Cross Stitch Crazy.

I have a lot of hobbies.  So many that, sometimes, certain hobbies take a backseat so that others can be pursued.  When I was in high school and college, I played the flute and the piano.  I LOVED IT.  I also am a voracious reader and could read a book every few days.  But since I found (and have submerged myself) into crochet, quilting and cross stitch … everything else has faded into the background.

I’ve always loved counted cross stitch.  When I was little my mother needlepointed and sewed stamped cross stitch.  I started a few stamped cross stitched items … but then discovered counted cross stitch and just loved the neatness and complexity.

It’s been some years since I’ve done cross stitch of any kind … because, let’s face it, the chain craft stores like Michael’s and Joann’s (which is all we have in these parts) don’t really have much of a selection to tempt a person.

Then I was directed to the website http://www.123stitch.com buy an online friend when I asked her where she bought her cross stitch supplies.  And, oh holiest of molies, I was SMITTEN!

There is SO MUCH out there!  So many cute patterns!!  So many ideas!!!!  I had no idea!!!!

So I bought this little cottage pattern by Country Cottage Needleworks (and, full disclosure, I bought EVERY MONTH because, you NEED to do the whole year, right???) and, slowly … slowly … I finished it this January!  Isn’t it adorable??

I want to do them all and frame them and then change it out each month on my fireplace mantle.  Great idea right??  I’ll finish when I’m about 120 years old!!

So, if you are looking for some great patterns or supplies, head on over to 123 Stitch!  I was so excited to find them!!!

THEN!

I follow a sweet gal named Amanda on Instagram who co-owns her own kawaii cross stitch pattern company called The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery.  Their patterns are adorable … but I was able to resist because, you know, I just can’t do EVERYTHING! :)

BUT THEN!

This past winter they came out with The Winter Sampler … and I JUST HAD TO HAVE IT.  I never did it … because you get a week’s worth of stitching delivered to you each Monday … and I could NOT keep up (crocheting for a job from home means, if I’m not crocheting, I feel guilty).  But I have it and a few of their other samplers purchased and stashed away for … some day when I am not doing 100 things.

But the pattern that I am able to keep up with is their monthly sampler – The Woodland Sampler.  You get a new chart each month instead of each week … and this I am staying on top of.  Here’s what I have so far … only 6 days left to finish April!!

How cute is this, right??

If you click the link above or search #thewoodlandsampler , #frostedpumpkinstitchery, or #thespringsampler on Instagram, you will get to see more of the amazingness that is the Frosted Pumpkin!! :)

(oh and btw, no one is paying me for this post … I just wanted to share a few little companies and patterns that I think are amazing!)