Comments on: Cross Stitchers’ Public Awareness League

By: Barb

Barb — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 20:12:14 +0000

I was kind of amused when knitting made a resurgence and became so popular. I wonder if it is on the downturn yet since there are only so many scarves one can knit. I think as soon as the novelty of knitting a scarf, or even a pair of socks wears off, there are only a few knitters that will go on to more difficult and much more expensive projects. I knit on and off when I have the urge, but I am hesitant to tackle a garment. So many times I have ended up with an ill fitting, unwearable sweater. I actually think cross stitch is much less expensive, unless you spend a ton on framing.

There are 2 specialty yarn shops in our town and no needlework shops. I had wanted to open a store, but the costs were prohibitive. I think probably the people who own the yarn stores don’t need to make a living off of their business. On line shopping has made a huge difference in how we shop for needlework supplies.

By: Zeb

Zeb — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 08:51:32 +0000

Thankyou so much for this article cause I cannot agree with you more. It’s worse in countries where cross stitch has never been popular as it is in the USA and getting access to so many of the amazing stitching resources is so difficult.

The question is, what do we do to get the word out there!?

p.s. blogrolled ya

By: Silverlotus

Silverlotus — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 23:06:58 +0000

I like that idea, Autumn. We are exclusive. I think that part of the reason I took up knitting was because it is portable and great to work on around the Baby Man and on the go. But when I have quiet time, it is nearly always my cross stitch I turn too.

By: Mr X Stitch

Mr X Stitch — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:19:49 +0000

Fear not! There is a change coming. No longer is cross stitch going to be stuck at the back of shops. No more will people think of cross stitch as a hobby for losers.
Cross stitch is funky, and I’m here to make sure that people realise that. Stitching is a craft and an art, and by the time I’m finished, people will know that.
The Nu Craft Revolution is here.

By: Autumn

Autumn — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:19:20 +0000

I love that….cross stitch becoming your unrequited love. How true! LOL Other than other stitchers, no one ever gets it. I think one of things about stitching is that our BAP aren’t traveling projects. We aren’t going to bring our TWs or HAEDs to the doctor’s office where people might get interested in what we’re doing.

I was at my local craft store this morning and I noticed that once again they had moved the cross stitch section further to the back of the store and had made it smaller still. I don’t know what it’ll take to get stitching more popular, but maybe it doesn’t need to be. Maybe we we’re fine being the exclusive bunch we are. LOL

By: Kelli

Kelli — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:45:09 +0000

Dear Silverlotus:

I was recently explaining this same topic with a non-stitcher and an older cross-stitcher.

I’m 38 years old. I don’t know anyone my age that cross-stitches, crochets, knits, or uses a sewing machine. I’ve taught myself how to cross-stitch in my teens; and since then I’ve learned to crochet (beginner level) and sew. I still haven’t learned to knit. But that is my next goal. I wish I could find an adoptive older Mom, Aunt, or Sister that could mentor me. But I also think that I need to become an ambassador to the those younger than me.

I worry that sometimes that the above listed loves of mine and others will fade away. The supplies are getting more difficult to find; there’s one local chain store that has all of the DMC floss collection but their prices seem to reflect their monopoly. Sadly, it’s cheaper for me to buy curtains or clothing than to make it. I tend to buy material only if it’s on clearance.

I’ve given handmade gifts to friends my age or younger, and they don’t seem to appreciate or understand the sentimentality or time invested in their gift. They think I’ve made a homemade gift becuase it was cheaper!!! Friends and family have asked me why I don’t sell cross-stitched gifts; I’m quick and could really crank them out. But the price of the supplies and the time taken, I would never be able to list the real product value price.
I love cross-stitching. But as time goes by, cross-stitching is becoming that love that you try to explain to family and friends and they just shake their heads. Cross-stitching is becoming my unrequited love.

Thanks for the great article! I wish that Oprah, Ellen, or Beyonce were cross-stitchers. LOL

Take Care and Blessed Be,
Kelli O’Neill

By: Silverlotus

Silverlotus — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:44:43 +0000

lol! I think that is a great idea!

By: Stitchalicious

Stitchalicious — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:36:32 +0000

(Just found your site via a string of RT on twitter!)

I agree, we need some stitching popstars. Or perhaps now so many man-broiderers are coming out of the woodwork, a calendar?