Cross Stitch
(insert video here)
Ms. Kara Picks Up Her Needle Again
"Down through the top, up through the bottom," I can hear Mammy repeating to me as we cross stitch together. Mammy was a very special person to me. She was my grandmother. It seems like yesterday in so many ways, I was watching her manicured nails, long and perfectly shaped, run over the fabric counting the stitches we have already made in our project. Being stuck at home during the national COVID-19 crisis seemed like a good time to pick back up this hobby. I wanted to teach my children the same skills she had taught me. Down through the top, up through the bottom.
Did you know there are benefits to cross stitching? Cross stitch expert, Connie Gruning, states cross stitch can provide increased focus, a calming power, and a greater flexibility in your hands. Pulling the thread up and down repetitively through the fabric can create a sense of calm. When people feel overwhelmed, the repetition and predictability of cross stitch can help calm their mind. During the repetition of pulling a thread through the fabric, you have to remain focused while cross stitching. The pattern requires counting and proper placement of your stitches. Studies have proven that a working mind is a healthy mind, and can delay the effects of aging, such as dementia. Cross stitch also keeps your fingers moving to avoid stiffness and promote flexibility. Cross stitch provides more benefits than I was even aware of before beginning this project.
Cross stitch is a form of embroidery made using counted thread. It consists of x-shaped stitches done on an even and open weave fabric, such as Aida or linen. The x-shaped stitches on the fabric then blend together to make a design. The designs can be small and simple or quite large and difficult.
Cross stitch is a form of embroidery, which can be found to be dated back to as early as the year 600 BC. The first printed cross stitch book dates back to 1524 and was made in Germany. Cross stitch as we know it to be today, became more popular in the 1960's when women had more leisure time, and is considered to be the most popular and easier to learn form of needlework today.
There are many different degrees of difficulty in cross stitch. Beginners can start with a small pattern and various colors to represent the various threads already printed on the fabric. Cross stitch experts may design their own pattern, and use a counting method to determine where their next stitch would go.
My grandmother was one of my favorite people! I loved spending time with her, and the quiet and concentration of cross stitching with her was one of my favorite activities as a child. Mammy passed away due to complications from Alzheimer's Disease approximately 10 years ago. During this time of slowing down and staying home, I look forward to teaching my own children the benefits of creating something new with needle and thread through learning cross stitch.
Above, I have attached a video on how to cross stitch if you are interested in learning from me!