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Cross Stitch
Cross stitch is a very basic, well-loved, and a very practical form of needlework. It has been used for generations in teaching children the art of needlework, for decoration, and for using designs that reaffirm faith and beauty in our world. My history includes my mother owning a yarn and needlework shop for several years when I was younger, and being lucky enough to have a grandmother who hand-stitched beautiful embroidery and needlework. For my own part, I have mostly sewn, hand-quilted, crocheted, knit, embroidered and completed needlepoint. A year or so ago, some of my mother's items from her shop made it to me, and among them were some cross stitch pieces. And that opened the door.
Cross stitch is literally that - a stitch in the form of two crossed stitches, or an "x" as it is seen when complete. A very common theme in cross stitching is Christmas and Santa Claus, or Saint Nicholas. Other theme include religious designs, florals, designs specifically for children, the list is numerous.
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Santa (Saint Nicholas) - on 14 count Aida cloth - see note below about the real Saint Nicholas
Cross stitch is most often completed on either linen fabric, or on a fabric called Aida cloth. These fabrics, as well as others are called "even-weave" fabrics. Even-weave fabrics have threads that cross at right angles, allowing each stitch to be consistent.
I use embroidery floss most often for cross stitch, but also have considered silk threads, linen threads (spun linen), and other very-fine threads for my projects. Cross stitch is such a simple, yet beautiful fabric art, where many beautiful designs may be stitched for practical use or for ornament and as art.
Please check back again as I build this area of the website.
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"The Season's Last Rose" original design by laeom (me) (c) 2008
DMC floss on Charles Craft 14 count Aida fabric
For a history of the real Saint, Nicholas of Myra, Turkey, this excerpt is from the website Saint Nicholas Center -
"The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships."
More information can be found on Saint Nicholas from their very informative website, including the first account of Saint Nicholas and the protection of children.