSeptember 3, 2015 at 8:02 AM

      Do you use a sewing machine? I need to get one--well, one that works. I have my grandmother's. I wish I'd inherited her seamstress expertise too.

      Delete
    2. chappydebbieSeptember 3, 2015 at 11:55 AM

      I use a sewing machine to attach the back panel, but I hand stitch the border. You can see my quilts on my Homemade Crafts Pinterest board. . . . under Chappy Debbie Mitchell

      Delete
    3. chappydebbieSeptember 3, 2015 at 11:56 AM

      www.pinterest.com/debsbunch5/homemade-crafts/

      Delete
    4. Pegg ThomasSeptember 3, 2015 at 2:36 PM

      Take your grandmother's machine to a good repairman and get it fixed. Those old machines are so much better than the machines made today. And they sew better! I resurrected my grandmother's old black Singer and I have my great-grandmother's Wheeler and Wilson (pre-Singer) machine that I hope some day to have restored. Love them!

      Delete
  4. Terrill RosadoSeptember 3, 2015 at 3:34 AM

    I have always wanted to learn to cross-stitch. I feel like it could be a relaxing hobby. Your quilt was such a big project. I'm impressed.

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    1. Linda YezakSeptember 3, 2015 at 8:03 AM

      Not that big--baby sized. :D

      There's nothing to cross-stitching. If it was difficult, I wouldn't be able to do it.

      Delete
  5. Mary PrestonSeptember 3, 2015 at 4:35 AM

    I love to cross stitch along the end flap of pillowcases. They make great gifts too.

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    1. Linda YezakSeptember 3, 2015 at 8:04 AM

      I've never done that, but I've received them as gifts. Love 'em! And I've used them, too. When they're well done, they hold up to laundering.

      Delete
  6. Library LadySeptember 3, 2015 at 5:11 PM

    I used to do stamped cross-stitch quilts but my eyes aren't what they used to be so now I do baby bibs instead. It's a lot less work and most people don't have a clue as to the time that it takes to do just one quilt. Congratulations on your newest addition to the family!
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Connie Porter SaundersSeptember 5, 2015 at 2:08 PM

    Congratulations on the new expected baby. I have done cross stitch and I prefer the stamped squares, just because they take less concentration.
    Connie
    cps1950 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete

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